Items for Northern Briefs may be submitted by sending them to jgarcia@riograndesun.com Submissions must be received no later than noon Monday for publication that week.

The Española Public Library will host a Chess 101 class from 11 a.m. to noon and from 4-5 pm. March 19. The class will go over the basics of chess and a few rounds will be played. A cellphone class will be offered from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m .March 24. It will go over the basics of an Android and Apple phone and show attendees how to avoid potential scams and viruses. Sign up in advance at the library. Learn the basics of recording your own music and great creative with Garage Band on Mac computers from 4-5:30 p.m. March 26. Sign up in advance at the library, seating is limited.

Sow Seeds

The Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area will offer a hands-on workshop that remembers the women who carried seeds from pueblo to village and farm to ranch. The workshop will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday (3/221) at Los Luceros Historic Site, 253 County Road 41, Alcalde. The workshop is $50. Visit https://app.aplos.com/aws/give/NorthernRioGrandeNationalHeritageArea/SewingSeeds to register.

Acequia Workers Needed

Workers are needed to clean the Acequia del Potrero Community Ditch in Chimayó. Meet at 8 a.m. March 21 at #151 Camino de los Ranchos (CR94B). Workers are also needed for March 28. Meet at 8 a.m. between #155 Camino de los Ranchos (CR 94B) and Camino Sandoval bring shovels and pruners for both days. Pay is $20 an hour. For more information, call 505-310-2029.

2026 Rio Chama Congreso

The 10th annual Rio Chama Congreso will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 21 at the El Rito Northern New Mexico College campus in the Cutting Hall dining room. There will be in-person presentations, discussions and free lunch provided by El Farolito. Topics include: Fire outlook, water outlook, river connectivity, watershed restoration plans, beaver project, regional water plan, Rio Chama channel rehab, reclamation updates, Basin study, El Vado, lots of opportunities to connect and network across the watershed. There will also be a free screening of “Thinking Like Water” in the evening. The event is free but registration is required. Register at https://riochamacongreso.eventbrite.com

CASA First Training

Training for CASA First volunteers who wish to become court-appointed special advocates begins in April. For details, email info@casafirst.org or call 505-820-1500. For more information, visit www.casafirst.org

Exhibit

The Bond House Museum is showcasing the Northern New Mexico Artist Invitational Exhibit featuring artists Roger Montoya, Steve Chavez, Michelle Ferran, Nicholas Herrera and James Espinoza. The exhibit is on display through May 31. Admission is free. The Bond House is located at 706 Bond St. Exhibit hours are noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. For more information call 747-8535 or send an email to sg.history65@gmail.com

Gamblers Anonymous

Meetings are held from noon to 1 p.m. at the Santa Clara Behavioral Health Training Building, 360 Fog Road. Snacks will be served. Call in by dialing 267-807-9601 and enter access code 408387. For more information call Claudine at 505-670-2254.

Senior benefits

Seniors can get help in applying for SNAP, Medicare, Medicare Part D, LIHEAP, the Medicare Savings Program and Medicaid by contacting Mariah Sandoval with the Rio Arriba County Health and Human Services Department at 505-753-2143, ext. 5109. She can check eligibility and help seniors apply for the programs.