Senator Bennet in Walsenburg today
WALSENBURG- Senator Michael Bennet will be at the Huerfano County Community Center, 928 Russell Ave in Walsenburg Thurs. Oct. 7 from 1 to 2:30. Everyone is invited. The Senator will give a brief speech; then he will answer questions from the community. Light refreshments will be served. Senator Bennet is running against Ken Buck for the U.S. Senate. Election day is Nov. 2 with early voting beginning October 18.
Spanish Peaks Library fall celebrations
WALSENBURG- Many cultures have special activities at the end of October to celebrate the beginning of fall, often based on religious holidays or ancient customs. This year the Spanish Peaks Library has planned several programs around these traditions.
During Story Hour on Fri. Oct. 8, Dianne Hanisch will “Make Masks” beginning at 10:15. Later in the month there are several programs scheduled to learn about and celebrate the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). This holiday focuses on gatherings to remember friends and family members who have died. Traditions connected with the holiday include building altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, ancient traditions mixed with fall harvest; a time of celebration, where partying and eating is common.
On Wed. Oct. 13, at 4:30 there will be a class at the Library using Paper Mache to make skull masks. The following Wed. Oct.20, at 4:30 paint, glitter, stones, etc. will be added to the masks. Wed. Oct. 27, Linda Beverly will show us how Mexican Americans make altars to celebrate their dead and remember them with photos, candles, favorite things like baseball cards, a book, a cap, or anything that person enjoyed in life. She has also planned a special cultural program for young children during Story Hour on Fri. Oct. 29, at 10:30.
During the last week of October, a “community altar” will be created in the Archive room where historic newspapers, books, photos, and stories are currently kept for researching the history of this area and Colorado. Everyone is encouraged to bring items to add that remind us of their family and friends who have died.
On Nov. 2, there will be a number of activities throughout the day, culminating in a potluck from 4:00 – 6:00; anyone wishing to participate is encouraged to bring a loved one’s favorite food. And did you know that Christopher Columbus was born on October 31, 1451? Learn more about the ships that brought him to the new world during Story Hour on Oct. 15, at 10:30.
Second Friday Films From Books
LA VETA- On Fri. Oct. 8, 7 pm, the La Veta Public Library will screen The Importance of Being Earnest in our continuing series of Films From Books. This 2001 movie is based on Oscar Wilde’s 1894 play, set in London and the English countryside. Wilde’s play is only 60 pages long, but it packs a lot of punch in those pages. Practically every spoken line is alive with wit and sarcasm.
The principal characters, played by Reese Witherspoon, Colin Firth, Rupert Everett and Judi Dench, spar verbally throughout the film. The two major male characters each assume the name of “Ernest” as they try to woo the girl of their dreams. However, one Ernest is an orphan, and according to Lady Bracknell (played by Dench), he cannot possibly marry her daughter without at least one parent.
Hilarious chaos ensues as each Ernest pursues his girl. Please join us for viewing and discussion of this classic play. Admission is free and so is the popcorn!
Meet and greet Ken Buck Saturday
TRINIDAD- U. S. Senate candidate Ken Buck will be in Trinidad Sat. Oct. 9. from 10:30 to 11:30 am at Trinidad State Junior College-Massari Theatre. Be informed and get firsthand information from candidate Buck.
Weaving project presentation
PUEBLO- Join Steelworks Museum Curator Victoria Miller as she discusses CF&I’s Valdez Rug weaving project set up by the company during the depths of the Great Depression and other educational opportunities given to employees at that time. The lecture will be held at the Steelworks Museum Bessemer Community Room, 215 Canal Street on Sat. Oct. 9 from 3-4. Refreshments will be served. Reservations are required. This event is part of the Pueblo City-County Library District’s “All Pueblo Reads Program.” For more information or to make reservations, call (719) 564-9086.
Free sketching program at Sand Dunes
SAND DUNES- October Artist in Residence Angie Mestas is offering a free sketching program at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The program will take place from 2:30–5 pm Sat. Oct. 9. Participants will meet at the Dunes Parking Lot, then take an easy walk into the dunes, weather permitting. Mestas will demonstrate a variety of creative drawing techniques, and work with participants as they choose a view and work on their own drawings. Participants may stay for all or part of the workshop
as their schedules permit.
All sketching papers and materials are provided by the National Park Service at no charge, or participants may bring their own materials. The program is limited to 12 participants; please call Patrick Myers at 719-378-6343 to register; leave a voicemail if needed with your name and callback number for confirmation.
