Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lea County is accepting applications from adults 18 and older to become a mentor. The National Program matches children ages 6-18 with mentors in professionally supported, one-to-one relationships. The program office in Lea County is newly opened. Whether you’re a business-professional, an empty-nester, couple, family, students, or even a “busy person”, the program has a needy child ready to benefit from the “Big Brother Big Sister” relationship. (Bernadette Granger, 391-6878) The Center for the Arts at 122 W. Broadway in Hobbs is open 1-5pm Mon-Fri and 9-5 Sat. Admission is free. Youth art workshops are held on Wednesday afternoons from 2-4pm the cost is $15 per workshop. Friday afternoons from 1-5 are “open studio” time for anyone to work on creative projects with supplies provided. (Donations accepted.) (397-2787; sponsored by Lea Co. Commission for the Arts)
Southeast N.M. Community Action Corp. has funds available for people meeting gross income guidelines to help with rent, mortgages, prescriptions or utilities. Visit 1601 N. Turner, Suite 107 in Hobbs.
Option, Inc. At 200 N. Dalmont in Hobbs offers a womens’ group meeting regarding verbal, emotional physical and sexual abuse at 6:30pm every Monday. It’s free and confidential. (Debbie or Dinora, 397-1576)option Inc offers ongoing support services for victims suffering from any type of abuse, programs counseling and other services are available visit Option Inc in Hobbs.
Hobbs Teen Center has a climbing wall open to the public at 620 W. Alto. It’s free and open to those age 18 and younger Mon-Thurs 4-9pm. All ages are welcome on Sat/Sun afternoons. All climbers must sign a release of liability; under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign. Adults pay $5 per day. The wall also is available for private rental; classes also will be offered. (391-9505)
Do you know of a legally blind person who’s having difficulty with life skills such as identifying money, accessing and dialing a phone, telling time, getting transportation, writing checks or signing signatures, or managing their home independently? If so, seek info and help from the NM Commission for the blind. Rehabilitation training and services are free to eligible persons. (Roswell Field Ofc, Edith Baker, 1-888-513-7961; 624-6140)
The GED test gives adults who did not graduate from high school a chance to earn a high school equivalency certificate. NMJC offers free GED classes. Students must be at least 16 years old, not enrolled in any public school, and take a placement test. After evaluation, students will be enrolled in classes. The classes are held Mon-Thurs for six weeks. New classes begin every seven weeks. Morning, afternoon and evening classes are available. (505)492-2629)
Ready to retire? If you plan to start receiving social security retirement or spouse’s benefits within three months, you can save time and effort by applying for benefits online. It’s safe, convenient and an increasingly popular choice. For more info, visit social security online at www.socialsecurity.gov. (Daniel Herman, Local Dir., 393-7357,x3341; fax 397-1268)
Each month about 200,000 Americans reach their 65th birthday and become eligible for Medicare benefits. In addition to hospital and doctor’s benefits, a Medicare prescription drug benefit is now available. New Medicare beneficiaries need to consider all of their options and find out if they might qualify for extra help with some or all of the premiums, deductibles and co-payments. The extra help could be worth an average of $3,700 per year for people with limited income and resources. Find out more online at www.socialsecurity.gov. (DanielHherman, local dir., 393-7357,ext3341)
Are you a diabetic? Do you need a free, new meter for monitoring blood sugar levels and free supplies for other diabetic needs? Contact Joanna Parker at Elite Home Health in Hobbs. (Joanna, 393-9281 or 318-5870; 726 E. Michigan, Ste.130)
Child and Family Services is seeking seniors interested in making a positive difference in the community and joining the foster grandparents and/or the retired seniors volunteer program. (Kimberly Wheeler, 397-7336)
Do you have a family of four but only enough food for three? Do you ever go hungry so your children can eat? If so, call the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-348-6479. You’ll be connected to food programs and services in your community. (Call 9am-5pm EST; all calls are confidential; se habla Español)
Lea County Health Council has a new initiative to help combat the problem of teen pregnancy in our communities. The council has developed a speaker bureau providing informative topics on the issue of teen pregnancy and its prevention. For more info about booking a speaker at your organization or school assembly, call Robin Baker at 396-2819.
The “WIC” program provides services throughout NM to eligible pregnant women, breastfeeding women, postpartum women, and to infants and children up the age of 5. People who qualify within income and at-risk categories may receive specific nutritious supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to local help agencies at no charge. (1-800-280-1618 or local Health Dept.Office)
The Lovington VFW on the Tatum Highway holds an adult community dance every Saturday night from 7 til 10. Admission is $4 per person. There’s a live band, refreshments and door prizes. (392-5687)
Hobbs Parks an Recreation Dept is offering Zumba say ( ZOOM-BUH) Fitness classes on Monday and Thursday from 5:30 - 6:15 pm at the Teen Center , 620 W. Alto . The Class combines latin rhythms and easy to follow moves taught by Monica Navarro. It's free and open to everyone. 575-397-9291.
Hobbs Teen Center opens it's Facilties to Adults a couple of days a week . Activities include Zumba Fitness , weightlifting , vollyball, co-ed Basketball. No children under the age of 12 will be allowed at the time of adult activities. you can contact the teen center at 620 W. Alto at 575-391-9505 For more info. The Center is open to ages 13-19 Monday thru Saturday from 4 till 11pm: Weights Mon & Thurs 7-9 pm: V-Ball Mon 6:30-8:30pm : Basketball Thurs 6:30-8:30 pm
An All - New U-Triples S-A Women's Slowpitch softball team is seeking players to take part in next year's league play. The team is called "MESOPOTAMIA". The Team is also seeking sponsors for league play. If you are interested as a potential player or sponsor , call Becky Johnson at 817-657-2381
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lea County currently has volunteers and children on it's waiting list. If you know of a child who could benefit from having a mentor for as little as 2 to 4 hours per month call 391-6878. The program serves children ages 6 thru 18. Mentor activities icould include simple activities such as shooting hoops , playing a board game , going on a hike or enjoying pizza together. for more info see Big Brothers and Big Sisters at 105 W. Broadway in Hobbs.
The City of Hobbs Parks an Rec Tree Program offers Residents a way to honor and remember a loved one or to commemorate a Milestone in life ,such as a wedding ,anniversary or Birth. A donation of $300 lets the individual place the tree of their choice in a Park that is special to them. A recognition plaque will mark the tree. The City will be responsible for tree maintenance and, if necassary,replacement.
