Briefs for August 6, 2009

Friends of the Spanish Peaks Library receive $25K grant

WALSENBURG- A celebration will be held at the Library for the Friends of the Spanish Peaks Library on Fri. Aug. 7 at 11:45 am.  The Friends will be receiving a $25,000 Community Facility Grant through USDA Rural Development and the American Recovery Reinvestment Act 2009.  Thanks in part to this grant, children will enjoy new furniture in the children’s reading area.

    For additional information, contact Amy Mund at (720) 544-2906. 

Lathrop programs

Fri. Aug. 7, 8:30 pm–

All about rocks and more

    Join Jon Sudar, a Walsenburg native, as we explore the rockin’ world of geology.  The program will identify the three basic types of rocks and what they consist of.  Then it continues with the story of how these rocks arrived at their current location here in Huerfano County.  If by now you have been out exploring the park, you will be able to easily recognize the pictures of the various rock formations.

Sat. Aug. 8, 7 pm–

Huerfano Winds

    Come and experience the sounds of the Huerfano Winds, a small concert band, as they perform music from around the world.  Selections will feature: folk tunes, marches, and dance forms from North and South America, Europe, and the Middle East.  This concert is one not to be missed!!!

Musical Event

LA VETA- Celebrate What‘s Right in the World on Sun. Aug 9 at 2 pm at the Francisco Center for the Performing Arts.  The program is sponsored by St. Benedict Episcopal Church.  Donations are welcome and will be used in outreach ministry.

Sacred Sundance Ceremony

GARDNER-  All Good People are welcome to come to the 8th annual Wiwanyan Wachipi, sacred sundance ceremony from Aug. 6 through 9. 

    Located at the base of Cuerno Verde, Aztlan Native American Community Church hosts this annual ceremony which was once banned by the United States Government.  The Wiwanyan Wachipi is now held throughout Turtle Island and is practiced by many native nations.

    People attending for the first time are encouraged to call ahead and learn as much as they can about the ceremony.  Women on their moon (menses) must remain at their own camp during purification days and at the women’s lodge during the dance.  No metal, water, food or sunglasses under the arbor.  Women are asked to wear a shawl and skirt (or dress) during the dance.  Please come with respect, humility and prayer in your heart.

    Come prepared to camp out if you are staying overnight.  Two meals are provided daily (breakfast and dinner).  Everyone is asked to sign up for camp chores.  We need help with security, kitchen, sanitation, maintenance, etc.

    Donations of canvas tarps (not plastic), shovels, tools, food, water, cash, etc. are appreciated.  No styrofoam or plastic cups and utensils.  We need cash to transport people to and from airports, for propane in the kitchen, for building materials, food, etc.

    Directions: I-25 to exit 52, Walsenburg. Right on State Hwy 69 towards Gardner.  After mile maker 24, take second right (Williams Creek Rd, National Forest access).  Follow Aztlan signs.  For more information call (719) 746-2400 or 738-2571.  No drugs, alcohol, weapons, dogs or gossip. 

4-H Fair- For full 4-H fair coverage see pages 6 and 7.

LA VETA- The Huerfano County 4-H Fair is taking place this weekend!  Rabbit, poultry, dog, sheep, goat and swine shows are on Thurs. beginning at 9.  Friday’s events include the horse show at 9, the Ag appreciation dinner at 4:40, and the Ranch Rodeo at 7.  On Saturday the beef show starts at 9, followed by round robin showmanship at noon, and the Kids Rodeo at 3 pm.   Sunday, come to church, cowboy style, in the arena at 10, then hit the barbecue at 11:30 and the livestock sale at 2.

Ag Appreciation Barbecue

LA VETA- The 4th annual Ag Appreciation BBQ will be held on Aug. 7 from 4:30 to 5:45 pm, during the Huerfano County Fair in La Veta.

    The BBQ is sponsored by the Huerfano County Farm Bureau, Huerfano Basin Stockgrowers and the Upper Huerfano Conservation District.  “Agriculture plays a significant role in Huerfano County,” said John Stroh, local Farm Bureau president.  “Having an active agricultural community brings a quality of life in this area envied by our urban neighbors and visitors alike.”

    A favorite of locals, the Ranch Rodeo will be held immediately following the BBQ.

LA VETA– Don’t miss the Stockgrowers Ranch Rodeo at 7 pm on Aug. 7 at the La Veta Fairgrounds.  Call Dave Stroh at 738-3111, and see the ad on page 5 for more information.

Basic drawing with Kathy Hill

LA VETA- Use pencil and charcoal to learn how to draw realistically yet with sensitivity.  Basic drawing concepts will give you the tools to draw with confidence.  The cost of the class $185, and it will be held August 7 – 9 at the La Veta School of the Arts, across from the Town Park on Ryus Avenue.  For info, call 719-989-8238 or 742-3421, visit www.theLVAS.org, or send an e-mail to  LVArtSchool@yahoo.com.

