Ever consumed an entire bag of Cheetos then wondered, “What the ???” Do you know that feeling? Learn how to change that at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 6 p.m. at the Pine River Library in Bayfield. The program is titled “Taming the Feed Me Monster.”

When the Feed Me Monster strikes, you utterly lose control of making a healthy food choice or monitoring your portions. Local dietitian/nutritionist Fran Sutherlin will make the presentation.

“I get one request from just about every new client: how can I put an end to my food cravings?” said Sutherlin. “Food cravings are not all about consuming higher calories, but more importantly, what are the food cravings trying to tell you about your body? This lesson will teach you all about your food cravings and how to ditch them once and for all.”

For more information, visit www.prlibrary.org or call the library at 884-2222, ext. 510.

Commissioner to meet public at Bayfield library

County Commissioner Julie Westendorff will hold her monthly meet the public session at the Pine River Library in Bayfield on Thursday, Feb. 4, from 10 a.m. to noon. Residents are invited to come with questions or comments about county affairs. For information call 382-6219.

Tickets available for Red Ball Express fundraiser

The annual Red Ball Express event will be Saturday, Feb. 20, at Purgatory Resort. This is a primary fundraiser for Pine River Centennial Rotary Club, the Daybreak, High Noon and Evening Rotary clubs in Durango, and several community non-profit groups. Club members are now selling “ball adoption” tickets for a chance to win $5,000, $2,000, or $1,000. Big red exercise balls will roll down the bunny hill at Purgatory.

Each ball has a number. The winners are determined by the combination of two ball numbers assigned to each ticket by a computer program. The first and second, third and fourth, and fifth and sixth balls in the chute at the bottom of the hill determine the winners. The Rotary clubs use their proceeds for their community service projects. For information call Jan Williams at 946-2833 or Carol Blatnick at 884-7137. Tickets are also on sale at the Times office at 110 E. Mill St. in downtown Bayfield.

Library hosts financial wellness classes

With tax season already looming on the horizon, the New Year is always a good time to get your important financial documents in order. Wendy Rice of the La Plata Extension Office will lead a series of Financial Wellness classes at Pine River Library at 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4, and Thursday, Feb. 11.

These classes will act as a “financial checkup,” helping participants to better organize their financial information and begin the key steps towards financial wellness.

To register for these classes call the library at 884-2222, ext. 510. Registration closes on Feb. 3.

Quilters to meet in Durango

La Plata Quilters Guild will meet on Thursday, Feb. 11 for a presentation by award winning quilter Barb Morgan on “30 Tips, Tricks and Techniques for Quilting.” The guild is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Social hour begins at 5:30 and the meeting starts at 6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 2917 Aspen Drive in Durango. Guests are always welcome. Contact Holli Pfau at [email protected] for more information.

Mercy to offer free education on pre-diabetes

People diagnosed with pre-diabetes are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  Effectively managing pre-diabetes can help prevent diabetes. In fact, studies have shown that the risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be significantly reduced through weight loss and exercise, which have been shown to be more effective in managing pre-diabetes than medication alone.

Anyone identified as having pre-diabetes is invited to attend a free class by Sheena Carswell. Attendees will learn how to manage pre-diabetes and help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

The class will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 5 in suite 140 of the medical office building at Mercy Regional Medical Center.

To register, please call (970) 764-2720.

Theme ideas wanted for La Plata County Fair

The La Plata County Fair Board is currently accepting theme ideas for the 2016 fair. Themes should reflect the family and community nature of the fair. Please keep theme or slogan to 10 words or less. Artwork is encouraged and can be dropped off with theme concept submissions at the La Plata County Extension Office at the fairgrounds or mailed to; La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave., Durango 81301. Please label your submission(s) with your name and telephone number. Entries must be received by 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 18. The winner will receive a $100 cash prize.

Hospice offering grief support group

Hospice of Mercy is offering a 10-week grief support group for individuals who have experienced the death of a loved one. The group will meet at Mercy Regional Medical Center, 1010 Three Springs Blvd. in Durango, on Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., beginning Feb. 2.

Space is limited. Persons interested in joining this group should contact Kati Bachman 382-2032.