Area in Brief

ABOVE: Grants Community Pantry worker Shirley Dickens sorts boxes while waiting for patrons to show up on Wednesday afternoon. The Pantry recently celebrated it's fourth anniversary. BELOW: Larry MacKendrick and JoAnn Edwards carry a load of food to a vehicle at the Grants Community Pantry on Wednesday. The Pantry recently celebrated it's fourth anniversary. — © 2008 Gallup Independent / Brian Leddy

• Gathering of Poets — FARMINGTON
• Board Meeting — WINDOW ROCK
• QuickBooks — GALLUP
• Counselor Visit — FLAGSTAFF
• Weaving Class — GALLUP
• Native Gathering — GALLUP
• Homecoming Parade — WINDOW ROCK
• Tax Help — GALLUP

Gathering of Poets

FARMINGTON — San Juan College will sponsor “Voices from the River: A Gathering of Poets” at 6:30 p.m., Oct. 10, at the Ahweeh Goweeh cafe’, Shiprock. Poet and artist Gloria Emerson and San Juan College English professor and poet Kimberly Williams are hosting. All poets who are a part of a forthcoming anthology are invited to read from their work. Is free and open to public. More info call Kimberly 505-566-3442.

Board Meeting

WINDOW ROCK — Navajo Nation Board of Education regular board meeting will be 10 a.m., Oct. 10, at the Department of Dine Education, Sunrise Board Room, Window Rock. Questions call DODE Administration 928-871-6995/7475.

QuickBooks

GALLUP — Small Business Development Center is presenting a hands-on QuickBooks 2008 class on Oct. 10 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at UNM-Gallup, Calvin Hall, Lab 268. Designed for beginners and for those with limited QBks experience who wish to expand their knowledge. Limited to 12 participants. Registration is requested. Fee is $80 and includes reference manual; check or money order preferred. Register at www.nmsbdc.org/gallup or email sbdc@gallup.unm.edu, or call 505-722-2220 or in person at 103 W. Hwy 66, Gallup.

Counselor Visit

FLAGSTAFF — Veterans Benefits Counselor Visit will be 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Oct. 10, at the Fort Defiance Navajo Nation Veterans Office and 1-3:30 p.m., Oct. 10, at the Dilkon Chapter House. The ADVS will be helping veterans and their dependents with information about veterans benefits and assistance in filing claim. The claimant should bring any pertinent information pertaining to the subject of the visit especially all VA correspondences, DD-214, medical records, marriage license, divorce decree, death certificate, birth certificates, all income award letters, medical expenses, S.S. cards, etc.

Weaving Class

GALLUP — Native Hands Co-op, located inside the Catholic Indian Center, Gallup is offering a three day basic weaving class starting Oct. 9-11, form 12-5 p.m. Class limit is 9 and there is a fee of $25 for the class. Call Dee Touchine to sign up 505-722-4407 x. 106.

Native Gathering

GALLUP — A Native American Gathering will be 7 p.m., Oct. 10, at the First United Methodist Church, 1800 Red Rock Dr. Event will feature a potluck meal, a talking circle, Christian praise music and drumming, and anything else the group wants to share. Info call Celeste at 505-321-5623 or blueskiesd6@yahoo.com

Homecoming Parade

WINDOW ROCK — Homecoming parade will be Oct. 10. Line up 1 p.m., at the Old Fort Defiance Hospital parking lot; parade at 2 p.m.; 7 p.m., football game with Holbrook Roadrunners. Public is invited in parade: $25 entry fee-general public; $75 entry fee-Political. Questions call Georgia Ashley 928-871-5015 or come to the line up with your entry and fees, money orders or cash only.

Tax Help

GALLUP — Free tax help, haven’t filed a 2007 tax return for the Economic Stimulus payment or for the New Mexico State Rebate? If your income is $40,000 or less or you’re 65 or older, we can help, 6-8 p.m., Oct. 9 and 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Oct. 10, at the Navajo Partnership for Housing, Inc., 1613 S. 2nd St. Gallup. Bring: S.S. card, for you, your spouse and anyone listed on your tax return; Photo I.D. , for you and your spouse; ALL your Income Documentation: VA Benefits Statement, Social Security Payment Statement (SSA-1099), Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB-1099), W2s, 1099s, etc.; your bank account information including account number and routing number for direct deposit.