Petroglyph seeks permit from EPA

WALSENBURG- There will be a meeting Mon. Aug. 10 at 6 pm at the Huerfano Community Center to discuss the intention of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue to Petroglyph Oil and Gas an Underground Injection Control (UIC) Area Permit, under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and UIC Program regulations.

    The proposed area permit is for eight (8) Class V injection wells that are part of the remediation system to remove methane that has migrated upward from a coal-bed-methane production zone into private wells completed in the Poison Canyon Formation.  The remediation system will be located on River Ridge Ranch southwest of Walsenburg.

 Re-1 student registrations

HUERFANO- New students should bring their State Birth Certificate, updated immunization record, and any other grade records.   If you do not have a State Birth Certificate for your child, you may contact the Huerfano County Health Department at 738-2650 or the Vital Statistics in Denver.  Also, when completing the lunch applications, you must include your seven-digit food stamp case number. The first day of school is August 19 – buses will run and lunches will be served.  If other information is needed, you may contact the schools since the offices are now open.

Gardner School (pre-8th Grades) – August 10 through August 13

    All students (preschool through eighth grades) will register on August 10 through August 13 from 8:30 am–4:00 pm.   Parents and children must come in together to register, review the school compact, and meet their teachers.   Parents are invited to meet the new Principal Linda Bennett on August 13.   Coffee and fresh cookies will be served.

John Mall Junior/High School (8th-12th Grades) – August 10-13 (8–3:30 pm)

    All students must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to register according to the schedule below.  Registration includes parental approval of student schedule, updating emergency info, and obtaining locker info.

    Juniors/Seniors   August 10 8-3:30 pm (including registration for College Courses)

    Freshman/Sophomores August 11  8-3:30 pm

Eighth Grade August 12 8-3:30 pm

    August 13   Late Registration by appointment only –please contact Maria de la Cruz at (719) 738-1610 ext. 1105.

Huerfano County Opportunity & Enrichment School – Aug. 10-13.

    All returning students must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to register.  Please call Ms. Deb Nott as soon as possible to set an appointment 738-1328.  New students can pick up and drop off applications at the Huerfano School District Office located at 201 East Fifth Street, Walsenburg.

Peakview School (pre-7th Grades) – August 18      

    Students register on August 18 from 9 to 1 pm.  Parents and children must come in together to register, review the school compact, and meet their teachers.

WALSENBURG- There will be a Huerfano Hometown heroes meeting Tues. Aug. 11, at 7 pm at Adventure Trails Gift Shop, 1018 West 7th Street, Walsenburg.  The goal is to recognize and support the men and women serving us and our country from this area.  Questions?  Call 738-2801 or 742-3235.

LA VETA- Donna Ingham will be telling stories at Story Hour at the La Veta Public Library on Wed. Aug. 12 at 10 am.  Stories educate- Donna Ingham′s programs are full of facts and folklore.  One teacher remarked, "Having Donna come tell stories was better than any Texas history review we could have had."

WALSENBURG- The Huerfano County Chamber of Commerce is holding its monthly meeting on Thurs. Aug. 13 at 5:30 at the train depot in Walsenburg. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Tourism Board meets

WALSENBURG– The Huerfano County Tourism Board will meet at noon Fri. Aug. 14 in the County Commissioners’ room in the courthouse.  On the agenda is the 2010 budget, listings to be included in the Colorado Vacation Guide, the Governor′s Conference on Tourism,and  fall and winter promotion

Friday deadline for general entry competitions at Colorado State Fair

PUEBLO– Fri. Aug. 14 is the deadline for Colorado residents to enter over 1,500 general entry competitions at the 2009 Colorado State Fair.

    The general entry department offers an incredibly diverse menu of competitions for residents of all ages.  Each year, there are approximately 6,000 entries for more than 1,500 competitions throughout the General Entry categories including Pantry, Quilts, Needle Arts, Dolls, Porcelain Art, Arts & Crafts, and Floriculture (Potted Plants, Arrangements & Herbs) to name a few.

    Entry forms, competition rules and guidelines for each category are available online or may be picked up from the General Entry Office in the Kitchen Craft Hall on the Fairgrounds, Mon.-Fri. 8-5 pm or by calling (719) 404-2080.

    For a complete list of General Entry competitions, visit http://www.coloradostatefair.com/index.php?page=competitive_premium_book.

United Church family fun festival

WALSENBURG- Kids and families can arrange their own schedules for a Family Fun Festival at the United Church of Walsenburg (across from Loaf ′n Jug) the Saturday before school starts.

