Communication Coalition to meet, discuss Amendments 60, 61 & Prop 101
WALSENBURG- The monthly meetings of the Huerfano County Communication Coalition will start up again on Thurs. Sept. 2 at noon at the Spanish Peaks Library.
The Bell Policy Center and Southeast Colorado Area Health Education Center (SECAHEC) have teamed up to provide information on Amendments 60, 61 and Proposition 101. These ballot measures, which voters will face in November, are a triple threat to Colorado′s economic future and vital community services. Bell staff and partners at the Colorado Children′s Campaign and the Colorado Fiscal Policy Institute have analyzed these measures and what they will mean for Huerfano County and the rest of the state if passed.
Thursday′s meeting will be co-sponsored by Southeastern Colorado Area Health Education Center (SCAHEC), a nonprofit affiliated with UC Denver Health Sciences Center, which works to enhance health and healthcare in 16 southern Colorado counties. Funding is provided by a grant from Colorado Trust.
Anyone interested in learning about county happenings or to share information about what is happening in the county is encouraged to attend Communication Coalition meetings. The group meets the first Thurs. of the month from Sept. through May. Lunch is typically provided by sponsoring agencies. Please RSVP to Debbie at 738-2718 or dchannel@amigo.net.
Food collection
WALSENBURG– Can you spare a can or box of nonperishable food for community members who need a little extra help in these difficult economic times? If so, please stop by and say hello to Stirling Lathrop, Susan Kalman, Gloria Thomas, and Roger Weiss this Friday at Dollar General, 124 W. 7th Street, in Walsenburg.
We will be at the Volunteers for Change table collecting food, household needs like detergent or paper goods, and food for pets on Fri.. Sept. 3, from 1 to 5 pm. Everything donated will be given to Dorcas Circle for distribution in the community. We will purchase additional food with any cash donations.
Thanks to Dollar General for allowing us to use their space, and thanks to all of you generous folks who have come by in past months to help support Walsenburg! We hope to see you Friday. For info, call Susan at 719-250-6097.
Attention All Class Reunion folks!
WALSENBURG- The Walsenburg Golf Course will be open Friday evening for drinks only as a local place to mix with anyone who wishes to get together the evening before.
We have nearly 200 coming, with people from as far away as Idaho, Tennessee, North Carolina, New York, California and all over Colorado! The class of 1965 seems to have quite a good number coming since it′s their 45th year and the Lessar family seems to be having a family reunion with quite a few family members from out of town descending upon the reunion.
People are encouraged to attend the JHMS football game at 1pm on Sat.
The registration packets will be available from 8:30 am on at the Huerfano County Community Center, however, the reunion hall won′t open until 3 pm. Dinner will be served about 5 pm. by GG′s BBQ owned by Lonnie Elley and his son Carl (Lonnie is a 1974 graduate of WHS). A program will begin at 6 pm; slides of old photos of some attendees and photos of Walsenburg will be on tap all evening. Dancing will be about 7 pm to Walsenburg DJ John Pineda.
Sorry, we can′t take any walk-ins. Everyone must be pre-registered and have a name tag.
Lathrop Park weekend events Songs of the Past-Dennis Rains
On Fri. Sept. 3 at 7 pm, come on out to Lathrop and enjoy the sounds from a simpler time while relaxing as the sun descends over the campground. Dennis Rains is a local musician who will entertain you with his old time country, bluegrass, and cowboy ballads on his acoustic guitar!
Celtic Musicians “Willson and McKee”
On Sat. Sept. 4 at 7 pm, Willson & McKee, a nationally touring duo specializing in original as well as traditional Irish and Scottish acoustic music, will be performing at Lathrop. Rocky Mountain Celtic… what Celtic becomes when it settles comfortably, three generations in the west! The combination of their Celtic heritage plus their Montana and Colorado roots gives audiences a fresh musical experience. They will perform original compositions with an ancient sound, and traditional pieces re-dressed in their distinctive style. Blazing instrumentals, warm harmony vocals, and a lot of laughter complete the Wilson and McKee experience!
All you ever wanted to know about Rocks and More!
