It’s hard to believe that it’s been 47 years since the first issue of Trader’s Shopper’s Guide rolled off the press. Back in 1973, things were much different. Trader’s averaged only 4 pages and had a circulation of approximately 500 copies. Today, Trader’s has moved to the forefront of the market in southeast Wyoming and western Nebraska. Our most recent circulation audit indicates that over 18,000 copies are picked up every issue. Throughout the month of January, all of Trader’s display advertisers will be recognized with a special “Anniversary Symbol” identifying their number of years as Trader’s advertisers. This is just one of the many promotions Trader’s will use to celebrate 47 great years of serving our communities. Looking to the future, we are certain that Trader’s Shopper’s Guide will continue to grow and improve. Our experienced and dedicated staff will always strive to make improvements to our publications. We believe that it is the people in our community that have helped us become what we are today, the most valuable source for shopping news in this area. For that reason, we try to serve the community by publishing news and events of local clubs, organizations and charities free every week, as well as sponsoring community events and programs. We are proud to say that members of Trader’s staff donate their personal time and effort to a multitude of business, civic and charitable groups. The staff of Trader’s Publishing thanks all our readers and advertisers who have contributed to the success of Trader’s during our 47 years of serving the Cheyenne area. As always, your suggestions and comments are very important to us. Please feel free to contact Marc Stout, General Manager, at (307)634-8895, toll free at 1(800)634-8895 or email publisher@wyotraders.com.

Wyoming Independent Living All In-A Youth Transition workshop, January 14 through April 28, 3:30pm-4:30pm, at 1609 East 19th Street. All In is a hands-on, cross disability workshop in which youth (ages 14-24) engage in self-exploration and advocacy discussions, activities and projects. The workshop consists of a series of 16 classes, every Tuesday, from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. To register and for more information, please contact Joell Austin at (307)637-5127.

Join the Military Affairs Committee for the first MAC lunch of 2020 on Friday, January 24, 11:30am-1:00pm, presented by Blue Federal Credit Union and Magic City Enterprises, at The Office Bar and Grill, banquet room, 1600 East Pershing Boulevard. This month’s featured speaker is Captain Logan Koerwitz, commanding officer of the G/2-211 AVN unit who just returned from deployment in Afghanistan. This unit has been on multiple combat deployments dating back to Desert Storm. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about this amazing unit. Cost: $20.00 active military, $25.00 MAC member and $30.00 Non-MAC member. For more information, email info@cheyennechamber.org.

Pros from TRIO Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) will be available to answer questions about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at the Laramie County Library, 2200 Pioneer Avenue, Sage Room, Saturday, January 25, 1:00pm-2:30pm. The workshop will include information on completing the application and understanding the deadlines. The EOC pros will explain where the application goes, who sees it, and how it is used. Corrections and verifications will also be reviewed.

TOPS Club meets each Thursday, from 6:00pm-7:00pm, at 507 West 28th Street. This is a nonprofit weight loss support group that discusses how to take off pounds sensibly. For more information or questions, please contact Marion Yoder at (307)514-3455.

Cheyenne Audubon members invite the public to join them on a free field trip to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, January 25, to look for bald eagles, other raptors and buffalo. Novice birdwatchers are welcome. Participants will leave at 8:00am from Lions Park, from the parking lot between the Children’s Village and the new picnic shelter, 710 South Lions Park Drive. Carpooling may be available. Expect to return by 3:00pm. Participants providing their own transportation may leave at any time. Please call Grant Frost, (307)343-2024, for details and to sign up for notification of any changes or trip cancellation. Indicate whether you need a ride or can provide a ride. For more information about this other Audubon activities, visit cheyenneaudubon.wordpress.com/.

Come join the “Cheyenne Jammers,” Sunday, January 26, 1:30pm-3:00pm, for their monthly get together, held the last Sunday of each month at the Cross T Cowboy Ministries, located at 9141 Yellowstone Road. Arrive early 12:30pm-1:30pm and enjoy lunch at no charge. Regular, new musicians, and singers welcome. Bring the family! Come “play-a-long” and “sing-a-long” to mainly old Gospel songs done with a country flair. Acoustic only. Songbooks are provided. For information, call (307)287-7843.

Are you a member of the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens? If so, join them for a sneak peek at the 37th Annual Glass Art Show before it opens to the public the next day. Light refreshments will be served. And if you’re not a member and want to join them, memberships will be sold at the door at Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, 710 South Lions Park Drive, Monday, January 27, 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

Meet the forecaster at Laramie County Library, 2200 Pioneer Avenue, Cottonwood Room, Thursday, January 30, 6:00pm. This free event to meet the forecaster is an evening with Mike “Coop” Cooperstein, forecaster with Colorado Avalanche Information Center. Sponsored by the Cheyenne Ski Club.

