Community Calendar

Thursdays, Oct 15, 22, 29 from 6-7pm MT
The Hearth 138 Grand Ave, Paonia

Stories are powerful. Your stories have power. Learn how to use personal stories and persuasive writing effectively to make change.

In these three 1-hr sessions with author and activist Rivera Sun, we'll explore how to write articles, op-eds, letters to the editor, public comments, short speeches, and even social posts in ways that can help the social issues you care about advance. You will learn practical tools and creative prompts. We'll do some guided exercises and optional midweek writing practices. We'll look at examples of both effective writing and local campaigns that used writing powerfully to make change possible.

In this fun series, you'll find a supportive group that encourages creativity as we explore Writing for Change.

You will learn:
• How to craft a personal story to shift hearts and minds
• How to use persuasive language in op-eds, letters, and public comments
• How be effective on social media
• How to tap into your creativity on behalf of making change
• How to hone your skills in writing

This course is a gift to the community. We welcome donations to support our organization.

Our Future Is a Healthy Environment

The West is at a crossroads with scarce resources, but our imagination and capacity to come together and solve problems is unlimited. Join us for a film series and conversations on energy, water, agriculture, and climate that honor the past, respect the present, and take responsibility for the future.

Panel discussion will take place before each film.

Locations and Times:
September 2nd - Happening - Paradise Theatre - 7pm
September 11th - The White House Effect - Paradise Theatre - 7pm
September 23rd - Common Ground - Bill Heddles Recreation Center - 6pm
October 17th - Watershed - Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center- 7pm

https://bit.ly/healthyenvironmentfilmseries

Please sign up to be a volunteer at the 9th annual Love Your Gorge volunteer morning, organized by Ouray Ice Park and Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership on Saturday, October 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Our 2026 work plan in the park includes repairing and reinforcing stairs at the Kid’s Wall, picking up litter above and inside the gorge. Inside the gorge, often log moving and large metal removal is also necessary. We may pull plants from rock walls, requiring work on ropes, if advanced climbers are available. Plus, seeding the slope between Camp Bird Road and Box Canon Road is also planned, as part of an erosion control project funded by a non-point source grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Enjoy lunch donated by Ouray Grocery, giveaways donated by the organizers and sponsors, and an optional tour of the park!

Thank you to our event sponsors: City of Ouray and Alpine Bank! More sponsors coming soon. And special thanks to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for the grant that allows us to address erosion in the park.

Info & Signup: https://www.uncompahgrewatershed.org/love-your-gorge-volunteer-form/

A group of musical misfits from the mountains of Colorado and beyond are descending upon the small town of Paonia for the first ever Paonia Porchfest. The day will be a musical adventure, roaming down the autumn colors of town streets, through backyards and alleyways.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair for hanging and your walking/dancing shoes for full enjoyment of this one day fest. The fest route is also bike able.

Musical acts include:
Pink Lady Monster - Post-punk
King Orchard - Folk/Roots
Rai Omri & Jon Hickam - Murder ballads
Crystal Creek Band - Folk/Rock/Americana
Guelo - Alt-ambient
Penelope Thornton - Folk
Brittney Paul - Paonia rapper
Lunar Mansions - Witches singing
Sell Farm - Industrial

Follow us on Instagram for more information on line up and venue locations, or stop by Lore Cacao on the day of the fest to receive a map. https://www.instagram.com/porchfestpaonia/

Our Future Is a Healthy Environment

The West is at a crossroads with scarce resources, but our imagination and capacity to come together and solve problems is unlimited. Join us for a film series and conversations on energy, water, agriculture, and climate that honor the past, respect the present, and take responsibility for the future.

Panel discussion will take place before each film.

Locations and Times:
September 2nd - Happening - Paradise Theatre - 7pm
September 11th - The White House Effect - Paradise Theatre - 7pm
September 23rd - Common Ground - Bill Heddles Recreation Center - 6pm
October 17th - Watershed - Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center- 7pm

https://bit.ly/healthyenvironmentfilmseries

This Ecstatic-style dance is a self-guided dance practice in a facilitated space with no speaking during the music. It does not have to look like dance, nor does it have to be "ecstatic." Come as you are.

Arrive at 1 PM to warm up, stretch, and gently settle in. Opening circle starts 10-15 minutes in, and we will gather for a closing circle after about an hour of eclectic recorded music.

All humans are welcome! Age 12 and under please bring an adult with you. We do not have childcare at this time, so adults please be responsible for your little ones.
Please bring water!

Writing as Remedy workshops at Wellspring Vitality invite you into a supportive, creative space where storytelling becomes a tool for healing, reflection, and connection. Through friendly prompts and shared presence, we use words to process what’s been held, honor lived experience, and remember that we don’t heal alone. No writing experience needed, just a willingness to show up and explore.

Come out and have some Open Mic Night fun! Every Monday in Hotchkiss at the Memorial Hall! Sign up begins at 5:30 and the music starts at 6! Come show off your talent(s) or support your friends and neighbors!! Hope to see you there! Free, free, free!!

Our Future Is a Healthy Environment

The West is at a crossroads with scarce resources, but our imagination and capacity to come together and solve problems is unlimited. Join us for a film series and conversations on energy, water, agriculture, and climate that honor the past, respect the present, and take responsibility for the future.

Panel discussion will take place before each film.

Locations and Times:
September 2nd - Happening - Paradise Theatre - 7pm
September 11th - The White House Effect - Paradise Theatre - 7pm
September 23rd - Common Ground - Bill Heddles Recreation Center - 6pm
October 17th - Watershed - Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center- 7pm

https://bit.ly/healthyenvironmentfilmseries