    Families may join in for 10 minutes or 3 1/2 hours at activity booths, each telling a Bible story.   Strong Man Sampson, the animals from Noah′s Ark (yes, you may pet them), Jericho′s Tumbling Walls and other Bible stories turn into family activities – no age limits.  Simple lunches provide a break at noon.

    Drop in any time between 10 am and 1:30 pm Sat. Aug. 15.  All activities and lunch are free.  For information or to help, you may contact Judy McCutcheon 738-3023.

Stonewall Century ride

LA VETA– Join Spanish Peaks Cycling for the 7th & final Stonewall Century, a 102 mile ride along Colorado′s Scenic Highway of Legends with cyclists from around the country. For information, see www.spcycling.org.  To host a rider overnight on Fri. Aug 14, call Ann Conley at the La Veta Library (742-3572) or send an email to LocalHostLodging@spcycling.org.

Women′s Day Out

COLORADO CITY- Greenhorn Valley Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a day out for women on Sat. Aug. 15, 10 to 4 at KOA Conference Center.  The  event includes lunch, wine tasting, chocolate fountain, massages, makeovers, manicures, entertainment and door prizes.

    Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.  Call Sara 676-3000 or Jeannie 676-3277

Public Meetings with Tri-State and partners

GARDNER/WALSENBURG- On Wed. Aug. 19, Tri-State, Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo), and  United States Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service (RUS) will hold public meetings at the Gardner Community Center from 9-11 and at the Huerfano County Community Center in Walsenburg from 4-7 pm to get public input on the location of a proposed transmission line and to give the public more information about the permitting process, including easements.

    Tri-State Generation and Transmission and PSCo, an Excel Energy company, are proposing to build a 230 volt double-circuit transmission line from Walsenburg to Alamosa. The proposed project will bring more energy into the San Luis Valley, add to the reliability of the delivery system, and provide a corridor for delivery of power produced by renewable energy projects in southern Colorado.

GARDNER- Every August, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gardner brings the celebration of the Holy Eucharist to the great outdoors along the Upper Huerfano River.  The celebration has been held annually for about twenty years, and in all that time the event had to be moved indoors only twice, last year due to rain, and once due to snow. 

    This year’s event will be held on Sunday Aug. 23 beginning at noon. Following the Mass the parishioners host a barbecue and potluck meal.  Hamburgers, hot dogs, and beverages are provided by the church, and attendees bring the side dishes and desserts.  Music will be provided by the Mariachi de Pueblo, a well-known group of musicians from Pueblo.

    For more information contact Mike or Rose Fariss at 719-404-4557.

PUEBLO-  The Colorado State Fair runs from Aug. 28–Sept. 7.  The 2009 Colorado State Fair will mark the Fair′s 137th year as Colorado′s premier celebration of agriculture.  In addition to showcasing Colorado agriculture, the annual event features one of the country’s largest traveling carnivals, artwork, crafts, food competitions, thrilling rodeo action, a wide variety of food and merchandise booths and a Fiesta Day honoring Colorado′s ties to Hispanic culture.

    For more information, visit www.coloradostatefair.com<http://www.coloradostatefair.com/>.

Health care workers needed

HUERFANO- The Las Animas-Huerfano Counties District Health Department is anticipating a busy flu vaccine season.  We are looking for individuals who can give us their time, talent, and effort to help keep our population healthy. We are especially interested in nurses and people with a health care background.  If you are interested, please contact Kristy at the Trinidad Office (719) 846-2213.

Stimulus money available

    Federal stimulus money is available to help many Americans weatherize homes and make energy efficiency improvements as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 goes into effect.

    Sealing air leaks and insulating can reduce heating bills by up to 32 percent.  Homeowners with incomes below 200 percent of the national poverty level are eligible.  For a family of four, that’s an income limit of $44,100.

    Program participants receive a professional energy consultation with an analysis of energy bills, a blower-door test to locate air leaks and advice on how to be more efficient.  Workers then arrive to make energy upgrades like insulating walls and roofs, sealing air leaks, and installing more efficient heating and cooling systems. The process usually takes two days with an average cost of $2,500.  The stimulus bill allows up to $6,500 for each home.

    For members not eligible for the funded programs, the stimulus plan provides a tax credit of up to $1,500, or 30 percent, of the cost for new energy upgrades, including weatherization.  Tax credits directly lower taxes owed dollar-for-dollar; a $1,500 tax credit for energy efficiency efforts will lower taxes owed by $1,500!

    To apply, contact Pueblo County Department of Human Services at 2631 E 4th, in Pueblo, CO 81001 or call (719) 583-6110  or visit www.eere.energy.gov/weatherization/state_contacts.cfm

OA

WALSENBURG- Overeaters Anonymous  meets on Fridays at 9:30 am at the Calvary Baptist Church, 801 Pennsylvania.