Trader’s Publishing will close our office at 12:30pm on the afternoon of Friday, January 31, for a staff meeting. We will reopen Monday, February 3, at 8:00am.

The Mission of the Laramie County DUI Impact Panel is to stop drunken and drugged driving and to create awareness regarding the tragic consequences of this event. Panel members share their life stories regarding the issue of impaired driving in the hope of preventing life altering tragedies from continuing to occur. The next DUI Panel held in Laramie County will be on Monday, January 27, at 6:30pm, at the Laramie County Community College Center for Conferences and Institutes in room 130. The panel is normally held on the last Monday of every other month and is open to the public. If you are also interested in speaking for or being a part of the Impact Panel, please call (307)214-5444 to confirm the schedule.

Cheyenne Artists’ Guild is seeking entries for “Love of Red” and “Tiny” shows. To be eligible for the “Love of Red” show entries must have red somewhere on them, even if it is just a dot, or the frame. “Tiny” show entries must be no more than 3”x3” unframed pieces. All mediums are welcome. Entry fees for the “Love of Red” show is $8.00 per piece or 3 for $20.00 ($4.00 each for up to 2 additional pieces) for the Art Guild members, $10.00 per piece or 3 for $25.00 for non-members, and $4.00 per piece (maximum of 2 pieces) for youth ages 17 and under. Mention this ad and receive $2.00 off your entry fee! The “Tiny” show is free to enter, but all pieces must be for sale. Drop off is January 29 through February 1, at the Art Guild, 1701 Morrie Avenue. For more information, please contact (307)632-2263 or cag.officemanager@gmail.com.

Chili cook-off and dessert silent auction to benefit Cheyenne Trail Life and American Heritage Girls chapters will be on Friday, January 31, 6:00pm, at Calvary Chapel, 9209 Ridge Road. Tickets will be sold at the door for $5.00 or call Laren Cooley at (307)221-2296.

The Cheyenne Therapeutic Equestrian Center is in need of volunteers for the riding season. All positions available and prior horse experience is not necessary. The only requirement is friendly smiles and a great attitude. If you are interested in working with horses, people with special needs and veterans then this is the opportunity for you! Call the office at (307)432-2585.

Give Kids a Smile is a non-profit organization that helps kids, who cannot afford treatment otherwise, receive free dental care. Give Kids a Smile 2020 will take place Saturday, February 1, 8:00am-2:30pm, at Laramie County Community College, 1400 East College Drive, Science Building, Dental Hygiene Clinic. Uninsured children, ages 2-18, without a dental home are welcome to receive exams, cleanings, X-Rays, and fluoride treatments. To make an appointment with the Wyoming Delta Dental Foundation, please call (307)632-3313.

Publicize your event or show in Trader’s Publishing’s Guide to Cheyenne Schedule of Events. If your club, group or organization has a big event scheduled for later this year, get it published free of charge in our 2020-2021 Guide to Cheyenne. This free distribution magazine will feature a schedule of events beginning in April. Please submit your event’s name, location, dates, times, contact name and phone number to: Trader’s/Guide to Cheyenne Events, 2021 Warren Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001 or email to Heather@wyotraders.com no later than Friday, February 7. Events submitted are subject to space availability. Trader’s Publishing reserves the right to edit all submitted material.

The Wyoming Inland Ocean Coalition cordially invites everyone to a mermaid and pirate costume party featuring Retro: 80’s Tribute Band and VJ Tracer on Saturday, February 1, 6:00pm-11:00pm, at the Asher Upstairs, 500 West 15th Street. An evening of music and merriment, satisfying savories, sinful sweets, bountiful beer for purchase, costume prizes and 50/50. Tickets are $30.00-$50.00 available through Eventbrite or email wyomingoceancoalition@gmail.com. All proceeds to benefit Cheyenne’s Sustainable Shopping Initiative.

AARP TaxAide Program will be offering Free income tax preparation assistance, by appointment only, by calling (307)635-2435 at the Senior Activity Center, 2101 Thomes Avenue, February 3 through April 15, Monday through Friday, 9:00am-2:20pm. Please bring social security card, picture ID, all tax forms such as the W-2, 1099 and a copy of your 2018 last year tax return. Certain items may be out of scope for tax preparation.

This organization is looking for volunteers to raise and train puppies who have the potential to become Assistance Dogs for persons who are blind or physically disabled. Some puppies are 8 weeks of age, while those from the rescue or shelter may be between 8 months to 1 year old. Training involves basic obedience, house manners and socialization in public situations. For more information, call Michelle at (307)222-9597, visit online at www.k9s4mobility.org or email info@k9s4mobility.org.

