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Upcoming Events for week of May 28, 2020

THROUGHOUT OUR WORLD

COVID-19 Test site info

PUEBLO — The Pueblo Community Based Test Site at Colorado State Fairgrounds (enter through Gate 4 off Mesa Avenue and Gaylord Avenue). will be open today, Thursday, May 28 and tomorrow, Friday, May 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. We still have the capacity to perform up to 250 self-swabs. Testing is free and limited to the first 250 people per day.

Tests are available to anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 to include fever (100.4 or higher), shortness of breath, cough, headache, chills, body aches, muscle pain, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell. Additionally, the following individuals who are asymptomatic can be tested:

Health care workers and first responders Anyone over the age of 65
Anyone who has had contact with a person testing positive for COVID-19

African American, Latino and American Indian Tribes
A resident of a long-term care facility and anyone experiencing homelessness.

The tests are self-administered and all those being tested must be able to conduct the test themselves. Anyone being tested must be in an enclosed vehicle. No bicycles, motorcycles or walk-ups are allowed.

 

Online Borderlands Talk: Nepantla- Embracing Borderlands Poetics

OUR WORLD — Join us on Zoom Thursday, May 28, 6 to 7 pm. We will hear from Jessica Helen Lopez, Spoken Word Artist, Educator, and City of Albuquerque Poet Laureate, Emeritus

Read a poem. Hear a poem. Write a poem honoring the borderlands within us and around us. Poetry performance and workshop/ discussion with Jessica Helen Lopez.

The event is free and open to the public. Register for this meeting at https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEpcuuhqj8uHdMh9mWzZ3xCWvMoyZEhzXC6.

Please consider supporting the Border- lands Lecture Series by contributing at http://coloradogives.org/CommunityMuseumsOnline. Our Online Borderlands Lecture Series is generously supported by the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area.

 

Free self-paced tutorials through TSJC online

OUR WORLD — TSJC is offering some noncredit Continuing/Community Ed classes through Ed2Go (Cengage). The link to the website to sign up is: https://www.ed2go.com/tsjc/SearchResults.aspx?SearchTerms=free

The classes are all self-paced, tutorial- type and the following courses are available at no charge if people enroll by Tuesday, June 30.

• Creating Web Pages
• Creating WordPress Websites
• Fundamentals of Supervision and Management
• Twelve Steps to a Successful Job Search
• Keys to Effective Communication
• Managing Customer Service
• Marketing Your Business on the Internet
• Personal Finance
• Small Business Marketing on a Shoestring

• Individual Excellence

 

Mental health support for senior citizens

OUR WORLD — Senior Health Advocates Colorado wants you to know we are here for you during this difficult time. You may be feeling isolated, scared, or just want to talk. You may have a friend or relative you are concerned about or perhaps you need support in some other way. Please reach out to us. We care about you and want to support our community. Call us at 719-680-4883 or Email us at: seniorhealthadvocatesco@gmail.com or info@seniorhealthadvocatesco.com. For more information, check out our website and Facebook page: http://seniorhealthadvocatesco.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/seniorhealthadvocatesco/

Stay safe and reach out should you need anything. We want to help. Senior Health Advocates Colorado is a member of the Trinidad Las Animas Chamber of Commerce. We are a voluntary group of professionals dedicated to community health and wellness. We recognize the difficulties older adults may have navigating the health care system, associated support services and advocating for themselves.

Our mission is to ensure that seniors in Southern Colorado are provided with services required by law and by standards of decency and dignity. Our goal is to assist you by providing guidance, support, education and advocacy.”

 

Learn to Hunt webinars

OUR WORLD — Interested in learning how to hunt but not sure where to start? Know someone who might benefit from some hunting tips and tricks? We’re here to help with our upcoming Learn to Hunt webinar series, Thursday nights at 7 p.m. on Zoom.

Big Game Hunting Tactics – May 28 – We will discuss three hunting tactics to try in the field and when you might want to try them.

Secondary Draw, Leftover Licenses, and OTC Licenses – June 4 – New to Colorado in 2020 is the Secondary Draw. Let’s talk about how this works, as well as left over and over the counter options for this coming fall.

Hunt Mentors and Hunt Community – June 11 – A challenge to new hunters, or hunters new to Colorado, is finding people to hunt with. We will discuss opportunities to find mentors and fellow hunters. https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YmIc LtFsRLmFUg9sh5AtLQ

 

HUERFANO

Dorcas Circle re-opens

WALSENBURG — The food pantry at Dorcas reopened on Tuesday, May 26, 10 a.m.; we ordered enough food to support 400 giveaways, if there is still food left we will give out the remaining food today, Thursday, May 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Please pull your car in front of the thrift store, we will ask for your information there, after we get your information we will ask you to pull forward, our staff will load your car for you.

The thrift store will open Tuesday, June 2 and will run normal hours every Tuesday and Thursday through the month. Shoppers will be required to wear a mask for entry, and we will be limiting entry to four customers at a time. God bless, and we look forward to seeing all of you.

 

Care and Share distribution

WALSENBURG — The next Care and Share food distributions will be Friday, May 29, 11 a.m. at the Huerfano County Community Center.

 

Gardner Farmers Market 10th Season

GARDNER — The 10th season of the Gardner Farmers Market will run every Saturday from May 30th to October 17th, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. under the Pavilion next to the Methodist Church.

Due to Virus, we ask:
1. Please wear masks, or please follow current County/State guidelines
2. Maintain 6 feet separation from customers and vendors
3. Hand sanitizer will be available to sanitize your hands.
4. Please point to items you want to purchase and the vendor will package your items.
5. If you are sick, please stay home. Have a neighbor purchase items for you, or contact us.

Gardner 1/2 Price Programs:
1. Vegetable 1/2 Price Program: Fresh Vegetables and Items that are primarily made of Vegetable are 1/2 Price if you are Low Income. 2. Duane Martin 1/2 Price Protein Program: Meat, Eggs, Cheese and any Item primarily made with Protein is 1/2 Price if you are Low Income.
* Thanks to supporters, Shii Koeii Farm was able to raise money to fund these programs for 2020!

Vendors Confirmed for May 30th:
L&M Ranch, Lamb Items Available (Pork and Beef sold out), Lamb Prices: http://lmranch.us/meat-prices, 719 890-4848, liorah@lmranch.us
Karen Shaw-jams & jellies, Elderberries, Handcrafted Soaps, Socks, Felted Dryer Balls, Baskets
Danny’s- FREE FUDGE opening day!, Pickled Products, Granola, Beef Jerky, Fudge, Baked Goods
Shii Koeii Farm-lettuce mix, radishes, winterbor kale, rainbow chard, garlic scapes, greek oregano, chocolate mint, chives, for goat share members: hard goat cheese & chevre in 5 flavors, fresh breads: sourdough, pretzel, seeded wheat, roasted chile & cheddar, bread & roses skin care: hand salve, face cream, sunscreen. Questions: 865-247-9749 or shiikoeii@yahoo.com
Red House Pies- Large & small sweet & savory pies, $7 small, $18 large, Special Order: 865-247-9515 or secondmamma@msn.com TK Ranch-Eggs
For more information: Gardner Farmers Market, 865-247-9749 or gardnermarket@yahoo.com

 

La Veta Village food services

LA VETA — La Veta Village has two programs to help with food needs during Covid-19 alerts. If you are 60 or older or high-risk, safety-trained volunteers will shop at Charlie’s with your grocery list and deliver to your home. This service is available to anyone in the 81055 zip code or in Navajo ranch. Contact Susan at 719-989-8361 or email lvvfoodservices@gmail.com

Also, La Veta Village offers a free food pick-up for persons who qualify by income level or because of unemployment. Please register for a box by Wednesday at 5 pm for a pick-up the following Saturday. The next pick- up is Saturday, May 30. Email lvvfoodservices@gmail.com or call Rebecca 719-746-2329.

If you would like to volunteer, call 719- 746-2329. To donate, go to lavetavillage.org

 

For the Love of Spanish Peaks Country auction

HUERFANO — Now through Sunday, May 31: For the Love of Spanish Peaks Country Auction is brought to you by the La Veta-Cuchara Chamber of Commerce and the Spanish Peaks Business Alliance; Huerfano County’s leading non-profit, community led organizations designed to support and educate local businesses and non-profit entities.

We have partnered to create an online auction and storefront for small businesses in Huerfano County to sell gift cards, services and products online. Please support your favorite businesses by bidding on items and buying their gift cards, products and services through the online auction.

 

Book Nook book delivery

LA VETA — The Book Nook is happy to announce a book delivery service for the locals of La Veta. For five dollars you will receive three books of your choice in genre, author, etc. If you are friends with us on Facebook simply leave a message with your information and preferred method of payment. We now have a PayPal to make secure online payments or you can leave cash or a check made out to Friends of the Library on your front porch. We will send you a confirmation message and date of delivery with estimated time. The books will be wiped down and placed in a new paper bag for your protection. We are still waiting for approval from the County Health Department, so keep an eye out on our Facebook Page to see when this service will become available. We hope this service can bring some joy into your or your loved ones lives. Happy reading, friends!

 

La Veta Public Library curbside service

LA VETA — La Veta Public Library (LVPL) would like to offer curbside service for our patrons during social distancing requirements. Patrons will reserve Library materials online via our catalog, or by calling in. Library staff will retrieve the materials, bag them, label them with the patron’s name, and place the bag on a table setup between the Library’s Main Street porches, at the edge of the public sidewalk. Patrons will collect their materials from this table. There will be two times each day when reserved materials will be ready for pickup: 10 am and 1 pm. Any unclaimed materials will be brought back into the library building at 4 pm. The service will run Monday through Friday.

 

First La Veta Farmers Market

LA VETA — The first La Veta farmers market for the 2020 season will be Thursday, June 4, 3- 5 p.m. on the grassy area in front of Francisco Fort Museum on Main St. COVID regulations may be in effect so please check the La Veta farmers market FB page for details as the opening date gets closer!

 

Walsenburg Farm & Makers Market on Sunday

WALSENBURG — The first market of the sea- son will be Sunday, June 7, 12 to 3 p.m. at Heritage Park, 400 Main Street. Strict social distancing and masks will be required. Let’s work through this together and build our com- munity. Love and light to all. Find more information on Facebook

 

Virtual free legal clinic

HUERFANO COUNTY — Despite the COVID-19 closures of libraries across Colorado, the Virtual Pro Se Clinic (VPC) clinics will still be held as scheduled. The next clinic in Huerfano County will be Tuesday June 9, 4 to 5 p.m.. Please contact the Spanish Peals Library at (719) 738-2774 to be added to the signup sheet.

We’re able to do this and keep clinic patrons safe because our volunteer attorneys al- ready work remotely. As a work-around, instead of clinic patrons coming in-person to your local public library (which is closed), the volunteer attorney will call each clinic patron’s telephone directly, during the clinic hours, using the phone number provided. Although VPC clinic patrons will see a slight shift in how our free legal support is delivered, they should experience no significant disruption in service.

There couldn’t be a more important time to get this kind of free legal support to your community than right now. If you have questions about unpaid rent, employment issues, end-of-life documents, custody/parenting time issues or any other Colorado civil issue, please contact your Spanish Peaks Library at (719) 738-2774 to be added to the sign-up sheet. Space is limited.

 

Ann Gethen’s Solo Show at SPACe

LA VETA — Accomplished artist Ann Gethen is showing a collection of new oil paintings in her solo show at SPACe. This will be her final solo show, so be sure to take a look at her landscapes from North, South, East, & West in the USA. In addition, the 2020 Artists’ Choice show and The Changing Climate show are also on display, until Saturday, June 13. Art- work from all the shows will be offered for sale online and images can be seen on the SPACe website. To learn more, visit the website www.spanishpeaksarts.org. Members may contact SPACe for special showings, call 719- 742-3074 or email spanishpeaksarts@gmail.com.

 

Francisco Fort Museum news

LA VETA — Francisco Fort Museum, due to the corona virus, is closed until further notice. Additionally, Francisco Fort Days, scheduled for July 25 and 26 are canceled. However, during this closure the museum will see much ac- tivity. The east wing and part of the museum grounds will be renovated, along with various repairs. Exhibits will be rotated and new ones added. Be sure to visit our Facebook page, our Instagram page, and our website (francisco- fort.org) as we are taking the museum virtual and will soon be adding will soon be adding photos and videos of, and about, many of our artifacts, exhibits, historical figures, and events.”

 

SCCOG (AAA) senior Services and Care & Share

HUERFANO COUNTY — The Agency on Aging coordinates food distribution in Huerfano and Las Animas Counties and is provided through South Central Council of Governments. All Agency on Aging programs are for residents 60 years or older, assessments and reservations required. Please make reservations/cancellations one day in advance. Call 719-738-1182 or 719-738-2205 for assessments, reservations, and questions.

Take out lunch meals are provided in Walsenburg Monday through Friday at the Huerfano County Community Center. Also available are homebound meal deliveries Monday through Friday in Walsenburg and Tuesday and Friday in La Veta.

 

Summer adult art workshops at SPACe

LA VETA — SPACe will have adult workshops this summer with a maximum 6 students per workshop since we will enforce social distancing. Sign up soon to reserve your space.

June 20 – Coni Grant, Plein Air painting,

June 27 – Kim Mackey, Painting in the Studio,
June 23 – Kathy Hill, Intro to ScratchArt;
July 14, 21, 28 – Kathy Hill, Traditional Watercolor Painting. Contact Rena at 719-742-3074 for information.

 

Covid-19 2020 cancellations in La Veta

LA VETA — Art in the Park’s cancellation was announced last month and other La Veta festivals/activities are also being can- celled. Mitzi Kearns, sent this statement, “Due to the devastating effects of the Covid 19 virus and the uncertainly about the future as well as our desire to keep all of our citizens as safe as possible, the committees for the La Veta All Class Reunion (July31-Aug 2) and La Veta Oktoberfest (October 3) have regrettably decided to cancel both of the events for the 2020 year. We appreciate everyone’s support and will proceed with plans for ever bigger and better celebrations in 2021.”

 

LAS ANIMAS

Cash Mob for Tees Me Treat Me

TRINIDAD — Join us Friday, May 29, 6 p.m. for the Trinidad Historic Main Street’s Virtual Cash Mob featuring Tees Me Treat Me
* We will host on Facebook Live. Be sure to scroll down the fb page at 6 for the live video.

*Della will be showing a variety of unique items that are at the shop. If you like an item, be the 1st person to commit and make a comment, on the video, that you would like to purchase. (Some- times there are multiple available.) A member of the team will comment “confirmed” and then contact you though private message.

* Della will contact you the following day for payment and to ar- range pick-up.
* List of sample items will be updated soon
The Heritage School at Trinidad State Junior

 

Friday night Solidarity in Sight & Sound

TRINIDAD — Please join us every Friday night at 8 pm in “Solidarity In Sight and Sound”. At 8 pm from your residence, your driveway or front yard we would ask that for 1 minute you shine a light, wave a flag, honk a horn, sing a song or play an instrument so that the whole city can hear you; hear your neighbors, your friends, your family.

Even though we are all apart during this time, we as a community have never been closer together. Each one of us is fighting the same battle, feeling the same worries and fear, missing our loved ones.

The Trinidad Police Department would like our community to know that you are not alone…we are not alone! Of course, we would ask everyone to practice social distancing and no fireworks or firearms should be used to make a noise, this event is about all of us coming together for 1 minute to let us all know that we are ok and that we as a community will be ok.

 

Apishapa Heritage Center summer opening

AGUILAR — Apishapa Heritage Center located at 131 E. Main St. will open for the summer on Saturday, May 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a celebration of our diverse heritage of the Town of Aguilar. Our summer hours will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday through Saturdays. Appointments are encouraged. contact information at : apishipahistorical@gmail.com or 719-680-1393

 

Virtual Canvas & Conversation

TRINIDAD — There will be a virtual Canvas & Conversation held Monday, June 1, 6-8 p.m. hosted by Mt. Carmel Wellness & Community Center. The cost is $25 per person which includes paint and canvas. Pick-up paint and canvas from Mt. Carmel. Note: Brushes not provided. Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwrdOmtqj4jH9VbPvfLkDm4RvweJsBxwdE. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Call to register: 719-845-4894.

 

Western Engraving Class at TSJC

TRINIDAD — Western Engraving happens Monday to Friday, June 1 to 5, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Trinidad State, sign up soon! For more information go to trinidadstate.edu/heritage Tuition is $300. The class is limited to 10 students. To Register: Contact Donna Haddow 719-846-5724 or donna.haddow@trinidadstate.edu

 

Mt. Carmel Wellness free virtual classes continue including fun kid’s classes

TRINIDAD — Mt. Carmel Wellness & Community Center brings you FREE virtual programs and classes to help you remain active and connected during this challenging time. These classes are available to anyone through the Zoom app. You can participate using your computer or smartphone.

See our weekly wellness schedule, followed by instructions to log-in on your computer or call-in from your phone. Get the schedule by signing up for the weekly email at: “Mt. Carmel of Colorado” ahamilton@mtcarmelcenter.org

Contact Laura at (719) 845-4894 with questions.

 

Care and Share food distribution

TRINIDAD — The next Care and Share food distribution will be held Wednesday, June 3, 10 a.m., at the Las Animas County Fairgrounds

 

Food pantry in Segundo

SEGUNDO — For those in need during this crisis situation, we invite you to come visit our food pantry on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 12 noon at The Lord’s Chapel Segundo.

 

SCCOG (AAA) senior services and Care & Share

LAS ANIMAS COUNTY — The Agency on Aging coordinates food distribution in Huerfano and Las Animas Counties and is provided through South Central Council of Governments. All area Agency on Aging programs are for residents 60 years or older, assessments and reservations required. Please make reservations/cancellations one day in advance at 719-846-3336. Call 719-845-1133 ext 208 or ext. 225 for assessments and questions.

Take out lunch meals are provided in Trinidad Monday through Friday at the Sayre Senior Center. Also available are homebound meal deliveries Monday through Friday in Trinidad and Tuesday and Thursday in Aguilar.

There will be a regular Care & Share distribution at 125 E. Main Street. This distribution is for Aguilar/Ludlow area residents only (proof of residency required). Every Thursday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. there will be an emergency food distribution for those in dire need.

For all distributions, please do not show up too early, bring a pen, and stay in your vehicle. Please wear a mask.

 

TSD Free Summer Lunch Program

TRINIDAD — The free Summer Lunch Program provides nutritious lunches for kids and teens all summer long! The free lunch es will begin Monday, June 15, and run through Friday, August 7 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Eckhart Elementary School, 1021 Pierce Street. Due to the Covid 19, lunches will be curbside pickup. In bad weather you may pick up lunches in the cafeteria by the double doors where the benches are located. Kids and teens 18 & under eat free; adult Meals $3.75. For more information about summer lunch call 845-2051or 846-3324

 

Ugly Pet Portrait fundraiser

TRINIDAD — Get a one-of-a-kind portrait of your pet! We have some amazingly talented people who volunteer at Noah’s Ark Animal Welfare Association. They help make our day-to- day operations possible. We love our volunteers – they are awe- some! Some of our volunteers are pretty good artists… and there are many more who… let’s face it, should probably keep their day jobs when it comes to creating artwork. Nonetheless, this eclectic team is dedicated and they have decided to join together for a fun, unique new fundraiser for Noah’s Ark — introducing the Ugly Pet Portrait Fundraiser.

For just $20, you’ll get an original, one-of-a-kind portrait of your pet, drawn by a “possibly-talented” NAAWA volunteer! Your pet is NOT ugly… but keep in mind that the artwork you get back, well… it may not be Mona Lisa quality, but we can assure you that it was made with lots of love! And there is nothing ugly about love!

So set your bar nice and low, and support NAAWA with a gift of $20 today! Just remember to upload a fairly good picture of your pet at the time of order. Please also remember to provide your email address and mailing address so we can send your pet’s portrait to you.

Get your order now because this FUNdraiser ends June 20, 2020! Email: noahsarktrinidad@pb02.ascendbywix.com to request your application.

 

Bianco Grant Foundation seeks applicants

courtesy Dave Santistevan Jr.

LAS ANIMAS — To the 2020 high school graduates of Las Animas County. The Bianco Grant Foundation is accepting applications for college bound students. This grant provides $500 per semester for up to four years. To apply, please pro- vide the following:
1. Cover sheet (include basic contact info, name, address, and telephone number, as well as your parents’ contact info.)
2. Letter of interest-one page only (include extra-curricular activities in school, and your future endeavors, college and work.)
3. Two letters of recommendation (from school, work, or volunteer work)
4. Copy of high school transcripts

You may send these items by mail to: 1123 Willow, Trinidad CO 81082, or email them (in one folder) to: biancofoundation2020@gmail.com

 

COLFAX

Colfax County Rapid Response meeting

RATON — The next meeting of the Colfax County Rapid Response volunteer firefighting community based organization will be tonight, Thursday, May 28, 7 p.m. at the Colfax County Courthouse, 230 North 3rd Street. Currently we engage in Wild land and Structural fires. When called upon we serve a civic duty, which is to protect the communities and citizens in Colfax County. Colfax County Rapid Response meets on the second and forth Thursdays.

 

Walk to Remember lost loved ones

RATON — The Josie Barela Memorial Walk to Remember Lost Loved Ones will be held Friday, May 29, 6 a.m.. The walk starts at Fairmont Cemetary from 6-6:30 a.m. then proceeds to Mt. Calvary with prayer in between and safe social distancing.

 

Raton Ministerial Alliance food distribution

RATON — The next food distribution will be held Friday, May 29, 10 a.m. until supplies are gone at the City Market building, 907 S. 2nd Street. Everyone is welcome.

 

Moonlight Hike at Capulin Volcano

CAPULIN — Take a ranger guided hike at Capulin Volcano under the full moon Saturday, May 30, 8 p.m.. Subjects include night time biology, lunar geography, astronomy, and the park after dark. Come and experience Capulin Volcano in a new light! Reservations required. Call 575-278-2201 for information and reservations.

 

Colfax County Republican Party caucuses

UTE PARK — The Republican Party of Colfax County announces the Ward Caucuses, County Central Committee, and the County Quadrennial Convention will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2 p.m. at the Pine Ridge Hotel, 29656 Highway 64 in Ute Park, NM. The meeting will be held outside and social distancing will be respected. The primary purpose of this convention is to elect County delegates to attend the Quadrennial Republican State Convention. Republican Candidates are also invited to speak.

 

New Mexico primary election info

NEW MEXICO — The New Mexico Primary Election will be June 2, 2020. The voter registration deadline for this election was Tuesday, May 5. The deadline to request an absentee bal- lot online is Thursday, May 28 by midnight. The deadline to return a completed absentee ballot is Tuesday, June 2.

Early voting begins Saturday, May 16 and continues until Saturday, May 30. In-person absentee voting will be held from Tuesday, May 5 through Friday, May 29.

 

Full Moon Hike at Capulin Volcano

CAPULIN — Take a ranger-guided hike at Capulin Volcano under the full moon, Saturday, June 6, 8 p.m.! Subjects include night time biology, lunar geography, astronomy, and the park after dark. Come and experience Capulin Volcano in a new light! Reservations required. Call 575-278-2201 for information and reservations.

 

 

Upcoming Events for week of May 21, 2020

THROUGHOUT OUR WORLD

Exploring Crypto-Judaism in southern Colorado through theatre

ouR WoRLD — Join us on Zoom for History, Place and Identity: Exploring Crypto-Judaism in Southern Colorado through Theatre tonight, Thursday, May 21, 6 p.m..

Colorado playwright/dramaturg Jessica Kahkoska will discuss her research and writing process for In Her Bones, a new play exploring the legacy of crypto-Judaism in southern Colorado. As both an oral history researcher and creative writer, she will share findings from her research and reflections from the playwriting process, exploring how theatre can be a unique tool and platform to illuminate history, place, and identity in Southern Colorado. Scenes from In Her Bones will also be read.

A synopsis of the play: Colorado’s San Luis Valley is world-renowned for its beauty, but the area holds a deeper clandestine heritage: The legacy of Sephardic Jews who fled the Spanish Inquisition five centuries ago. When Mia returns to the region for her grandmother’s funeral, she’s forced to confront a past that she is both fleeing and seeking out. As she looks back on family memories, another world creeps in — one of shadows, forgotten prayers, and secrets hiding right in plain sight. Unearth the complicated legacy of Crypto-Judaism in the Southwest through this unlikely alpine tale of faith, fear and how we pass on culture when written records are too dangerous to keep.

The event is free and open to the public. Register for this meeting at https://zoom.us/webinar/register/1015886152561/WN_rXs7gpRORbeOZwePWi5GZA

 

Free self-paced tutorials through TSJC online

ouR WoRLD — TSJC is offering some non-credit Continuing/Community Ed classes through Ed2Go (Cengage). The link to the website to sign up is: https://www.ed2go.com/tsjc/SearchResults.aspx?SearchTerms=free

The classes are all self-paced, tutorial-type and the following courses are available at no charge if people enroll by Tuesday, June 30.
• Creating Web Pages
• Creating WordPress Websites
• Fundamentals of Supervision and Management
• Twelve Steps to a Successful Job Search
• Keys to Effective Communication
• Managing Customer Service
• Marketing Your Business on the Internet
• Personal Finance
• Small Business Marketing on a Shoestring
• Individual Excellence

 

Online Borderlands Talk: Nepantla-Embracing Borderlands Poetics

ouR WoRLD — Join us on Zoom Thursday, May 28, 6 to 7 pm. We will hear from Jessica Helen Lopez, Spoken Word Artist, Educator, and City of Albuquerque Poet Laureate, Emeritus

Read a poem. Hear a poem. Write a poem honoring the borderlands within us and around us. Poetry performance and workshop/ discussion with Jessica Helen Lopez.

The event is free and open to the public. Register for this meeting at https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEpcuuhqj8uHdMh9mWzZ3xCWvMoyZEhzXC6.

Please consider supporting the Borderlands Lecture Series by contributing at http://coloradogives.org/CommunityMuseumsOnline. Our Online Borderlands Lecture Series is gen- erously supported by the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area.

