TOPS Chapter 117 (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets each Thursday at the VFW Post 1881, 2816 East 7th Street, Nationway Frontage Road. Weigh-ins are from 8:00am-8:45am and meetings are from 9:00am-10:00am. TOPS provides tools, information and support to be successful in losing weight. The program focuses on health as well as weight loss. For more information contact Secretary Joanne at 307-630-7396 leave message.

On a stormy September night in 1923, Burlington’s train number 30 left the Casper depot for its overnight run to Denver. Less than an hour into the journey, disaster struck. Con Trumbell, author, archivist, and train engineer, will describe the tragic event through the eyes of those who were there as well as those who investigated the tragedy in the weeks that followed. He is the capstone speaker for the Cheyenne Genealogical and Historical Society’s year-end dinner and program, which will be held on Tuesday, May 14, at The Office Restaurant, 1600 East Pershing Boulevard. Guests are welcome for the program only at 7:00pm which is $5 and reservations must be made by calling Valerie at 307-631-0478.

Cheyenne Audubon invites everyone to help celebrate their 50th anniversary on May 11 with dinner at Laramie County Community College, 1400 East College Drive, at 5:00pm. “From the Grass Up” is the title of the talk to be given by guest speaker Chris Madson. Door prizes include a guided birding trip to Rocky Mountain National Park and a pair of binoculars, model C.1, built and donated by Lander Wyoming’s Maven Outdoor Equipment Company. The day will start with two local free field trips, details to be announced soon. For more information about Cheyenne Audubon, see cheyenneaudubon.org/.

The Wyoming Historic Governors’ Mansion Foundation proudly hosts this year’s Mother’s Day Tea on May 11. This year’s tea will begin at 1:00pm and last approximately one hour. A highly popular annual event, this year’s guests will enjoy a variety of baked goods, tea sandwiches and beverages. Reservations are required. To make a reservation for the tea, please call Mansion staff at 307-777-7878.

Joy in the Journey, Family Discipleship Conference will be May 31 and June 1 at the North Christian Church, 2015 Tranquility Road. Refresh and be encouraged as a parent in the homeschool journey. Welcome Zan and Joe Tyler from South Carolina and Aby Rinella from Idaho to encourage you in keynote presentations and breakout sessions. Douglas Pietersma will present sessions for Special Needs learners as well as Homeschooling High School. Plus many informative vendor workshops. Vendors on site for curriculum, resources and services. Nursery available and child care on site up through age 4 with preregistration online at https://homeschoolwy.org/events/2024-homeschool-wyoming-convention.

Grace United Methodist Church, 2950 Spruce, will host a free chair exercise class on Tuesdays at 10:00am. Please call 307-634-7472 for information.

The Gilchrist Elementary PTO presents the 12th Annual Spring Market on Saturday, May 11, 9:00am-3:00pm at 1108 Happy Jack Road. There will be over 30 vendors, a plant sale, a bake sale, a silent auction and food and coffee trucks. There is free parking and no entrance fee. For information, email gilchristptonews@gmail.com.

The DAV Guthrie Beck Chapter #2 monthly meeting is scheduled for June 3. Auxiliary meets from 6:00pm-7:00pm, DAV meets from 7:00pm-8:00pm. Check the Facebook page or call 307-634-9757 Commander Sherri to find out if a meeting has been cancelled. These events are open to all veterans and their families and are free to attend.

Looking for a hiking buddy but don’t have time for a full time dog? Try fostering and show them what real love feels like! Black Dog Animal Rescue provides everything needed for a new foster dog, you just provide the love! Contact Black Dog Animal Rescue for more information at 307-514-4024 or bdar@bdar.org.

The Office of Youth Alternatives Special Friends Program is looking for adult mentors that are 18 years and older to act as positive role models to youth in a one-to-one mentoring relationship, qualifications do apply. For additional questions and information, individuals interested in serving may call 307-637-6480.

Trader’s office hours are 8:00am-4:00pm, Monday-Wednesday and 8:00am-3:00pm Thursday and Friday. If you would like to place an ad outside these hours you may phone in your ad to 307-634-8895 and leave your ad, contact name and phone number on our voicemail or place your ad online at wyotraders.com. The deadline for classified advertising is 4:00pm Wednesday.