Angie Mestas is a multimedia artist, native to northern New Mexico. She combines her outdoor leadership experiences in San Luis Valley′s national wildlife refuges with an original vision for seeing and representing wildlife and landforms in fresh new ways. "I have an incredibly strong relationship with the land here," says Mestas. "That familiarity with color, aridity, and wildlife supports art that shows the character of the dunes. I want to benefit the park by creating drawings that are sensitive to the diversity of the ecosystem in hopes of generating an emotional and intellectual effect that stimulates visually…not only asking questions about ecological relationships but defining them."
Learn more about Great Sand Dunes National Park’s artist in residence program at: www.nps.gov/grsa/artists-in-residence.htm
Full Gospel Church program
WALSENBURG- Everyone is invited to come hear the dynamic testimony of a young lady who was hit by a truck at age 11, who should not be alive today. The presentation will be at the Full Gospel Church, 205 W 10th St. at 7 pm Sun. Oct. 10. The event is hosted by Pastor Debbie Reynolds.
Society for Creative Anachronism to meet
WALSENBURG- The Huerfano/Las Animas region local group of the Society for Creative Anachronism will hold its October business meeting at 6 pm on Mon. Oct. 11 at Spanish Peaks Library District in Walsenburg. This meeting is free and open to the public.
The SCA is an international organization dedicated to researching and re-creating the arts, skills, and traditions of pre-17th-century Europe. Members of the SCA study and take part in a variety of activities,including combat, archery, equestrian activities, costuming, cooking, metalwork, woodworking, music, dance, calligraphy, fiber arts, and much more.
Please visit www.sca.org for more information about the Society, or call 719-334-6937.
Republicans to meet
WALSENBURG- There will be a regular monthly meeting of the Huerfano County Republicans on Tues. Oct. 12 at 6 pm in the Huerfano Community Center. This is the last meeting before the very important election and we will have a full agenda. Please make every effort to attend and you can help take back our country. All registered republicans are invited to attend.
Navajo ladies luncheon
WALSENBURG- The Navajo Ladies Luncheon will be held Wed. Oct. 13 at 12:30 pm. The meeting will be at the La Plaza Inn restaurant. RSVP Michelle Gilchrist 719-738-3070.
Clap your hands in the library!
LA VETA- Clap Your Hands, a program for 2 to 3 year olds and their parents or caregivers will be held upstairs at the La Veta Public Library on Wednesday, October 13, starting at 9 AM. For more information, see this week′s La Veta Library News or call: 742-3572.
Carnegie Public Library Board of Trustees meets
TRINIDAD- The Carnegie Public Library’s Board of Trustees will now meet on the second Wed. of each month. The next meeting will be held on Oct. 13. Meetings will be held at City Hall, in the City Council Chambers on the third floor, so that there is sufficient room for members of the public who wish to address the Board during the public participation segment of the meeting.
Please note that members of the audience who wish to address the Board must sign in, state their names and address, and identify the topic on which they wish to speak. Participants are expected to follow rules of common courtesy and civil discourse per Article 11 of the Library Board’s By-Laws. The meetings will begin at 5:15 pm.
Brendt Berger Monumental Paintings AT MOF
WALSENBURG- The Museum of Friends is pleased to announce the third in a series of artist talks on Oct. 14 at the new ground floor space at 600 Main St. in Walsenburg. Beginning at 5:30 pm, Brendt Berger, co-founder of the museum, will briefly discuss his work on view in the current exhibition "Monumental Paintings." He will also talk about his life as a painter, printmaker and social activist. Images of many of Berger′s public works will be shown and an informal discussion will follow. Light refreshments will be served. www.museumoffriends.org.
Public scoping meetings on low altitude tactical navigation proposal
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M.- The United States Air Force will present information and hear issues and concerns regarding the proposal to establish a Low Altitude Tactical Navigation area for Special Operation Forces here during a series of upcoming public scoping meetings hosted by several New Mexico cities.
The schedule for the meetings is as follows:
Oct. 14, 1-3 p.m., State Capitol Building Rm. 322, 425 Don Gaspar, Santa Fe, N.M. 87503; Oct. 14, 6-8 p.m., Rio Grande Hall, 121 Civic Plaza Dr., Taos, N.M. 87571; Oct. 15, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Commission Chambers, City Hall, 224 Savage Ave. Raton, N.M., 87740; Oct. 15, 5-7 p.m., Leveo Sanchez Auditorium, 800 National Ave, Las Vegas, N.M. 87701.
Public scoping meetings are also being scheduled for Colorado locations, and details will be released shortly.
The Air Force is in the very preliminary stages of the Environmental Assessment process. The initial public scoping period runs through Nov. 15, and it is the first of several opportunities for public input on the proposal. This scoping period is being conducted prior to initiating the EA in order to ensure the public has an opportunity to identify issues they feel should be studied as the EA progresses.