 

HUERFANO

Today last day for sack lunches at Huerfano RE-1

WALsENbuRG/GARDNER — Today, Thursday May 21 will be our last day for sack lunches from 11AM- 12 noon, hoWEVER, we will still be able to hand out bulk food every other thursday for the foreseeable future.

 

Dems virtual meeting

huERFANo couNtY — There will be a Zoom meeting of the Huerfano County Democratic Party Central Committee held this evening, Thursday, May 21, 5:30. Chairperson Dale Lyons will sent the Zoom link via email to participants. Please log in and keep democracy alive during these trying times!

 

Opening reception at La Veta Gallery – Canceled

LA VETA – Show runs through June 23. Visit www.lavetagalleryonmain.com for announcments.

 

John Mall High School graduation walk from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 23; Listen in on KSPK FM radio

WALsENbuRG — JMHS is pleased to announce the class of 2020’s graduation walk will take place on May 23 at the John Mall football field. The walks will begin at 1p.m. and will continue until around 4 p.m.

KSPK 102.3 FM will broadcast the ceremony live for the community to hear. Out of town relatives can also listen in by going to www.kspk.com to stream the program.

Students have been assigned time frames to arrive at the field so that they can complete their walk with two of their parents/guardians. The two parents/ guardians will be able to accompany their student onto the field to watch their student walk. All other family members must remain in their cars and are encouraged not to exit their cars or congregate.

The ceremony is only for family members. There is no ad- mission for the general public. However, the full ceremony will also be recorded and broadcast on Facebook on June 13.

 

Dorcas Circle re-opening

WALsENbuRG — The food pantry at Dorcas will be open on Tuesday, May 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as a drive by. Please pull your car in front of the thrift store, we will ask for your information there, after we get your information we will ask you to pull forward, our staff will load your car for you. We have ordered enough food to support 400 giveaways, if we don’t give it all out on May 26 we will give out the remaining food on- Thursday, May 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m..

The thrift store will open Tuesday, June 2 and will run normal hours every Tuesday and Thursday through the month. Shoppers will be required to wear a mask for entry, and we will be limiting entry to 4 customers at a time. God bless, and we look forward to seeing all of you.

 

La Veta Village food services

LA VEtA — La Veta Village has two programs to help with food needs during Covid-19 alerts.

If you are in the 81055 zip code, 60 or older or high-risk for COVID-19, and need help getting food, call Susan at 719-989- 8361 or email lvvfoodservices@gmail.com

Also, La Veta Village offers a free food pick-up for persons who qualify by income level or because of unemployment. Please register for a box by Wednesday at 5 pm for a pick-up the following Saturday. The next pick-up is Saturday, May 30. Email lvvfoodservices@gmail.com or call Rebecca 719-746-2329.If you would like to volunteer, call 719-746-2329. To donate, go to lavetavillage.org

 

For the Love of Spanish Peaks Country auction

huERFANo — Now through Sunday, May 31: For the Love of Spanish Peaks Country Auction is brought to you by the La Veta-Cuchara Chamber Of Commerce and the Spanish Peaks Business Alliance; Huerfano County’s leading non-profit, community led organizations designed to support and educate local businesses and non-profit entities.

We have partnered to create an online auction and store- front for small businesses in Huerfano County to sell gift cards, services and products online. Please support your favorite businesses by bidding on items and buying their gift cards, pro- ducts and services through the online auction.

 

Book Nook book delivery

LA VEtA — The Book Nook is happy to announce a book de- livery service for the locals of La Veta. For five dollars you will receive three books of your choice in genre, author, etc. If you are friends with us on Facebook simply leave a message with your information and preferred method of payment. We now have a PayPal to make secure online payments or you can leave cash or a check made out to Friends of the Library on your front porch. We will send you a confirmation message and date of delivery with estimated time. The books will be wiped down and placed in a new paper bag for your protection. We are still waiting for approval from the County Health Department, so keep an eye out on our Facebook Page to see when this service will become available. We hope this service can bring some joy into your or your loved ones lives. Happy reading, friends!

 

La Veta Public Library curbside service

LA VEtA — La Veta Public Library (LVPL) would like to offer curbside service for our patrons during social distancing requirements. Patrons will reserve Library materials online via our catalog, or by calling in. Library staff will retrieve the materials, bag them, label them with the patron’s name, and place the bag on a table setup between the Library’s Main Street porches, at the edge of the public sidewalk. Patrons will collect their materials from this table. There will be two times each day when reserved materials will be ready for pickup: 10 am and 1 pm. Any unclaimed materials will be brought back into the library building at 4 pm. The service will run Monday through Friday.

There will be no more than three library staff (including the library director) in the building at any one time. The director will work in his office, which is a separate room with a closable door. Staff members working on curbside service order fulfillment will prepare the orders in separate rooms of the library, with the aid of laptops that are reserved for each staff member and not shared. Frequently touched surfaces including desks, tables, computer keyboards and mice, date stamps, barcode readers, doorknobs, light switches, etc. will be wiped down with the CDC-recommended bleach solution (4 tsp bleach per quart of water) at the start and end of each shift. The director will log staff health using the county health department logging form and a touchless forehead thermometer.

 

New Hope Community Church

WALsENbuRG — New Hope Community Church of Walsenburg, 801 Pennsylvania, has re-opened services with a drive-in celebration each Sunday, 10 a.m.. Attendees can stay in the comfort of their vehicle and tune to 103.9 on their FM radio to hear the message. Parking will be in the vacant lot on the east side of the church building.

 

Ann Gethen’s solo show at SPACe

LA VEtA — Accomplished artist Ann Gethen is showing a collection of new oil paintings in her solo show at SPACe. This will be her final solo show, so be sure to take a look at her landscapes from North, South, East, & West in the USA. In addition, the 2020 Artists’ Choice show and The Changing Climate show are also on display, until Saturday, June 13. Artwork from all the shows will be offered for sale online and images can be seen on the SPACe website. To learn more, visit the website www.spanishpeaksarts.org. Members may contact SPACe for special showings, call 719-742-3074 or email spanishpeaksarts@gmail.com.

 

Francisco Fort Museum news

LA VEtA — Francisco Fort Museum, due to the corona virus, is closed until further notice. Addtionally, Francisco Fort Days, scheduled for July 25 and 26 are canceled. However, during this closure the museum will see much activity. The east wing and part of the museum grounds will be renovated, along with various repairs. Exhibits will be rotated and new ones added. Be sure to visit our Facebook page, our Instagram page, and our website (franciscofort.org) as we are taking the museum virtual and will soon be adding WHAT?

 

Summer adult art workshops at SPACe

LA VEtA — SPACe will have adult workshops this summer with a maximum 6 students per workshop since we will enforce social distancing. Sign up soon to reserve your space.

June 20 – Coni Grant, Plein Air painting,

June 27 – Kim Mackey, Painting in the Studio,
June 23 – Kathy Hill, Intro to ScratchArt;
July 14, 21, 28 – Kathy Hill, Traditional Watercolor Painting. Contact Rena at 719-742-3074 for information.

 

LAS ANIMAS

Make some noise for Trinidad Middle School

tRINIDAD — Join us in our year end celebration of Trinidad Middle Shool students and parents tonight, Thursday, May 21, 7 to 7:10 p.m.. Go outside during this time and make some noise, honk your horns, and celebrate the year’s accomplishments made by TMS students and parents.

 

Cash Mob for Corazon Gallery

tRINIDAD — Join us Friday, May 22, 6 p.m. for the Trinidad Historic Main Street’s Virtual Cash Mob featuring Corazon Gallery
* We will host an Facebook Live. Be sure to scroll done the fb page at 6 for the live video.

*Trish will be showing a variety of unique items that are at the gallery. If you like an item, be the 1st person to commit and make a comment, on the video, that you would like to purchase. (Sometimes there are multiple available.) A member of the team will comment “confirmed” and then contact you though private message.

* Trish will contact you the following day for payment and to arrange pick-up.
* List of sample items will be updated soon

 

Friday night Solidarity in Sight & Sound

tRINIDAD — Please join us every Friday night at 8 pm in “Solidarity In Sight and Sound”. At 8 pm from your residence, your driveway or front yard we would ask that for 1 minute you shine a light, wave a flag, honk a horn, sing a song or play an instrument so that the whole city can hear you; hear your neighbors, your friends, your family.

Even though we are all apart during this time, we as a community have never been closer together. Each one of us is fighting the same battle, feeling the same worries and fear, missing our loved ones.

The Trinidad Police Department would like our community to know that you are not alone…we are not alone! Of course, we would ask everyone to practice social distancing and no fireworks or firearms should be used to make a noise, this event is about all of us coming together for 1 minute to let us all know that we are ok and that we as a community will be ok.

 

Drive-thru Art Car Museum a no go

tRINIDAD — The hoped-for “Drive Thru” at Art Cartopia on Memorial Day has been canceled. Unfortunately, permission was not granted in a time frame that makes it doable. This was, in part, an event designed to inform everyone that the museum was opening again. We don’t now have any real clarity about a possible “re-opening’ date. We still are planning to have a “Drive Thru” sometime in the, hopefully, not too distant future. Stay tuned!

 

Mt. Carmel Wellness free virtual classes continue

tRINIDAD — Mt. Carmel Wellness & Community Center brings you FREE virtual programs and classes to help you remain active and connected during this challenging time. These classes are available to anyone through the Zoom app. You can participate using your computer or smartphone.

See our weekly wellness schedule, followed by instructions to log-in on your computer or call-in from your phone. Get the schedule by signing up for the weekly email at: “Mt. Carmel of Colorado” ahamilton@mtcarmelcenter.org

Contact Laura at (719) 845-4894 with questions.

 

Food pantry in Segundo

sEGuNDo — For those in need during this crisis situation, we invite you to come visit our food pantry on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 12 noon at The Lord’s Chapel Segundo

 

Ugly Pet Portrait fundraiser

tRINIDAD — Get a one-of-a-kind portrait of your pet! We have some amazingly talented people who volunteer at Noah’s Ark Animal Welfare Association. They help make our day-to- day operations possible. We love our volunteers – they are awe- some! Some of our volunteers are pretty good artists… and there are many more who… let’s face it, should probably keep their day jobs when it comes to creating artwork. Nonetheless, this eclectic team is dedicated and they have decided to join together for a fun, unique new fundraiser for Noah’s Ark — introducing the Ugly Pet Portrait Fundraiser.

For just $20, you’ll get an original, one-of-a-kind portrait of your pet, drawn by a “possibly-talented” NAAWA volunteer! Your pet is NOT ugly… but keep in mind that the artwork you get back, well… it may not be Mona Lisa quality, but we can as- sure you that it was made with lots of love! And there is nothing ugly about love!

So set your bar nice and low, and support NAAWA with a gift of $20 today! Just remember to upload a fairly good picture of your pet at the time of order. Please also remember to provide your email address and mailing address so we can send your pet’s portrait to you.

Get your order now because this FUNdraiser ends June 20, 2020! Email: noahsarktrinidad@pb02.ascendbywix.com to request your application.

 

Bianco Grant Foundation seeks applicants

courtesy Dave santistevan Jr.

LAs ANIMAs — To the 2020 high school graduates of Las Animas County. The Bianco Grant Foundation is accepting applications for college bound students. This grant provides $500 per semester for up to four years. To apply, please pro- vide the following:
1. Cover sheet (include basic contact info, name, address, and telephone number, as well as your parents’ contact info.)
2. Letter of interest-one page only (include extra-curricular activities in school, and your future endeavors, college and work.)
3. Two letters of recommendation (from school, work, or volunteer work)
4. Copy of high school transcripts

You may send these items by mail to: 1123 Willow, Trinidad CO 81082, or email them (in one folder) to: biancofoundation2020@gmail.com

 

COLFAX

On line Raton Cash Mob at Flowerland

RAtoN — It’s Flowerland everyone! And Debbie has ordered bedding flowers and veggies for the show to go along with her cut flowers, silk flowers, decorative items, gift baskets, snack baskets, balloon bouquets, fairy gardens and chocolates. The plants will be just in time for planting here in our area. So tune in Tuesday, May 26, 6 to 8 p.m.. Bedding plants will become available the night of the show and not before then. Let’s all support this wonderful local business. She has taken a pretty big hit since weddings, funerals, prom and everything for the last 3 months has been canceled. Let’s show her how important her business is to Raton!

 

Hunger Pantry food distribution

RAtoN — There will be a food distribution Wednesday, May 27, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 300 S 3rd Street.

 

New Mexico primary election information

NEW MEXIco — The New Mexico Primary Election will be June 2, 2020. The voter registration deadline for this election was Tuesday, May 5. The deadline to request an absentee ballot online is Thursday, May 28 by midnight. The deadline to return a completed absentee ballot is Tuesday, June 2.

Early voting begins Saturday, May 16 and continues until Saturday, May 30. In-person absentee voting will be held from Tuesday, May 5 through Friday, May 29.

 

Walk to Remember lost loved ones

RAtoN — The Josie Barela Memorial Walk to Remember Lost Loved Ones will be held Friday, May 29, 6 a.m.. The walk starts at Fairmont Cemetary from 6-6:30 a.m. then proceeds to Mt. Calvary with prayer in between and safe social distancing.

 

Moonlight Hike at Capulin Volcano National Monument

cAPuLIN — Take a ranger guided hike at Capulin Volcano under the full moon Saturday, May 30, 8 p.m.. Subjects include night time biology, lunar geography, astronomy, and the park after dark. Come and experience Capulin Volcano in a new light! Reservations required. Call 575-278-2201 for information and reservations.

 

COVID referral numbers

NEW MEXIco —These numbers are important for all New Mexicans.

EMPLOYMENT/INCOME LOSS OR REDUCTION
• If you are unemployed/underemployed and need assistance: Department of Workforce Solutions Call Center 1-877-664-6984
• If you are a small business/employer and need assistance: Economic Development Department for Small Business = 1- 505-827-0300

FOOD ASSISTANCE

• If you need assistance obtaining food

a. School age children: Public Education Dept = 505-827-6683 b. Senior / Adult with disabilities:

i. Seniors Who Need Groceries or Meals = 1-800-432-2080 ii. Emotional Crisis, Mental Health, or Substance Abuse = 1-855-662-7474

• SNAP benefits: HSD/Income Support Division = 1-800- 283-4465
• WIC: Department of Health

a. WIC Questions on food or formula availability = 1-505- 469-0929
b. WIC Operations Manager = 1-505-819-7028
c. WIC General Questions = 1-866-867-3124

HEALTH INSURANCE

• If you need assistance obtaining health insurance: HSD/Medicaid = 1-800-283-4465
• If you are not eligible for Medicaid, you can apply for afford- able health insurance online at www.bewellnm.com or call 1- 855-996-6449

HOUSING

• If you need assistance with housing/utilities:
a. Housing–Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) Emergency

Housing 1-800-444-6880
b. Utilities HSD Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program 1-888-523-0051

FAMILY & MIsc.

• If you need assistance with childcare: 1-800-691-9067 NM Kids Child Care Resource Center
• If you have complaints about facilities not closing: 505-469- 2940/505-629-2845

• If you want to volunteer or need a volunteer: 505-476-2200

 

Upcoming Events for week of May 14, 2020

THROUGHOUT OUR WORLD

Respond to the Census! Our district is still waaaay behind!

OUR WORLD — Did you know Census data is used to ensure your local communities receive their fair share of funding for things like hospitals, ambulance services and medical clinics?

The 2020 Census will determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives. This is the rate of response in the Colorado 7 districts:
2020 Census Self-Response Rates by Colorado Congressional District
7th Congressional District: 69.3% (Rep. Ed Perlmutter)
6th Congressional District: 69.1% (Rep. Jason Crow)
4th Congressional District: 63.4% (Rep. Ken Buck)
5th Congressional District: 62.8% (Rep. Doug Lamborn)
1st Congressional District: 62.5% (Rep. Diana DeGette)
2nd Congressional District: 57.6% (Rep. Joe Neguse)
3rd Congressional District: 48.7% (Rep. Scott Tipton)

Didn’t receive a Census form in the mail? No worries. Just go to My2020Census.gov and fill out the survey online using your physical address. Or you can do it by phone, at 844-330-2020. Language assistance is available, if needed. Remember: Respond to the 2020 Census to #ShapeYourFuture.

The U.S. Census Bureau plans to deliver a census invita- tion and paper questionnaire later this year – as soon as it is safe to do so. By responding with your Census ID or on the paper questionnaire, we’ll be able to get the best count of your community.

 

Mental health support for senior citizens

OUR WORLD — Senior Health Advocates Colorado wants you to know we are here for you during this difficult time. You may be feeling isolated, scared, or just want to talk. You may have a friend or relative you are concerned about or perhaps you need support in some other way. Please reach out to us. We care about you and want to support our community. Call us at 719-680-4883 or Email us at: seniorhealthadvocatesco@gmail.com or info@seniorhealthadvocatesco.com . For more information, check out our website and Facebook page: http://seniorhealthadvocatesco.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/seniorhealthadvocatesco/

Stay safe and reach out should you need anything. We want to help. Senior Health Advocates Colorado is a member of the Trinidad Las Animas Chamber of Commerce. We are a voluntary group of professionals dedicated to community health and wellness. We recognize the difficulties older adults may have navigating the health care system, associated sup- port services and advocating for themselves.

Our mission is to ensure that seniors in Southern Colorado are provided with services required by law and by standards of decency and dignity. Our goal is to assist you by providing guidance, support, education and advocacy.”

 

Recreate safely with the COTREX app

OUR WORLD — Find less busy trails near you, and stay up- dated on closures related to trails, parks, open spaces, visitor centers and campgrounds across Colorado by downloading the free COTREX app.

 

Learn to Hunt webinar series

OUR WORLD — Interested in learning how to hunt but not sure where to start? Know someone who might benefit from some hunting tips and tricks? We’re here to help with our upcoming Learn to Hunt webinar series, Thursday nights at 7 p.m. on Zoom.

Understanding Hunt Statistics – May 14 – Learn how to use the free hunt statistics in planning your future big game hunts. Make the most of your draw applications and leftover license options.

Field Scouting – May 21 – Time spent in the field before your season starts can pay off in hunter success. Let’s talk about making a reasonable plan to get started.

Big Game Hunting Tactics – May 28 – We will discuss three hunting tactics to try in the field and when you might want to try them.

Secondary Draw, Leftover Licenses, and OTC Licenses – June 4 – New to Colorado in 2020 is the Secondary Draw. Let’s talk about how this works, as well as left over and over the counter options for this coming fall.

Hunt Mentors and Hunt Community – June 11 – A challenge to new hunters, or hunters new to Colorado, is finding people to hunt with. We will discuss opportunities to find mentors and fellow hunters. https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YmIcLtFsRLmFUg9sh 5AtLQ

 

HUERFANO

Artists are invited to enter SPACe shows this week

LA VETA — There will be three new shows on display beginning Tuesday, May 19 and artists are invited to enter 2 of them: “The Changing Climate” and “Artists’ Choice”.

All media will be accepted, with a limit of 4 total entries per artist. Entry fees remain $5 per entry, with pieces over the equivalent of 30″ wide considered two entries. Artists may bring their work Thursday, May 14, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.. Since only 2 people will be al- lowed inside at one time, it is recommended that artists call ahead for an appointment. Face masks will be required. Entry forms with complete details are available on the SPACe website, www.spanishpeaksarts.org. Call SPACe at 719-742-3074 Tues., Thurs. or Sat., between 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. for more information and to make an appointment to bring artwork. If leaving a message, please speak slowly and distinctly. Your call can’t be returned if we don’t understand your phone number.

 

One Nation Walking Together donation drive at Big R

LA VETA — There will be a no contact drop off for Native American regions hard hit by the Covid-19 virus Saturday May 16, 1 to 3 p.m. at BIG R. Here is your opportunity to make a difference for the Native people that are being devastated by the current pandemic. Huajatolla Heritage Foundation will once again partner with One Nation Walking Together from Colorado Springs to collect items for vulnerable populations for the Navajo Nation as well as a variety of other tribes.

Sandy Dolak will be available with all social distancing and masking precautions in the parking lot of Big R from 1-3 p.m. as a drop off site to only collect items identified as the most pressing needs (see list below) to add to shipments going to Native American hot-spots for Corona-19 activity. Tribal people are being affected disproportionately by the devastating pandemic. The Navajo Nation now has the highest per-capita Covid-19 infection rate after only New York and New Jersey, and the spread is not slowing.

The most pressing needs we are collecting right now are: nonperishable food, water, baby diapers, baby food and formula, hygiene items/toiletries, feminine hygiene, Masks (dis- posable and fabric), Latex Gloves, Thermometers, Finger Pulse Oximeters, Paper products, Pet Food, 1⁄4” Elastic, 100% Cotton & Flannel Fabric, Polypropylene, Thread, Needles, Machine Needles, Cleaning Supplies, Cleaning Wipes, Liquid Hand Soap, Hand Sanitizer. (Please: NO clothes or furniture at this time in order to address the high virus-related needs.)And as always, cash donations are always appreciated. Donations help so much in either buying items that are in short supply or help in transporting the goods to the people in need.

If you cannot come out Saturday, you can help by making a financial donation or finding out more at One Nations website: www.onenationwt.org or call or text Sandy Dolak at 719- 251-1271 for more information

 

Book Nook book delivery

LA VETA — The Book Nook is happy to announce a book de- livery service for the locals of La Veta. For five dollars you will receive three books of your choice in genre, author, etc. If you are friends with us on Facebook simply leave a message with your information and preferred method of payment. We now have a PayPal to make secure online payments or you can leave cash or a check made out to Friends of the Library on your front porch. We will send you a confirmation message and date of delivery with estimated time. The books will be wiped down and placed in a new paper bag for your protection. We are still waiting for approval from the County Health Department, so keep an eye out on our Facebook Page to see when this service will become available. We hope this service can bring some joy into your or your loved ones lives. Happy reading, friends!

 

La Veta Public Library curbside service

LA VETA — La Veta Public Library (LVPL) would like to offer curbside service for our patrons during social distancing requirements. Patrons will reserve Library materials online via our catalog, or by calling in. Library staff will retrieve the materials, bag them, label them with the patron’s name, and place the bag on a table setup between the Library’s Main Street porches, at the edge of the public sidewalk. Patrons will collect their materials from this table. There will be two times each day when reserved materials will be ready for pickup: 10 am and 1 pm. Any unclaimed materials will be brought back into the library building at 4 pm. The service will run Monday through Friday.

There will be no more than three library staff (including the library director) in the building at any one time. The director will work in his office, which is a separate room with a closable door. Staff members working on curbside service order fulfillment will prepare the orders in separate rooms of the library, with the aid of laptops that are reserved for each staff member and not shared. Frequently touched surfaces including desks, tables, computer keyboards and mice, date stamps, barcode readers, doorknobs, light switches, etc. will be wiped down with the CDC-recommended bleach solution (4 tsp bleach per quart of water) at the start and end of each shift. The director will log staff health using the county health department logging form and a touchless forehead thermometer.

 

New Hope Community Church reopens

WALSENBURG — New Hope Community Church of Walsenburg, 801 Pennsylvania, has re-opened services with a drive-in celebration each Sunday, 10 a.m.. Attendees can stay in the comfort of their vehicle and tune to 103.9 on their FM radio to hear the message and to sing along with guest guitarist John Rodriguez. Parking will be in the vacant lot on the east side of the church building. Mother’s Day carnations will be given to the first 40 attendees requesting them.

 

SPACe Gallery reopens

LA VETA — The SPACe Gallery in the Park reopened last week after being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing will be strictly enforced, with all visitors required to wear face masks. No more than 4 visitors at one time will be allowed to enter, due to the requirement of 400 sq. ft. per per- son, including employees. Disposable gloves will be provided, and a few disposable masks will also be available. The current show ” Spring Break–Art Gone Wild” will be on display through this week.

 

Water Conservancy District Board meeting

HUERFANO COUNTY — The next meeting of the Huerfano County Water Conservancy District will be held remotely by GoTo Meeting Monday, May 18, 6 p.m.. A draft agenda and login information for the meeting are available on the HCWCD website at: www.hcwcd.net . The public is welcome to join:

Join meeting from computer, tablet or smartphone: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/969680141

Or dial in using your phone: (872) 240-3212 Access Code: 969-680-141

 

Dems virtual meeting

HUERFANO COUNTY — There will be a Zoom meeting of the Huerfano County Democratic Party Central Committee held this evening, Thursday, May 21, 5:30. Chairperson Dale Lyons will sent the Zoom link via email to participants. Please log in and keep democracy alive during these trying times!

 

Opening reception at La Veta Gallery

LA VETA — There will be an opening reception for Memorial Weekend show at La Veta Gallery on Main Saturday, May 23, 5 to 7 p.m.. This group show features Gallery Artists in “A Celebration of Blooms.”Refreshments served. Show runs through June 23. www.lavetagalleryonmain.com

 

SCCOG (AAA) senior Services and Care & Share

HUERFANO COUNTY — The Agency on Aging coordinates food distribution in Huerfano and Las Animas Counties and is provided through South Central Council of Governments. All Agency on Aging programs are for residents 60 years or older, assessments and reservations required. Please make reservations/cancellations one day in advance. Call 719-738-1182 or 719-738-2205 for assessments, reservations, and questions.

Take out lunch meals are provided in Walsenburg Monday through Friday at the Huerfano County Community Center. Also available are homebound meal deliveries Monday through Friday in Walsenburg and Tuesday and Friday in La Veta.

 

La Veta Village food services

LA VETA — La Veta Village has two programs to help with food needs during Covid-19 alerts.

If you are 60 or older or high-risk, safety-trained volunteers will shop at Charlie’s with your grocery list and deliver to your home. This service is available to anyone in the 81055 zip code or in Navajo ranch. Contact Susan at 719-989-8361 or email lvvfoodservices@gmail.com

Also, La Veta Village offers a free food pick-up for persons who qualify by income level or because of unemployment. Please register for a box by Wednesday at 5 pm for a pick-up the following Saturday. The next pick-up is Saturday, May 16.

Email lvvfoodservices@gmail.com or call Rebecca 719-746-2329. If you would like to volunteer, call 719-746-2329. To donate, go to lavetavillage.org.