The Widows and Widowers group would like to welcome new members who are needing to move on after the loss of their life partner. Get out of the house and form new friendships at their once a week Tuesday meetings, held in the public library at 2200 Pioneer Avenue. Meeting starts at 12:30pm. Group lunch twice weekly, once after Tuesday meeting and 2:00pm lunch on Sundays. Sharing, learning, fun and laughter. Once a month meeting days are insights shared by professionals on need to know issues. Local group outings, tours and lectures. It’s a good thing to have camaraderie, socialization and friendship in life. Call Vicki at 307-631-9990 for information on the Tuesday you prefer to start.

Celebrate the 25th Annual Deep Fried Taco Sale on Friday, May 3, by eating taco plates prepared by the women of St. Joseph’s CCW. Stop by and enjoy them on May 3 in the Parish Hall at 608 Evans from 11:30am-6:30pm. Call Nancy at 307-640-7735 for more information.

There is always something happening in Cheyenne! Fine and performing arts, culture and science. For details and calendar of events, please visit them online at ArtsCheyenne.com.

There will be a Blue Grass Jam Session in the Willow Room at the Laramie County Library, 2200 Pioneer Avenue, Saturday, May 4, from 1:00pm-3:00pm. Musicians and listeners are all welcome. Call or text Jerry at 307-369-3904 for information.

Join the Big Red Barn for a fun and relaxing time as you experience the gifted local artisans with creations for you and your home including handcrafted candles, vanilla, jellies, jewelry, leather goods, woodworking, refurbished furniture, purses, totes and much more on May 4, 9:00am-3:00pm at 7601 Belmont Avenue. Food will be available for lunch and a raffle for a gift basket with proceeds being donated to local charities.

The Cheyenne Youth Symphony will perform their spring concert at Little America, 2800 West Lincolnway, on Saturday, May 18, at 1:00pm. The concert, which is a fundraiser for the youth organization, includes a catered tea party and a silent auction. Cheyenne Youth Symphony is for all area students in grades 5-9 and has been a part of the Cheyenne community since 2000. For tickets, information about the youth symphony or to learn about how students can audition please email cheyenneyouthsymphony2020@gmail.com.

The Housing and Community Development Office for the City of Cheyenne has started its annual public comment period for the office’s Annual Action Plan, which sets the goals the office has for the next year. It administers Federal Community Development Block Grant Funds. Several organizations are expected to receive funding, which are all tied to issues like housing and homelessness. The City’s Annual Action Plan is part of a larger five-year plan the City is required to create and follow to receive CDBG funds. The Fiscal Year 2024 plan and other plans are available online at www.cheyennecity.org/CDBG. Another public hearing on the funds will be held at City Council’s Finance Committee meeting on May 6. Public comment will also be accepted through an online survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2024AAPcomments until May 6. Questions about CDBG program should be directed to agorbey@cheyennecity.org.

Anyone who would like to donate to the 19th Annual Cheyenne Day of Giving but cannot make it out to the Kiwanis Community House on May 10 is welcome to drop off items at any of the following locations until the day of the event: B&B Appliance - 714 Central Avenue; First Education Federal Credit Union 120 West Carlson; Guild Mortgage - 7124 Commons Drive #3; Laramie County Chiropractic - 611 East Carlson, #101; Pinnacle Bank - 3518 Dell Range Boulevard or 1700 Good Night Trail; Platte Valley Bank - 421 Vandehei Avenue; RE/MAX Capital Properties - 4000 Central Avenue, Suite 1 or Whispering Chase - 4350 East Lincolnway. Leftover prescription medications cannot be dropped off early.

Frontier United Methodist Church will host an elegant Mom and Me Mother’s Day Tea with punch, tea and cookies on Saturday, May 11, 9:00am-10:30am at 1888 East Four Mile Road, corner of Four Mile and Powderhouse. The tea is free and everyone is welcome.

Come and see the creativeness of the great vendors at the VFW 1881 craft show and flea market on Saturday, May 11, 9:00am-3:00pm at 2816 East 7th Street. There will be jewelry, crochet items, leather and lots of unique items. Everyone is welcome to come and support the local Veterans. Lunch will be available. Come and enjoy. Call Suzie at 307-632-4053 with any questions.

The Cheyenne Camera Club meets the first and third Thursdays each month from September through May at 6:00pm at the Highlands Presbyterian Church at 2390 Pattison Avenue. The public is welcome to attend. Coffee break meetings are held the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month in the Dazbog Coffee at 3911 East Pershing Boulevard at 9:00am. Call Judy at 307-634-0357 or go to cheyennecameraclub.org.

