Events are finally a’happening!
As COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease up in Our World, we are heartened to see events beginning to be scheduled again.
Please send your event notices to events.worldjournal@gmail.com by Monday afternoon at 4 p.m. to get into the paper for that week.
Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Journal is providing a special web page dedicated to accurate and thoroughly vetted, up-to-the-minute information on the pandemic throughout our corner of the world.
Go to: www.worldjournalnewspaper.com and click on the COVID-19 link to get 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.
out of our world
NHCC Art Museum offers a world class collection of artistic works.
OUT OF OUR WORLD — An extraordinary selection of works are currently on exhibit at the Art Museum on the campus of the National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC), which safely reopened to the public on Feb. 5, in accordance with COVID-safe practices and public health measures to protect the well-being of patrons. Located in the historic and vibrant Barelas neighborhood of Albuquerque, the NHCC Art Museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and visitation is limited to 75 people at any one time.
Visitors must wear a mask or multi-layered face covering.
Cost of admission is $5 for New Mexico residents and $6 for non-state residents. Children 16 and younger are free. Wednesdays are free for state residents 60 and older. New Mexico residents are free on the first Sunday of each month. New Mexico foster families are admitted free at all times. Tickets for the Art Museum are available online at www.nhccnm.org or by clicking here.
throughout our world
Polar Plunge for Special Olympics
OUR WORLD — It’s that time of year when jumping into ice-cold water can raise some much-needed money for a good cause!
Special Olympics Colorado (SOCO), Colorado’s premier sports organization for individuals with intellectual disabilities, is thrilled to host its annual Polar Plunge Series presented by Westerra Credit Union. Polar Plunge is a cold-weather fundraiser aimed at raising $400,000 to provide critical funding for more than 15,000 Special Olympics Colorado athletes. The first event will take place at the Lake Trinidad boat ramp, located at 32610 Colorado 12, on Saturday, Feb. 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Learn more at specialolympicsco.org
Virtual wellness programs offered through Mt. Carmel Wellness Center
OUR WORLD — There are a variety of free and low-cost programs being hosted online by the Mt. Carmel Wellness Center that range from arts and crafts and exercise groups to cooking for diabetes. To learn more and register for classes and events, check out the community events tab at mtcarmelcenter.org
Scholarships available for new trail building classes
OUR WORLD — Trinidad State Junior College has scheduled four trail building classes this spring in order to provide a career path for those interested in an outdoor oriented career.
Trail Building students will have the opportunity to learn and practice in a wonderful outdoor environment, since each week-long class will include field work at the new Fishers Peak State Park.
The classes will be held between April 12 and the week of May 17 and are as follows: Intro to Trails, Intro to Trail Maintenance, Planning Sustainable Trails, and Designing Sustainable Trails.
Earlier this year Trinidad residents donated $14,000 to the program, to be used for scholarships. Students who sign up for all four classes will receive priority consideration for these scholarship funds and may be eligible for up to $1,500 in scholarship support with preference given to students from Las Animas County. Students taking fewer than four classes may be eligible for reduced scholarship support.
To sign up for one or more of these classes or for more information contact Donna Haddow at 719 846-5724 or visit trinidadstate.edu/trailbuilding.
Grief support circle for those who have suffered loss
OUR WORLD — Mt. Rose Health Center Palliative Care and Hospice and Mt. Carmel Wellness Center are partnering to bring much needed services to our communities. In these unprecedented times, so many in our area have suffered profound losses. We are offering two free programs to address these needs. The programs are open to anyone in the community that has suffered a loss and feels they could be supported through a grief and bereavement support circle. There will next be one available on Thurs. March 11. either virtually or in person. Sessions will start promptly at 1PM.
Kayleen Dowell, a trained facilitator will be offering a judgment-free, safe space in which your feelings of loss and grief are validated by connecting with others who have shared similar experiences and are present to sit with those feelings.
You can register for the Zoom sessions by contacting Laura Jordan at Mt Carmel Wellness Center at 719-845-4800 or ljordan@mtcarmelcenter.org. If you wish to attend in person with appropriate screening and social distancing contact Sandy Dolak, at (719) 251-1271 or sdolak@mtrosehealthandhospice.com.