VFW Post 1818, 2816 East 7th Street, will have a craft and flea market show on Saturday, February 8, 9:00am-3:00pm. Tables are available. All are welcome, come and support your local Veterans. To reserve your tables or for more information, please call Suzie at (307)632-4053.

Do you live in Laramie County School District Number Two? Do you have a child who is five years old or will be five years old by September 15, 2020? If so, Carpenter Elementary School invites you to bring your prospective kindergartner for screening on Friday, February 28. Please call the Carpenter School Office at (307)245-4180 to set up an appointment for your child to be screened. All children being screened will need to bring their birth certificate, social security card, and current immunization records on this day. They are looking forward to meeting you and your kindergartner!

Samson Exploration has filed an application with the Wyoming Oil and Gas Commission to drill 11 oil wells at the corner of North College and Four Mile Road in Cheyenne. Most wells are to drill horizontally throughout the area and will most likely be using fracking materials. The time is extremely short to voice any opposition or concern about these proposed wells. Cheyenne residents must write letters of opposition or attend the proposed hearing to be held in Casper on Tuesday, February 11, 9:00am. Letters must be received at least 3 days before the meeting. Letters should be addressed to the Supervisor of the Wyoming Oil and Gas Commission, 2211 King Boulevard, Casper, Wyoming 82604.

The Holy Temple Church of God and Christ has moved from 567 West 5th Street to 1517 Walnut Drive. Sunday School will be held from 9:30am-10:30am, with Sunday Worship beginning at 11:00am. Bible study is held every Tuesday evening from 7:00pm-8:00pm and Prayer group on Fridays from 6:30pm-7:00pm. For more information, please call (307)630-1725.

Wyoming Independent Community Living Skills workshop will be held February 13 through April 30, 3:15pm-5:15pm, at 1609 East 19th Street. The workshop is grounded in the Independent Living Philosophy that explains how identifying skills someone currently has and others they want to build on can help them live a more independent life. The workshop consists of a series of 12 classes, every Thursday, from 3:15pm-5:15pm, beginning on February 13. Topics discussed will be disability identity, peer support, self-advocacy, self-care, housing, technical skills, budgeting and finance, healthy relationships, transportation and time use. To register and for more information, contact Joell Austin at (307)637-5127.

The Cheyenne Family YMCA will hold their annual Valentine Dances for the Cheyenne community in February. The Father/Daughter dance Saturday, February 15 and the Mother/Son dance on Sunday, February 16. Each dance will run from 6:00pm to 8:00pm and are held at the Cheyenne Family YMCA, 1426 East Lincolnway. Dances include dinner, dessert, DJ, photos from Christine Kronz Photography LLC, a flower for the ladies, and raffle for one adult and their child(ren). Tickets are on sale now for $30 per adult until February 14 and will go up to $35 on the 15 and 16. These dances are made possible through sponsorships from Charles Schwab and RE/MAX Capitol Properties. For more information, call Chris Shay at (307)634-9622.

The St. Joseph’s Food Pantry provides weekly groceries to low-income families, seniors, veterans and retirees. The pantry is open Monday-Thursday, 10:00am-1:00pm, at 206 Van Lennon. Just bring a photo ID and proof of address such as utility bill, rent receipt, medical bill. In addition to a grocery bag, individuals can select fresh produce, bread, eggs/milk (when available). Eligibility is based on the number of household members and income level. Contact information, please call (307)275-0567; email: stjosepantry@gmail.com or visit their Facebook at www.facebook.com/St-Josephs-Food-Pantry-584354458402412/.

Sankofa African Heritage Awareness Inc. and the LCCC Department of Student Engagement and Diversity present African American Black Film Expo which will take place Wednesday through Saturday, February 19-22. Free admission and refreshments, ADA seating available. All screenings at LCCC Rooms for Conferences and Institutes, 1400 East College Drive, Wednesday, February 19, with The First Grader at 5:30pm and Rabbit-Proof Fence at 7:15pm. Thursday, February 20, with Deacons For Defence at 5:30pm and Tell Them We Are Rising at 7:15pm. Friday, February 21, The Displaced Person at 5:30pm and No Way Out at 6:45pm. Saturday, February 22, Glory at 9:00am and Tyler Perry’s For Color Girls at 11:30am. For more information, contact Jill Zarend (307)635-7094.

Need financial assistance to help finalize your history project? The Wyoming State Historical Society, a non-profit membership driven educational organization, offers cash grants to people involved in research activities based on various aspects of the state’s history. The grants ranging from $100.00 up to $1,500.00 are awarded based on applications submitted to the Society’s Lola Homsher Endowment Fund Committee. The deadline is Friday, February 28, with applicants notified of the results in the spring. All applications must be submitted electronically via the Society’s website at www.wyshs.org. For more information, contact The Wyoming State Historical Society at (307)322-3014 or email linda@wyshs.org.