Local Events/PSA'S
WEEKLY AND WEEKEND EVENTS BEGINNING JAN. 22, 2025
THURSDAY, JAN. 23
Vitalant welcomes the public to give blood and help save lives during upcoming blood drives scheduled in Hobbs and surrounding areas. Walk-ins are welcome or call ahead to set up an appointment at 575-625-9743. Find out more at hobbsamerica.com.
***A blood drive hosted by Hobbs Rotary Club is set for Thursday, Jan. 23 from 11am-2pm at United Way of Lea County, 320 N. Shipp Suite B in Hobbs.
Western Heritage Museum and Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame on the NMJC campus in Hobbs will host an ice-skating party for all ages with the theme “Skating to the 80’s and 90’s” from 5-8pm on Thursday, Jan. 23. Admission is FREE. There will be goodie bag giveaways and an 80’s and 90’s trivia game. Find out more at hobbsamerica.com. (575-492-2678)
***The Ice Rink is open daily from 10am-5pm now through Feb. 15 at the Western Heritage Museum. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children, $5 for museum members, and free for NMJC faculty, staff and students. Find out more at hobbsamerica.com.
SATURDAY, JAN. 25
Noalmark Broadcasting’s annual Jobs in Hobbs Job Fair will be from 9am-2pm at Lea County Event Center (north entrance). It’s free and open to everyone. At least 20 different employers will be on site offering full- and part-time opportunities. Find out more at hobbsamerica.com.
***Radio stations KZOR, KIX103 and KPZA will broadcast live on site from 8am-1pm.
Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding will be held Sat, Jan. 25 at Lea County Event Center starting at 7:30pm. Stick bull riding for the kids is back, so get entry info at www.tuffhedemanbullrigin.com. Get tickets in advance at www.selectaseatlubbock.com or at the box office or call 1-806-770-2000. For more info, go to hobbsamerica.com.
***A VIP event that’s free and open to all will be held Friday from 6:30-8:30pm at Pacific Rim, 1309 Joe Harvey Blvd. in Hobbs. Tuff Hedeman will be on hand and advance tickets will be available.
MONDAY, JAN. 27
Encore Entertainment featuring Southwest Symphony presents its annual Youth Concert with the theme this season of “Favorites” on Mon, Jan. 27 at 7pm at Tydings Auditorium on the HHS campus, corner of Jefferson and Scharbauer streets in Hobbs. Tickets are FREE for age 18 and younger and for college students of any age with current ID. Otherwise, tickets cost $25 at the door or in advance at Music World and Q Systems Music & Sound in Hobbs. Find out more at hobbsamerica.com. (575-738-1041; www.swsymphony.org)
RUN TFN (NOTE: New hours!)
Hobbs Public Library at 509 N. Shipp St. is now open Mon-Thurs from 9am to 7pm, then Fri and Sat 9am-3pm (closed Sunday). Watch the library’s Facebook page for details about free projects and programs for all ages or call the front desk for info, 397-9328.
TUESDAY PROGRAMS:
***Tuesday Two’s: 10-10:30am with story time and craft geared for 2-yr-old’s;
***Tuesday Storytime: Storytime with story and craft for 3-5 years age, 11am-12pm
***Books and Beyond: For Grades 4-6 from 11am-12pm and 4-5pm
WEDNESDAY PROGRAMS
***Baby Talk: 10-10:30am with storytime and craft geared for expectant mothers, caregivers and children 0-24 months of age
***Storytime: Story and craft geared for ages 3-5, 11am-12pm
***We Read Club with starting library skills and story time for K-3rd grade, 3-4pm
***Wed VIP for grades 4-6, 3-4pm (group games, arts, crafts, STEM projects and more)
THURSDAY PROGRAMS:
***Dual Language 11-12pm Spanish & English storytime and craft for 3-5 years of age;
***Get Crafty adult program, 3:30-4:30pm
SATURDAY PROGRAMS:
***The library also offers crafts for everyone from 11am-noon downstairs in the children’s department on Saturdays.
***Kanopy is now available to stream TV shows, movies, documentaries and more. You’ll need a library card number and pin to set up a Kanopy account. The service is free for Hobbs Public Library card holders.
***Curbside service still is available; order books, DVD’s, audiobooks and music CDs with a limit of 5 items to be picked up Mon, Wed and Fri from 2-4pm. Have your current, unblocked library card ready. Call the library when you arrive and items will be taken by staff to your vehicle. (575-397-9328)
RUN TFN
Vdex Diabetes of Hobbs reminds you that it’s important for diabetics to know their A1c number (a-one-c) for better long-term health management and maintenance of proper blood glucose levels. You can make an appointment with Vdex Diabetes at 575-492-0110 to test your A1c. Find out more at hobbsamerica.com.