Comments can also be mailed to Cannon AFB Public Affairs Office at 110 E Sextant Ave, Suite 1150, Cannon AFB NM 88103 or sent via email to 27SOWpublicaffairs@cannon.af.mil by Nov 15. For more information, visit the Cannon AFB website at www.cannon.af.mil.
St Mary Fall Festival
WALSENBURG- St. Mary′s Church in Walsenburg will have their Fall Festival Oct. 16 at the Community Center, 10th and Russell St. Mass will be celebrated at 4 pm; activities follow until 10 pm. Games, booths, silent auction, dancing. Chicken Barbecue will be $10 for adults; $5 for children 2 to 12 inclusive. For information call 719-738-1204.
Famous Female Felons
CANON CITY- Historian Sherry Johns of Penrose will be making her presentation on Famous Female Felons on Sat. Oct. 16 beginning at 1 pm at the Museum of Colorado Prisons, 201 North 1st Street, Canon City as part of the Smithsonian Institution’s Between Fences exhibit on display through Oct. 23. Free to the public. Questions please contact the Museum at 719-269-3015
Fall Workshops at El Pueblo History Museum
PUEBLO- The smell of freshly made tortillas evokes fond memories. For those interested in learning how to create their own, there will be a Tortilla-Making Workshop on Sat. Oct. 16, from 10 am to 12 pm at El Pueblo History Museum. The workshop will be held in the museum’s trading post. A noonday meal will also be prepared for the participants. Cost is $10, which includes supplies.
Also on Sat. Oct. 16 from 10 am to 2 pm will be a Yucca Weaving Workshop. Featuring artist Maria Westy Bush, this workshop for adults includes a demonstration on yucca’s historical uses followed by a hands-on beginning weaving class. Participants will receive her book, Yucca The Amazing Desert Plant. It is recommended that participants bring a sack lunch and old clothes to work in. Cost is $25, which includes supplies.
Registration is required for both workshops by calling the museum at 583-0453. The Museum is located at 301 North Union.
Colorado Municipal League dinner
WALSENBURG- The Colorado Municipal League will have a dinner on Oct. 18 at the La Plaza Inn. They want to put together a visitor packet for Walsenburg. If you have any coupons (good till the end of the year) or information about your business, please call Nancy Lave at 719-738-2005 or drop it off at the Chamber office, 400 Main St., Walsenburg. This to help bring business to Walsenburg during the holidays. The dinner is sponsored by the City of Walsenburg.
Volleyball Sign-ups
WALSENBURG- The Walsenburg Adult Men, Women and Co-ed Recreation Leagues will hold a meeting on Tues. Oct. 19 at 7:30 pm at the Huerfano County Community Center. There will be team sign-ups for the upcoming season. For more information call Dave Manzanares at 719-738-2001.
Last call for veterans
LA VETA- Huerfano Hometown Heroes would like to invite all area Veterans to an appreciation luncheon in November. It is by reservation only, so please call Mary at 738-1058, Millie at 742-0280 or Juanita at 742-3235 so we can include you.
VFC food drive update
WALSENBURG- Volunteers for Change members Bonnie Rose and Susan Kalman collected $30.20 in cash and a cart full of groceries for donation to Dorcas Circle last week at Dollar General in Walsenburg. Bill Flanagin also helped out for the afternoon. The cash was used to purchase more groceries. The next VFC food-drive day will be Fri. Nov. 5, from 1 pm to 5 pm at Dollar General.
Eight ball pool league now forming
WALSENBURG- There is an eight ball pool league now forming. For more information or to sign up call 719-214-4176 or 719-250-9662.
Colorado breedstock marketed to Russian cattlemen
LAKEWOOD, CO- A trip to Russia, Oct. 2-12 by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) will help foster business relationships with Russian cattlemen and provide opportunities to market Colorado breedstock.
Andy Maupin, with Spruce Mountain Cattle Ranch in Larkspur, CO, will travel with the Colorado, Kansas and Montana Departments of Agriculture and other cattlemen to Moscow and to Angus Genetics of Russia in the Kaluga region of Russia.
The group will attend the Golden Autumn Livestock Exposition, visit with Russian beef producers about U.S. beef genetics, and tour farms/ranches in the regions to see firsthand what Russian beef production looks like. During the Golden Autumn Livestock Exposition, Maupin will join fellow Angus producers from both the U.S. and Russia on a panel where Russian producers, media and members of allied industries will hear about U.S. Angus cattle and have the opportunity to ask questions.
“This is a tremendous opportunity, and I look forward to meeting fellow beef producers in Russia and sharing with them how U.S. genetics can help Russia reach its goal of producing more high-quality beef,” said Andy Maupin.