 

Huerfano RE-1 providing breakfasts/lunches to all children 0-18 years

WALSENBURG/GARDNER — Huerfano RE-1 will have sack breakfasts/lunches available for drive through pick-up at Peak- view School and Gardner Elementary. Pick up days will be Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.. Each pick up will have at least two breakfasts and two lunches for each child in the household. All children 0 to 18 years old are eligible for free breakfast and lunch regardless if they are enrolled in RE-1.

To pick up the sacked breakfast/lunch at Peakview: Vehicles will drive through between Peakview School and the West Wing building entering via the back of John Mall HS. Sacks will be located at the back doors of the Peakview cafeteria. To pick up the food at Gardner: Please follow the directives of personnel upon arriving.

 

Art in the Park canceled

LA VETA — The Board of Directors of the Spanish Peaks Arts Council (SPACe) decided to cancel the annual Art in the Park festival this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They felt that the vendors, if they chose to participate, would not have the crowds needed to make it worth their investment, if the Health Dept. allowed the event to take place. In addition, visitors would also feel apprehensive about attending. The current directives for social distancing would be impossible to enforce.

 

LAS ANIMAS

Cash Mob for the Mitchell Museum

TRINIDAD — Join us Friday, May 15, 6 to 8 p.m. for the Trinidad Historic Main Street’s Virtual Cash Mob featuring Mitchell Museum of Western Art. We will host an Facebook Live. Be sure to scroll done the fb page at 6 p.m. for the live video. Allison will be showing a variety of unique items that are at the gift shop. If you like an item, be the 1st person to commit and make a comment, on the video, that you would like to purchase. (Sometimes there are multiple available.) A member of the team will comment “confirmed” and then contact you though private message.

* Allison will contact you the following day for payment and to arrange pick-up.
* List of sample items will be updated soon

Be sure to like “Trinidad Historic Main Street” on Face- book for announcements of upcoming “Virtual Cash Mob” events in Trinidad. If your business is interested in hosting an upcoming virtual cash mob, please call Penny Saeedi at 719- 859-2584.

 

Friday night Solidarity in Sight & Sound

TRINIDAD — Please join us every Friday night at 8 pm in “Solidarity In Sight and Sound”. At 8 pm from your residence, your driveway or front yard we would ask that for 1 minute you shine a light, wave a flag, honk a horn, sing a song or play an instrument so that the whole city can hear you; hear your neighbors, your friends, your family.

Even tho we are all apart during this time, we as a community have never been closer together. Each one of us is fight- ing the same battle, feeling the same worries and fear, missing our loved ones.

The Trinidad Police Department would like our community to know that you are not alone…we are not alone! Of course, we would ask everyone to practice social distancing and no fireworks or firearms should be used to make a noise, this event is about all of us coming together for 1 minute to let us all know that we are ok and that we as a community will be ok.

 

Mt. Carmel Wellness virtual classes

TRINIDAD — Mt. Carmel Wellness & Community Center brings you FREE virtual programs and classes to help you remain active and connected during this challenging time. These classes are available to anyone through the Zoom app. You can participate using your computer or smartphone.

See our weekly wellness schedule, followed by instructions to log-in on your computer or call-in from your phone. Get the schedule by signing up for the weekly email at: “Mt. Carmel of Colorado” ahamilton@mtcarmelcenter.org

Contact Laura at (719) 845-4894 with questions.

 

Food pantry in Segundo

SEGUNDO — For those in need during this crisis situation, we invite you to come visit our food pantry on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 12 noon at The Lord’s Chapel Segundo

 

SCCOG (AAA) senior services and Care & Share

LAS ANIMAS COUNTY—The Agency on Aging coordinates food distribution in Huerfano and Las Animas Counties and is provided through South Central Council of Governments. All area Agency on Aging programs are for residents 60 years or older, assessments and reservations required. Please make reservations/cancellations one day in advance at 719-846-3336. Call 719-845-1133 ext 208 or ext. 225 for assessments and questions.

Take out lunch meals are provided in Trinidad Monday through Friday at the Sayre Senior Center. Also available are homebound meal deliveries Monday through Friday in Trinidad and Tuesday and Thursday in Aguilar.

There will be a regular Care & Share distribution at 125 E. Main Street. This distribution is for Aguilar/Ludlow area residents only (proof of residency required). Every Thursday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. there will be an emergency food distribution for those in dire need.

Please do not open the gates if they are closed. The regular distribution will be Wednesday, May 20, 10 to 11:30 a.m. for seniors and 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. for all eligible residents. Primero distribution will be Tuesday, May 19 and at Kim/Branson, Thursday, May 21. The regular Aguilar distribution will be Tuesday, May 26, 12 to 3 p.m. at 125 E. Main Street. For all distributions, please do not show up too early, bring a pen, and stay in your vehicle. Please wear a mask.

 

Free lunch pickup for Trinidad kids

TRINIDAD — Students age 0-18 have the option of picking up free curb and go meals at Fisher’s Peak Elementary or Trinidad Middle School (Park Street). From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday – Thursday.

 

Cash Mob for Corazon Gallery

TRINIDAD — Join us Friday, May 22, 6 p.m. for the Trinidad Historic Main Street’s Virtual Cash Mob featuring Corazon Gallery
* We will host an Facebook Live. Be sure to scroll done the fb page at 6 for the live video.

*Trish will be showing a variety of unique items that are at the gallery. If you like an item, be the 1st person to commit and make a comment, on the video, that you would like to purchase. (Sometimes there are multiple available.) A member of the team will comment “confirmed” and then contact you though private message.

* Trish will contact you the following day for payment and to arrange pick-up.
* List of sample items will be updated soon

 

Ugly Pet Portrait fundraiser

TRINIDAD — Get a one-of-a-kind portrait of your pet! We have some amazingly talented people who volunteer at Noah’s Ark Animal Welfare Association. They help make our day-to- day operations possible. We love our volunteers – they are awesome! Some of our volunteers are pretty good artists… and there are many more who… let’s face it, should probably keep their day jobs when it comes to creating artwork. Nonetheless, this eclectic team is dedicated and they have decided to join together for a fun, unique new fundraiser for Noah’s Ark — introducing the Ugly Pet Portrait Fundraiser.

For just $20, you’ll get an original, one-of-a-kind portrait of your pet, drawn by a “possibly-talented” NAAWA volunteer! Your pet is NOT ugly… but keep in mind that the artwork you get back, well… it may not be Mona Lisa quality, but we can assure you that it was made with lots of love! And there is nothing ugly about love!

So set your bar nice and low, and support NAAWA with a gift of $20 today! Just remember to upload a fairly good picture of your pet at the time of order. Please also remember to provide your email address and mailing address so we can send your pet’s portrait to you.

Get your order now because this FUNdraiser ends June 20, 2020! Email: noahsarktrinidad@pb02.ascendbywix.com to request your application.

 

Bianco Grant Foundation offering cash to Las Animas grads

courtesy Dave Santistevan Jr.

LAS ANIMAS — To the 2020 high school graduates of Las Animas County. The Bianco Grant Foundation is accepting applications for college bound students. This grant provides $500 per semester for up to four years. To apply, please provide the following:
1. Cover sheet (include basic contact info, name, address, and telephone number, as well as your parents’ contact info.)
2. Letter of interest-one page only (include extra-curricular activities in school, and your future endeavors, college and work.)
3. Two letters of recommendation (from school, work, or volunteer work)

4. Copy of high school transcripts

You may send these items by mail to: 1123 Willow, Trinidad CO 81082, or email them (in one folder) to: biancofoundation2020@gmail.com

 

COLFAX

Colfax County Rapid Response meeting

RATON — The next CCRR meeting will be Thursday, May 14, 7 p.m. at Colfax County Courthouse, 230 North 3rd Street. Col- fax County Rapid Response is a volunteer firefighting community based organization. Currently we engage in Wild land and Structural fires. When called upon we serve a civic duty, which is to protect the communities and citizens in Colfax County. Colfax County Rapid Response meets on the second and forth Thursdays

 

May 2020 MCMC Board of Trustees virtual meeting

RATON — The Miner’s Colfax Medical Center Board of Trustee has rescheduled its regular meeting for the third Friday of the month, Friday, May 15, 1 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Call the hospital for more information.

 

New Mexico Arts grant deadline to arts

SANTA FE — New Mexico Arts, the state arts agency and a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, announced today that it will allocate $1.5 million in state and federal funds to approximately 200 arts organizations, colleges and universities, K-12 schools, tribal governments, and government entities.

The guidelines and application for NM CARES funds will be available on May 1, 2020, to New Mexico Arts awardees from Fiscal Years 2018-21. The application period will close on Friday, May 15, 2020.

Please visit http://www.nmarts.org for more information and to access the application.

 

Raton High School Class of 2020 Schedule of Events for Graduation

RATON — The principal of Raton High School, Olga M. Neurauter, announces the Class of 2020 Schedule of Events for Graduation.

“At this time I along with the Raton School Board would like to announce the plans for the 2020 Graduation for the Raton High School Seniors, Class of 2020, on Friday, May 15, 2020. We will start at 2:00 PM with the first 10 Seniors from 2:00-2:20 PM (please look for your scheduled time) please come into the gym to take a picture with a board member, and we will continue to do this until all 65 Seniors have been photographed. (One person will be allowed into the gym to take pictures. ) At this time we will give each Senior his/her diploma, cords, and bag of goodies. (Students will remain in their cars until we call them into the gym.) We will do this pro- cess until around 4:00 PM. During this time we ask that the students remain in their cars until you are called to the gym.

Here is what will be happening on the evening of May 15, 2020:

• Staging begins at 5:30
•All graduate vehicles will enter the High. School Campus on Letton Drive.
•All parties are to remain in their vehicles at all times through-out the staging and drive through parade.
•Cars will be directed to the staging area on the bottom parking lot in a single file line, wrapping around the South side of the gym and the South end of Letton Drive.
•All cars will be staged before the Radio Broadcast Ceremony which begins at 6:00 PM.
•A condensed ceremony will take place at 6:00. This ceremony will consist of speeches, awards, and the reading of the Seniors of the Class 2020.
• All listeners will be encouraged to honk at every mention of the Class 2020 to mimic the normal tradition of clapping at this time during a traditional ceremony.
•At the conclusion of the ceremony, a police escort will escort the caravan down Tiger Drive and then left on South Second Street.
•The Caravan will then travel North on Second Street to Savage Avenue.
•The Caravan will then continue South on First Street and will disburse after taking a right into Cimarron Avenue. •Graduates from that point will break formation and exit right onto Second Street, straight up Cimarron Avenue or left onto Second Street. (Use the map to help visualize. )
•Family and friends are invited to legally park along the parade route on First or Second Street. It is requested that people remain in their vehicles and practice appropriate social distancing. People are encouraged to decorate Senior and family vehicles to show support for the graduating Seniors.”

 

Hunger Pantry food distribution

RATON — There will be a food distribution Wednesday, May 27, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 300 S 3rd Street.

 

New Mexico primary election information

NEW MEXICO — The New Mexico Primary Election will be June 2, 2020. The voter registration deadline for this election was Tuesday, May 5. The deadline to request an absentee ballot online is Thursday, May 28 by midnight. The deadline to return a completed absentee ballot is Tuesday, June 2.

Early voting begins Saturday, May 16 and continues until Saturday, May 30. In-person absentee voting will be held from Tuesday, May 5 through Friday, May 29.

 

Walk to Remember lost loved ones

RATON — The Josie Barela Memorial Walk to Remember Lost Loved Ones will be held Friday, May 29, 6 a.m.. The walk starts at Fairmont Cemetery from 6-630 then proceeds to Mt. Calvary with prayer in between and safe social distancing.

 

COVID referral numbers

NEW MEXICO —These numbers are important for all New Mexicans.

EMPLOYMENT/INCOME
LOSS OR REDUCTION
• If you are unemployed/underemployed and need assistance: Department of Workforce Solutions Call Center 1-877-664-6984
• If you are a small business/employer and need assistance: Economic Development Department for Small Business = 1- 505-827-0300

FOOD ASSISTANCE

• If you need assistance obtaining food

a. School age children: Public Education Dept = 505-827-6683 b. Senior / Adult with disabilities:

i. Seniors Who Need Groceries or Meals = 1-800-432-2080 ii. Emotional Crisis, Mental Health, or Substance Abuse = 1-855-662-7474

• SNAP benefits: HSD/Income Support Division = 1-800- 283-4465
• WIC: Department of Health

a. WIC Questions on food or formula availability = 1-505- 469-0929
b. WIC Operations Manager = 1-505-819-7028
c. WIC General Questions = 1-866-867-3124

HEALTH INSURANCE

• If you need assistance obtaining health insurance: HSD/Medicaid = 1-800-283-4465
• If you are not eligible for Medicaid, you can apply for afford- able health insurance online at www.bewellnm.com or call 1- 855-996-6449

HOUSING

• If you need assistance with housing/utilities:
a. Housing–Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) Emergency

Housing 1-800-444-6880
b. Utilities HSD Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program 1-888-523-0051

FAMILY & MISC.

• If you need assistance with childcare: 1-800-691-9067 NM Kids Child Care Resource Center
• If you have complaints about facilities not closing: 505-469- 2940/505-629-2845

• If you want to volunteer or need a volunteer: 505-476-2200

 

State launches portal with more COVID-19 data

NEW MEXICO — The state of New Mexico has launched a portal with more COVID-19 data specific to positive cases and testing in the state.

The data dashboard currently includes county-by- county breakdowns of positive cases by age, gender and ethnicity. The portal also includes reporting about testing by county. The state department of health has conducted extensive testing in Native American communities where clusters of illness have been identified, which at least in part explains the disproportionate share of the Native American population in the state’s total positive tests.

The state will endeavor to update the data at least twice weekly on the Health Department’s COVID-19 microsite, cv.nmhealth.org.

If and when more data can be reported accurately, the state will update the portal to include it. The data page can be found at cv.nmhealth.org/dashboard.

 

Rural Development offices open for business by phone

SANTA FE — USDA Rural Development in New Mexico is working to ensure the safety, security, and health of the public and our employees while continuing to provide excellent customer service. Consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on limiting the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing, we are now in enterprise- wide remote operational status. USDA Rural Development is open for business via telephone and email and we look forward to continuing our vital work supporting you our customers who live and work in rural America.

Please know the New Mexico Rural Development team will continue delivering programs and offering the highest level of customer service. Customers and stakeholders can reach employees using the contact information below.

Contact us by phone:
New Mexico State Office: 505-761-4950 Albuquerque Field Office 505-761-4950
Aztec Field Office 505-334-3090 Extension #4
Las Cruces Field Office 575-522-8775 Extension #4 Las Vegas Field Office 505-425-3594 Extension #4 Roswell Field Office 300 575-622-8745 Extension #4

 

Weekly Update: Experience New Mexico’s museums, historic sites, and cultural institutions from home

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Cultural Af- fairs (DCA) museums, historic sites, and cultural institutions continue to operate virtually during this time of social distancing, offering resources, activities, and exhibitions to be enjoyed at home.

The following is a collection of updated online tools from the DCA available to the public:

Follow Farm & Ranch on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

The Historic Preservation Division is celebrating Virtual Preservation Month in May; visit the HPD website for more details. “This Week in New Mexico History” is a regular HPD Facebook series that focuses on properties across the state listed in the National Register of Historic Places, with new posts each Friday. HPD’s Facebook page also includes information about archaeology, state and national parks, preservation tax credit projects, and local preservation efforts. Follow HPD on Face- book and YouTube.

Follow Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, MIAC on Facebook, Vimeo, and YouTube.

Currently, there are 10 Folk Art lesson plans for teachers and students, available in Spanish and English, on the Museum of International Folk Art, MOIFA, website. Follow MOIFA on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Follow National Hispanic Cultural Center, NHCC on Facebook and YouTube.
The NHCC will also host the fifth performance of the “Our Fair New Mexico” virtual concert series, filmed at the Albuquerque Journal Theatre, featuring Dos Gatos. The Albuquerque-based band’s musical sound incorporates multiple genres, including zydeco, Tex-Mex, blues, gypsy jazz, swing, and a dash of outlaw country. For a list of upcoming performances, visit the Our Fair New Mexico web page.

The New Mexico Music Commission continues to share video and livestream musical performances from musicians in New Mexico and nationally. Follow NMA on Facebook, Insta- gram, and Vimeo.

New Mexico Historic Sites is continuing its “Virtual Classroom” series, which can be found on the NMHS website and social media channels. Meanwhile, Fort Sumner Historic Site/Bosque Redondo Memorial has launched a virtual “book club” program, and the first book in the series is “The Girl Who Chased Away Sorrow: The Diary of Sarah Nita, a Navajo Girl, New Mexico, 1864,” written by Ann Turner. Deputy Director Tim Roberts led a virtual discussion and a live question-and-answer session with author and historian Drew Gomber via Facebook and YouTube on May 6. This program was a collaboration between NMHS, the New Mexico History Museum, and the Friends of History. Follow NMHS on Facebook

The New Mexico History Museum is continuing to collect Quarantine Diaries. Help write history by submitting your story to the museum’s collection; contact historylibrary@state.nm.us for more information. The virtual version of the First Sunday Making History event was posted on the NMHM Facebook page and YouTube channel. The First

Wednesday Friends of History Lecture was dual-streamed on both the New Mexico Historic Sites and NMHM Facebook pages, as well as NMHS’ YouTube channel. NMHM’s website continues to offer online educational material. Follow NMHM on Facebook and Twitter.

The New Mexico Museum of Art posts online education resources including the Searchable Art Museum (SAM), archives, videos, and research library. Follow MOA on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science offers online exhibitions, resources, and other educational activities. There is also a Museum Story Time and the Smithsonian Learning Lab. An online tour of the “Tiny Titans, Dinosaur Eggs and Babies” exhibit is available on the MNHS website. On May 15, there will be a Facebook watch party for First Friday Fractal show at 6 p.m. This 25- minute show will include animations rarely seen before, along with an explanation about fractals and how they occur. Follow MNHS on Facebook.

Have you ever wondered how astronauts wash their hands in space? Did you know NASA created a ventilator to help fight COVID-19? Those are just some of the questions that the New Mexico Museum of Space

History can answer on its Facebook page. Followers can also watch Launch Pad lectures and Mini-Preservation Workshops on the museum’s YouTube channel. Other content avail- able on social media includes Virtual Rocketeer Academy, Stories from Space, and Galactic Laffs. Follow Space History on Facebook and YouTube.

`Teachers can still invite a DCA educator into their online classrooms by submitting the request form found on nmculture.org. While classes can’t visit museums and historic sites in person, the department can schedule an educator to visit with them virtually. As requests come in, they will be forwarded to the appropriate division, which will then coordinate with teachers.

New Mexico State Library is partnering with the New Mexico Library Foundation to provide a statewide online Summer Reading Program for children. There will be a lineup of online performers, prizes, and other resources to encourage children to keep reading. The expectation is to have the program begin on June 1. Follow the NMSL on Facebook.

Learn how archaeologists use experimentation to discover material from the past on the Office of Archaeological Studies educational resources and YouTube page . Activity packets that combine creative archaeological explorations with critical thinking skills can be found on the OAS website. Follow OAS on YouTube.

Upcoming Events for week of May 7, 2020

THROUGHOUT OUR WORLD

Respond to the Census! Our district is waaaay behind!

OUR WORLD — Did you know Census data is used to ensure your local communities receive their fair share of funding for things like hospitals, ambulance services and medical clinics?

The 2020 Census will determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives. This is the rate of response in the Colorado 7 districts:
7th Congressional District: 64.7% (Rep. Ed Perlmutter)
6th Congressional District: 64.5% (Rep. Jason Crow)
4th Congressional District: 58.7% (Rep. Ken Buck)
5th Congressional District: 58.4% (Rep. Doug Lamborn)
1st Congressional District: 58.3% (Rep. Diana DeGette)
2nd Congressional District: 54% (Rep. Joe Neguse)
3rd Congressional District: 44.7% (Rep. Scott Tipton)

Didn’t receive a Census form in the mail? No worries. Just go to My2020Census.gov and fill out the survey online using your physical address. Or you can do it by phone, at 844-330-2020. Language assistance is available, if needed. Remember: Respond to the 2020 Census to #ShapeYourFuture.

The U.S. Census Bureau plans to deliver a census invitation and paper questionnaire later this year – as soon as it is safe to do so. By responding with your Census ID or on the paper questionnaire, we’ll be able to get the best count of your community.

 

Mental health support for senior citizens

OUR WORLD — Senior Health Advocates Colorado wants you to know we are here for you during this difficult time. You may be feeling isolated, scared, or just want to talk. You may have a friend or relative you are concerned about or perhaps you need support in some other way. Please reach out to us. We care about you and want to support our community. Call us at 719-680-4883 or Email us at: seniorhealthadvocatesco@gmail.com or info@seniorhealthadvocatesco.com . For more information, check out our website and Facebook page: http://seniorhealthadvocatesco.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/seniorhealthadvocatesco/

Stay safe and reach out should you need anything. We want to help. Senior Health Advocates Colorado is a member of the Trinidad Las Animas Chamber of Commerce. We are a voluntary group of professionals dedicated to community health and wellness. We recognize the difficulties older adults may have navigating the health care system, associated support services and advocating for themselves.

Our mission is to ensure that seniors in Southern Colorado are provided with services required by law and by standards of decency and dignity. Our goal is to assist you by providing guidance, support, education and advocacy.”

 

Recreate Safely With the COTREX App

OUR WORLD — Find less busy trails near you, and stay up- dated on closures related to trails, parks, open spaces, visitor centers and campgrounds across Colorado by downloading the free COTREX app.

 

HUERFANO

Two Peaks Fitness news

LA VETA — Two Peaks Fitness is now open for 1:1 personal training sessions (only). You must make an appointment in advance, call 719-742-3555.

 

New Hope Community Church reopens

WALSENBURg — New Hope Community Church of Walsenburg, 801 Pennsylvania, will be re-opening services with a drive-in celebration Sunday, May 10, 10 a.m.. Attendees can stay in the comfort of their vehicle and tune to 103.9 on their FM radio to hear the message and to sing along with guest guitarist John Rodriguez. Parking will be in the vacant lot on the east side of the church building. Mother’s day carnations will be given to the first 40 attendees requesting them.

 

Virtual free legal clinic

hUERFANO COUNTy — Despite the COVID-19 closures of libraries across Colorado, the Virtual Pro Se Clinic (VPC) clinics will still be held as scheduled. The next clinic in Huerfano County will be Tuesday May 12, 4 to 5 p.m.. Please contact the Spanish Peals Library at (719) 738-2774 to be added to the sign- up sheet.

We’re able to do this and keep clinic patrons safe because our volunteer attorneys already work remotely. As a work- around, instead of clinic patrons coming in-person to your local public library (which is closed), the volunteer attorney will call each clinic patron’s telephone directly, during the clinic hours, using the phone number provided. Although VPC clinic patrons will see a slight shift in how our free legal support is de- livered, they should experience no significant disruption in service.

There couldn’t be a more important time to get this kind of free legal support to your community than right now. If you have questions about unpaid rent, employment issues, end-of-life documents, custody/parenting time issues or any other Colorado civil issue, please contact your Spanish Peaks Library at (719) 738-2774 to be added to the sign-up sheet. Space is limited.

 

Huerfano County Republican virtual meeting

hUERFANO COUNTy — The Huerfano County Republican committee will hold its May meeting online using the Zoom videoconferencing software. The meeting will take place Tuesday, May 12, 6 p.m.. To attend online, members should email one of the following two officers as early as possible before the meeting to request a login and password: Debi Sporleder: dscogop@gmail.com or Marcy Freeburg: tech@lazydogweb.com

 

SPACe Gallery reopens

LA VETA — The SPACe Gallery in the Park plans to reopen this week after being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing will be strictly enforced, with all visitors required to wear face masks. No more than 4 visitors at one time will be allowed to enter, due to the requirement of 400 sq. ft. per person, including employees. Disposable gloves will be provided, and a few disposable masks will also be available. The current show ” Spring Break–Art Gone Wild” will be on display through next week.

 

Artists are invited to enter SPACe shows

LA VETA — There will be three new shows on display beginning Tuesday, May 19 and artists are invited to enter 2 of them: “The Changing Climate” and “Artists’ Choice”.

All media will be accepted, with a limit of 4 total entries per artist. Entry fees remain $5 per entry, with pieces over the equivalent of 30″ wide considered two entries. Artists may bring their work Thursday, May 14, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.. Since only 2 people will be allowed inside at one time, it is recommended that artists call ahead for an appointment. Face masks will be required. Entry forms with complete details are available on the SPACe web- site, www.spanishpeaksarts.org. Call SPACe at 719-742-3074 Tues., Thurs. or Sat., between 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. for more information and to make an appointment to bring artwork. If leaving a message, please speak slowly and distinctly. Your call can’t be returned if we don’t understand your phone number.

 

La Veta Beautification needs volunteers

LA VETA — Calling all plant lovers! The La Veta Beautification volunteer program, sponsored by the La Veta-Cuchara Chamber of Commerce, moved into action this last week. The weeding of the large flower beds on Ryus Avenue is under way and mulch will be added soon. The flowers will be showing up in just a few weeks!

This year we are looking for volunteers to:
Weed and water the flower beds on Ryus Avenue. Water all of Main Street’s flowers daily
Dead head flowers

Fertilize flowers

We are looking for people who would like to have a regular day to water or a part time fill in position. We do have a motorized watering cart that holds 50 gallons or a pull behind wagon, depending on which you prefer. We will be watering in the mornings and it takes about an hour.

Dead heading flowers is an easy but tedious position that requires patience. Weeding in the large flower beds is an ongoing project. We would love to have someone who wants to oversee a bed regularly.

We understand that people travel and have many fun events planned in the summer. We have fill in workers if you sign up for a recurring day to water or other duties and need a few weeks off to go play!

Come join in the project that makes downtown La Veta look fantastic during the summer season. If you wish to donate or volunteer please contact: LaRissa Morris, 808-936-0663 or write larissaservices@gmail.com

 

SCCOG (AAA) Senior Services and Care & Share

hUERFANO COUNTy — The Agency on Aging coordinates food distribution in Huerfano and Las Animas Counties and is provided through South Central Council of Governments. All Agency on Aging programs are for residents 60 years or older, assessments and reservations required. Please make reservations/cancellations one day in advance. Call 719-738-1182 or 719-738-2205 for assessments, reservations, and questions.