Free well-being support line for teachers and educators
OUR WORLD — Stressed? Virtual learning and changing plans wearing you down? Want support from the COVID chaos? Talk to a trained crisis counselor volunteer who can listen and support you, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week via telephone or text message to 303-724-2500. Free and immediate access to mental health services available as needed. The well being support line is a free service for all educators and school employees including ECE, K-12 programs, and higher education. The support line is available to any educator across the state including teachers, administrators, para-professionals, health care teams, and support staff.
Brain Health For All, For Life sponsors this program in collaboration with the University of Colorado Department of Psychiatry and CPHE Colorado Spirit’s crisis Counseling Program.
SAT/ACT prep
OUR WORLD — The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) and eKnowledge are sponsoring the PowerPrep SAT and ACT preparation course. Instructors are professional educators, with advanced degrees. Hundreds of videos and thousands of detailed explanations. The latest innovations in customized, cloud-based, distance learning programming with diagnostics, tracking, push reports for parents, individual custom study plans, live teacher chat and more. The standard course has a $350 value and is available for only $19.99 and the premium course has a $750 value but is available now for only $39.99. Order your course prep now at eknowledge.com
HUERFANO
Free legal self-help clinic
HUERFANO COUNTY — The Spanish Peaks Library District is hosting a series of free legal self-help clinics on the second Tuesday of every month via computer link for parties without an attorney.
Despite the COVID-19 closures of libraries across Colorado, the Virtual Pro Se Clinic (VPC) clinics will still be held as scheduled. As a work-around, instead of clinic patrons coming in-person to your local public library (which has limited access), the volunteer attorney will call each clinic patron’s telephone directly, during the clinic hours, using the phone number provided.
To be added to the sign-up sheet, please contact your Spanish Peaks Library at (719) 738-2774 to be added to the sign-up sheet. Space is limited.
Visit Spanish Peaks County website for new walking tours!
HUERFANO COUNTY — The Huerfano County Tourism board has put together walking and driving tours of Walsenburg, La Veta, Cuchara, and the Scenic Highway of Legends. Download the app by visiting either of these links https://spanishpeakscountry.com/ or https://spanishpeakscountry.com/audio-tours/to explore our county via the Travel Storys app.
The TravelStorys available now are:
Historic La Veta-From Western Outpost to Cultural Oasis; Historic Downtown Walsenburg-A City Built on Coal; Highway of Legends-Wonder and History, Millions of Years in the Making; Walk Cuchara- Step Back Into The Past
SCCOG still accepting COVID relief applications
WALSENBURG — The South Central Council of Governments (SCCOG) and the City of Walsenburg understand the challenges faced by small non-profits in our community as they try to provide services to our residents even during the time of the COVID-19. The SCCOG – Walsenburg Coronavirus Relief Fund is designed to provide funding to address unforeseen financial needs and risks created by the COVID-19 public health emergency; that were incurred during the period that began on March 27, 2020 and ended on December 30, 2020. Qualifying nonprofit organizations must have a physical location within the City of Walsenburg.
The South Central Council of Governments will continue to accept COVID Relief Fund Applications to assist individuals who reside in the city limits of Walsenburg, with rent or past due balances on utility bills affected by COVID.
The deadline for application is 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 12, 2021.
For information or an application, contact the South Central Council of Governments, 625 N. Polk Avenue or by phone at 719-738-2205.
The United Church of Walsenburg begins in-person services again
WALSENBURG — The Church of Walsenburg is opening their doors for services again. The first return to in-person services will take place at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 7th downstairs at the United Church of Walsenburg. Please remember to be mindful of social distancing and wearing of masks.
The moving Vietnam wall community meeting
WALSENBURG — The American Legion, Post 16 will be having a meeting to discuss the aspects of the Moving Vietnam Wall scheduled for display in Walsenburg at the Spanish Peaks Hospital from June 18-20, 2021. The meeting is on Saturday, February 27th, 10:00 a.m. at the Huerfano Community Center, 928 Russell Ave in Walsenburg. This will be the only display of The Wall in Colorado this year. If you are interested in finding out a little more information about the display, want to volunteer to help at the Wall, then this meeting is for you. We will need a lot of community involvement from the public for escorts, security, clean up, set up and disassembly and helping the public in general at the Wall. Traditionally, the wall is assembly and disassembled by Vietnam Veterans, but anyone can help with the task. We will be abiding by all CDC and Health Department guidelines. Social Distancing and wearing of masks is required. If you have additional questions you can call Gary Baldwin at 719-738-2801 or Dave Rogers at 719-738-9965. Hope to see you there!
