January History Talk

Name: January History Talk
Start: 2026-01-08T18:00:00-07:00
End: 2026-01-08T19:00:00-07:00
Location: 711 Iowa Ave, Palisade, CO 81526-8661, United States

Schedule

Thu Jan 08 2026 at 06:00 pm to 07:00 pm

UTC-07:00

Location

711 Iowa Ave, Palisade, CO 81526-8661, United States | Palisade, CO

The Palisade Historical Society has announced a venue change for their Monthly History Talks. Starting in January, these talks will now be hosted at the historic Palisade Gymnasium/Auditorium, known as the Palisade Community Gym, at 711 Iowa Avenue in Palisade.
The Palisade Historical Society’s January History Talk will be presented by Iriana Medina, Executive Director of La Plaza, who will talk about the evolution of Palisade’s Child and Migrant Center to its current vision which empowers the immigrant community in the Grand Valley through education, leadership opportunities, and initiatives that promote self sufficiency and equity. La Plaza is located at 721 Peach Street in Palisade. The talk will begin at 6 p.m. at the Palisade Community Gym, at 711 Iowa Avenue in Palisade.
Child and Migrant Services (CMS) began in 1954 when local fruit growers' wives, Vera Foss, Margaret Talbott, and Dorothy Powers, joined forces to improve the living conditions of the migrant seasonal farm workers and their families in Mesa County, providing basic food, clothing, medical services, and childcare to farm workers. In 1969, efforts coalesced into Community Child Care and Migrant Services, Inc, which eventually was shortened to Child and Migrant Services (CMS).
Iriana started in January 2024 as the Community Engagement Coordinator and was promoted to executive director in November of 2024. The new name reflects the change of bringing the community together to face complex challenges in a central gathering space – or La Plaza.

The talk will begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 8 at the Community Gym. This program is open to the public to learn more about Palisade's unique history in a relaxed environment. No reservations are needed. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated. As food and beverages will not be available for purchase on site, people can bring their own to the program.