Take out lunch meals are provided in Walsenburg Monday through Friday at the Huerfano County Community Center. Also available are homebound meal deliveries Monday through Friday in Walsenburg and Tuesday and Friday in La Veta.

A regular Care and Share distribution will be held Tuesday, May 12, 11 am until food is gone at the Huerfano County Community Center/County Workshop.Please do not show up too early, bring a pen, and stay in your vehicle. Please wear a mask.

 

La Veta Village food services

LA VETA — La Veta Village has two programs to help with food needs during Covid-19 alerts.

If you are 60 or older or high-risk, safety-trained volunteers will shop at Charlie’s with your grocery list and deliver to your home. This service is available to anyone in the 81055 zip code or in Navajo ranch. Contact Susan at 719-989-8361 or email lvvfoodservices@gmail.com

Also, La Veta Village offers a free food pick-up for persons who qualify by income level or because of unemployment. Please register for a box by Wednesday at 5 pm for a pick-up the following Saturday. The next pick-up is Saturday, May 16. Email lvvfoodservices@gmail.com or call Rebecca 719-746-2329.

If you would like to volunteer, call 719- 746-2329. To donate, go to lavetavillage.org.

 

Huerfano RE-1 providing breakfasts/ lunches to all children 0-18 years

WALSENBURg/gARDNER — Huerfano RE-1 will have sack breakfasts/lunches avail- able for drive through pick-up at Peakview School and Gardner Elementary. Pick up days will be Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.. Each pick up will have at least two breakfasts and two lunches for each child in the household. All children 0 to 18 years old are eligible for free breakfast and lunch regardless if they are enrolled in RE-1.

To pick up the sacked breakfast/lunch at Peakview: Vehicles will drive through between Peakview School and the West Wing building entering via the back of John Mall HS. Sacks will be located at the back doors of the Peakview cafeteria. To pick up the food at Gardner: Please follow the directives of personnel upon arriving.

 

Art in the Park canceled

LA VETA — The Board of Directors of the Spanish Peaks Arts Council (SPACe) decided to cancel the annual Art in the Park festival this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They felt that the vendors, if they chose to participate, would not have the crowds needed to make it worth their investment, if the Health Dept. allowed the event to take place. In addition, visitors would also feel apprehensive about attending. The current directives for social dis- tancing would be impossible to enforce.

 

Internet activities for kids and adults

hUERFANO — Here are a few fun pages you can follow to enjoy at home!
La Veta Public Library: www.facebook.com/la.vetalibrary/

“Every Monday we will post a different challenge that can be completed while in quarantine! You will post your challenge (some- times a picture, sometimes a video) and here is an important part: you MUST tag us in it and put the specific challenge hashtag! Otherwise we won’t see it, and we want to see your creativity!”

go Outside and howl at 8 pm: www.facebook.com/groups/howlat8/

“Every night at 8pm in your time zone, take a minute to step outside and let out a cathartic howl! We’ll post up daily themes that may or may not be very, very, very important. INVITE YOUR PEEPS! Let’s see how many people the world over we can get to howl in one night!”

Colorado Parks & Wildlife: www.face- book.com/ColoradoParksandWildlife/

Follow their page for interesting facts about wildlife around the state! Also follow this page below for Jackson Lake State Park – “Reading with a Ranger” every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!, https://www.facebook.com/JacksonLakeSP/

Scenic highway of Legends Tour (For All Ages):

https://travelstorys.com/tours/105/High- way%20of%20Legends

Brains On! A Science Podcast for Kids and Curious Adults: https://www.brainson.org/

But Why? A Podcast for Kids, NPR: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/474377890/but-why-a-podcast-for-curious-kids

Stuff you Should Know (Some Not Suited For Children): https://www.iheart.com/podcast/105-stuff- you-should-know-26940277/

Serial, Investigative Journalism Podcast (Adults):

https://serialpodcast.org/

 

Bachman & Associates 9 Hole Summer Shootout & Night Golf Tourney postponed to mid August

WALSENBURg — Come out for a summer Par-Tee and your chance to win BIG. Scramble play during the front nine, but stick around be- cause once the sun goes down enjoy glow in the dark golf! The fee is $75 per player which includes dinner. Call the Walsenburg Golf Course to sign up: (719) 738-2730. Must register by Friday, May 15.

Prizes include:
$25,000 Hole in One Contest
(Sponsored by Walsenburg Golf Course)
$250 Closest To The Pin Contest
(Bachman & Associates will donate to the Non-Profit of your choice)
Best Foursome Score on Front Nine
1st Place – $1,250 (Sponsored by Bachman & Associates)
2nd Place – $750 (Sponsored by The Dog Bar & Grill)
3rd Place – $500 (Sponsored by Legends Floor- ing & Interior)

For more info visit our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/50455790 3566979/

 

Opening reception at La Veta Gallery

LA VETA — There will be an opening reception for Memorial Weekend show at La Veta Gallery on Main Saturday, May 23, 5 to 7 p.m.. This group show features Gallery Artists in “A Celebration of Blooms.” Refreshments served.

Show runs through June 23. www.lavetagalleryonmain.com

 

LAS ANIMAS

Cash Mob for Marketplace Gallery

TRINIDAD — Join us Friday, May 8, 6 to 8 p.m. for the Trinidad Historic Main Street’s Virtual Cash Mob featuring Marketplace Gallery * We will host an Facebook Live. Be sure to scroll down the fb page at 6 p.m. for the live video.

*Paula will be showing a variety of unique items that are at the gallery. If you like an item, be the 1st person to commit and make a comment, on the video, that you would like to pur- chase. (Sometimes there are multiple available.) A member of the team will comment “confirmed” and then contact you though private message.

* Paula will contact you the following day for payment and to arrange pick-up.
* List of sample items will be updated soon

Be sure to like “Trinidad Historic Main Street” on Facebook for announcements of up- coming “Virtual Cash Mob” events in Trini- dad. If your business is interested in hosting an upcoming virtual cash mob, please call Penny Saeedi at 719-859-2584.

 

Carnegie’s COVID offerings

TRINIDAD — The Carnegie library is closed until at least the end of April but some of the monthly meetings and events will be held virtually. Keep checking the website newsletter link for details at:

www.carnegiepubliclibrary.org; just click the Newsletter button on the home page, then click the link on the Newsletter page.

One-on-one computer training: email us to set up a session: trinidadpubliclibrary@gmail.com

These events are postponed: Book Readers Rock!, Carving Club, One Book Colorado, Art Wall, Oral Histories, Tuesday’s Tots, Paws for Reading, Books for the Homebound.

 

Friday night Solidarity in Sight & Sound

TRINIDAD — Please join us every Friday night at 8 pm in “Solidarity In Sight and Sound”. At 8 pm from your residence, your driveway or front yard we would ask that for 1 minute you shine a light, wave a flag, honk a horn, sing a song or play an instrument so that the whole city can hear you; hear your neighbors, your friends, your family.

Even tho we are all apart during this time, we as a community have never been closer together. Each one of us is fighting the same bat- tle, feeling the same worries and fear, missing our loved ones.

The Trinidad Police Department would like our community to know that you are not alone…we are not alone! Of course, we would ask everyone to practice social distancing and no fireworks or firearms should be used to make a noise, this event is about all of us coming together for 1 minute to let us all know that we are ok and that we as a community will be ok.

 

Cash Mob for Mitchell Museum

TRINIDAD — Join us Friday, May 15, 6 to 8 p.m. for the Trinidad Historic Main Street’s Virtual Cash Mob featuring Mitchell Museum of Western Art. We will host an Facebook Live. Be sure to scroll done the fb page at 6 p.m. for the live video. Allison will be showing a variety of unique items that are at the gift shop. If you like an item, be the 1st person to commit and make a comment, on the video, that you would like to purchase. (Sometimes there are multiple available.) A member of the team will comment “confirmed” and then contact you though private message.

* Allison will contact you the following day for payment and to arrange pick-up.
* List of sample items will be updated soon

Be sure to like “Trinidad Historic Main Street” on Facebook for announcements of up- coming “Virtual Cash Mob” events in Trinidad. If your business is interested in hosting an upcoming virtual cash mob, please call Penny Saeedi at 719-859-2584.

 

Mt. Carmel Wellness virtual classes

TRINIDAD — Mt. Carmel Wellness & Community Center brings you FREE virtual pro- grams and classes to help you remain active and connected during this challenging time. These classes are available to anyone through the Zoom app. You can participate using your computer or smartphone.

See our weekly wellness schedule, followed by instructions to log-in on your computer or call-in from your phone. Get the schedule by signing up for the weekly email at: “Mt. Carmel of Colorado”

ahamilton@mtcarmelcenter.org  Contact Laura at (719) 845-4894 with questions.

 

Food pantry in Segundo

SEgUNDO — For those in need during this crisis situation, we invite you to come visit our food pantry on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 12 noon at The Lord’s Chapel Segundo

 

SCCOG (AAA) senior services and Care & Share

LAS ANIMAS COUNTy — The Agency on Aging coordinates food distribution in Huerfano and Las Animas Counties and is provided through South Central Council of Governments. All area Agency on Aging programs are for residents 60 years or older, assessments and reservations required. Please make reservations/cancellations one day in advance at 719-846-3336. Call 719-845-1133 ext 208 or ext. 225 for assessments and questions.

Take out lunch meals are provided in Trinidad Monday through Friday at the Sayre Senior Center. Also available are homebound meal deliveries Monday through Friday in Trinidad and Tuesday and Thursday in Aguilar.

There will be a regular Care & Share distribution at 125 E. Main Street. This distribution is for Aguilar/Ludlow area residents only (proof of residency required). Every Thursday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. there will be an emergency food distribution for those in dire need.

Please do not open the gates if they are closed. The regular distribution will be Wednesday, May 20, 10 to 11:30 a.m. for seniors and 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. for all eligible residents. Primero distribution will be Tuesday, May 19 and at Kim/Branson, Thursday, May 21. The regular Aguilar distribution will be Tuesday, May 26, 12 to 3 p.m. at 125 E. Main Street. For all distributions, please do not show up too early, bring a pen, and stay in your vehicle. Please wear a mask.

 

Free lunch pickup for Trinidad kids

TRINIDAD — Students age 0-18 have the option of picking up free curb and go meals at Fisher’s Peak Elementary or Trinidad Middle School (Park Street). From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday – Thursday.

 

Ugly Pet Portrait fundraiser

TRINIDAD — Get a one-of-a-kind portrait of your pet! We have some amazingly talented people who volunteer at Noah’s Ark Animal Welfare Association. They help make our day- to-day operations possible. We love our vol- unteers – they are awesome! Some of our volunteers are pretty good artists… and there are many more who… let’s face it, should probably keep their day jobs when it comes to creating artwork. Nonetheless, this eclectic team is dedicated and they have decided to join together for a fun, unique new fundraiser for Noah’s Ark — introducing the Ugly Pet Portrait Fundraiser.

For just $20, you’ll get an original, one-of-a-kind portrait of your pet, drawn by a “possibly-talented” NAAWA volunteer! Your pet is NOT ugly… but keep in mind that the artwork you get back, well… it may not be Mona Lisa quality, but we can assure you that it was made with lots of love! And there is nothing ugly about love!

So set your bar nice and low, and support NAAWA with a gift of $20 today! Just remember to upload a fairly good picture of your pet at the time of order. Please also remember to provide your email address and mailing ad- dress so we can send your pet’s portrait to you.

Get your order now because this FUNdraiser ends June 20, 2020! Email: noahsarktrinidad@pb02.ascendbywix.com to request your application.

 

COLFAX

New Mexico primary election information

NEW MEXICO — The New Mexico Primary Election will be June 2, 2020. The voter registration deadline for this election was Tuesday, May 5. The deadline to request an absentee ballot online is Thursday, May 28 by midnight. The deadline to return a completed absentee ballot is Tuesday, June 2.

Early voting begins Saturday, May 16 and continues until Saturday, May 30. In-person absentee voting will be held from Tuesday, May 5 through Friday, May 29.

 

COVID referral numbers

NEW MEXICO —These numbers are important for all New Mexicans.

EMPLOyMENT/INCOME
LOSS OR REDUCTION
• If you are unemployed/underemployed and need assistance: Department of Workforce

Solutions Call Center 1-877-664-6984
• If you are a small business/employer and need assistance: Economic Development Department for Small Business = 1-505-827-0300

FOOD ASSISTANCE
• If you need assistance obtaining food

a. School age children: Public Education Dept = 505-827-6683
b. Senior / Adult with disabilities:

i. Seniors Who Need Groceries or Meals = 1-800-432-2080
ii. Emotional Crisis, Mental Health, or Substance Abuse = 1-855-662-7474

• SNAP benefits: HSD/Income Support Di- vision = 1-800-283-4465
• WIC: Department of Health

a. WIC Questions on food or formula availability = 1-505-469-0929
b. WIC Operations Manager = 1-505-819- 7028
c. WIC General Questions = 1-866-867-3124

hEALTh INSURANCE

• If you need assistance obtaining health insurance: HSD/Medicaid = 1-800-283-4465
• If you are not eligible for Medicaid, you can apply for affordable health insurance online at www.bewellnm.com or call 1-855-996-6449

hOUSINg

• If you need assistance with housing/utilities:

a. Housing–Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) Emergency Housing 1-800-444-6880

b. Utilities HSD Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program 1-888-523-0051

FAMILy & MISC.

• If you need assistance with childcare: 1-800-691-9067 NM Kids Child Care Resource Center

• If you have complaints about facilities not closing: 505-469- 2940/505-629-2845
• If you want to volunteer or need a volunteer: 505-476-2200

 

State launches portal with more COVID-19 data

NEW MEXICO — The state of New Mexico has launched a portal with more COVID-19 data specific to positive cases and testing in the state.

The data dashboard currently includes county-by-county breakdowns of positive cases by age, gender and ethnicity. The portal also includes reporting about testing by county. The state department of health has conducted extensive testing in Native American communities where clusters of illness have been identified, which at least in part explains the disproportionate share of the Native American population in the state’s total positive tests.

The state will endeavor to update the data at least twice weekly on the Health Department’s COVID-19 microsite, cv.nmhealth.org.

If and when more data can be reported accurately, the state will update the portal to include it. The data page can be found at cv.nmhealth.org/dashboard.

 

Hunger Pantry food distribution

RATON — There will be a food distribution Wednesday, May 13, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 300 S 3rd Street.

 

Colfax County Rapid Response meeting

RATON — The next CCRR meeting will be Thursday, May 14, 7 p.m. at Colfax County Courthouse, 230 North 3rd Street. Colfax County Rapid Response is a volunteer firefighting community based organization. Currently we engage in Wild land and Structural fires. When called upon we serve a civic duty, which is to protect the communities and citizens in Colfax County. Colfax County Rapid Response meets on the second and forth Thursdays

 

May 2020 MCMC Board of Trustees virtual meeting

RATON — The Miner’s Colfax Medical Center Board of Trustee has rescheduled its regular meeting for the third Friday of the month, Friday, May 15, 1 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Call the hospital for more information.

 

New Mexico Arts to distribute $1.5 million to arts organizations in need

SANTA FE — New Mexico Arts, the state arts agency and a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, announced today that it will allocate $1.5 million in state and federal funds to approximately 200 arts organizations, colleges and universities, K-12 schools, tribal governments, and government entities.

These funds will support the retention of full-and part-time jobs and independently-contracted artists, arts administrators, and arts educators across the state. One-third of the funding is designated for New Mexico’s rural communities.

New Mexico’s arts and culture sector, which typically con- tributes roughly $5.9 billion each year to the state’s economy, has been especially hard hit by COVID-19 closures. An early and small sampling by respondents to a national Americans for the Arts survey shows that in February and March of this year arts organizations in New Mexico suffered from economic losses and/or incurred additional COVID-19 related expenses of more than $1.2 million. Other important survey results include: 90% have canceled programming and 67% said it’s likely that they will have to make reductions in staff. A third of respondents said they are not confident their organization will survive the impact of COVID-19.

The state and federal funds to be distributed by New Mexico Arts will come from the following three sources:
1. The New Mexico Legislature and the Governor-approved Fiscal Year 2021 state budget.
2. The State Partnership Agreement between New Mexico Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts (Arts Endowment).

3. The federal CARES Act by which New Mexico Arts has received one-time funding via the Arts Endowment (NM CARES).

 

The guidelines and application for NM CARES funds will be available on May 1, 2020, to New Mexico Arts awardees from Fiscal Years 2018-21. The application period will close on Friday, May 15, 2020.

Please visit http://www.nmarts.org for more information and to access the application.

 

Rural Development offices open for business by phone

SANTA FE — USDA Rural Development in New Mexico is working to ensure the safety, security, and health of the public and our employees while continuing to provide excellent customer service. Consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on limiting the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing, we are now in enterprise- wide remote operational status. USDA Rural Development is open for business via telephone and email and we look forward to continuing our vital work supporting you our customers who live and work in rural America.

Please know the New Mexico Rural Development team will continue delivering programs and offering the highest level of customer service. Customers and stakeholders can reach employees using the contact information below.

Contact us by phone:

New Mexico State Office: 505-761-4950

Albuquerque Field Office 505-761-4950

Aztec Field Office 505-334-3090 Extension #4

Las Cruces Field Office 575-522-8775 Extension#4

Las Vegas Field Office 505-425-3594 Extension#4

Roswell Field Office 300 575-622-8745 Extension #4

 

Experience New Mexico’s museums, historic sites, and cultural institutions virtually

SANTA FE — The museums, historic sites, and other institutions of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) affected by temporary closures to the public are continuing to offer their resources, activities, and exhibits to state residents at home.

A couple of new social media series are available on the New Mexico Farm & Ranch heritage Museum Facebook page. Followers are invited to guess who or what is in the photograph from the museum’s collections, as well as educational posts that give a closer look at chuckwagons and cattle drives. The museum is continuing posts on a series called “Faces of Farm & Ranch,” which includes photos relating to agriculture shared by the public. There are also exhibitions, resources, and other educational materials available online. Follow Farm & Ranch on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

historic Preservation Division continues its Facebook series “This Week in New Mexico History,” with a focus on listed properties throughout the state. Followers on Facebook can also view recent listings in the State and National Registers of Historic Places, upcoming events such as Preservation Month, as well as information about historic resources, including posts about archaeology, state and national parks, preservation tax credit projects, and local preservation efforts. Follow HPD on Facebook and YouTube.

This past week on Facebook, the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture shared coloring pages by artist Jason Garcia of Santa Clara Pueblo, posted video of photographer Adriel Heisey discussing his method for the photography in the exhibit “Oblique Views,” shared an article on the “disappearance” of the Land O’Lakes Indian (also known as Mia the butter maiden), and shared a news story about the effects of COVID- 19 on Native American communities. Follow MIAC on Face- book, Vimeo, and YouTube.

The Museum of International Folk Art has a new You- Tube channel featuring videos with detailed descriptions about associated programs and exhibitions. On the museum’s web- site, there are DIY folk art activities for all ages, as well as educational material and lesson plans in English and Spanish. MOIFA also has an available online collection with over 130,000 objects from more than 100 countries. Follow MOIFA on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

The third episode of the podcast “La Hilacha: Words and Memories,” produced by the National hispanic Cultural Center, focuses on history, including an interview with State Historian Rob Martínez regarding the 1918 flu pandemic (Spanish Flu), and archivist Anna Uremovich discusses personal papers and their importance to archives. NHCC social media posts include an interview with artist Delilah Montoya, whose work was featured in the exhibition “Qué Chola;” featured artwork from visual arts educator Elena Baca for the “Staff Collects” series; a profile on volunteer coordinator Annette Luján for the “People Who Make the Magic Happen” series; and di- rector and chief curator Tey Marianna Nunn’s collection of Santo Niño artworks. There’s also the Latinx book review blog and an online version of the exhibit “El Voto Femenino.” Follow NHCC on Facebook and YouTube.

New Mexico Arts continues its “Public Art Thursday,” “Grantee Highlight,” and “I heart the arts” social media campaigns, and will share local and national resources, webinars, and information daily. There is an open survey to collect information from artists and arts organizations regarding their transition to virtual or alternative programming, as NMA works to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the arts across the state. The Art in Public Places program currently has information about two Calls for Artists available on the NMA web- site. The New Mexico Music Commission continues to share video and livestream musical performances from musicians in New Mexico and nationally. Follow NMA on Facebook, Instagram, and Vimeo.

New content has been added to the New Mexico Historic Sites “Virtual Classroom” series, which can be found on the NMhS website and social media channels. Sixteen lesson plans have been released, relating to the history of five historic sites. Meanwhile, Fort Sumner Historic Site/Bosque Redondo Memorial launched its virtual “book club” program, the first book in the series is “The Girl Who Chased Away Sorrow: The Diary of Sarah Nita, a Navajo Girl, New Mexico, 1864,” written by Ann Turner. The staff at Los Luceros Historic Site developed and launched a virtual Earth Day tour of the site on April 22, and includes a blending of live and pre-recorded videos and activities. Follow NMHS on Facebook..

New social media series are available from the New Mexico Museum of Art. “Education Resources Updates” highlights the new educational activities and resources created by the museum’s education department. Digital workbooks featuring activities and lessons related to current and upcoming exhibitions, art concepts, art history, and seasonal events are available and new ones will be released on Wednesdays. Last weekend marked the “opening” of #nmavirtualexhibit on MOA social media platforms and features artwork of 10 New Mexico artists working with the theme “Now!” The museum also has available online resources, including the Searchable Art Museum (SAM), archives, videos, and a library. Follow MOA on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

New Mexico Museum of Natural history & Science website, MNhS, offers online exhibitions, resources, and other educational activities, including Museum Story Time and Smithsonian Learning Lab. An online tour of the “Tiny Titans, Dinosaur Eggs and Babies” exhibit is available on the MNHS website. Follow MNHS on Facebook.

Watch Launch Pad lectures and Mini-Preservation Workshops on the New Mexico Museum of Space history you- Tube channel. Content available on the museum’s Facebook page includes Virtual Rocketeer Academy, Stories from Space, and Galactic Laffs. Follow Space History on Facebook and YouTube.

Beginning this week, teachers from across the state can utilize the request form found on the DCA website to invite a DCA educator into their online classrooms. The thought is that if classes can’t visit the museums and historic sites, the department can schedule an educator to visit with them virtually. As requests come in, they would be forwarded to the appropriate division, which would then coordinate with the teachers. Follow the New Mexico State Library on Facebook.

Learn how archaeologists use experimentation to discover material from the past on the Office of Archaeological Studies educational resources and YouTube page. Activity packets that combine creative archaeological explorations with critical thinking skills can be found on the OAS website. Follow OAS on YouTube.

More information related to social media and online re- sources for each division of DCA is available upon request. Contact: Patrick Rodriguez 505-629-2257 patrick.rodriguez@state.nm.us for more information.

Upcoming Events for week of April 30, 2020

THROUGHOUT OUR WORLD

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission virtual meeting

dENVER – The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission will discuss an annual review of regulations related to fur- bearers and small game, a citizen petition for rulemaking related to contests involving small game and furbearers, a final review of regulations requiring a valid hunting or fishing li- cense for all persons 18 years of age and older to access all state wildlife areas and state trust lands leased by the Division, and a final review of regulations revising the process by which Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Commission respond to citizen petitions for rulemaking at a virtual meeting today, Thursday, April 30, 5:30 p.m.. The meeting will be streamed live on CPW’s YouTube page here.

The Commission will also discuss recommended funding for the 2020 Non-Motorized Trail Grants and the Land and Water Conservation Fund Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partner- ship Grant.

A complete agenda along with all materials for public re- view for this meeting can be found on the CPW website. The public is encouraged to email written comments to the Com- mission at dnr_cpwcommission@state.co.us. Details on providing public comments for virtual meetings are available on the CPW website.

The next commission meeting will take place as a virtual meeting on May 6 and 7.

 

Online Borderlands Talk: Cinco de Mayo

OUR WORLd — Join us Thursday, April 30, 6 p.m. on Zoom as we move our great history talks online. In this new, partic- ipatory format we will hear from Dr. David Hayes-Bautista, professor of Public Health and Medicine, and director of the Center for Latino Health & Culture at the School of Medicine at UCLA.

Dr. Hayes-Bautista will discuss Cinco de Mayo — a holiday commemorating the Mexican victory over the French at Puebla in 1862. He will explain why the holiday is not Mexican at all, but rather an American one, created by Latinos in California during the mid-nineteenth century. Hayes-Bautista will examine how the meaning of Cinco de Mayo has shifted over time and how it continues to reflect the aspirations of a community that is engaged, empowered, and expanding.

The event is free and open to the public. Register for this meeting at:

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/1315869817355/WN_mFrUUGjjTCm4wxWzhBkYfw

Please consider supporting the Borderlands Lecture Series by contributing at http://coloradogives.org/CommunityMuseumsOnline. Our Online Borderlands Lecture Series is generously supported by the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area

 

Respond to the Census! Our district is waaaay behind!

OUR WORLd — Did you know Census data is used to ensure your local communities receive their fair share of funding for things like hospitals, ambulance services and medical clinics?

The 2020 Census will determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives. This is the rate of response in the Colorado 7 districts:
7th Congressional District: 64.7% (Rep. Ed Perlmutter)
6th Congressional District: 64.5% (Rep. Jason Crow)
4th Congressional District: 58.7% (Rep. Ken Buck)
5th Congressional District: 58.4% (Rep. Doug Lamborn)
1st Congressional District: 58.3% (Rep. Diana DeGette)
2nd Congressional District: 54% (Rep. Joe Neguse)
3rd Congressional district: 44.7% (Rep. Scott tipton)

Didn’t receive a Census form in the mail? No worries. Just go to My2020Census.gov and fill out the survey online using your physical address. Or you can do it by phone, at 844-330-2020. Language assistance is available, if needed. Remember: Respond to the 2020 Census to #ShapeYourFuture.