Addiction treatment
WALSENBURG — Front Range Clinic is offering confidential, safe, access to medications for addiction treatment at two locations in Walsenburg. Thursdays, 9:30 to 11 a.m the mobile unit will be at 1818 E. Kansas Avenue. Fridays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. the clinic will be held at 129 Kansas Avenue. For more information call 1-866-MAT-STAT or visit www.frontrangemd.com
Free COVID-19 testing at health dept.
WALSENBURG — The Health Department has expanded FREE COVID-19 testing in Huerfano County. This free COVID-19 test is available to all members of the public, regardless of symptoms. No Insurance Required
Please call for an appointment. Testing will be available on: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Appointments are required for testing, call 719-738-2650 for an appointment. The Las Animas/Huerfano Health Department office address is: 119 E. 5th Street.
Walsenburg area AA and NA meetings
WALSENBURG — AA meets Tuesday and Friday, at 7 p.m. at the Church of Christ, across the street from the Spanish Peaks Library. NA meets Saturday at noon at the Huerfano County Community Center.
Walsenburg community improvement projects every Friday
WALSENBURG — Join the mayor at Heritage Park every Friday 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. for community oriented improvement projects. There are countless little things we can do to make things better and the mayor is confident that one of them has your name on it! Come have fun and become part of the solution!
The Book Nook at the La Veta Library is open again!
LA VETA — For the next three weeks La Veta’s Book Nook will accept appointments to shop our book store on Tuesdays only. Appointments may be made via the Book Nook’s facebook page (laveta book nook) or by calling La Veta Library (719-742-5152).
Starting the week of February 23, you can shop the Book Nook on Tuesdays by appointment only, and on Thursdays and Saturdays from 11 am to 3pm by following COVID-19 regulations.
Meeting of the La Veta Farmers Market Vendors Association
LA VETA — The first meeting of the La Veta Farmers Market Vendors Association for 2021 will be on Thursday, March 4, from 1-3 p.m. Because of COVID, the meeting is limited to 10 people so you must email John Costea, La Veta Market Manager at costeawood1@gmail.com to reserve a space at the meeting. Once your email is recieved and your place is reserved, you will be sent location information, a copy of the agenda, as well as a copy of vendor rules and regulations. You may also email John with general questions about the market.
Spanish Peaks Chamber to meet in Walsenburg March 4
LA VETA — The Spanish Peaks Chamber of Commerce will be having their monthly meeting in Walsenburg this month, Thursday, March 4, 6 p.m. at the community center. In person or through zoom, your choice. Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/6723336437 Meeting ID: 672 333 6437.
For more information, email your questions to info@spanishpeakschamber.com
2021 SPACe Members Show
LA VETA — The annual SPACe Members Show will be going on from March 9 to April 3 this year with an opening reception on March 13 from 5-7 p.m.
Only current SPACe members may enter their artworks, and artwork must be the original concept and design of the artist. All media are acceptable. Bring artwork to the gallery between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on March 4-6. No late submissions will be accepted. Please email spanishpeaksarts@gmail.com to bring artwork earlier.
The La Veta Village Auxilliary calls for new members!
LA VETA — The La Veta Village Auxilliary, which supports the La Veta Village Assisted Living Facility, needs new members to keep with fundraising and resident activities. For information, call Sarah Hoffman at 719-250-2496 or Lynn Ramsey at 719-742-6400
La Veta Village food services
LA VETA — La Veta Village Food Services are no longer be taking reservations or making calls. Food boxes will be distributed on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVE basis. Boxes will be distributed on the FIRST and THIRD Saturday of each month as follows: March 6, March 20.