Local veterans are reminded that the Permian Warriors Partnership hosts a coffee event once a month at Hobbs VFW Post #3274 at 609 W. Alto Dr. It’s usually on a Friday 8-10am with notice being announced and posted at the local VFW hall. It’s free and open to all veterans. Issues will be discussed; medical and other veterans resources will be shared. Find out more at hobbsamerica.com. (call Mike Mings, 390-3304)
United Way of Lea County and Salvation Army welcome donations of new heaters and new or gently-used coats for all ages/sizes to be given to those in need in our communities. Drop off donations at United Way’s office, 320 N. Shipp Suite B in Hobbs Mon-Fri 9am-3pm or call 397-2203 for more info. Find out more at hobbsamerica.com.
Xcel Energy wants customers who are struggling with cold weather electric bills to know they offer help—call 1-800-895-4999 Monday-Friday or visit the customer support page at xcelenergy.com to learn about payment options and program to help.
The Lea County Center for the Arts is open at 122 W. Broadway in Hobbs. Hours are Thursday-Saturday, 8am-7pm (closed Sunday-Wednesday). Admission is free, open to all. Find out more at hobbsamerica.com. (www.lccanm.org; 575-433-2787; 433-ARTS)
***After-School Art Classes are offered on Wednesdays 4-5pm for K-5th grades and Thursdays 4-5pm for students in grades 6-12 (except during summer and holiday breaks) There is a fee charged per class. For times and cost see www.lccanm.org.
RUN TFN
***Hobbs Police Department announces that it will conduct sobriety checkpoints at various areas within Hobbs City Limits throughout the month, especially during holidays. These checkpoints are intended to help reduce alcohol- and other intoxicant-related incidents and increase public safety.
***Lea County Sheriff’s Office announces that it will conduct DWI checkpoints at various times and places in Lea County throughout the month, especially during the holidays. Drivers are reminded to buckle up and drive safely and soberly without texting or other distractions. Please make sure passengers, especially children are wearing seatbelts and pets are properly secured. Find out more at hobbsamerica.com.
***New Mexico State Police will conduct sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols, and registration-insurance-driver’s license checkpoints in all counties and issuing citations throughout the month, especially during the holidays. This is to reduce drug and alcohol-related deaths and help change society’s attitude about driving while impaired by alcohol, marijuana or other drugs. Buckle up, don’t speed, and don’t drink-and-drive…help save lives. Find out more at hobbsamerica.com. (575-885-3138; www.sp.nm.gov.
Ask about registration and enrollment in upcoming sessions of NMJC’s English as a Second Language (ESL) and Citizenship FREE classes. Call 575-492-2629 for more information. The office is open in its new location, 109 S. Dalmont on Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (Spanish speaker available). Find out more at hobbsamerica.com. (Kathleen, 575-492-2630; Spanish speakers Sandra 492-2629 and Ayde, 492-2631)
***Ask about registration/enrollment in upcoming sessions of NMJC’s FREE High School Equivalent (GED or HiSET program) and Entrepreneurial classes held at the new location, 109 S. Dalmont. All classes are offered at no charge. Interest? Call 575-492-2630 for dates, times and other info but hurry because the deadline is approaching. Find out more at hobbsamerica.com. (see list of names/numbers above)
The Lea County Museum in Lovington is open with buildings at 103 N. Love, 114 E. Central and others near the courthouse. Normal hours are Mon-Friday from 9am-5pm; admission is free to all buildings and exhibits and to most programs. Find out more at 1radiosquare.com. (396-4805)
Salvation Army of Lea County’s Food Bank at 520 E. Main St. is open to the public Mon, Wed and Fri 9am-12noon and 1-4pm. The free food pantry is open for those in need. Food is taken to shut-ins in all communities of Lea County and some in West Texas once each month. Find out more at hobbsamerica.com. (397-2119; 820 S. Fowler)
***Donations are accepted for the local Women’s Career Closet. Donations should be primarily business casual and professional clothing to be used for free by women in need who are entering and advancing through the job market. Donations may be dropped off M-F 8am-5pm at 107 S. Dalmont in Hobbs. Find out more at hobbsamerica.com.
The State Dept. of Health and local health care providers want the public to know
cases of Syphilis, a serious disease with dangerous complications, are on the rise. Complications, especially if not diagnosed or treated, may include heart problems, destructive sores of the skin and bones, brain and nervous system problems, muscle weakness and abnormal sensations, and syphilitic meningitis. Here’s how to protect yourself if you are sexually active: Get tested for syphilis even if you feel healthy. This sexually transmitted disease spreads skin-to-skin through any type of unprotected sexual activity. It also can be spread through skin-to-skin contact by sharing needles. Testing is quick and easy, so talk to your health care provider, state health office and/or any medical professional at local clinics. (search syphilis symptoms online; www.nmhealth.org)
***Oilfield Connections International, Hobbs Chapter has recently organized and is looking for members. Anyone may join. The annual membership fee starts at $25. Monthly luncheon meetings feature guest speakers and are open to members and the public ($25 meal charge). Buy a membership and get up to 20% off the luncheon cost. Members meet to network, exchange knowledge, info and experience in order to help businesses grow and prosper. Go online at www.oilfieldconnections.net for more info or to RSVP. Find out more at hobbsamerica.com. (Derek Jones, 575-393-7316)