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  "description": "From food drives and city forums to craft shows, film nights, and business workshops, communities across the Western Slope are offering real ways to connect this month. Here’s where to volunteer, learn something new, and show up locally.",
  "path": "/where-to-show-up-this-month-forums-workshops-and-volunteer-opportunities-across-the-western-slope/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-18T00:28:32.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.westernslopetrellis.com",
  "tags": [
    "https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hearing-from-your-local-ranchers-registration-1981791426505",
    "www.valleyfoodpartnership.org",
    "https://threesisterstheatreco.com/event/vagina-monologues-2/",
    "https://mesacountylibraries.org",
    "https://my.primary.health/r/colovax-llc-denver",
    "https://cdphe.colorado.gov/mobilepublichealth"
  ],
  "textContent": "From food relief and fundraisers to film nights, business boot camps, and spring seed swaps, here are ways to plug into community life across the Western Slope.\n\n* * *\n\n## 🤝 Volunteer & Community Support\n\n### Triple Play Records Food Bowl – Grand Junction\n\n📍 530 Main Street\n🗓 Now through February 28\n\nDonate unopened, non-perishable food items and receive 1% off per item donated (up to 20% off one regular-priced item). Donations support the Clifton Christian Church food bank.\n\nGive a little, save a little, and help restore hope locally.\n\n* * *\n\n### February Pet Food Drive – Fruita\n\n📍 Chow Down, 225 E Aspen Ave\n\nSupport The Gift of Love Inc., which distributes over 5,000 pounds of pet food annually to seniors, low-income families, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Donations accepted all month.\n\n* * *\n\n### Art Auction Fundraiser for the Black Canyon – Montrose\n\n📅 February 28 | 5:00 PM\n📍 The Association, 39 W Main St\n\nHosted by Friends of the Black Canyon. Proceeds support wildlife-safe fence removal following recent fires. Features live music from The Black Canyon Boys and includes a one-of-a-kind hand-painted teepee auction piece inspired by the Black Canyon.\n\n* * *\n\n### Lake City Search and Rescue Ice Fishing Derby\n\n📅 February 21, 2026\n📍 Lake San Cristobal\n\nAll proceeds benefit Hinsdale County Search and Rescue.\n\nCheck-in: 6:30 AM\nFishing begins: 7:30 AM\nAwards: 1:00 PM\n\nEntry fee: $20\nOptional BBQ lunch: $15 (delivered to your fishing spot)\n\nEach participant receives one raffle ticket; additional tickets available for $5. Prizes awarded for top three largest live-length game fish.\n\n* * *\n\n## 🗳 Civic & Community Conversations\n\n### Hearing From Your Local Ranchers – Ridgway\n\n📅 February 23 | 12:00–1:00 PM\n📍 Ouray County Ranch History Museum\n\nA CSU Extension lunch-and-learn exploring local ranch history and traditions. February speakers include Terry and Jenny Galloway and Karen Fay of Fournier Ranch.\n\nIncludes a hot lunch inspired by regional flavors. Minimum 5 attendees required.\n\n🎟 Tickets:\nhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/hearing-from-your-local-ranchers-registration-1981791426505\n\n* * *\n\n## 💼 Business & Professional Development\n\n### Coffee Club – Fruita\n\n📅 February 20 | 9:00–10:00 AM\n📍 BIC FWorks, 325 E Aspen Ave\n\nRebecca Wallace of CommWest leads a session on daily cybersecurity habits that reduce risk and protect small businesses. Hosted in collaboration with Fruita Area Chamber of Commerce. Sponsored by Aspen Street Coffee.\n\nFree and open to entrepreneurs and business leaders.