The 15th Annual “Spring into Green” 5k Run and Walk is set for June 15 at Mylar Park. Race will begin at 8:00am and will follow the Dry Creek Greenway. Mylar Park is located off Seminoe Road north of Dell Range Boulevard. Participants are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle and water will be available at the 5k turnaround and the start/finish. Volunteers will be present at water stations and course marshals will assist with directions and encouragement along the route. Dogs on leashes are welcome as are strollers-those participants should plan to start behind the pack. Light breakfast will be at the end of the race sponsored by the Greenway Foundation. T-shirts are optional and start at $17. The Cheyenne Greenway Foundation puts on this race every year to raise funds for its mission and raise funds for amenities on the Greenway that are not typically funded by the City. For more information https://www.cheyennegreenwayfoundation.org/spring-into-green.html. To register for the event: https://www.raceentry.com/races/cheyenne-greenway-foundations-spring-into-green/2024/register.

Think about becoming a Foster Grandparent before summer school starts or for the fall of 2024-2025 school year. Volunteers are needed to make a difference for the students in all of Laramie, Platte, and Goshen counties. The Office of Youth Alternatives Foster Grandparent Program is looking for tutor/mentors that are 55 years and older to work with children in a classroom setting that need extra support. Foster Grandparents make a difference in the lives of children in the community and earn an average of $350-$500/month with a non-taxable stipend, (some qualifications apply). Individuals interested in serving may call 307-637-6480 for more information. Register now!

The Greater Cheyenne Greenway Spring Cleanup effort is scheduled for three weekends this year, May 4 through May 19. Participants should wear boots or sturdy shoes, long pants and gloves for clean-up efforts. Greenway staff can provide trash bags and lightweight gloves upon request. If anything has changed with contact information, Greenway segment preference, or if volunteers are unable to continue with the program, contact Jeanie Shrednik, Greenway and Parks Planner at 307-638-4379 or by email at jshrednik@cheyennecity.org. Participants should contact Greenway staff when their segment is complete and Greenway crews will pick up the filled bags from the side of the path following the cleanup. For more information on the Greater Cheyenne Greenway and to view a Greenway map, visit www.cheyennecity.org/greenway.

Just ahead of the 2024 program start, My Front Door has opened the doors to the community and those thinking of applying for the program. My Front Door’s mission is to help low and moderate income working families who want to better their lives and the lives of their children by becoming first-time, self-sustaining homeowners. Clients receive financial literacy instruction in a group setting where materials, meals, and childcare are provided. This is followed by one-on-one counseling as participants work to repair credit, resolve debt, and create a plan to put them in a home. The organization provides home maintenance grants for clients after they buy a home to maintain or improve its value. They are guided every step of the way to homeownership and for five years after purchase. 2024 Albany County classes are limited to 10 families and are filling fast. Interested families should contact the office for a tour and to get an application. To learn more about My Front Door or to apply, visit www.myfrontdoor.org or contact Amy Phillips at 307-514-5831 or amy@myfrontdoor.org.

The Office of Youth Alternatives Special Friends Program is looking for adult mentors that are 18 years and older to act as positive role models to youth in a one-to-one mentoring relationship, qualifications do apply. For additional questions and information, individuals interested in serving may call 307-637-6480.

The Wyoming Coalition for the Homeless is in need of blankets, comforters, sheets and neck ties. These items are used to make sleeping bags for the homeless population of Cheyenne. Deliver clean items to the Wyoming Coalition for the Homeless, 907 Campbell Avenue, 307-634-8499.

Do you have a dog that seeks attention, has good basic obedience skills and has no aggression issues? Then consider doing therapy work in the community with your dog. Please go to www.therapydogs.com, the website for Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Click on join and How to Become a Member. Follow the steps to become a member. When registered through ATD, coverage is available through their insurance while visiting the various medical facilities around town. They also have visits to the Laramie County Library for reading with the kids and other visits that are not medically oriented. Contact the local tester/observers to go through the registration process. Contact the local office at 307-432-0272 with questions or email office@therapydogs.com or visit them at 1919 Morrie Avenue.

TOPS #WY 002 (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets each Tuesday afternoon at 4:00pm in the basement of Faith United Methodist Church, 522 East 6th Street. Join them for fellowship and weight loss motivation. For more information, please contact Corinecb307@outlook.com or check out the national website online at www.tops.org.