The U.S. Census Bureau plans to deliver a census invitation and paper questionnaire later this year – as soon as it is safe to do so. By responding with your Census ID or on the paper questionnaire, we’ll be able to get the best count of your community.

 

HUERFANO

La Veta Beautification needs volunteers

LA VEtA — Calling all plant lovers! The La Veta Beautification volunteer program, sponsored by the La Veta-Cuchara Chamber of Commerce, moved into action this last week. The weeding of the large flower beds on Ryus Avenue is under way and mulch will be added soon. The flowers will be showing up in just a few weeks!

This year we are looking for volunteers to:
Weed and water the flower beds on Ryus Avenue. Water all of Main Street’s flowers daily
Dead head flowers
Fertilize flowers

We are looking for people who would like to have a regular day to water or a part time fill in position. We do have a motorized watering cart that holds 50 gallons or a pull behind wagon, depending on which you prefer. We will be watering in the mornings and it takes about an hour.

Dead heading flowers is an easy but tedious position that requires patience. Weeding in the large flower beds is an ongoing project. We would love to have someone who wants to oversee a bed regularly.

We understand that people travel and have many fun events planned in the summer. We have fill in workers if you sign up for a recurring day to water or other duties and need a few weeks off to go play!

Come join in the project that makes downtown La Veta look fantastic during the summer season. A big thank you to our donors: The Town of La Veta, The Nelson Lane Family, The Sam Knight Family, Deer Print Wine, L&M Ranch, Bachman and Associates, The First National Bank of Trinidad,San Isabel Electric, Andron Center for the Healing Arts, Basin Electric Leslie Lord, Suha Oguz, Lisa Walters, Paul McConellogue, Sheri Jones, La Veta Propane, Alys’ Restaurant, Peggy Zehring, Annalisa Sullivan, Helen Hill, Manuel and Mary Ann Moles, Bella Cloude, Emily Dubia, and John Davidson.

It is because of your donations that this program happens!

Thank you to our 4th year volunteers LaRissa Morris, Susan Hanneman, and Karen Baci! Thank you to all past volunteers: Richard Shivley, Debbie Polillo, Steve Knuth, Tim and Angie Tandy, Lisa Walters, Joel Mathews, Alicia Morris, Kim Eldredge, Lisa Walters, Jill Schwartz for stenciling the planters and the La Veta school kids who came to help with planters and weeding. Thank you to Aaron Hewitt and Zac Dees Prebula for heavy lifting and weeding, Tyler Huff for moving concrete planters, John Lockamy for running his tractor to clean up the Ryus Avenue. beds, and Annalee and Russell Hickey for transporting the flowers.

If you wish to donate or volunteer please contact: LaRissa Morris, 808-936-0663 or write larissaservices@gmail.com

 

SCCOG (AAA) Senior Services and Care & Share

HUERFANO COUNtY — The Agency on Aging coordinates food distribution in Huerfano and Las Animas Counties and is provided through South Central Council of Governments. All Agency on Aging programs are for residents 60 years or older, assessments and reservations required. Please make reservations/cancellations one day in advance. Call 719-738-1182 or 719-738-2205 for assessments, reservations, and questions.

Take out lunch meals are provided in Walsenburg Monday through Friday at the Huerfano County Community Center. Also available are homebound meal deliveries Monday

through Friday in Walsenburg and Tuesday and Friday in La Veta.

Wednesday, April 29, 11 am there will be a Care & Share emergency distribution at the Huerfano County Community Center/County Workshop 11 am until the food is gone. Please do not show up too early, bring a pen, and stay in your vehicle. Please wear a mask. A regular Care and Share distribution will be held Tuesday, May 12, 11 am until food is gone at the Huerfano County Community Center/County Workshop.

 

La Veta Village food services

LA VEtA — If you or someone you know is a 60+ year old senior or have a pre-existing condition that puts you at high risk, you live in the 81055 zip code, and are in need of transporting groceries from Charlies’s to home contact: Susan at 719-989- 8361 or lvvfoodservices@gmail.com.

Weekly pick up service is available at the La Veta Village (typically on Saturdays).
Please call (719) 742-4957 to reserve a box and schedule a pick up!

If you would like to volunteer to help physically or monetarily, please contact Ed Donovan at 719-472-4957 or edfdonovan@gmail.com

 

Huerfano RE-1 providing breakfasts/lunches to all children 0-18 years

WALSENBURG/GARdNER — Huerfano RE-1 will have sack breakfasts/lunches available for drive through pick-up at Peakview School and Gardner Elementary. Pick up days will be Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.. Each pick up will have at least two breakfasts and two lunches for each child in the household. All children 0 to 18 years old are eligible for free breakfast and lunch regardless if they are enrolled in RE-1.

To pick up the sacked breakfast/lunch at Peakview: Vehicles will drive through between Peakview School and the West Wing building entering via the back of John Mall HS. Sacks will be located at the back doors of the Peakview cafeteria. To pick up the food at Gardner: Please follow the directives of personnel upon arriving.

 

Star Drug Pharmacy offers prescription delivery

WALSENBURG — Star Drug Pharmacy will deliver your prescriptions for a $5 fee (within Walsenburg city limits). Call us for more information: 719-738-1130 .

 

Internet activities for kids and adults

HUERFANO — Here are a few fun pages you can follow to enjoy at home!
La Veta Public Library:
www.facebook.com/la.vetalibrary/

“Every Monday we will post a different challenge that can be completed while in quarantine! You will post your challenge (sometimes a picture, sometimes a video) and here is an important part: you MUST tag us in it and put the specific challenge hashtag! Otherwise we won’t see it, and we want to see your creativity!”
Go Outside and Howl at 8 pm: www.facebook.com/groups/howlat8/

“Every night at 8pm in your time zone, take a minute to step outside and let out a cathartic howl! We’ll post up daily themes that may or may not be very, very, very important. INVITE YOUR PEEPS! Let’s see how many people the world over we can get to howl in one night!”

Colorado Parks & Wildlife: www.facebook.com/ColoradoParksandWildlife/

Follow their page for interesting facts about wildlife around the state! Also follow this page below for Jackson Lake State Park – “Reading with a Ranger” every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!, https://www.facebook.com/JacksonLakeSP/

Scenic Highway of Legends tour (For All Ages): https://travelstorys.com/tours/105/Highway%20of%20Leg- ends

Brains On! A Science Podcast for Kids and Curious Adults: https://www.brainson.org/

But Why? A Podcast for Kids, NPR: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/474377890/but-why-a-pod-cast-for-curious-kids

Stuff You Should Know (Some Not Suited For Children): https://www.iheart.com/podcast/105-stuff-you-should- know-26940277/

Serial, Investigative Journalism Podcast (Adults): https://serialpodcast.org/

 

HOW leaf and limb recycling

WALSENBURG — Leaf and limb debris for Huerfano County is now being processed by the Huerfano Organic Waste Recycling Services (HOW Recycling Services). HOW hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. HOW organic waste recycling is located just east of the Huerfano County Transfer station on Industrial Park Drive.

Only what grows out of the ground is accepted: No processed wood, no garbage, no dirt. We accept branches no more than 6 ft long, also accepting bagged leaves and yard debris.

 

Bachman & Associates 9 Hole Summer Shootout & Night Golf Tourney

WALSENBURG — Come out for a summer Par-Tee and your chance to win BIG Saturday, June 6, 4 p.m. at Walsenburg Golf Course. Scramble play during the front nine, but stick around because once the sun goes down enjoy glow in the dark golf! The fee is $75 per player which includes dinner. Call the Walsenburg Golf Course to sign up: (719) 738-2730. Must register by Friday, May 15.

Prizes include:
$25,000 Hole in One Contest
(Sponsored by Walsenburg Golf Course)
$250 Closest To The Pin Contest
(Bachman & Associates will donate to the Non-Profit of your choice)
Best Foursome Score on Front Nine

1st Place – $1,250 (Sponsored by Bachman & Associates)

2nd Place – $750 (Sponsored by The Dog Bar & Grill)
3rd Place – $500 (Sponsored by Legends Flooring & Interior)

For more info visit our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/504557903566979/

 

SPACe Artists Choice Show combined with the Changing Climate show

LA VEtA — New Dates and Info! Artist’s Choice Show and the Changing Climate Show will be held from May 19 until June 13. There will be no reception on the designated time of May 23, however there will be an opportunity for a virtual art showing of this event on that date.

 

LAS ANIMAS

Carnegie’s COVID offerings

tRINIdAd — The Carnegie library is closed until at least the end of April but some of the monthly meetings and events will be held virtually. Keep checking the website newsletter link for details at: www.carnegiepubliclibrary.org; just click the Newsletter button on the home page, then click the link on the Newsletter page.

diversity in the Coal Mines: remote meeting Thursday, April 30, 3 to 4 p.m..

Free legal help: Please see the article on second page of newsletter.

One-on-one computer training: email us to set up a session: trinidadpubliclibrary@gmail.com

These events are postponed: Book Readers Rock!, Carving Club, One Book Colorado, Art Wall, Oral Histories, Tuesday’s Tots, Paws for Reading, Books for the Homebound.

 

Virtual cash mob Friday May 1 at Trinidad’s Higher CBD and Cash Bar

tRINIdAd — Trinidad Historic Main Street with guidance from the Raton Main St., are working to help local businesses survive during the current unprecedented economic hardship. What better way than to invite everyone to your store for a virtual party? What is a cash mob, you ask? Inspired by “flash mobs,” a cash mob occurs when a group of people assembles at a business to make purchases. Since we cannot have a group of people assemble, we are going to assemble virtually using Facebook Live.

You can join the first Virtual Cash Mob on Friday, May 1 by going to the Trinidad Historic Main Street Facebook page for a LIVE feed from 6-8 p.m. featuring Trinidad’s Higher CBD & Oxygen Bar. Shop owner Kim Schultz will have Items for sale will include beautiful creations by local artists Anissa Roth, Dale Aubuchon, Camilla Campbell, Elvira Hidalgo & Henrietta Bluebird, Trinidad Triggers hats, patches, balls, t- shirts and jerseys, Trinidad & Colorado apparel and gifts, Dime Bags line of backpacks, wallets. pouches, and purses, Boost Oxygen, and many CBD products for humans and pets!

Just LIKE and Go to the Trinidad Historic Main Street page for the live feed of our local shopping show. Look for photos of featured items this week on Trinidad’s Higher CBD & Oxygen Facebook Page. On Friday night, shoppers watching the Facebook LIVE event can message when he or she is interested in the purchase. The first person to offer to purchase the item is committed. Other members of Main Street board will be monitoring the Facebook event and message the buyer with instructions. The next day, THCBD will make contact with the purchaser to finalize payment and delivery or pickup of pro- ducts. They will accept major credit cards, debit and cash. Each buyer will arrange his or her pick-up with the shop staff.

Be sure to like “Trinidad Historic Main Street” on Facebook for announcements of upcoming “Virtual Cash Mob” events in Trinidad. If your business is interested in hosting an upcoming virtual cash mob, please call Penny Saeedi at 719- 859-2584.

 

Friday night Solidarity in Sight & Sound

tRINIdAd — Please join us every Friday night at 8 pm in “Solidarity In Sight and Sound”. At 8 pm from your residence, your driveway or front yard we would ask that for 1 minute you shine a light, wave a flag, honk a horn, sing a song or play an instrument so that the whole city can hear you; hear your neighbors, your friends, your family.

Even tho we are all apart during this time, we as a community have never been closer together. Each one of us is fighting the same battle, feeling the same worries and fear, missing our loved ones.

The Trinidad Police Department would like our community to know that you are not alone…we are not alone! Of course, we would ask everyone to practice social distancing and no fireworks or firearms should be used to make a noise, this event is about all of us coming together for 1 minute to let us all know that we are ok and that we as a community will be ok.

 

Mt. Carmel Wellness virtual classes

tRINIdAd — Mt. Carmel Wellness & Community Center brings you FREE virtual programs and classes to help you remain active and connected during this challenging time. These classes are available to anyone through the Zoom app. You can participate using your computer or smartphone.

See our weekly wellness schedule, followed by instructions to log-in on your computer or call-in from your phone. Get the schedule by signing up for the weekly email at: “Mt. Carmel of Colorado” ahamilton@mtcarmelcenter.org

Contact Laura at (719) 845-4894 with questions.

 

Food pantry in Segundo

SEGUNdO — For those in need during this crisis situation, we invite you to come visit our food pantry on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 12 noon at The Lord’s Chapel Segundo

 

SCCOG (AAA) senior services and Care & Share

LAS ANIMAS COUNtY — The Agency on Aging coordinates food distribution in Huerfano and Las Animas Counties and is provided through South Central Council of Governments. All area Agency on Aging programs are for residents 60 years or older, assessments and reservations required. Please make reservations/cancellations one day in advance at 719-846-3336. Call 719-845-1133 ext 208 or ext. 225 for assessments and questions.

Take out lunch meals are provided in Trinidad Monday through Friday at the Sayre Senior Center. Also available are homebound meal deliveries Monday through Friday in Trinidad and Tuesday and Thursday in Aguilar.

There will be a regular Care & Share distribution Thursday, April 28, 12 to 3 pm at 125 E. Main Street. This distribution is for Aguilar/Ludlow area residents only (proof of residency required). Every Thursday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. there will be an emergency food distribution for those in dire need.

Friday, May 1, 10 a.m. there will be a Care & Share emergency distribution at the Las Animas Fairgrounds. Please do not open the gates if they are closed. The regular distribution will be Wednesday, May 20, 10 to 11:30 a.m. for seniors and 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. for all eligible residents. Primero distribution will be Tuesday, May 19 and at Kim/Branson, Thursday, May 21. The regular Aguilar distribution will be Tuesday, May 26, 12 to 3 p.m. at 125 E. Main Street. For all distributions, please do not show up too early, bring a pen, and stay in your vehicle. Please wear a mask.

 

New food program at Mt. Carmel

tRINIdAd — Mt. Carmel Wellness and Community Center has created a new food program to support those in need during the coronavirus pandemic. Through grant funding and local business support, Mt. Carmel is providing boxes of food to Trinidad and Las Animas County residents struggling to feed their families as a result of job loss, or reduced hours. The staff at Mt. Carmel applied for an emergency grant to help carry out its mission to keep community members healthy. Enabled by El Pomar Foundation’s generous grant of $7,500, Mt. Carmel began dis- tributing 26 food boxes, on average, per week to residents on April 7, and distribution will continue through the beginning of May. Each box includes enough food to prepare six meals for a family of four (24 individual meals per box). Several types of meat, an assortment of fruits and vegetables, and other miscellaneous meal components are provided in each box, as well as healthy recipes are included to utilize the ingredients.

Mt. Carmel staff are already looking forward to the opportunity to distribute more boxes next week. They will reach out to recipients who been referred by local agencies. Community members wanting to support Mt. Carmel’s efforts can donate at: mtcarmelcenter.org or by calling 719-845-4877.

 

Free lunch pickup for Trinidad kids

tRINIdAd — Students age 0-18 have the option of picking up free curb and go meals at Fisher’s Peak Elementary or Trinidad Middle School (Park Street). From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday – Thursday.

 

Hometown Pharmacy delivery

tRINIdAd — Hometown Pharmacy will deliver your prescriptions for free (within six miles of the store) through April 30. Call us for more information: 719-845-0069 or visit www.htpcolorado.com .

 

Ugly Pet Portrait fundraiser

tRINIdAd — Get a one-of-a-kind portrait of your pet! We have some amazingly talented people who volunteer at Noah’s Ark Animal Welfare Association. They help make our day-to-day operations possible. We love our volunteers – they are awesome! Some of our volunteers are pretty good artists… and there are many more who… let’s face it, should probably keep their day jobs when it comes to creating artwork. Nonetheless, this eclectic team is dedicated and they have decided to join together for a fun, unique new fundraiser for Noah’s Ark — introducing the Ugly Pet Portrait Fundraiser.

For just $20, you’ll get an original, one-of-a-kind portrait of your pet, drawn by a “possibly-talented” NAAWA volunteer! Your pet is NOT ugly… but keep in mind that the artwork you get back, well… it may not be Mona Lisa quality, but we can as- sure you that it was made with lots of love! And there is nothing ugly about love!

So set your bar nice and low, and support NAAWA with a gift of $20 today! Just remember to upload a fairly good picture of your pet at the time of order. Please also remember to provide your email address and mailing address so we can send your pet’s portrait to you.

Get your order now because this FUNdraiser ends June 20, 2020! Email: noahsarktrinidad@pb02.ascendbywix.com to request your application.

 

COLFAX

New Mexico primary election information

NEW MEXICO — The New Mexico Primary Election will be June 2, 2020. The voter registration deadline for this election is Tuesday, May 5. The deadline to request an absentee ballot online is Thursday, May 28 by midnight. The deadline to return a completed absentee ballot is Tuesday, June 2.

Early voting begins Saturday, May 16 and continues until Saturday, May 30. In-person absentee voting will be held from Tuesday, May 5 through Friday, May 29.

 

COVID referral numbers

NEW MEXICO —These numbers are important for all New Mexicans.

EMPLOYMENt/INCOME LOSS OR REDUCTION
• If you are unemployed/underemployed and need assistance: Department of Workforce Solutions Call Center 1-877-664-6984
• If you are a small business/employer and need assistance: Economic Development Department for Small Business = 1- 505-827-0300

FOOd ASSIStANCE

• If you need assistance obtaining food

a. School age children: Public Education Dept = 505-827-6683 b. Senior / Adult with disabilities:

i. Seniors Who Need Groceries or Meals = 1-800-432-2080 ii. Emotional Crisis, Mental Health, or Substance Abuse = 1-855-662-7474

• SNAP benefits: HSD/Income Support Division = 1-800- 283-4465
• WIC: Department of Health

a. WIC Questions on food or formula availability = 1-505- 469-0929
b. WIC Operations Manager = 1-505-819-7028
c. WIC General Questions = 1-866-867-3124

HEALtH INSURANCE

• If you need assistance obtaining health insurance: HSD/Medicaid = 1-800-283-4465
• If you are not eligible for Medicaid, you can apply for affordable health insurance online at www.bewellnm.com or call 1- 855-996-6449

HOUSING

• If you need assistance with housing/utilities:
a. Housing–Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) Emergency

Housing 1-800-444-6880

b. Utilities HSD Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program 1-888-523-0051

FAMILY & MISC.

• If you need assistance with childcare: 1-800-691-9067 NM Kids Child Care Resource Center
• If you have complaints about facilities not closing: 505-469- 2940/505-629-2845

• If you want to volunteer or need a volunteer: 505-476-2200

 

State launches portal with more COVID-19 data

NEW MEXICO — The state of New Mexico has launched a portal with more COVID-19 data specific to positive cases and testing in the state.

The data dashboard currently includes county-by-county breakdowns of positive cases by age, gender and ethnicity. The portal also includes reporting about testing by county. The state department of health has conducted exten- sive testing in Native American communities where clusters of illness have been identified, which at least in part explains the disproportionate share of the Native American population in the state’s total positive tests.

The state will endeavor to update the data at least twice weekly on the Health Department’s COVID-19 microsite, cv.nmhealth.org.

If and when more data can be reported accurately, the state will update the portal to include it. The data page can be found at cv.nmhealth.org/dashboard.

 

Medicine Shoppe’s delivery

RAtON — Medicine Shoppe will deliver your prescriptions for free (within 6 miles of the store) through April 30. Call us for more information: 575-445-0075 or visit www.medicineshoppe.com/1387.

 

Rural Development offices open for business by phone

SANtA FE — USDA Rural Development in New Mexico is working to ensure the safety, security, and health of the public and our employees while continuing to provide excellent customer service. Consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on limiting the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing, we are now in enterprise-wide remote operational status. USDA Rural Development is open for business via telephone and email and we look forward to continuing our vital work supporting you our customers who live and work in rural America.

Please know the New Mexico Rural Development team will continue delivering programs and offering the highest level of customer service. Customers and stakeholders can reach employees using the contact information below.

Contact us by phone:
New Mexico State Office: 505-761-4950 Albuquerque Field Office 505-761-4950
Aztec Field Office 505-334-3090 Extension #4
Las Cruces Field Office 575-522-8775 Extension #4 Las Vegas Field Office 505-425-3594 Extension #4 Roswell Field Office 300 575-622-8745 Extension #4

 

Experience New Mexico’s museums, historic sites, and cultural institutions virtually

SANtA FE — The museums, historic sites, and other institutions of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) affected by temporary closures to the public are continuing to offer their resources, activities, and exhibits to state residents at home.

A couple of new social media series are available on the

New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum Facebook page. Followers are invited to guess who or what is in the photograph from the museum’s collections, as well as educational posts that give a closer look at chuckwagons and cattle drives. The museum is continuing posts on a series called “Faces of Farm & Ranch,” which includes photos relating to agriculture shared by the public. There are also exhibitions, resources, and other educational materials available online. Follow Farm & Ranch on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Historic Preservation division continues its Facebook series “This Week in New Mexico History,” with a focus on listed properties throughout the state. Followers on Facebook can also view recent listings in the State and National Registers of Historic Places, upcoming events such as Preservation Month, as well as information about historic resources, including posts about archaeology, state and national parks, preservation tax credit projects, and local preservation efforts. Follow HPD on Facebook and YouTube.

This past week on Facebook, the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture shared coloring pages by artist Jason Garcia of Santa Clara Pueblo, posted video of photographer Adriel Heisey discussing his method for the photography in the exhibit “Oblique Views,” shared an article on the “disappearance” of the Land O’Lakes Indian (also known as Mia the butter maiden), and shared a news story about the effects of COVID- 19 on Native American communities. Follow MIAC on Face- book, Vimeo, and YouTube.

The Museum of International Folk Art has a new You- Tube channel featuring videos with detailed descriptions about associated programs and exhibitions. On the museum’s web- site, there are DIY folk art activities for all ages, as well as educational material and lesson plans in English and Spanish. MOIFA also has an available online collection with over 130,000 objects from more than 100 countries. Follow MOIFA on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

The third episode of the podcast “La Hilacha: Words and Memories,” produced by the National Hispanic Cultural Center, focuses on history, including an interview with State Historian Rob Martínez regarding the 1918 flu pandemic (Spanish Flu), and archivist Anna Uremovich discusses personal papers and their importance to archives. NHCC social media posts include an interview with artist Delilah Montoya, whose work was featured in the exhibition “Qué Chola;” featured artwork from visual arts educator Elena Baca for the “Staff Collects” series; a profile on volunteer coordinator Annette Luján for the “People Who Make the Magic Happen” series; and director and chief curator Tey Marianna Nunn’s collection of Santo Niño artworks. There’s also the Latinx book review blog and an online version of the exhibit “El Voto Femenino.” Follow NHCC on Facebook and YouTube.

New Mexico Arts continues its “Public Art Thursday,” “Grantee Highlight,” and “I heart the arts” social media campaigns, and will share local and national resources, webinars, and information daily. There is an open survey to collect information from artists and arts organizations regarding their transition to virtual or alternative programming, as NMA works to understand the impact of COVID-19 on the arts across the state. The Art in Public Places program currently has information about two Calls for Artists available on the NMA website. The New Mexico Music Commission continues to share video and livestream musical performances from musicians in New Mexico and nationally. Follow NMA on Facebook, Insta- gram, and Vimeo.

New content has been added to the New Mexico Historic Sites “Virtual Classroom” series, which can be found on the NMHS website and social media channels. Sixteen lesson plans have been released, relating to the history of five historic sites. Meanwhile, Fort Sumner Historic Site/Bosque Redondo Memorial launched its virtual “book club” program, the first book in the series is “The Girl Who Chased Away Sorrow: The Diary of Sarah Nita, a Navajo Girl, New Mexico, 1864,” written by Ann Turner. The staff at Los Luceros Historic Site developed and launched a virtual Earth Day tour of the site on April 22, and includes a blending of live and pre-recorded videos and activities. Follow NMHS on Facebook.

On Thursday, April 30, the New Mexico History Museum will co-host via Facebook a virtual version of Her Flag, a collaborative art project celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. The museum also has various social media campaigns currently available, including a series on historic fashion in New Mexico. Follow NMHM on Facebook and Twitter.

New social media series are available from the New Mex- ico Museum of Art. “Education Resources Updates” highlights the new educational activities and resources created by the museum’s education department. Digital workbooks featuring activities and lessons related to current and upcoming exhibitions, art concepts, art history, and seasonal events are avail- able and new ones will be released on Wednesdays. Last weekend marked the “opening” of #nmavirtualexhibit on MOA social media platforms and features artwork of 10 New Mexico artists working with the theme “Now!” The museum also has available online resources, including the Searchable Art Museum (SAM), archives, videos, and a library. Follow MOA on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science website, MNHS, offers online exhibitions, resources, and other educational activities, including Museum Story Time and Smithsonian Learning Lab. An online tour of the “Tiny Titans, Dinosaur Eggs and Babies” exhibit is available on the MNHS website. Follow MNHS on Facebook.

Watch Launch Pad lectures and Mini-Preservation Workshops on the New Mexico Museum of Space History Youtube channel. Content available on the museum’s Facebook page includes Virtual Rocketeer Academy, Stories from Space, and Galactic Laffs. Follow Space History on Facebook and You- Tube.

Beginning this week, teachers from across the state can utilize the request form found on the dCA website to invite a dCA educator into their online classrooms. The thought is that if classes can’t visit the museums and historic sites, the department can schedule an educator to visit with them virtually. As requests come in, they would be forwarded to the appropriate division, which would then coordinate with the teachers. Follow the New Mexico State Library on Facebook.

Learn how archaeologists use experimentation to discover material from the past on the Office of Archaeological Studies educational resources and YouTube page. Activity packets that combine creative archaeological explorations with critical thinking skills can be found on the OAS website. Follow OAS on YouTube.

More information related to social media and online resources for each division of DCA is available upon request.

Upcoming Events for week of April 22, 2020

THROUGHOUT OUR WORLD

Online Borderlands Talk: The 1918 Flu in Southern Colorado

OUR WORLD — Join us on Zoom tonight, Thursday, April 23, 6 p.m. as we move our great history talks online. In this new, participatory format we will hear from Maria Sanchez-Tucker of the Santa Fe Public Library for about 25 minutes and engage in discussion afterward.