\n\n* * *\n\n### Farmers Market Boot Camp – Montrose\n\n📅 February 21 | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM\n📍 434 S 1st St\n\nFor aspiring and current vendors. Covers marketing, booth setup, liability insurance, food certifications, and small business resources.\n\nRegister:\nwww.valleyfoodpartnership.org\n\n* * *\n\n## 🎨 Arts, Film & Cultural Events\n\n### Cabin Fever Craft Show – Montrose\n\n📅 February 20 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM\n📅 February 21 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM\n📍 Friendship Hall, Montrose County Fairgrounds\n\nOver 70 vendors offering handmade goods, gifts, and seasonal décor. Hourly door prizes. Free admission.\n\nVendor info:\n📞 970-531-2438\n📧 montrosefootwear@aol.com\n\n* * *\n\n### Women’s Adventure Film Tour 2026 – Ridgway\n\n📅 February 24\nDoors: 6:00 PM | Films: 6:30 PM\n📍 The Sherbino, 604 Clinton St\n\nAn inspiring lineup of women-led adventure films including Run Antarctica: Beyond Limits and MoCrazyStrong.\n\n🎟 $12 advance | $15 at door\n\n* * *\n\n### The Vagina Monologues – Grand Junction\n\n📍 Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley\n\nA bold and unforgettable performance by Three Sisters Theatre Company exploring identity, resilience, and voice.\n\n🎟 $10 advance | $12 at door\nhttps://threesisterstheatreco.com/event/vagina-monologues-2/\n\n* * *\n\n### Mardi Gras Party – Ouray\n\n📅 February 28\n📍 Ouray Elks Lodge, 421 Main St\n\nAuthentic Cajun dinner including jambalaya, seafood boil, gumbo, king cake, and live music from Alpine Jam.\n\n💲 $30 single | $50 couple\n\n* * *\n\n## 🌱 Gardening, Education & Creative Workshops\n\n### Mesa County Libraries Spring Seed Exchange\n\nShare seeds, swap varieties, and get ready for planting season\n\nSpring is around the corner, and Mesa County Libraries are once again hosting their annual Seed Exchange — a community tradition that brings gardeners together to share, trade, and plan for the growing season.\n\nWhether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, you’re invited to browse seed selections, exchange extras from last year, and gather tips from fellow growers. No seeds are required to participate.\n\n### 📍 Exchange Dates & Locations\n\nAll events run **10:00 AM – Noon**\n\n• **Wednesday, March 4** – Orchard Mesa Branch Library\n• **Saturday, March 7** – Palisade, Collbran, and Fruita Branch Libraries\n• **Thursday, March 12** – Gateway Branch Library\n• **Saturday, March 14** – Central, Clifton, and De Beque Branch Libraries\n\nThe Seed Exchange is free and open to the public.\n\nFor more information, visit:\nhttps://mesacountylibraries.org\n\n* * *\n\n### Free Homeschool Book Fair & Swap – Montrose\n\n📅 February 20 | 9:00 AM\n📍 512 E Main Street\n\nFree children’s books and homeschool curriculum swap. Bring books to donate if you’d like, but not required.\n\n* * *\n\n### Beginner Horse Care Workshop – Austin\n\n📅 Starts March 8 | Sundays 9:00–10:00 AM\n📍 9826 2150 Rd\n\nHosted by Dare to Dream Inc. Learn horse anatomy, tack basics, riding skills, and enjoy a final trail ride and picnic.\n\n💲 $100 | Scholarships available\n📞 970-708-5036\n\n* * *\n\n## 🩺 Health & Public Services\n\n### Mobile Vaccine Clinic – Grand Junction\n\n📅 February 26 | 8:00–11:00 AM\n📍 302 Pitkin Avenue\n\nHosted by CDPHE. Routine adult vaccines available including influenza, hepatitis A & B, HPV, meningitis, MMR, pneumonia, polio, shingles, and Tdap.\n\nAdvance registration encouraged:\nhttps://my.primary.health/r/colovax-llc-denver\n\nFull clinic calendar:\nhttps://cdphe.colorado.gov/mobilepublichealth",
  "title": "Where to Show Up This Month: Forums, Workshops, and Volunteer Opportunities Across the Western Slope",
  "updatedAt": "2026-02-18T00:28:32.000Z"
}