On Sun. Sept. 5 at 7:30 pm, 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 Sudar continues with the story of how these rocks arrived at their current location in Huerfano County. If you have been out exploring the park, you will be able to easily recognize the pictures of the various rock formations.
Clicks Coalition holding two events for safety
LAS ANIMAS-A Car Seat Check will be held at Las Animas County Fair Grounds Sun. Sept. 5 from 11 am to 2 pm. Certified car seat technicians will be on site to conduct the checks. Any issues will be corrected on site and checked against a recall list. Replacement seats will be available if needed for a nominal fee of $5.00 or a donation of four non-perishable food items.
Las Animas County Clicks Coalition would like to thank Mr. Jim Jolly of Jolly’s towing for providing a wrecked vehicle which will help educate the community on the importance of seat belt usage and safety.
On Mon. Sept. 6 from 11 am to 12 pm at the Las Animas County Fair grounds, the Clicks Team and members of the Trinidad High School Band will be conducting a seat belt survey and handing out Las Animas County Clicks Key Chains at Monday’s Rodeo Festivities. They will be surveying the first 100 cars entering the fair grounds.
St. Mary’s invites you
WALSENBURG– St. Mary Catholic Church invites you to learn what the Catholic Church Really Teaches and Why. The class is for those who are interested in entering the church, those who are curious about the faith, or those who want to learn more about their faith. Classes start Sept. 15, at 6 pm at Mazzone Hall. Please call Mary Ann to register at 738-1204. Gary Hanish and Nancy Tolbert will be the instructors.
St. Mary Catholic Church is accepting registrations for Confirmation after Sunday Mass Sept. 5 and Sept. 12 in Mazzone Hall. High school students who will be 16 years of age on or before May 2012 are invited to register. Our first session will be Sept. 26 in Mazzone Hall immediately following Mass. Registrations forms are also available at the Rectory.
Friends of the Library
WALSENBURG- Spanish Peaks Library District’s Friends of the Library will be meeting in the Archive Room at the library, 415 Walsen Ave. Tues. Sept. 7 at 2:30 pm. Please join us with ideas on how to help library services and programs. Questions? Call Jerry at 738-2426 or Dorothy 719-422-1031.
Piñata Workshops
WALSENBURG-There will be a Piñata Workshop on Thurs. Sept. 9 and Thurs. Sept. 16 from 4:30-5:30 pm at the Spanish Peaks Library.
Do you ever wonder how a piñata is made? Do you want to know what a piñata is? Come, learn and create with Linda Beverly. This event will be held in the meeting room.
Please sign up for workshops at the main desk in the Library. For more information call 738-2774 or visit the website at www.spld.org.
Gliding over Colorado
LA VETA– You saw his photos in the August issue of Colorado Country Life, spectacular photos from a glider plane high above the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Now come meet Bob Thompson in person at the La Veta Library on Thurs. Sept. 9 at 7 pm. Bob will show slides and describe what it’s like to soar in a glider high above 14,000 foot peaks. The photos in the magazine gave just a glimpse of the incredible beauty of the San Juans from above. After an hour or so of seeing Bob’s slides, you’ll feel like you’ve been gliding over the peaks also!
Bob Thompson is a retired college professor whose Colorado home is at Vallecito, near Durango. Thompson has his glider plane towed aloft from the Val Air Gliderport north of Durango. Thompson relates that “once up in the air, the glider can fly circular paths up the thermals in a smooth ascent to altitudes as high as 17,900 feet above sea level, and flights of 200-300 miles are commonly flown by glider pilots in southwestern Colorado.”
Thompson will be making the trip to La Veta by the more conventional means of the automobile. Please join us to view his amazing photos on Sept. 9.
Tourism Board to meet
WALSENBURG- The Huerfano County Tourism Board will postpone its regular meeting to the second Fri. Sept. 10 at noon in the commissioners′ meeting room in the courthouse. On the agenda is the financial report, 2011 budget, signage, E-Zone grant, invoices, advertising and Colorado Tourism Office grant.