Boxes will be distributed between 10a.m. and 11a.m. at the La Veta Fire House, 100 Birch Street
● Participants will wear a mask at all times
● Participants are not to exit their vehicles
● New participants will be required to sign up with the LVV Food Service Program during check in
LAS ANIMAS
Free tax help without leaving home is available through Trinidad State
LAS ANIMAS COUNTY — Families with a 2020 income of less than $66,000 can get free tax filing help through a partnership between Trinidad State, volunteers and GetYourRefund.org. To begin the process, visit trinidadstate.edu/tax. Those without computer access at home can visit a public library.
Las Animas County Creative Writing Contest
LAS ANIMAS COUNTY — The 2021 creative writing contest is open to K-12 students enrolled in ANY Las Animas County School (homeschoolers are also eligible). Cash prizes are awarded in four age groups: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. This year, all local seniors are eligible to win one, of at least three, $500 dollars
scholarships to Trinidad State College.
Submissions are welcome in ANY writing genre and must be under 1,500 words. Each student may submit only one original work and artwork may be included.
All submissions must be received by March 15th.
To submit, go to www.trinidadstate.edu/creative-writing .
All entries will be published within an awards book which will be available for purchase at First National Bank. An awards video will be released on March 15.
Curbside service at Carnegie Library
TRINIDAD — These curbside services are available at the Carnegie Library: Books and DVDs:
Visit the online catalog: https://carnegie.catalog.aspencat.info/ to place items on hold.
Then call or email us & arrange to pick up the items outside.
Return items to the book drop outside the front entrance.
Printouts faxes and document scanning:
Fees—
Copies are 10 cents per page for black and white, 50 cents per page for color. Outgoing Faxes are 1 dollar per page. We will give you a confirmation page after the fax is sent.
Incoming Faxes are 50 cents per page. Call to let us know you’re expecting a fax. Scans to email are free.
For digital documents—you can attach the document to an email and send it with instructions to trinidadpubliclibrary@gmail.com. For printouts, let us know how many copies of each document you want and any special requests.
For faxes, we need the fax number you are sending to. If you want to also send a cover sheet, you can use one of
our blank coversheet templates. Cover sheets count as a sheet and add $1.00 to the charge.
For hard-copy documents — Call us when you arrive outside the library. We’ll meet you and get your documents and can usually process them (scan, fax, printout) in a few minutes.
COLFAX
Youth Heartline CASA recruiting
RATON — Youth Heartline is currently recruiting Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers. CASA works within New Mexico’s 8th Judicial District to support children as they navigate the legal system. CASA volunteers are needed throughout Colfax County to advocate for children’s best interests. Volunteers must be 21 or older and online training is provided. All training is provided and there is a monthly commitment of 10 hours expected. In light of the current global circumstances, it is more important than ever to have as many as possible looking out for foster children in our community.
To get involved, please contact Sofia Ortiz, the outreach coordinator at 575-999-5755 (cell) or 575-445-2400. You may also email her at ratonoutreat@youthheartline.org.
Hungry Hearts lunch Saturdays
RATON — Hungry Hearts will is serving lunch every Saturday at St. Vincent de Paul thrift store location, 401 S. 4th St. Free lunches are served on a drive-through, take-out only basis from 12 to 1 p.m. (while supplies last, first come-first served). Walk-up guests are served as well. All guests, whether drive up or walk up, should wear masks. As always, lunches are free and anyone is welcome. Drive-through guests should enter from the north end of the thrift store parking lot.
Raton AA meeting
RATON — AA meetings are every Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday night, at 6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church at 4th and Tiger Drive in Raton. Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self supporting through our own contributions.
A.A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
Al-Anon meeting
RATON — Al-Anon comes to Raton thanks to support from the World Journal and Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Raton. Meetings are every Thursday at 6 p.m. at 240 Rio Grande. Al-Anon is a self-supporting group that seeks to assist the family and friends of people who are abusing alcohol or other substances. Come and give support, come, and be supported. Questions? 970-568-6969.
Free transportation for veterans for medical appointments
NE NEW MEXICO — The New Mexico Department of Veterans Services is partnering with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) to launch a pilot program to provide free transportation for veterans for VA or VA-approved non-VA medical appointments. The first phase of this innovative program will serve military veterans in the following counties: Cibola, Colfax, Guadalupe & Socorro.
Veterans must make reservations three days in advance for these free round trips by calling the DAV at 505-582-4544. If you are interested in volunteering as a driver, call the DAV for details.