Sanchez-Tucker will present on the 1918 Spanish Influenza in southern Colorado and Pueblo. The event is free and open to the public. Register for this meeting https://zoom.us/webinar/register/53158682

98171/WN_6be_6aL9RViSDVt_yksMSQ Please consider supporting the Borderlands Lecture Series by contributing at http://coloradogives.org/CommunityMuseumsOnline. Our Online Borderlands Lecture Series is generously supported by the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area.

 

Online Borderlands Talk: Cinco de Mayo

OUR WORLD — Join us Thursday, April 30, 6 p.m. on Zoom as we move our great history talks online. In this new, participatory format we will hear from Dr. David Hayes-Bautista, professor of Public Health and Medicine, and director of the Center for Latino Health & Culture at the School of Medicine at UCLA.

Dr. Hayes-Bautista will discuss Cinco de Mayo — a holiday commemorating the Mexican victory over the French at Puebla in 1862. He will explain why the holiday is not Mexican at all, but rather an American one, created by Latinos in California during the mid-nineteenth century. Hayes-Bautista will examine how the meaning of Cinco de Mayo has shifted over time and how it continues to reflect the aspirations of a community that is engaged, empowered, and expanding.

The event is free and open to the public. Register for this meeting at:

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/1315 869817355/WN_mFrUUGjjTCm4wxWzhBkYfw

Please consider supporting the Borderlands Lecture Series by contributing at http://coloradogives.org/CommunityMuseumsOnline. Our Online Borderlands Lecture Series is generously supported by the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area

 

Respond to the Census!

OUR WORLD — Did you know Census data is used to ensure your local communities receive their fair share of funding for things like hospitals, ambulance services and medical clinics?

That’s why it’s critical for you to respond to the 2020 Census. The data collected between now and Aug. 14, 2020 will be used for the next 10 years, so we only have one chance to get it right.

Didn’t receive a Census form in the mail? No worries. Just go to My2020Census.gov and fill out the survey online using your physical address. Or you can do it by phone, at 844-330-2020. Language assistance is available, if needed. Remember: Respond to the 2020 Census to #ShapeYourFuture.

 

HUERFANO

MoF “Earth” show postponed

WALsEnBURG — The annual Earth show at Museum of Friends is postponed until MoF is reopened. The annual EARTH Exhibition will happen, just when is the question? All of the artists in the show are busily working at home as all of us try to remain safe, not spread the virus and keep active. We will keep you informed as our plans continue to evolve. We also would like you to know how incredible our community is – as we learn new technologies to help keep us together, focused and working collaboratively as one. We have met with many partners, colleagues, supporters via Zoom, telephone and email to discuss how we are, how we are getting along throughout this challenging time, and importantly how will the cultural, hospitality and tourism sector continue to provide services during the shutdown? One way is to collaborate with others to learn new available technologies capable of delivering programs while we continue to be safe and protect our clientele.

 

Water Conservancy District Board meeting

hUERFAnO COUntY — The next meeting of the Huerfano County Water Conservancy District will be held remotely by GoTo Meeting Monday, April 27, 6 p.m.. A draft agenda and login information for the meeting are available on the HCWCD website at: www.hcwcd.net . The public is welcome to join.

 

SSCOG (AAA) Senior Services and Care & Share

Huerfano County — The Agency on Aging coordinates food distribution in Huerfano and Las Animas Counties and is provided through South Central Council of Governments. All Agency on Aging programs are for residents 60 years or older, assessments and reservations required. Please make reservations/cancellations one day in advance. Call 719-738-1182 or 719-738-2205 for assessments, reservations, and questions.

Take out lunch meals are provided in Walsenburg Monday through Friday at the Huerfano County Community Center. Also available are homebound meal deliveries Monday through Friday in Walsenburg and Tuesday and Friday in La Veta.

Wednesday, April 29, 11 am there will be a Care & Share emergency distribution at the Huerfano County Community Center/County Workshop 11 am until the food is gone. Please do not show up too early, bring a pen, and stay in your vehicle. Please wear a mask. A regular Care and Share distribution will be held Tuesday, May 12, 11 am until food is gone at the Huerfano County Community Center/County Workshop.

 

La Veta Village food services

LA VEtA — If you or someone you know is a 60+ year old senior or have a pre-existing condition that puts you at high risk, you live in the 81055 zip code, and are in need of transporting groceries from Charlies’s to home contact: Susan at 719-989-8361 or lvvfoodservices@gmail.com. If you would like to volunteer to help physically or monetarily, please contact Ed Donovan at 719-472-4957 or edfdonovan@gmail.com

 

Huerfano RE-1 providing breakfasts/lunches to all children 0-18 years

WALsEnBURG/GARDnER — Huerfano RE-1 will have sack breakfasts/lunches available for drive through pick-up at Peakview School and Gardner Elementary. Pick up days will be Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.. Each pick up will have at least two breakfasts and two lunches for each child in the household. All children 0 to 18 years old are eligible for free breakfast and lunch regard- less if they are enrolled in RE-1.

To pick up the sacked breakfast/lunch at Peakview: Vehicles will drive through between Peakview School and the West Wing building entering via the back of John Mall HS. Sacks will be located at the back doors of the Peakview cafeteria. To pick up the food at Gardner: Please follow the directives of personnel upon arriving.

 

Huerfano take out

LA VETA —

New hours! Alys Restaurant & Catering (719) 742-3742 Open Mon., Thurs., Fri., and Sat. Must call before 3 pm to reserve pick up.

Corners Diner—(719) 742-3361

Legends on Main—(719) 742-3996 Open Tues. – Sun. 11 am-1 pm & 5 pm-7 pm Sunday Hours 10 am-2:30pm

Mission Deli Mesa—(719) 742-3483 or (719) 989-5980 Offering specialty casseroles and grass fed beef.

new hours! paradise Coffee—(719) 742- 3680 Thursday – Monday 6:30 am – 2 pm

Ryus Avenue Bakery—(719) 890-4770 Open Tues., Thurs., Sat. 8 am-1 pm

 

WALsEnBURG —

A&W—(719) 738-3960 7 am-9 pm

Alpine Rose Cafe—(719) 738-1157 7 am-3 pm

Carl’s Jr.—(719) 738-1002 6:30 am-10 pm

Coco’s Kitchen—(719) 717-2093 11 am-3 pm

Corine’s Mexican Restaurant—(719) 738- 1231 8am-9pm

Crafty Canary Brewery—(719) 890-1113

First Choice Deli— 738-3200, 7 am-9 pm

George’s Drive inn (719) 738-3030 8:30 am-3 pm Tues. – Sat.

h&h Cafe—(719) 890-1651 7 am-3 pm

La plaza inn— (719) 738-5700 11 am-9 pm Tues. – Sat.

Nando’s Bar & Grill— 738-2730, 11 am-3 pm

Rollin smoke BBQ—(719) 890-1177, 11 am-2pm and 5 pm-8 pm Thurs. – Sun.

Serendipity—(719) 890-4471, Open all week 7:00 am-2:00 pm

Subway—(719) 738-1332, Mon. – Thurs. 7:00am-10:00pm, Fri. 7 am-11 pm

Taco Bell / KFC—(719) 738-2480, 10 am-10 pm

 

Star Drug Pharmacy offers prescription delivery

WALsEnBURG — Star Drug Pharmacy will deliver your prescriptions for a $5 fee (within Walsenburg city limits). Call us for more in- formation: 719-738-1130 .

 

Internet activities for kids and adults

hUERFAnO — Here are a few fun pages you can follow to enjoy at home!

La Veta public Library: www.facebook.com/la.vetalibrary/

“Every Monday we will post a different challenge that can be completed while in quarantine! You will post your challenge (some- times a picture, sometimes a video) and here is an important part: you MUST tag us in it and put the specific challenge hashtag! Otherwise we won’t see it, and we want to see your creativity!”

Go Outside and howl at 8 pm: www.facebook.com/groups/howlat8/

“Every night at 8pm in your time zone, take a minute to step outside and let out a cathartic howl! We’ll post up daily themes that may or may not be very, very, very important. INVITE YOUR PEEPS! Let’s see how many people the world over we can get to howl in one night!”

Colorado parks & Wildlife: www.face- book.com/ColoradoParksandWildlife/

Follow their page for interesting facts about wildlife around the state! Also follow this page below for Jackson Lake State Park – “Reading with a Ranger” every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!, https://www.facebook.com/JacksonLakeSP/

scenic highway of Legends tour (For All Ages):

https://travelstorys.com/tours/105/High- way%20of%20Legends

Brains On! A science podcast for Kids and Curious Adults: https://www.brainson.org/

But Why? A podcast for Kids, npR: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/474377890/but-why-a-podcast-for-curious-kids

stuff You should Know (some not suited For Children): https://www.iheart.com/podcast/105-stuff- you-should-know-26940277/

serial, investigative Journalism podcast (Adults): https://serialpodcast.org/

 

HOW leaf and limb recycling

WALsEnBURG — Leaf and limb debris for Huerfano County is now being processed by the Huerfano Organic Waste Recycling Services (HOW Recycling Services). HOW hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. HOW organic waste recycling is located just east of the Huerfano County Transfer station on Industrial Park Drive.

Only what grows out of the ground is accepted: No processed wood, no garbage, no dirt. We accept branches no more than 6 ft long, also accepting bagged leaves and yard debris.

 

LAS ANIMAS

Carnegie’s COVID offerings

tRiniDAD — The Carnegie library is closed until at least the end of April but some of the monthly meetings and events will be held virtually. Keep checking the website newsletter link for details at: www.carnegiepubliclibrary.org; just click the Newsletter button on the home page, then click the link on the Newsletter page.

hitler’s Astrologer: remote on Thursday, April 23, 2 to 4 p.m.

Diversity in the Coal Mines: remote meeting Thursday, April 30, 3 to 4 p.m..

Free Legal help: Please see the article on second page of newsletter.

One-on-one computer training: email us to set up a session: trinidadpubliclibrary@gmail.com

These events are postponed: Book Readers Rock!, Carving Club, One Book Colorado, Art Wall, Oral Histories, Tuesday’s Tots, Paws for Reading, Books for the Homebound

 

Friday Night Solidarity in Sight and Sound

tRiniDAD — Please join us every Friday Night at 8 pm in “Solidarity In Sight and Sound”. At 8 pm from your residence, your driveway or front yard we would ask that for 1 minute you shine a light, wave a flag, honk a horn, sing a song or play an instrument so that the whole city can hear you; hear your neighbors, your friends, your family.

Even though we are all apart during this time, we as a community have never been closer together. Each one of us is fighting the same battle, feeling the same worries and fear, missing our loved ones.

The Trinidad Police Department would like our community to know that you are not alone…we are not alone! Of course, we would ask everyone to practice social distancing and no fireworks or firearms should be used to make a noise, this event is about all of us coming together for 1 minute to let us all know that we are ok and that we as a community will be ok.

 

Food pantry in Segundo

sEGUnDO — For those in need during this crisis situation, we invite you to come visit our food pantry on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 12 noon at The Lord’s Chapel Segundo

 

SSCOG (AAA) Senior Services and Care & Share

LAs AniMAs COUntY — The Agency on Aging coordinates food distribution in Huerfano and Las Animas Counties and is provided through South Central Council of Governments. All area Agency on Aging programs are for residents 60 years or older, assessments and reservations required. Please make reservations/cancellations one day in advance at 719-846-3336. Call 719-845-1133 ext 208 or ext. 225 for assessments and questions.

Take out lunch meals are provided in Trinidad Monday through Friday at the Sayre Senior Center. Also available are homebound meal deliveries Monday through Friday in Trinidad and Tuesday and Thursday in Aguilar.

There will be a regular Care & Share distribution Thursday, April 28, 12 to 3 pm at 125 E. Main Street. This distribution is for Aguilar/Ludlow area residents only (proof of residency required). Every Thursday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. there will be an emergency food distribution for those in dire need.

Friday, May 1, 10 a.m. there will be a Care & Share emergency distribution at the Las Animas Fairgrounds. Please do not open the gates if they are closed. The regular distribution will be Wednesday, May 20, 10 to 11:30 a.m. for seniors and 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. for all eligible residents. Primero distribution will be Tuesday, May 19 and at Kim/Branson, Thursday, May 21. The regular Aguilar distribution will be Tuesday, May 26, 12 to 3 p.m. at 125 E. Main Street. For all distributions, please do not show up too early, bring a pen, and stay in your vehicle. please wear a mask.

 

Free lunch pickup for Trinidad kids

tRiniDAD — Students age 0-18 have the option of picking up free curb and go meals at Fisher’s Peak Elementary or Trinidad Middle School (Park Street). From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday – Thursday.

 

Hometown Pharmacy delivery

tRiniDAD — Hometown Pharmacy will deliver your prescriptions for free (within 6 miles of the store) through April 30. Call us for more information: 719-845-0069 or visit www.htpcolorado.com .

 

Noah’s Ark hours

tRiniDAD — At this time, NAAWA will remain open for adoptions, as well as for lost & found services Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; we will be closed Sundays & Saturdays. We will continue to help pets in our care find homes through adoption, continue to help lost and found pets, and continue to help pets in dire medical need. NAAWA will continue to regularly disinfect public space areas and surfaces throughout our campus.

We urge you to keep your pets in your homes. If you have a pet that you need to surrender, we ask that you keep the pet in your home as long as possible. All owner surrender services are only provided by appointment by calling 719-680-2385, high emergency circumstances will be given top priority.

If you find a stray cat or dog after-hours, please contact the Trinidad Police Department at 719-846-4441. Our local police department can access our facility after-hours if a pet needs to come into shelter.

If you have an animal medical emergency, please contact one of our local veterinarian offices: Trinidad Animal Clinic 719-846-3212 or Fisher’s Peak Vet Clinic 719-846-3211.

To protect the community and halt the spread of COVID-19, we are suspending the following services: public vaccine & microchip clinics, community TNR programs, educational programs, events & fundraisers, volunteer & useful public service programs, out of state transfer-in programs.

 

Las Animas take out

tRiniDAD — (Please call restaurant directly to confirm hours)
Big Daddy’s – (719) 422-8363
Brix sports Bar – (719) 422-8273

Burger King – (719) 846-9445
Collie’s pastries – (719) 846-2255
Domino’s – (719) 259-3030
El Rancho – (719) 846-9049
Family seed ii – (719) 845-8057
Fisher’s peak soup Kitchen – (719) 680-0427 habanero’s – (719) 422-8190

KFC / taco Bell – (719) 846-7723
Las Animas Grill – now only offering home grocery delivery (720) 514 2025
Lee’s BBQ – (719) 846-7621
Mario’s tacos – (719) 680-8589
McDonalds – (719) 846-3322
Mission At the Bell – (719) 845-1513
Moose’s – (719) 216-3517
nana & nano’s – (719) 846-2696
perkatory Coffee – (719) 846-2014
pizza hut – (719) 846-2236
Red neck Grill – (719) 422-8177
sita’s Kitchen – (719) 859-5574
sonic – (719) 845-0402
starbucks – (719) 846-2246
tequila’s – (719) 846-3514
the Cafe – (719) 846-7119
the Coal stove – (719) 859-2692
the Coffee Can – (970) 220-4252
the shopping Bag – (719) 868-2255
the purple toad – (719) 497-0320
tony’s Diner – (719) 846-6000
Wendy’s – (719) 845-9143
Wonderful house – (719) 845-1888

 

Santa Fe Trail Festival update

tRiniDAD — Due to circumstances beyond our control the Trinidad & Las Animas Co. Chamber of Commerce has chosen to cancel Santa Fe Trail Festival for 2020. We are deeply saddened in this time with how COVID-19 has affected the world and recognize we do not know what tomorrow holds. All checks we have received will be returned in the next few weeks.

Our intention is to come back next year with a great celebration that marks the Bicentennial anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail.
We thank you for your patience and understanding, wish all of you the best, and hope you stay safe and healthy.

 

COLFAX

Raton Ministerial Alliance Food Distribution

RAtOn — The next food distribution will be Friday, April 24, 10 a.m. until supplies are gone, everyone is welcome at City Market building, 907 S. 2nd Street.

Please stay in your vehicle, this is a no- contact drive-through event to follow the so- cial distancing safety guidelines, thank you!

Raton Senior Center — Closed for all activities. Meals will be available for pick-up and meal deliveries will continue.

Raton Public Service — Limited to drop box and drive up window also accepting online or telephone payments.

 

COVID statewide referral #s

nEW MEXiCO —These numbers are important for all New Mexicans.

EMpLOYMEnt/inCOME LOss OR REDUCtiOn
• If you are unemployed/underemployed and need assistance: Department of Workforce

Solutions Call Center 1-877-664-6984
• If you are a small business/employer and need assistance: Economic Development Department for Small Business = 1-505-827-0300

FOOD AssistAnCE
• if you need assistance obtaining food

a. School age children: Public Education Dept = 505-827-6683
b. Senior / Adult with disabilities:

i. Seniors Who Need Groceries or Meals = 1-800-432-2080
ii. Emotional Crisis, Mental Health, or Substance Abuse = 1-855-662-7474

• SNAP benefits: HSD/Income Support Di- vision = 1-800-283-4465
• WIC: Department of Health

a. WIC Questions on food or formula availability = 1-505-469-0929
b. WIC Operations Manager = 1-505-819- 7028
c. WIC General Questions = 1-866-867-3124

hEALth insURAnCE

• If you need assistance obtaining health insurance: HSD/Medicaid = 1-800-283-4465
• If you are not eligible for Medicaid, you can apply for affordable health insurance online at www.bewellnm.com or call 1-855-996-6449

hOUsinG

• If you need assistance with housing/utilities:

a. Housing–Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) Emergency Housing 1-800-444-6880

b. Utilities HSD Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program 1-888-523-0051

FAMiLY & MisC.

• If you need assistance with childcare: 1- 800-691-9067 NM Kids Child Care Resource Center
• If you have complaints about facilities not closing: 505-469-2940/505-629-2845

• If you want to volunteer or need a volunteer: 505-476-2200

 

Medicine Shoppe’s delivery

RAtOn — Medicine Shoppe will deliver your prescriptions for free (within 6 miles of the store) through April 30. Call us for more information: 575-445-0075 or visit www.medicineshoppe.com/1387.

Upcoming Events for week of April 16, 2020

THROUGHOUT OUR WORLD

USDA unveils tool to help rural communities address the COVID-19 pandemic

OUR WORLD — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today unveiled a one-stop- shop of federal programs that can be used by rural communities, organizations and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide (PDF, 349 KB) is a first-of-its-kind resource for rural leaders looking for federal funding and partnership opportunities to help address this pandemic.

USDA has taken many immediate actions to assist farmers, ranchers, producers, rural communities, and rural-based businesses and organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on these actions, visit www.usda.gov/coronavirus.

 

Senior meals available, To-Go or On-Wheels

HUERFANO/LAS ANIMAS COUNTY —

Due to the vulnerable population served in Las Animas and Huerfano Counties, the Area Agency on Aging will practice social distancing measures to prevent any possibility of spreading the COVID-19 virus in our community.

Effective Monday, March 16, meal sites in Walsenburg, Trinidad, Segundo, and Aguilar will NOT be serving meals in their congregate sites. They will, however, continue to cook and serve homebound meals in Walsenburg, Trinidad, Aguilar, and La Veta. Seniors who normally eat at AAA centers and want a meal can arrange to take their meal to go from Walsenburg or Trinidad. Additional sanitation procedures are being practiced to ensure safety for all.

Direct questions or concerns to Veronica Maes 719-845-1133 ext. 225 or vmaes@sccog.net ; Johanna 719-845-1133 ext. 208 or jspleen@sccog.net ; Margarita at the Walsenburg kitchen 719-738-1182; Sayre kitchen in Trinidad 719-846-4515.

 

It’s time to respond to the 2020 Census!

OUR WORLD — Did you know Census data is used to ensure your local communities receive their fair share of funding for things like hospitals, ambulance services and medical clinics?

That’s why it’s critical for you to respond to the 2020 Census. The data collected be- tween now and Aug. 14, 2020 will be used for the next 10 years, so we only have one chance to get it right.

Didn’t receive a Census form in the mail? No worries. Just go to My2020Census.gov and fill out the survey online using your physical address. Or you can do it by phone, at 844-330-2020. Language assistance is avail- able, if needed. Remember: Respond to the 2020 Census to #ShapeYourFuture.

 

Free online history: Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

OUR WORLD — This week’s installment of our Borderlands of Southern Colorado Online Lecture Series features Dr. Karen Roybal, professor of Southwest Studies at Colorado College!

Join us tonight, Thursday, April 16, 6 p.m. via Zoom, as she discusses the history and impact of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Registration instructions are on the event page: Online Borderlands Talk: The Treaty of Gua- dalupe Hidalgo. The event is free and open to the public. This lecture series is generously supported by the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area.

 

HUERFANO

Virtual Huerfano County Communication Coalition meeting today at noon

HUERFANO COUNTY —The Huerfano County Communication Coalition will be held via Zoom today, Thursday, April 16, 12 p.m.. We are working with a cap of 100 attendees. This will be the last meeting of the year for the Coalition. When we begin again in September will be under the Business Alliance.

To participate please use the following information.
Huerfano County Communications Coalition; Time: Apr 16, 2020 11:55 a.m. Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/227933262?pwd=c2JMTkFVMWNWTGRhbXcrS0NadzlCdz09 Meeting ID: 227 933 262
Password: 020727
Dial by your location: +1 301 715 8592 US Meeting ID: 227 933 262
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/acMbB2xxgk

 

Dems virtual meeting today

HUERFANO COUNTY — There will be a Zoom meeting of the Huerfano County Democratic Party Central Committee held this evening, Thursday, April 16, 5:30. Chairperson Dale Lyons will sent the Zoom link via email to participants. Please log in and keep democracy alive during these trying times!

 

Star Drug Pharmacy offers prescription delivery

WALSENBURG — Star Drug Pharmacy will deliver your prescriptions for a $5 fee (within Walsenburg city limits). Call us for more information: 719-738-1130 .

 

La Veta Village food services

LA VETA — If you or someone you know is a 60+ year old senior or have a pre-existing condition that puts you at high risk, you live in the 81055 zip code, and are in need of transporting groceries from Charlies’s to home contact: Susan at 719-989-8361 or lvvfoodservices@gmail.com. If you would like to volunteer to help physically or monetarily, please contact Ed Donovan at 719-472-4957 or edfdonovan@gmail.com

 

Huerfano RE-1 providing breakfasts/lunches to all children 0-18 years

WALSENBURG/GARDNER — Huerfano RE-1 will have sack breakfasts/lunches avail- able for drive through pick-up at Peakview School and Gardner Elementary. Pick up days will be Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.. Each pick up will have at least two breakfasts and two lunches for each child in the household. All children 0 to 18 years old are eligible for free breakfast and lunch regardless if they are enrolled in RE-1.

The first time families visit the pick up sites, the children must be in the vehicle. After the initial visit, a laminated pass card with the number of children in the household will allow the pass holder to pick up the correct number of lunches without children present.

To pick up the sacked breakfast/lunch at Peakview: Vehicles will drive through between Peakview School and the West Wing building entering via the back of John Mall HS. Sacks will be located at the back doors of the Peakview cafeteria. To pick up the food at Gardner: Please follow the directives of personnel upon arriving.

 

Spanish Peaks Business Alliance virtual meeting

HUERFANO — The Spanish Peaks Business Alliance will convene a virtual meeting of the Region 14 Hospitality and Retail Sector Partnership Monday, April 20, 2 p.m.. This meeting will focus on information and resources to help businesses get through the current crisis. Hear from the Southern Colorado Small Busi- ness Development Center, the Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center, Huerfano County Tourism Board, the Colorado Workforce De- velopment Council, and the Worklife Partnership. We are all in this together. Please register here: https://bit.ly/R14meeting

 

Huerfano restaurants offering take out

LA VETA —
New Hours! Alys Restaurant & Catering (719) 742-3742 Open Mon., Thurs., Fri., and Sat. Must call before 3pm to reserve pick up.

Corners Diner—(719) 742-3361

Legends on Main—(719) 742-3996 Open Tues. – Sun. 11am-1pm & 5pm-7pm Sunday Hours 10am- 2:30pm

Mission Deli Mesa—(719) 742-3483 or (719) 989-5980 Offering specialty casseroles and grass fed beef.

Paradise Coffee—(719) 742-3680 Thursday – Sunday 6:30am – 2:00pm Monday 6:30am – Noon

New Hours! Ryus Avenue Bakery—(719) 890-4770 Open Tues., Thurs., Sat. 8:00am-1:00pm

 

WALSENBURG —
A&W—(719) 738-3960 7:00am-9:00pm

Alpine Rose Cafe—(719) 738-1157 7:00am-3:00pm

Carl’s Jr.—(719) 738-1002 6:30am-10:00pm

Coco’s Kitchen—(719) 717-2093 11:00am-3:00pm

Corine’s Mexican Restaurant—(719) 738-1231 8:00am- 9:00pm

Crafty Canary Brewery—(719) 890-1113

First Choice Deli—(719) 738-3200 7:00am-9:00pm

George’s Drive Inn (719) 738-3030 8:30am-3:00pm Tues. – Sat.

H&H Cafe—(719) 890-1651 7:00am-3:00pm

La Plaza Inn—719-738-5700 11:00am-9:00pm Tues. – Sat.

Nando’s Bar & Grill—(719) 738-2730 11:00am-3:00pm

Rollin Smoke BBQ—(719) 890-1177 11:00am-2:00pm and 5:00pm-8:00pm Thurs. – Sun.

Serendipity—(719) 890-4471 Open all week 7:00am-2:00pm

Subway—(719) 738-1332 Mon. – Thurs. 7:00am-10:00pm, Fri. 7:00am-11:00pm

Taco Bell / KFC—(719) 738-2480 10:00am-10:00pm

 

Facebook activities to do from home

HUERFANO — Here are a few fun pages you can follow on Facebook to enjoy at home!