Community Youth Chorus
WALSENBURG-The Community Youth Chorus will begin its fall and winter season with rehearsals for the musical The Christmas S.O.C.C.E.R. Team by Kathie Hill. It is about a church group which is worried that the young people will not know the Christmas carols. They form the S.O.C.C.E.R. team-which is the Society of Christmas Carolers Emergency Rescue Team! It is a fun musical with young people and adults. Guess who sings the straight carol and who sings the jazzy or rap one? Rehearsals are on Fridays beginning Sep 10 from 1-2 pm at the United Church, 108 Kansas, downstairs. We have a good time singing, exercising and having fun. Carol Lyon (989-0826) and Carol Stevens (738-2293) are the people in charge. Please come join us!
Our Lady of Guadalupe Birthday Celebration
AGUILAR- Saint Anthony’s Parish of Aguilar would like to invite everyone to celebrate our Lady’s birthday on Sept. 10. The celebration will begin with Mass at 6 pm. The Walsenburg Spanish Choir will again participate this year at Mass. We will host a banquet/potluck with chicken and drinks provided following the Mass at the parish Hall. Bring your favorite dish to share in honor of our Lady’s birthday.
Plaza Parade to honor veterans
WALSENBURG– La Plaza de Los Leones’ 37th Annual Fiesta begins with a parade down Main Street in Walsenburg on Sept. 11. On the ninth anniversary of 9/11, La Plaza’s parade theme is honoring our hometown heroes. La Plaza is inviting all veterans in Huerfano County to lead the parade. In place of a single parade Grand Marshall, every veteran will be considered a Grand Marshall in appreciation of their service to our country from World War II to the present conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Parade line-up begins at 9 am on Sept. 11 at Walsen Avenue and Spruce Street, just south of Spanish Peaks Library. Some transportation will be available. However, veterans and their families are invited to bring their own vehicles or design a float. In addition to the parade, activities include free entertainment; beer garden; softball, volleyball, and horseshoe tournaments; food; vendors; and dancing to the music of The Dynamix.
La Plaza de Los Leones is an all-volunteer community-based organization that provides academic scholarships to any qualified Huerfano County student without regard to race, ethnicity, or religious affiliation. For more information, call Art Bobian at 989-1772.
Civil War in New Mexico
LA VETA- There will be a Civil War in New Mexico talk and slides by Sandy White, retired La Veta lawyer on Sat. Sept. 11 at 4 pm in Francisco Fort Museum saloon. The discussion, handouts, snacks and museum exhibit are all free. Books on the civil war are for sale.
Sandy has had a lifelong passion to learn about Glorieta Pass and the many territories involved in combatting the Confederate plot to seize the West. It began on a roadtrip at age 8 and was fired by a West Point professor in his course on The Military Art. The talk includes Sibley, Chivington and our first territorial governor′s bogus funding of his 1st Colorado Regiment at Ft. Garland. Sandy will take you over the hills with tales of starvation, wagon burning, and shootouts by and of newsmen during this critical moment of the Civil War in our area.
This is Francisco Fort′s final Saturday program for the year. Come for a tour through September Thursday-Sunday and stop in our newly stocked book and gift shop. We have many out-of-print books!
Cantata rehearsals
HUERFANO– The Mystery and the Majesty by Joseph Martin is the Christmas cantata that the Community Singers will begin rehearsing on Sun. Sept. 12 from 6-7 pm at the United Church of Walsenburg, 108 Kansas Avenue. There will be rehearsals on Wed. evenings from 6:30-7:30 pm at the La Veta United Methodist Church, 420 S. Main. You may go to either one or both. The cantata uses many favorite christmas carols and some not so familiar carols. It is beautiful and flowing music that brings the beauty of Christmas to the singer and listener. The cantata will be presented to the public on Sat. Dec. 11, 7 pm in La Veta and on Sun. Dec. 12, 7 pm in Walsenburg. Carol Lyon will be directing, Eileen Bankson will accompany and Peggy Arnold-Hoobler will do the staging. Come and sing with us! Questions? Call Carol at 989-0826.