Like many seed stock ranches in Colorado, Spruce Mountain Cattle Ranch wishes to expand their marketing efforts overseas. They have previously hosted delegations from Russia, Canada and Mexico. Spruce Mountain Cattle Ranch has traveled to Canada and Mexico, but this will be their first trip to Russia.
This is the second business development trip to Russia on behalf of Colorado ranchers that CDA has conducted in 2010. In May, CDA staff along with their colleagues from Kansas and Montana traveled to Russia to conduct market research and build relationships with Russian producers, allied industry and government officials. Colorado also hosted two delegations of Russian cattlemen last July.
“I’ve seen the market potential grow since our first trip to Russia in 2007,” said Dawn Velásquez de Pérez, CDA international marketing specialist. “We hope Colorado will become partners with the Russian cattle industry through the export of live cattle, semen and embryos.”
This mission trip was made possible by USDA Market Access Program funding through U.S. Livestock Genetics Export Inc. (USLGE). For more information contact Dawn Velásquez de Pérez, (303) 239-4123 or e-mail dawn.velasquez@ag.state.co.us.
Colorado fishing regulations review
DENVER- The Colorado Division of Wildlife announced today that its regular "Five-Year Review of Fishing Regulations" is almost complete. The Colorado Wildlife Commission is now reviewing draft regulations for the 2011-2015 seasons and will adopt final regulations at its Nov. 12 meeting in Yuma.
Anglers and other interest groups are invited to review the proposed regulations and submit feedback as the DOW and Wildlife Commission move into the final stages of this regulatory process.
"Over the last six months, we′ve heard from anglers, conservation groups, fishing clubs and local communities, which contributed greatly to developing these draft fishing regulations," said Dave Chadwick, DOW public involvement coordinator. "Although we are no longer looking for new proposals, we welcome concluding comments before regulations are finalized in November."
Every five years the Colorado Wildlife Commission reviews statewide fishing regulations to ensure that the DOW continues to meet fisheries management objectives and recreational needs of anglers. The regulations dictate allowable fishing methods, season dates, size restrictions and bag/possession limits. The regulations include statewide policies as well as localized rules that apply to individual waters.
In developing new regulations, Division of Wildlife managers examined data on fish populations and habitats, and collected social data on angler activity, satisfaction and preferences. The agency held numerous "Angler Roundtable" meetings around the state and hosted an online forum allowing anglers and other interest groups to submit suggestions over the Internet.
"Colorado′s anglers are a diverse group of people who enjoy fishing for a variety of cold- and warm-water sport-fish species," said Greg Gerlich, aquatic section manager for the Division of Wildlife. "We′ve identified where new rules are needed and where out-of-date rules need to be changed… the new regulations keep us moving forward in a direction that offers both expanded opportunities for anglers and supports the responsible management of Colorado′s fisheries."
Fishing generates nearly $1.2 billion annually in economic activity in Colorado. Every year more than 600,000 people buy Colorado fishing licenses.
Review the proposed changes and draft regulations on the Division of Wildlife′s website at: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/RegulationsReview.htm
Anglers and other interest groups who would like to comment on the final stages of the review process should contact Dave Chadwick, DOW public involvement section, at (303) 291-7174 or dave.chadwick@state.co.us .
Police Alert–Vicious dogs on the loose
WALSENBURG– Recently the Walsenburg Police Department has received numerous reports of two vicious dogs at large in the city. They are described as a tan Pit Bull and a large yellow dog, possibly a Pit Bull mix. They have mostly been reported in the northeast area of the city, but there have been a few sightings in other areas. These dogs have not yet been apprehended, so please use extra caution when children and pets are outdoors. If you believe you see these dogs at large, or encounter any loose dogs acting in an aggressive manner, please call the Walsenburg Police Department at 738-1044.
Energy Grants available to Huerfano County Businesses
HUERFANO- South Central Council of Governments is looking for Huerfano County business owners to apply for grant money from the Governor’s Energy Office. The grant is to improve the energy efficiency of businesses. The deadline for application is October 15. Contact Larry Blessman at the SCCOG office in Trinidad: 719-845-1133, email: lblessman@sscog.net or Al Tucker: 719-738-2142 for more information.
Christmas around the world
WALSENBURG- This year, the theme for Walsenburg′s annual Parade of Lights is Christmas Around the World. From Mexico to Morocco, from Iceland to Tierra del Fuego, people have their own ways of celebrating Christmas. This year’s Parade of Lights encourages people to build floats reflecting their own heritage, perhaps focusing on something that is unique from their culture or something particularly fun about the holiday.
Huerfano County has long been a melting pot of people from all over the world, drawn here to work the mines and the ranches and then to stay and raise their families. Let’s celebrate these different traditions that all came together here in Huerfano County!