La Veta Public Library: www.facebook.com/la.vetalibrary/

“Every Monday we will post a different challenge that can be completed while in quarantine! You will post your challenge (sometimes a picture, sometimes a video) and here is an important part: you MUST tag us in it and put the specific challenge hashtag! Otherwise we won’t see it, and we want to see your creativity!”

Go Outside and Howl at 8 pm: www.facebook.com/groups/howlat8/

“Every night at 8pm in your time zone, take a minute to step outside and let out a cathartic howl! We’ll post up daily themes that may or may not be very, very, very important. IN- VITE YOUR PEEPS! Let’s see how many people the world over we can get to howl in one night!”
Colorado Parks & Wildlife: www.facebook.com/Colorado- ParksandWildlife/

Follow their page for interesting facts about wildlife around the state! Also follow this page below for Jackson Lake State Park – “Reading with a Ranger” every Monday, Wednes- day, and Friday!, https://www.facebook.com/JacksonLakeSP/

 

HOW Leaf and limb debris recycling

WALSENBURG — Leaf and limb debris for Huerfano County is now being processed by the Huerfano Organic Waste Recycling Services (HOW Recycling Services). HOW hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. HOW organic waste recycling is located just east of the Huerfano County Transfer station on Industrial Park Drive.

Only what grows out of the ground is accepted: No processed wood, no garbage, no dirt. We accept branches no more than 6 ft long, also accepting bagged leaves and yard debris.

 

LAS ANIMAS

Trinidad SD1 admin offices temporarily moved

TRINIDAD — TSD1 Administration offices have moved to 1021 Pierce (at Eckhart Elementary) for the duration of the Middle School renovation.

 

Free lunch pickup for Trinidad kids

TRINIDAD — Students age 0-18 have the option of picking up free curb and go meals at Fisher’s Peak Elementary or Trinidad Middle School (Park Street). From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday – Thursday.

 

Hometown Pharmacy offers free delivery

TRINIDAD — Hometown Pharmacy will deliver your prescriptions for free (within 6 miles of the store) through April 30. Call us for more information: 719-845-0069 or visit www.htpcolorado.com .

 

Noah’s Ark hours of service change

TRINIDAD — At this time, NAAWA will remain open for adoptions, as well as for lost & found services Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; we will be closed Sundays & Saturdays. We will continue to help pets in our care find homes through adoption, continue to help lost and found pets, and continue to help pets in dire medical need. NAAWA will continue to regularly disinfect public space areas and surfaces throughout our campus. We urge you to keep your pets in your homes. If you have a pet that you need to surrender, we ask that you keep the pet in your home as long as possible. All owner surrender services are only provided by appointment by calling 719-680-2385, high emergency circumstances will be given top priority.

If you find a stray cat or dog after-hours, please contact the Trinidad Police Department at 719-846-4441. Our local police department can access our facility after-hours if a pet needs to come into shelter.

If you have an animal medical emergency, please contact one of our local veterinarian offices: Trinidad Animal Clinic 719- 846-3212 or Fisher’s Peak Vet Clinic 719-846-3211.

To protect the community and halt the spread of COVID- 19, we are suspending the following services: public vaccine & microchip clinics, community TNR programs, educational pro- grams, events & fundraisers, volunteer & useful public service programs, out of state transfer-in programs.

 

Mt. Carmel Weekly Wellness schedule

TRINIDAD — In an effort to minimize the COVID-19 exposure, we are offering the following FREE programs via Zoom video or call-in options. If you’re not already enrolled, and would like to join these virtual programs/classes call or email: Laura Jor- dan, 719-845-4894 or ljordan@mtcarmelcenter.org . Please note: Some of the class/program details may have changed since you attended them in person.

Many of these classes will continue through the end of April 2020 and many of them will be continued virtually into the unforeseen future. The Weekly Wellness Schedule will be emailed, you guessed it, weekly.

Monday 1:00 p.m. – Kid’s Crafts

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/538684549
Meeting ID: 538 684 549

5:30 p.m. – Health Talk (Immune Health repeated) https://us04web.zoom.us/j/538684549
Meeting ID: 538 684 549

Tuesday 8:00 a.m. – Get Strong (bodyweight training) https://us04web.zoom.us/j/538684549
Meeting ID: 538 684 549

5:15 p.m. – Stress Management https://us04web.zoom.us/j/538684549
Meeting ID: 538 684 549

Wednesday 8:00 a.m. – Mindfulness Mornings (breath work & gentle yoga) https://us04web.zoom.us/j/538684549
Meeting ID: 538 684 549

10:00 a.m. – Virtual Tai Chi Classes (Mon & Wed through April 29)
*Link:https://us04web.zoom.us/j/152726764 *Please note Tai Chi has a unique Zoom log-in link
Meeting ID: 152 726 764

5:00 p.m. – Tea Time – Grab a cup of tea, connect & discuss topics of interest
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/538684549
Meeting ID: 538 684 549

Thursday 8:00 a.m. – Get Strong (bodyweight training) https://us04web.zoom.us/j/538684549
Meeting ID: 538 684 549
5:15 p.m. – Stress Management https://us04web.zoom.us/j/538684549
Meeting ID: 538 684 549

Friday
8:00 a.m. – Mindfulness Mornings (breath work & gentle yoga) https://us04web.zoom.us/j/538684549
Meeting ID: 538 684 549

12:00 p.m. – Health Talks https://us04web.zoom.us/j/538684549
Meeting ID: 538 684 549

1:00 p.m. – Kid’s Karate – Parents, please register your child at the link provided, after which you will receive an email with the meeting link. Registration Link: https://us04web.zoom.us/meeting/ register/tJMvcuCprjwvF-oEYSCoJuzkM6ToZ8qQuw Meeting ID: 972-591-075

5:30 p.m. – Happy Hour – Connect & share with Mt. Carmel, family & friends while enjoying your favorite beverage https://us04web.zoom.us/j/538684549
Meeting ID: 538 684 549 Zoom Log-In or Call-In Instructions

Join Zoom Meeting by computer: Click on the link pro- vided or copy it to your browser. Once you do this you will be asked to install Zoom, continue to follow the instructions on your screen. Join Zoom Meetings by phone:
Dial by your location, +1 720 707 2699 US (Denver); One tap mo- bile +17207072699,538684549# US (Denver)

Cooking Matters and Cooking for Chronic Pain at Mt. Carmel will be rescheduled for a later date.

 

Care & Share distribution

TRINIDAD — The next care and share food distribution will be Wednesday, April 22, 10 am to 1:30 p.m. at Las Animas County Fairgrounds. 10-11:30 a.m. for seniors over 60, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for income eligible residents. Contact COG at 719-845-1133 for more information.

 

Carnegie offerings during COVID-19

TRINIDAD — The Carnegie library is closed until at least the end of April but some of the monthly meetings and events will be held virtually. Keep checking the website newsletter link for details at: carnegiepubliclibrary.org; just click the Newsletter button on the home page, then click the link on the Newsletter page.

Diversity in the Coal Mines: remote meeting Thursday, April 30.

Free Legal Help: Please see the article on second page of newsletter.

Screenwriting Workshop: remote on Wednesday, April 22

Hitler’s Astrologer: remote on Thursday, April 23 One-on-one computer training: email us to set up a session:

trinidadpubliclibrary@gmail.com
These events are postponed: Book Readers Rock!, Carving

Club, One Book Colorado, Art Wall, Oral Histories, Tuesday’s Tots, Paws for Reading, Books for the Homebound

 

Las Animas restaurants offering take out

TRINIDAD — (Please call restaurant directly to confirm hours)

Big Daddy’s – (719) 422-8363

Brix Sports Bar – (719) 422-8273

Burger King – (719) 846-9445

Collie’s Pastries – (719) 846-2255

Domino’s – (719) 259-3030

El Rancho – (719) 846-9049

Family Seed II – (719) 845-8057

Fisher’s Peak Soup Kitchen – (719) 680-0427

Habanero’s – (719) 422-8190

KFC / Taco Bell – (719) 846-7723

Las Animas Grill – Now only offering home grocery delivery (720) 514 2025

Lee’s BBQ – (719) 846-7621

Mario’s Tacos – (719) 680-8589

McDonalds – (719) 846-3322

Mission At The Bell – (719) 845-1513

Moose’s – (719) 216-3517

Nana & Nano’s – (719) 846-2696

Perkatory Coffee – (719) 846-2014

Pizza Hut – (719) 846-2236

Red Neck Grill – (719) 422-8177

Sita’s Kitchen – (719) 859-5574

Sonic – (719) 845-0402

Starbucks – (719) 846-2246

Tequila’s – (719) 846-3514

The Cafe – (719) 846-7119

The Coal Stove – (719) 859-2692

The Coffee Can – (970) 220-4252

The Shopping Bag – (719) 868-2255

The Purple Toad – (719) 497-0320

Tony’s Diner – (719) 846-6000

Wendy’s – (719) 845-9143

Wonderful House – (719) 845-1888

 

Santa Fe Trail Festival update

TRINIDAD — Due to circumstances beyond our control the Trinidad & Las Animas Co. Chamber of Commerce has chosen to cancel Santa Fe Trail Festival for 2020. We are deeply saddened in this time with how COVID-19 has affected the world and recognize we do not know what tomorrow holds. All checks we have received will be returned in the next few weeks.

Our intention is to come back next year with a great celebration that marks the Bicentennial anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail. We thank you for your patience and understanding, wish all of you the best, and hope you stay safe and healthy.

 

COLFAX

Raton Senior Center — Closed for all activities. Meals will be available for pick-up and meal deliveries will continue.

 

Raton Public Service — Limited to drop box and drive up window also accepting online or telephone payments.

 

COVID statewide referral numbers

NEW MEXICO —These numbers are important for all New Mexicans.

EMPLOYMENT/INCOME
LOSS OR REDUCTION

• If you are unemployed/underemployed and need assistance: Department of Workforce Solutions Call Center 1-877-664-6984

• If you are a small business/employer and need assistance: Economic Development Department for Small Business = 1- 505-827-0300

 

FOOD ASSISTANCE

• If you need assistance obtaining food

a. School age children: Public Education Dept = 505-827-6683 b. Senior / Adult with disabilities:

i. Seniors Who Need Groceries or Meals = 1-800-432-2080 ii. Emotional Crisis, Mental Health, or Substance Abuse = 1-855-662-7474

• SNAP benefits: HSD/Income Support Division = 1-800- 283-4465
• WIC: Department of Health

a. WIC Questions on food or formula availability = 1-505- 469-0929
b. WIC Operations Manager = 1-505-819-7028
c. WIC General Questions = 1-866-867-3124

HEALTH INSURANCE

• If you need assistance obtaining health insurance: HSD/Medicaid = 1-800-283-4465
• If you are not eligible for Medicaid, you can apply for afford- able health insurance online at www.bewellnm.com or call 1- 855-996-6449

HOUSING

• If you need assistance with housing/utilities:
a. Housing–Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) Emergency

Housing 1-800-444-6880
b. Utilities HSD Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Pro-

April 16, 2020 www.WorldJournalNewspaper.com World Journal Page 3

gram 1-888-523-0051

FAMILY & MISC.

• If you need assistance with childcare: 1-800-691-9067 NM Kids Child Care Resource Center
• If you have complaints about facilities not closing: 505-469- 2940/505-629-2845

• If you want to volunteer or need a volunteer: 505-476-2200

 

Medicine Shoppe offers free delivery

RATON — Medicine Shoppe will deliver your prescriptions for free (within 6 miles of the store) through April 30. Call us for more information: 575-445-0075 or visit www.medicine- shoppe.com/1387.

 

Need help with pet food?

RATON — For short-term, emergency assistance, the Raton Humane Society sponsors a Pet Food Bank. Supplies include free food for cats and dogs, kitty litter, and bedding. Call the Raton Animal Shelter at 575-445-8640 or visit the shelter at 448 Hereford Avenue. If necessary, call dispatch, 445-2704, and ask to have the animal control officer meet you at the shelter. To donate supplies, follow the procedure. Shelter hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday to 9 a.m.

 

Rural Development offices open for business by phone

SANTA FE — USDA Rural Development in New Mexico is working to ensure the safety, security, and health of the public and our employees while continuing to provide excellent cus- tomer service. Consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on limiting the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing, we are now in enterprise- wide remote operational status. USDA Rural Development is open for business via telephone and email and we look for- ward to continuing our vital work supporting you our customers who live and work in rural America.

Please know the New Mexico Rural Development team will continue delivering programs and offering the highest level of customer service. Customers and stakeholders can reach employees using the contact information below.

Contact us by phone:
New Mexico State Office: 505-761-4950

Albuquerque Field Office 505-761-4950

Aztec Field Office 505-334-3090 Extension #4

Las Cruces Field Office 575-522-8775 Extension #4

Las Vegas Field Office 505-425-3594 Extension #4

Upcoming Events for week of April 9, 2020

THROUGHOUT OUR WORLD

Colorado public campgrounds closed

DENVER — As the State of Colorado continues taking measures to combat the spread of COVID-19, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) will close all playgrounds, camp- grounds, camping and camping facilities (in-

cluding yurts and cabins) at Colorado’s state parks as well as camping at State Wildlife Areas effective Thursday, March 26 until further notice. In addition, all US Forest Service campgrounds, restrooms, trailheads, ca- bins and fire lookout rentals, picnic sites and trash facilities are closed to the public. Check with your local National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, or US Fish and Wildlife Service office for specific closures and allowed recreation activities.

Park visitors are reminded to practice-social distancing and maintain at least six feet between other visitors. Anyone demonstrating signs of illness, such as coughing, fever or shortness of breath should stay home. Restrooms also remain open, and visitors are advised to take soap for handwashing and alcohol-based hand sanitizers when water is not available.

 

Senior meals available, To-Go or On-Wheels

HUERFANO/LAS ANiMAS COUNTy — Due to the vulnerable population served in Las Animas and Huerfano Counties, the Area Agency on Aging will practice social distancing measures to prevent any possibility of spreading the COVID-19 virus in our community.

Effective Monday, March 16, meal sites in Walsenburg, Trinidad, Segundo, and Aguilar will NOT be serving meals in their congregate sites. They will, however, continue to cook and serve homebound meals in Walsenburg, Trinidad, Aguilar, and La Veta. Seniors who normally eat at AAA centers and want a meal can arrange to take their meal to go from Walsenburg or Trinidad. Additional sanitation procedures are being practiced to ensure safety for all.

Direct questions or concerns to Veronica Maes 719-845-1133 ext. 225 or vmaes@sccog.net ; Johanna 719-845-1133 ext. 208 or jspleen@sccog.net ; Margarita at the Walsenburg kitchen 719-738-1182; Sayre kitchen in Trinidad 719-846-4515.

 

It’s time to respond to the 2020 Census!

OUR WORLD — Did you know Census data is used to ensure your local communities receive their fair share of funding for things like hospitals, ambulance services and medical clinics?

That’s why it’s critical for you to respond to the 2020 Census. The data collected be- tween now and Aug. 14, 2020 will be used for the next 10 years, so we only have one chance to get it right.

Didn’t receive a Census form in the mail? No worries. Just go to My2020Census.gov and fill out the survey online using your physical address. Or you can do it by phone, at 844-330-2020. Language assistance is avail- able, if needed. Remember: Respond to the 2020 Census to #ShapeYourFuture.

 

Downtown Colorado virtual summit

OUR WORLD — Join us Tuesday, April 14 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. for a dynamic virtual experience sponsored by Downtown Colorado Inc.. The goal of the Summit is to gather ideas to ensure that Colorado has the resources needed to support our communities, districts, and small businesses! We will be developing an action plan together to move into our new reality stronger and more resilient than ever!

Everyone, especially all conference registrants, members, and Challenge Communities will benefit from this interactive on line event with panels, polls, and breakout groups. Discussions include:

Vision: Envisioning the New Local Economy

Components of Place

People/Housing/Business: What was?; What is likely next?; What would be positive impact now? How do we go forward? How do we elevate our communities?

RSVP for Virtual Summit at : http://downtowncoloradoinc.org/event- 3796254
Then help support Challenge Communities April 15-16! Following the Summit, DCI will host five virtual Challenge Studios over April 15-16. Sign up to chime in (to any and all) and support the 2020 Challenge Communities and learn some ideas for helping your own districts!

 

HUERFANO

La Veta Cuchara Chamber virtual meeting today

LA VETA — The La Veta Cuchara Chamber of Commerce will be having its monthly meeting via telephone conference call on Thursday, April 9, 9 a.m.. If you wish to get onto the agenda please contact Gayleene Smith 3 days before the meeting. 719-742-3695.

 

Star Drug Pharmacy offers prescription delivery

WALSENBURg — Star Drug Pharmacy will deliver your prescriptions for a $5 fee (within Walsenburg city limits). Call us for more information: 719-738-1130 .

 

La Veta Village food services

LA VETA — If you or someone you know is a 60+ year old senior or have a pre-existing condition that puts you at high risk, you live in the 81055 zip code, and are in need of transporting groceries from Charlies’s to home contact: Susan at 719-989-8361 or lvvfoodservices@gmail.com. If you would like to volunteer to help physically or monetarily, please contact Ed Donovan at 719-472- 4957 or edfdonovan@gmail.com

 

Huerfano RE-1 to provide breakfasts/lunches to all children 0-18 years

WALSENBURg/gARDNER — Huerfano RE-1 will have sack breakfasts/lunches avail- able for drive through pick-up at Peakview School and Gardner Elementary. Pick up days will be Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.. Each pick up will have at least two breakfasts and two lunches for each child in the household. All children 0 to 18 years old are eligible for free breakfast and lunch regard- less if they are enrolled in RE-1.

The first time families visit the pick up sites, the children must be in the vehicle. After the initial visit, a laminated pass card with the number of children in the household will allow the pass holder to pick up the correct number of lunches without the children present. To pick up the sacked breakfast/lunch at Peakview: Vehicles will drive through between Peakview School and the West Wing building entering via the back of John Mall HS. Sacks will be located at the back doors of the Peakview cafeteria. To pick up the food at Gardner: Please follow the directives of personnel upon arriving

 

Republican meets canceled

WALSENBURg — We want to keep all our members safe, so we have canceled our meet- ing for Tuesday, April 14 due to the stay-at- home order because of COVID-19. Stay home, stay healthy.

 

Virtual free legal clinic

WALSENBURg — The upcoming Huerfano County Virtual Pro Se Clinic (VPC) Free Legal Clinic will be held Tuesday April 14, 4 to 5 p.m.. Contact your local library at (719) 738- 2774 during regular work hours to be added to the sign-up sheet

Despite the COVID-19 closures of libraries across Colorado, the Virtual Pro Se Clinic (VPC) clinics will still be held as scheduled. We’re able to do this and keep clinic patrons safe because our volunteer attorneys already work remotely. As a work-around, instead of clinic patrons coming in-person to your local public library (which is closed), the volunteer attorney will call each clinic patron’s telephone directly, using the phone number provided to your library staff. Although VPC clinic patrons will see a slight shift in how our free legal support is delivered, they should experience no significant disruption in service.

Your local library staff will schedule all appointments, and the volunteer attorney will call each clinic patron directly by telephone. For this reason, it is especially important that a reliable phone number be included for scheduling clinic patrons. Contact your local library at (719) 738-2774 during regular work hours to be added to the sign-up sheet. Space is limited.

 

Huerfano restaurants offering take out

LA VETA —

Alys Restaurant & Catering

(719) 742-3742 Open Thurs., Fri., and Sat. Must call before 3pm to reserve pick up.

Corners Diner
(719) 742-3361

Legends on Main
(719) 742-3996 Open Tues. – Sun. 11am-1pm & 5pm-7pm Sunday Hours 10am-2:30pm

Mission Deli Mesa
(719) 742-3483 or (719) 989-5980 Offering specialty casseroles and grass fed beef.

Paradise Coffee
(719) 742-3680 Thursday – Monday 6:30am – 2:00pm

Ryus Avenue Bakery
(719) 890-4770 Open Tues., Thurs., Sat. 7:00am- 2:00pm

 

WALSENBURG—

A&W
(719) 738-3960 7:00am-9:00pm

Alpine Rose Cafe
(719) 738-1156 7:00am-3:00pm

Carl’s Jr.
(719) 738-1002 6:30am-10:00pm

Coco’s Kitchen
(719) 717-2093 11:00am-3:00pm

Corine’s Mexican Restaurant
(719) 738-1231 8:00am- 9:00pm

Crafty Canary Brewery
(719) 890-1113

First Choice Deli
(719) 738-3200 7:00am-9:00pm

george’s
(719) 738-3030 8:00am-3:00pm Tues. – Sat.

H&H Cafe
(719) 890-1651 7:00am-3:00pm

La Plaza inn
(719) 738-6955 11:00am-8:00pm Tues. – Sat.

 

Nando’s Bar & grill
(719) 738-2730 11:00am-3:00pm

Rollin Smoke BBQ
(719) 890-1177 11:00am-8:00pm Thurs. – Sat., 11:00am – 4:00pm Sun.

Serendipity
(719) 890-4471 Mon.-Fri. 7:00am-6:00pm Subway
(719) 738-1332 Mon. – Thurs. 7:00am- 10:00pm, Fri. 7:00am-11:00pm

Taco Bell / KFC
(719) 738-2480 10:00am-10:00pm

TC’s Diner – Closed
(719) 989-7141

Tina’s – Closed

 

Facebook activities to do from home

HUERFANO COUNTy — Here are a few fun pages you can follow on Facebook to enjoy at home!

La Veta Public Library: www.facebook.com/la.vetalibrary/

“Every Monday we will post a different challenge that can be completed while in quarantine! You will post your challenge (sometimes a picture, sometimes a video) and here is an important part: you MUST tag us in it and put the specific challenge hashtag! Otherwise we won’t see it, and we want to see your creativity!”

go Outside and Howl at 8pm: www.facebook.com/groups/howlat8/  “Every night at 8pm in your time zone, take a minute to step outside and let out a cathartic howl! We’ll post up daily themes that may or may not be very, very, very important. INVITE YOUR PEEPS! Let’s see how many people the world over we can get to howl in one night!”

Colorado Parks & Wildlife: www.face- book.com/ColoradoParksandWildlife/ Follow their page for interesting facts about wildlife around the state! Also follow this page below for Jackson Lake State Park – “Reading with a Ranger” every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!, https://www.face- book.com/JacksonLakeSP/

 

Huajatolla Heritage Festival canceled

LA VETA — Sandy Dolak announces that the Huajatolla Heritage Festival scheduled for June 6 and 7, 2020 has fallen victim to the pandemic that has invaded every aspect of our lives. In March, we started getting cancellations long before we were coming to the realization that our lives were being changed forever. The festival is not being rescheduled at this point. Our plan will be to offer some smaller events once we understand the longerterm implications and when we can safely gather again.

A piece of good news is that the extraordinary performers, Shelley Morningsong and Fabian Fontenelle, have committed to coming to La Veta at a “to be determined date” in a celebration of life. Please follow all the guide- lines and stay home. Or if you must go out, be responsible and wear a mask while honoring the 6 foot rule. And if you are wringing your hands about this, please wring them under hot water with soap!

 

LAS ANIMAS

Free lunch pickup for Trinidad kids

TRiNiDAD — Students age 0-18 have the option of picking up free curb and go meals at Fisher’s Peak Elementary or Trinidad Middle School (Park Street). From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday – Thursday.

 

Hometown Pharmacy offers free delivery

TRiNiDAD — Hometown Pharmacy will de- liver your prescriptions for free (within 6 miles of the store) through April 30. Call us for more information: 719-845-0069 or visit www.htpcolorado.com .

 

Noah’s Ark Animal Welfare hours of service change

TRiNiDAD — At this time, NAAWA will re- main open for adoptions, as well as for lost & found services Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; we will be closed Sundays & Saturdays. We will continue to help pets in our care find homes through adoption, continue to help lost and found pets, and continue to help pets in dire medical need. NAAWA will continue to regularly disinfect public space areas and surfaces throughout our campus.

We urge you to keep your pets in your homes. If you have a pet that you need to surrender, we ask that you keep the pet in your home as long as possible. All owner surrender services are only provided by appointment by calling 719-680-2385, high emergency circumstances will be given top priority.

If you find a stray cat or dog after-hours, please contact the Trinidad Police Department at 719-846-4441. Our local police department can access our facility after-hours if a pet needs to come into shelter.

If you have an animal medical emergency, please contact one of our local veterinarian offices: Trinidad Animal Clinic 719-846-3212 or Fisher’s Peak Vet Clinic 719-846-3211.

To protect the community and halt the spread of COVID-19, we are suspending the following services: public vaccine & microchip clinics, community TNR programs, educational programs, events & fundraisers, volunteer & useful public service programs, out of state transfer-in programs.

 

Mt. Carmel Weekly Wellness schedule

TRiNiDAD — In an effort to minimize the COVID-19 exposure, we are offering the following programs via Zoom video or call-in options. If you’re not already enrolled, and would like to join these virtual programs/classes call or email: Laura Jordan, 719-845-4894 or ljordan@mtcarmelcenter.org . Please note: Some of the class/program details may have changed since you attended them in person.

Many of these classes will continue through the end of April 2020 and many of them will be continued virtually into the un- foreseen future. The Weekly Wellness Schedule will be emailed, you guessed it, weekly. Tuesday:

8:00 a.m. – Get Strong (resistance training)

5:15 p.m. – Stress Management

Wednesday:

8:00 a.m.- Mindfulness Mornings (breath work and stretching)
Thursday:

8:00 a.m. – Get Strong (resistance training)

11:00 a.m. – Chronic Pain Self-Management (classes end April 9, 2020). If you would like to sign-up for the next session of Chronic Pain Self-Management, call the number provided above.

5:15 p.m. – Stress Management

Friday:

8:00 a.m. – Mindfulness Mornings (breath work and stretching)

12:00 p.m. Health Talks – Overcoming Obstacles and Optimizing Health (Week 1: Immune Health)

Zoom Log-in or Call-in instructions

Join Zoom Meeting by computer: Click on the link provided or copy it to your browser. Once you do this you will be asked to install Zoom, continue to follow the instructions on your screen. Join Zoom Meetings by phone:

Dial by your location, +1 720 707 2699 US (Den- ver); One tap mobile +17207072699,538684549# US (Denver)

Cooking Matters and Cooking for Chronic Pain at Mt. Carmel will be rescheduled for a later date.