Hands-On Sculpture Fabricating Workshop
LA VETA- The La Veta School Of The Arts is offering a hands-on sculpture fabricating workshop September 18 & 19 (9 am to 4 pm). In this class students will learn basic cutting, welding, and carving techniques with electric, pneumatic and hand tools to create a steel, stone or wood sculpture. You will design your own sculpture with assistance from your instructor, Jim Fowler, an experienced creator of exotic objects. No experience necessary.
Jim studied art at the Sir John Cass School of Art (London), American University (Paris) and the University of Texas. He is a stone carver, a painter and a metal sculptor. His public works in Colorado may be seen in Grand Junction, Frisco, and at Libre — an intentional community of artists near Gardner, Colorado — where he has lived since 1969. Class will be held at The La Veta School of the Arts across from the town park in La Veta. For more information, call 719.989.0339, e-mail LaVetaArtSchool@yahoo.com, or visit our website at www.theLVSA.org. Cost is $150. A lab fee of $60 is required. You may call the instructor (719-746-2200) to personalize your project parts lists.
Volunteers for change Three free car seats available
Thanks to a donation by a kind volunteer, Sangre de Cristo Volunteers for Change has three car seats to give away. Two are for children up to 40 pounds, and one is for an infant of up to 20 pounds. All are in very good condition. If you have a child and need a car seat, please call Susan Kalman at 719.676.4493 or 719.250.6097.
Again this month generous shoppers at Charlie′s Market in La Veta donated cash and grocery items for those in need. Volunteers for Change members Stirling Lathrop, Bonnie Rose, and Judith Sims-Barlow used the cash to purchase a total of 109 grocery items, all of which went to the First Baptist Church for distribution in the community. Next month′s collection will be on Fri. Sept. 24, from 1 to 6 pm. For information about VFC food collection, or if you′d like to help in September, please call Susan Kalman at 719.250.6097.
Volunteers needed
LAS ANIMAS/HUERFANO- The Las Animas-Huerfano Counties District Health Department is preparing for the annual flu vaccination clinic.
This year we are going to try something a little different, we will be holding a drive through clinic. Although we are still working out the details, we do know that we need volunteers on October 16 to help out with our Flu Shot Clinic. Please contact Kristy Toupal at 719-846-2213 for more information.
Now hiring District Wildlife Managers
DENVER-The Colorado Division of Wildlife is now hiring District Wildlife Managers.
District Wildlife Managers are wildlife professionals who have unique and exciting careers. Responsibilities include wildlife management, law enforcement, community outreach and education.
This is one of the few entry-level positions in the wildlife field that allows a recent college graduate or a seasoned professional seeking a career change the opportunity to have an immediate impact on wildlife.
Today′s District Wildlife Manager is someone who has a bachelor′s degree in biology or a natural resources-related field, has experience in the outdoors, has exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, will agree to and pass a background check, will successfully complete training as a peace officer
The DOW has a rich tradition in hiring the best-qualified, talented and dedicated professionals to help manage Colorado′s wildlife resources. In working to maintain this tradition, the hiring process is rigorous and competitive. Candidates are encouraged to begin the application process early. The application deadline is Sept. 13, 2010.
To view this job announcement, please visit website at: www.wildlife.state.co.us/Jobs
For more information about District Wildlife Managers, please visit the DOW website at:
http://wildlife.state.co.us/Jobs/DistrictWildlifeManagerWildlifeOfficer.
Fair hosts 100th year of 4-H
PUEBLO- This year marks the centennial year of Colorado’s 4-H Program, and the Colorado State Fair is proud to play host for another successful year. For 100 years, Colorado’s youth have been bringing their 4-H projects to the Colorado State Fairgrounds to compete with their peers. The blood, sweat and tears put into these 4-H projects finally pays off when young 4-Hers get to compete at the State Fair, the “Super Bowl” of 4-H.
“I would like to again welcome the 4-H organization to the Fair during their 100th anniversary,” said State Fair General Manager, Chris Wiseman. “The State Fair is dedicated to youth and agriculture and over the years, that has helped to create a very symbiotic relationship with 4-H and one that I hope continues to flourish for the next 100 years.”
4-H began a century ago as an educational program for the nation’s rural youth. 4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. Today, the 4-H program continues to help shape and engage young people in positive and productive development experiences. 4-H now appeals to millions of youth from the city to the farm by offering hundreds of 4-H projects like cooking, wildlife, livestock, nutrition, sewing, archery, arts and crafts, computers and many more.
“Plans for commemorating the past and looking to the future of 4-H in Colorado include gathering the stories of how 4-H has touched the lives of local community members and a focus on highlighting emerging science, technology, engineering, and math in current and future projects,” says Jeff Goodwin, assistant director for 4-H and youth development.
Through state and county fairs and multi–media projects, 4-H members will be working in their local areas and showcasing current and historic community involvement in 4-H.
In celebration of 100 great years of 4-H in Colorado, the Colorado State University Extension Office has created a webpage that showcases how people′s lives have been impacted by 4-H throughout the years. Stories, photos, editorials, videos and audio files can be found at www.colorado4h.org/100stories/index.shtml.
The Colorado State Fair runs from August 27 – September 6, 2010. To see what’s in store for the 2010 Colorado State Fair visit www.coloradostatefair.com.
Big game hunting stories
COLORADO– The Colorado Division of Wildlife has posted its annual story package for the 2010 Big Game Hunting Season on its Web site. All media outlets are invited to use these for specials sections, on web sites or in regular publications. Photos from the DOW image database are also available.
These are general stories that provide basic information to big game hunters. Topics include : care of big game meat; what hunters should do if they make a mistake in the field; proper use of off-road vehicles; common violations; tips for hunting deer and elk, and more.
Go to this web site to access the stories:
http://wildlife.state.co.us/NewsMedia/BigGameHuntingStories.htm.
Following is the list of some of the stories available this year.
– Caring for Your Campsite
– Don′t Shoot a Moose
– Essential Hunting Gear Check-list
– High Altitude Survival
– – Preference Point System Explained
– How to Hunt Pronghorn
How to Hunt Deer
– How to Hunt Elk
– Taking Care of Game Meat
– Hunting Ethics Critical to Sport
– How to Hunt Safely
– Hunting with Horses
– Know the Rules of Hunting
For details about hunting in specific areas in Colorado, you can contact one of the DOW′s public information specialists: northeast region: Jennifer Churchill (303) 291-7234; southeast region: Michael Seraphin (719) 227-5211; northwest region: Randy Hampton (970) 255-6162; southwest region: Joe Lewandowski (970) 375-6708; state-wide: Tyler Baskfield (303) 291-7468; statewide: Jerry Neal (303) 291-7161
Register now for October ACT® test
IOWA CITY, IOWA- Registration is now open for the October 23, 2010 ACT achievement test. Students who wish to take the college admission and placement exam must register before September 17, 2010.
The ACT is a curriculum-based achievement exam. It tests what students have actually learned in school, not their aptitude for learning. The ACT also measures what students need to know to be ready for first year credit-bearing college courses based on ACT College Readiness Standards™. Every student’s results can be tied directly to these consistent standards.
The ACT has four sections—English, mathematics, reading and science—and takes about three hours to complete. Students who take the ACT Plus Writing complete an optional writing test that requires an additional 30 minutes. Unlike other exams, students are not penalized for guessing or answering all the questions on each test section. In fact, it is beneficial for test takers to answer all questions within the time allowed.
During registration, students may select up to four universities to receive their score reports. ACT scores are accepted by all four-year colleges and universities across the United States. ACT reports scores only when requested to do so by the student. Additional score reports are available for a small fee.
All students complete a detailed inventory of questions during ACT registration. Each test taker receives an ACT score report that includes a wide variety of information to assist with high school course selection, college readiness, career planning, and college admissions.
The cost for the ACT test without writing is $33. When combined with the optional ACT Writing Test, the total cost is $48. Students who qualify may apply for a fee waiver through their high school counselor.
The ACT website, www.actstudent.org, has helpful information, free sample items, and options to order inexpensive test prep materials to assist test takers get ready for the exam. However, the best preparation is to take rigorous core courses in school, study hard, and learn the academic skills needed in college.
Most students register online at www.actstudent.org. Students may also pick up registration forms from their high school counseling offices. Registration is available until October 1, 2010 for an extra $21 fee.