 

Las Animas restaurants offering take out

TRiNiDAD — (Please call restaurant directly to confirm hours)

Bella Lunas Pizzeria – Closed

Big Daddy’s – (719) 422-8363

Bob & Earl’s – Closed After the 29th

Brix Sports Bar – (719) 422-8273

Burger King – (719) 846-9445

Collie’s Pastries – (719) 846-2255

Domino’s – (719) 259-3030

El Rancho – (719) 846-9049

Family Seed ii – (719) 845-8057

Fisher’s Peak Soup Kitchen – (719) 680-0427

Great Wall – Closed

Habanero’s – (719) 422-8190

KFC / Taco Bell – (719) 846-7723

Las Animas grill – (719) 422-8438

Lee’s BBQ – (719) 846-7621

Mario’s Tacos – (719) 680-8589

McDonalds – (719) 846-3322

Mission At The Bell – (719) 845-1513

Moose’s – (719) 216-3517

Nana & Nano’s – (719) 846-2696

Perkatory Coffee – (719) 846-2014

Pizza Hut – (719) 846-2236

Red Neck grill – (719) 422-8177

Sita’s Kitchen – (719) 859-5574

Sonic – (719) 845-0402

Starbucks – (719) 846-2246

Tequila’s – (719) 846-2246

The Cafe – (719) 846-9049

The Coal Stove, 719-859-2692

The Coffee Can – (719) 220-4252

The Shopping Bag – (719) 868-2255

The Purple Toad – (719) 497-0230

Tony’s Diner – (719) 846-6000

Tutti’s Scoops – (719) 845-8508

Wendy’s – (719) 845-9143

Wonderful House – (719) 845-1888

 

Santa Fe Trail Festival call for vendors

TRiNiDAD — Summer is coming! So is our annual Santa Fe Trail Festival. We would love to have you or some talented individuals you know join us as a vendor. The festival this year will be downtown on June 12 & 13. Feel free to contact us for more information. Have a great day. TLAC Chamber of Commerce, 719-846-9285.

 

Apogaea 2020 postponed

TRiNiDAD — Given the immense uncertainty in throwing a major event under the current circumstances, as well as being cognizant of our civic responsibility to discourage the kind of social gatherings that generally need to go into the planning and building of our awesome event before we even set foot in Trinidad, we’ve decided the best thing for now is to postpone Apogaea 2020 for at least two months. We’re fortunate enough to have a landowner who is flexible and we are looking at dates in mid to late August. Of course we’re also watching the news carefully, so stay tuned for updates.

For any deadlines pertaining to grants or ticket sales, consider them extended and keep an eye out for new information. For more in- formation and discussion, the next board meeting, next Sunday, is open as always to you, the amazing Apogaea community. This time we’re going to do it completely virtual, online, for the first time ever. Please find the connection information on our home page as it becomes available.

 

COLFAX

Raton Senior Center — Closed for all activities. Meals will be available for pick-up and meal deliveries will continue.

Raton Public Service — Limited to drop box and drive up window also accept- ing online or telephone payments

 

COVID-19 N.M. statewide response referral numbers

NEW MEXiCO —These numbers are important for all New Mexicans.

EMPLOYMENT/INCOME LOSS OR REDUCTiON

• If you are unemployed/underemployed and need assistance route to Department of Workforce Solutions Call Center 1-877-664- 6984

• If you are a small business/employer and need assistance route to Economic Development Department for Small Business = 1-505-827-0300

FOOD ASSiSTANCE

• If you need assistance obtaining food
a. School age children route to Public Education Dept = 505-827-6683
b. Senior / Adult with disabilities:
i. Seniors Who Need Groceries or Meals = 1- 800-432-2080
ii. Emotional Crisis, Mental Health, or Sub- stance Abuse = 1-855-662-7474
• SNAP benefits route to HSD/Income Sup- port Division = 1-800-283-4465
• WIC route to Department of Health
a. WIC Questions on food or formula avail- ability = 1-505-469-0929
b. WIC Operations Manager = 1-505-819- 7028
c. WIC General Questions = 1-866-867-3124

HEALTH INSURANCE

• If you need assistance obtaining health insurance route to HSD/Medicaid = 1-800-283- 4465
• If you are not eligible for Medicaid, you can apply for affordable health insurance on- line.This is through the NMHIX. Visit: www.bewellnm.com or call 1-855-996-6449

HOUSiNG

• If you need assistance with housing/utilities route to:
a. Housing–Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) Emergency Housing 1-800-444- 6880

b. Utilities HSD Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program 1-888-523-0051

FAMiLy & MiSC.

• If you need assistance with childcare route to 1-800-691- 9067 NM Kids Child Care Resource Center
• If you have complaints about facilities not closing route to 505-469-2940/505-629-2845
• If you want to volunteer or need a volunteer route to 505- 476-2200

 

Local restaurants limited

RATON — Attention visitors and locals: Please be patient with local restaurants in coming weeks as the State of New Mexico Environment Department has issued a new order regarding occupancy in restaurants, bars, and breweries effective today: “Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, March 16, the amended public health order directs that all restaurants, bars, breweries, eateries, and other food establishments shall operate at no greater than 50 percent of maximum occupancy and no greater than 50 percent of seating capacity. In addition, tables and booths may not seat more than six people, and all occupied tables and booths must be separated by at least six feet. Pa- trons may not be seated at bars, and standing patrons will not be served.” Our area restaurants, bars, and brewery are all concerned for their guest’s well-being but will try and maintain a comfortable guest experience until this order is lifted.

 

Medicine Shoppe offers free delivery

RATON — Medicine Shoppe will deliver your prescriptions for free (within 6 miles of the store) through April 30. Call us for more information: 575-445-0075 or visit www.medicineshoppe.com/1387.

 

Need help with pet food?

RATON — For short-term, emergency assistance, the Raton Humane Society sponsors a Pet Food Bank. Supplies include free food for cats and dogs, kitty litter, and bedding. Call the Raton Animal Shelter at 575-445-8640 or visit the shelter at 448 Hereford Avenue. If necessary, call dispatch, 445-2704, and ask to have the animal control officer meet you at the shelter. To donate supplies, follow the procedure. Shelter hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday to 9 a.m.

 

Deadline extended in nominations for Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts

SANTA FE — The last day to submit nominations for the 2020 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts has been extended. The new deadline is May 30, 2020.

Nominations must be submitted by individual state residents or representatives of businesses or organizations in New Mexico. Self-nominations are discouraged.

Eligible nominees include individual living New Mexican artists working in any discipline who have demonstrated outstanding achievement; individuals who have consistently made significant or distinguished contributions to the arts in New Mexico; and businesses, nonprofits, or foundations with sustained involvement in and support for the arts.

All nomination submissions must be mailed to New Mexico Arts, Suite 270, 407 Galisteo St., Santa Fe, NM 87501. Nomination forms are available online at http://nmarts.org/governors-arts-awards/, contact New Mexico Arts at 505-827-6490 or 800-879-4278 (statewide), or email michelle.laflamme-c@state.nm.us.

Administered by the New Mexico Arts Commission and New Mexico Arts, a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, the annual Governor’s Arts Awards are New Mexico’s highest and most prestigious artistic honors and are intended to celebrate extraordinary achievement in the arts.

Events for the 2020 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts are scheduled for September 2020 in Santa Fe.

 

Upcoming Events for week of March 26, 2020

We’re here for you

The World Journal is providing a special web site dedicated to accurate and thoroughly vetted, up-to-the-minute information on the COViD-19 pandemic throughout our corner of the world.

Go to www.worldjournalnewspaper.com and click on the “Special Report” link to get up-to-the-minute coverage of all facets of the COViD-19 outbreak, including current listings of closures and cancellations of events throughout our three-county area, and a compilation of all COViD-19 articles run in print editions of the newspaper. The total up-to-date number of cases in Colorado, New Mexico, and nationwide are also listed in the COViD-19 page, as well as health tips to keep yourself and your family safe, and updates from state and federal health organizations.

The full listing of events still happening, as well as closures and cancellations by venue are listed on www.worldjournalnewspaper.com under Upcoming Events in the toolbar.

Here are the events that are still scheduled as of presstime, as well as pertinent press releases.

 

THROUGHOUT OUR WORLD

Covid-19 information

HUERFANO/LAS ANiMAS COUNtY — Las Animas Huerfano Counties District Health Department supplies this information to help people understand COVID-19. Call the Colorado Health Emergency Line for the Public (CO HELP) at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911. Interpretation is available in many languages including Spanish, Mandarin, and more.

 

Colorado Parks & Wildlife

COLORADO — Colorado State Park Visitor Centers are closed except for employees. All 41 of Colorado’s state parks remain open at this time, however, to discourage congregation and better protect visitors and staff, visitor centers will be closed to the public.

Outdoor areas of all parks currently remain open, although this is subject to change upon the advice of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or local public health departments.

Park offices will be restricting public access, but will re- main staffed to answer visitor questions via phone or email, with the exception of visitor centers that are also closed to staff based on CDPHE or local health guidelines.

CPW officers will continue to enforce park regulations and provide for public safety, including checking for valid park passes.

Visitors are encouraged to purchase their parks passes and other products through drop boxes, credit card pay stations, or online at CPWshop.com.
CPW Headquarters, Region Offices and Area Service Centers

 

Senior meals available, To-Go or On-Wheels

HUERFANO/LAS ANiMAS COUNtY —Due to the vulnerable population served in Las Animas and Huerfano Counties, the Area Agency on Aging will practice social distancing measures to prevent any possibility of spreading the COVID-19 virus in our community.

Effective Monday, March 16, meal sites in Walsenburg, Trinidad, Segundo, and Aguilar will NOT be serving meals in their congregate sites. They will, however, continue to cook and serve homebound meals in Walsenburg, Trinidad, Aguilar, and La Veta. Seniors who normally eat at AAA centers and want a meal can arrange to take their meal to go from Walsenburg or Trinidad. Additional sanitation procedures are being practiced to ensure safety for all.

Direct questions or concerns to Veronica Maes 719-845- 1133 ext. 225 or vmaes@sccog.net ; Johanna 719-845-1133 ext. 208 or jspleen@sccog.net ; Margarita at the Walsenburg kitchen 719-738-1182; Sayre kitchen in Trinidad 719-846-4515.

 

Special note about importance of the census to our World

HUERFANO/LAS ANiMAS COUNtY —The South Central Council of Governments reminds citizens that participation in the 2020 Census is vital for federal and state funding for senior services through the Older Americans’ Act.

This funding is based on the official census count. In 2010, participation in Huerfano and Las Animas counties was in the 70th percentile which means the region lost about 30 percent of total government funding it could have received- an amount in the millions of dollars.

Census forms should have already arrived in the mail, or residents can go to my2020census.gov to complete the form online. It is a brief questionnaire with minimal questions, and information is secure and will not be shared with anyone for decades. It should be completed by April 1st.

All addresses which do not get a form returned to it will see a personal visit from a Census worker.

In light of the current COVID-19 situation, it is more important than ever that we have a complete count.

Questions or comments should be directed to Versonica Maes, the Region 14 Area Agency on Aging Director, at 719- 845-1133 ext. 22 or vmaes@sccog.net. Region 14 Area Agency on Aging Director.

 

HUERFANO

Cancellations/closures due to COVID-19 protocols

Spanish Peaks Library — Closed

Huerfano Rec Center — Closed

Huerfano Department of Human Services — Phone appointments only. Online at https://coloradopeak.secure.force.com/

Fox Theater — Closed

United Church Walsenburg — Closed

Dorcas Circle — Closed until mid-April

La Veta Library — Closed

La Veta Mercantile — Closed

Kathy Hill classes — Canceled

Museum of Friends — Closed

San Isabel Electric — Closed for in-person payments

St. Mary Church Lenten retreat — Canceled, as are all gatherings in the Diocese of Pueblo

United Church Walsenburg Community Dinner March 28 — canceled

Flood mitigation meeting March 31 at the Fox — canceled

Water Conservancy District board meeting — postponed

Sangre de Cristo Vocal Arts Ensemble cantata — Postponed until later notice. Please watch for rescheduled dates and places.

Cuchara Chapel service— Cancelled until April 5.

City of Walsenburg- closed for in person utility payments: call/use Express pay/or drop box.

La Veta Gallery on Main— Closed

Huerfano Youth Baseball registration — Postponed

Huerfano Communication Coalition- Canceled for April

Two Peaks Fitness — Closed for 30 days

FoxTrot birdfeeder class—Postponed

Spaghetti dinner fundraiser—Canceled

Huerfano County Courthouse — Closed for all public traffic. Please use drop box for payments.

State Farm Insurance— Open by phone or internet only. Check statefarm.com® for agent contact information. We know damage to your car or loss in your home can make things even more stressful during times like these. You can always connect with us online, through our mobile app, by phone, or contact your State Farm agent.

 

Star Drug offers prescription delivery

WALSENBURG — Star Drug Pharmacy will deliver your prescriptions for a $5 fee (within Walsenburg city limits). Call us for more information: 719-738-1130 .

 

La Veta Creative District logo contest deadline 3/27

LA VEtA — The La Veta Creative District is looking for a visual identity in the form of a logo design. Designs for the logo may be submitted through Friday, March 27 to Kenny Schneider by email at kenetics@centurytel.net. Submissions will be judged by the LVCD staff and the winning designer’s logo will appear on printed materials, social media, and other items, such as T-shirts.

The winning logo will promote the mission of the LVCD, which is “To inspire and cultivate our diverse rural community through the development of the arts and creative industries”. Any colors may be used, however, it should also look good in black & white. For more information contact Kenny.

To keep up to date on events and activities related to the La Veta Creative District, visit the Facebook page “The La Veta Creative District.”

 

New Hope drive-in church

WALSENBURG — Unless there are new restrictions imposed on Huerfano County residents, New Hope Community Church at 801 Pennsylvania in Walsenburg will host a drive- in church service on its property this Sunday, March 29, 10 a.m. From the safety and comfort of their vehicle, people can hear the brief sermon on their vehicle’s FM radio tuned to 103.9. A short-range transmitter will narrowcast the message within the church property boundaries. Protected by their steel and glass bubble of their vehicle, worshipers can join one another by sight and sound without exposure. There won’t be any handshakes or hugs, but waves and the occasional honk will help keep a community connected. Users of Facebook can tune in for a brief message live at 9:30 a.m. at https://www.facebook.com/newhopeofwalsenburg/

 

SCCY still providing food for youth — donations accepted at office

WALSENBURG — For the past 20 years we have been providing food for our community’s children. Under normal circumstances SCCY provides after school programs through a partnership with RE-1 school district via the 21st Century grant and also the PREP grant. The kids get homework help, participate in Positive Youth Development Activities and get hot meal for dinner. On Fridays, they get breakfast and lunch, and all summer long 5 days a week they get breakfast, lunch and depending on the program, get dinner also.

Myra Trujillo, director made this statement “I urge you to get involved. We intend to do sack lunches that include break- fast as well. If you want to donate anything, you can drop it off to me at 513 Main street. My staff and myself will be working diligently to make sure the basic needs for the youth are meet while not able to attend school.”

Pick up times are as follows starting- Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 10 a.m.

We are Huerfano County’s longest running youth serving non-profit.” Our mission is to positively engage the youth of Huerfano county through character-building, personal and social responsibility and life-skills development so that they may become successful adult leaders. ” I highly encourage everyone to get to know us and let’s build on what is already in place. Our staff is caring, compassionate and highly skilled in many areas and are passionate about the youth of our community.”

 

4-H fundraiser ~ Shop at home!

WALSENBURG — Our club is participating in two catalog sales until Friday, March 27 to try and raise money for our club. Social distancing makes fundraising hard. Glad we can accept online orders! Last years fundraiser helped our club buy shirts, project manuals and pay enrollment and fair fees. Help us do even more this year!

Columbine 4-H Club of Huerfano County-SHOP FROM HOME -and support our club! www.funpastafundraising.com/shop/columbine-4-h-club

We have a variety of products to choose from. Anything from flower bulbs, candles, snacks, jewelry, kitchenware or candies can be purchased.

The FunPasta catalog also has a variety of products with themed pasta like animals, characters, sports, colleges and even political parties! Soup mixes, pasta sauce, chili mix, gift sets and Vegan or Gluten Free options are also available! *Online purchases can also be made at https://www.funpastafundraising.com/shop/columbine-4-h-club

If you would like to support our club, please let us know and we will get you in touch with one of our members! Vegan and Gluten Free options available.

 

Huerfano RE-1 to provide meals to all students starting 3/31

WALSENBURG/GARDNER — Huerfano RE-1 will have sack breakfasts/lunches drive through pick-up starting Tuesday, March 31, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Peakview School and Gardner Elementary. Pick up days will be tuesdays and thursdays. All children up to the age of 18 are eligible for free breakfast and lunch, no need to be enrolled at RE-1.

To pick up the sacked breakfast/lunch at Peakview: Vehicles will drive through between Peakview School and the West Wing building entering via the back of John Mall HS. Sacks will be located at the back doors of the Peakview cafeteria. To pick up the food at Gardner: Please follow the directives of personnel upon arriving.

 

LAS ANIMAS

Cancellations/closures due to COVID-19 protocols

City of Champions dinner — Postponed

Trinidad History Museum — Closed

Carnegie Public Library — Closed

Mt. Carmel Health, Wellness, & Community Center — Cancellation of Market and Youth Fridays

City of Trinidad — Closed for in person payments other business
For utility questions, call 719-846-9843, ext 113. For all other questions call 719-846-9843, ext 0.

Somebody Cares Project meetings — Canceled for March and April

Homeless Forum at TSJC — Canceled

Noah’s Ark Fur Ball Fundraiser — Postponed

Trinidad/Las Animas Chamber of Commerce office—Closed

Aguilar Public Library —Closed

Hunter education class at Prator— Cancelled All classes suspended until May 11.

Network Council meeting — April meeting cancelled

Noah’s Ark Thrift Store — Closed for shopping, they will continue to collect donations at the back door only from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday (back door access is found through the Elm St. parking lot).

 

Free lunch pickup for Trinidad kids start March 23

tRiNiDAD — Students age 0-18 have the option of picking up free curb and go meals at Fisher’s Peak Elementary or Trin- idad Middle School ( Park Street). From 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 Monday – Thursday beginning March 23.

 

Hometown Pharmacy offers free delivery

tRiNiDAD — Hometown Pharmacy will deliver your prescriptions for free (within 6 miles of the store) through March 31. Call us for more information: 719-845-0069 or visit www.htpcolorado.com .

 

Chronic pain self management classes online

tRiNiDAD — We are holding this class via conference call or online at the regularly scheduled time until further notice. Additional instructions to access the conference calls will be sent to the email you provided and posted on social media. Learn techniques for managing fatigue, frustration, poor sleep and isolation in these classes Thursdays, during March, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Learn about tools for managing pain and tracking improvements. Learn exercises for improving strength, flexibility and balance. Learn how to manage medications. Learn how to effectively communicate with healthcare providers, family and friends. PLUS! On Saturday 4/18 Learn to make healthy food choices and prepare meals for managing inflammation and optimizing nutrition. Call 719- 845-4894 for more information or to sign-up!

 

Stress management online

tRiNiDAD — We are holding this class via conference call or online at the regularly scheduled time until further notice. Learn to manage your stress and become more mindful with various techniques in this class Tuesdays, through March, 5:15 to 6 p.m.. The class will run every Tuesday through March. Call for more information 719-845-4894.

 

Noah’s Ark Animal Welfare hours of service change

tRiNiDAD — At this time, NAAWA will remain open for adoptions, as well as for lost-and-found services Monday – Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; we will be closed Saturdays and Sundays. We will continue to help pets in our care find homes through adoption, continue to help lost and found pets, and continue to help pets in dire medical need. NAAWA will continue to regularly disinfect public space areas and surfaces throughout our campus.

We urge you to keep your pets in your homes. If you have a pet that you need to surrender, we ask that you keep the pet in your home as long as possible. All owner surrender services are only provided by appointment by calling 719-680-2385, high emergency circumstances will be given top priority.

If you find a stray cat or dog after-hours, please contact the Trinidad Police Department at 719-846-4441. Our local police department can access our facility after-hours if a pet needs to come into shelter.

If you have an animal medical emergency, please contact one of our local veterinarian offices: Trinidad Animal Clinic 719- 846-3212 or Fisher’s Peak Vet Clinic 719-846-3211.

To protect the community and halt the spread of COVID- 19, we are suspending the following services: public vaccine & microchip clinics, community TNR programs, educational programs, events & fundraisers, volunteer and useful public service programs, out of state transfer-in programs.

 

Las Animas County writing contest

tRiNiDAD — Wanted, all K-12 students to participate in the Las Animas County Writing Contest. This contest is open to all themes and genres; fiction, poetry, and creative essays. Students will compete in 4 grade groups: K-2/3-5/6-8/9-12. There will be 8 first place winners, two from each group receive cash prizes. 2nd and 3rd place winners, from each group also receive cash prizes. All entries will be available as a book. A limited number will be for sale at the awards ceremony.

Submission must be original and may include artwork. All work must be submitted by Friday, April 3. For more information call or email Dustin Hyman: 719-846-5709; dustin.hyman@trinidadstate.edu

Visit trinidadstate.edu/creative-writing to submit your entry. The writing contest awards ceremony will be Thursday, April 30, at Trinidad State Campus, Massari Theater, 5:30 p.m.

 

Santa Fe Trail Festival call for vendors

tRiNiDAD — Summer is coming! So is our annual Santa Fe Trail Festival. We would love to have you or some talented individuals you know join us as a vendor. The festival this year will be downtown on June 12 & 13. Feel free to contact us for more information. Have a great day. TLAC Chamber of Commerce, 719-846-9285.

 

COLFAX

Cancellations/closures due to COVID-19 protocols

Raton Museum — Closed

Raton Public Library — Limited to 10 patrons at one time

Raton Visitor Center — Closed

Raton Senior Center — Closed for all activities. Meals will be available for pick-up and meal deliveries will continue.

Raton Convention Center – Closed

Raton Aquatic Center — Closed

Raton Public Service — Limited to drop box and drive up window also accepting online or telephone payments.

City of Raton Neighborhood Watch Meeting – Canceled

New Mexico Federation of Democratic Women meeting — Postponed

Capulin Volcano visitor center/ store — Closed

The road to the top of the volcano will be open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. All trails will be open to the public. Restrooms at the top of the volcano will be open. www.nps.gov/covo/index.htm or call us at 575-278-2201

 

Local restaurants limited

RAtON — Attention visitors and locals: Please be patient with our local restaurants in the coming weeks as the State of New Mexico Environment Department has issued a new order regarding occupancy in restaurants, bars, and breweries effective today: “Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, March 16, the amended public health order directs that all restaurants, bars, breweries, eateries, and other food establishments shall operate at no greater than 50 percent of maximum occupancy and no greater than 50 percent of seating capacity. In addition, tables and booths may not seat more than six people, and all occupied tables and booths must be separated by at least six feet. Patrons may not be seated at bars, and standing patrons will not be served.” Our area restaurants, bars, and brewery are all concerned for their guest’s well-being but will try and maintain a comfortable guest experience until this order is lifted.

 

Medicine Shoppe offers free delivery

RAtON — Medicine Shoppe will deliver your prescriptions for free (within 6 miles of the store) through March 31. Call us for more information: 575-445-0075 or visit www.medicineshoppe.com/1387.

 

Need help with pet food?

RAtON — For short-term, emergency assistance, the Raton Humane Society sponsors a Pet Food Bank. Supplies include free food for cats and dogs, kitty litter, and bedding. Call the Raton Animal Shelter at 575-445-8640 or visit the shelter at 448 Hereford Avenue. If necessary, call dispatch, 445-2704, and ask to have the animal control officer meet you at the shelter. To donate supplies, follow the procedure. Shelter hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday to 9 a.m.

 

Census 2020 is important to N.M.

COLFAX COUNtY — The census is easy. The questions are simple. Your responses are secure! Why does the 2020 Census matter to New Mexico? New Mexico receives $8,692 per res- ident in federal funding. Did you know, just a 1% undercount in New Mexico means a loss of $780M over the next ten years?

The more you know…Census Bureau staff are sworn for life to protect confidentiality and are subject to $250,000 fine and/or up to five years in federal prison for wrongful disclosure of information.

How do I participate? You can take the census online, by phone, or by mail by April 1. For more information, visit 2020census.gov from your personal phone, computer or public library.

Spread the word: Answer the Census—it only takes 10 minutes to help New Mexico.

 

Nominations sought for NM Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts

SANtA FE — The New Mexico Arts Commission and New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, are seeking nominations for the 2020 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts.

The annual Governor’s Arts Awards are New Mexico’s highest and most prestigious artistic honors and are intended to celebrate extraordinary achievement in the arts. Nominations may be submitted by individual state residents or representatives of businesses or organizations in New Mexico. Self-nominations are discouraged.

Nominations for the awards may include living New Mexican artists working in any discipline who have demonstrated outstanding achievement; individuals who have consistently made significant or distinguished contributions to the arts in New Mexico; and businesses, nonprofits or foundations with sustained involvement in and support for the arts.

Nominations must be received by Friday, April 3. They may be mailed or hand-delivered to New Mexico Arts, Suite 270, 407 Galisteo St., Santa Fe, NM 87501. Nomination forms are available online at http://nmarts.org/governors-arts- awards/ or contact New Mexico Arts at 505-827-6490, 800-879- 4278 (statewide), or email michelle.laflamme-c@state.nm.us. Awards are scheduled for Sept. 2020 in Santa Fe.

 

OUT OF THIS WORLD

CSU Extension courses canceled

PUEBLO — CSU Extension offices statewide have been man- dated to close through at least May 15th.

All in-person Extension activities of any type for Pueblo County have been suspended/ canceled through May 15th. This includes the March 26th Diabetes Webinar, the March 27th Cottage Foods Training, and the April 8th Mediterranean Diet class. The team at the Pueblo County Extension Office has been looking into ways that we may be able to allow some activities to happen virtually via online resources. Watch for these to begin appearing online soon.