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 with 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.
throughout our world
Ongoing 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 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. These will be held every second Thursday of the month. The next session will be held on May 13th. Sessions will start promptly at 1p.m.
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.
In addition, Mt. Rose is also starting a Death Café group which will focus on similar issues and meet every 4th Tuesday of the month. The next meeting is April 27th.
You can register for either Zoom session 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
Scholarships for 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.
Students will 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.
Students who sign up for all four classes will receive priority consideration for 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 or for more info, contact Donna Haddow at 719 846-5724 or visit trinidadstate.edu/trailbuilding.
Free support for teachers
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.
HUERFANO
Tonight, and next Wednesday: Public input needed for Economic Development Strategy meetings
HUERFANO COUNTY — Public input needed! The Southern Colorado Economic Development District (SCEDD), in concert with Huerfano County government, is hosting two important public meetings focusing on Huerfano’s economic future.
The sessions are part of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy or CEDS. Together, and with public, input we can build this plan. We need input from nonprofits, business owners, elected officials, community leaders, and you! The hybrid meetings will be held both live (at the Huerfano Community Center) and via Zoom. The first session is on Thursday, April 15, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The second session is Wednesday, April 28, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Attend one or both. Help to build a list of our Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Weaknesses (or SWOT) as we create an economic path forward. Check out the SCEDD website for more information (SCEDD.com) or email Bob Kennemer at bob@scedd.com
La Veta Trails Volunteer Days
LA VETA — Mark your calendar! Volunteers are needed. On April 15th from 9:00a.m.-1:00p.m volunteers will help repair the School Nature trail at the corner of Birch and E. Garland Streets in La Veta. La Veta Trails will provide snacks. For more information, call Marilyn Russell at 719-890-4071.
On April 17th at 10:00a.m., there will be a spring clean up at Lathrop State Park. Observe Earth Day by helping to clean up the paths and shoreline around the lakes and campgrounds. Wear appropriate outdoor shoes and gloves. All ages welcome! For more information, call the visitor center at (719)738-2376.
On April 22nd, from 10:00a.m.-noon, there will be a La Veta-wide Earth Day spring clean-up. Meet at the recycling bins on E. Ryus Ave. You will select a location to do your clean-up. Wear gloves, comfortable clothes, and sturdy shoes or boots. All ages welcome! For more information, call Marilyn Russell at (719)890-4071.
Local artists invited to enter Spring Art Show at SPACe
LA VETA — The Spanish Peaks Arts Council invites artists working in all media to enter the upcoming Spring Show. Bring your artwork today, Thursday, April 15 or Saturday, April 17 to SPACe, 132 W. Ryus in La Veta. Gallery hours are 11-2 Thurs. and 10 – 2, Saturday. Artists may enter up to 4 items, with an entry fee of $5 per piece. Artwork over 30″ wide is considered 2 pieces. All fees help pay for staff and operating expenses. The show opens Tues. April 20 and will be on display until May 15, with a reception April 24. For complete information, visit the SPACe website, www.spanishpeaksarts.org or call 719 742-3074.
Ribbon cutting for My One Hour Office
HUERFANO COUNTY — The Spanish Peaks Chamber of Commerce and Spanish Peaks Business Alliance are pleased to announce a ribbon cutting celebration for My One Hour Office, a new business located at 523 Main St., Walsenburg. The celebration will be at 12 p.m. Tuesday, April 20th. All necessary COVID precautions will be taken.
My One Hour Office is owned and operated by Mary Jo Tesitor, whose mission is to grow the rural economy by providing affordable professional space, high quality communication and business services, and a broad range of learning opportunities for businesses and their employees.
Every business representative who comes in during the week will be promoted on the front-desk ad screen FREE during Grand Opening week. During Spring Cleaning Shred-a-thon, shred 10 boxes at $10 and get the 11th FREE. During Grand Opening week, black and white copies are $0.15, color $0.30 to $0.40 (depending on saturation).
Come in Grand Opening Week, April 19 – 24, for tours and snacks, and to meet Milka the Wonder Dog! Enjoy a KSPK remote broadcast during the ribbon cutting, try out the services, and sign up for a chance to win 20 hours of high speed internet vouchers (value $120), or the grand prize of a year of mailbox service, a $300 value.
My One Hour Office is open 8:30-5 Monday- Friday and 10-2 Saturday. Stop in to learn how you can Office Little, Think BIG!
CircleTalk provides space for meeting new people and meaningful conversations
WALSENBURG — CircleTalk™-Orientation/Informational Meeting Join us on Monday April 19th at 1p.m. or on Thursday April 29th at 5p.m. at 527 Main St., Walsenburg. If you are interested in meeting new
people and having interesting and meaningful conversations this is the place to be.
You can be a part of a dynamic program that will meet regularly one hour for 8 weeks starting in May. Groups are limited to 8. At CircleTalk™ you will experience connection, relationships and community!
Each week is designed to share perspectives, laughs, personal stories and get to know your community in a completely new way. To register or for additional information call 719.989.8747. Now is the time to reconnect-see you there!
Gardner Valley School enrollment
GARDNER — If you love the idea of hands-on learning in agriculture and environment project-based experiences, Gardner Valley School is the place for your family. To ensure your child can get in for for the 2021-2022 school year, please enroll before the April 21 enrollment lottery.
Go to www.gardnervalleyschool.org, or call 719-746-2446 for more information.
Trivia Night with the Spanish Peaks Library
WALSENBURG— The Spanish Peaks Library will once again be hosting Trivia Night and this year’s sponsor will be Second St. Bar & Grill at the Walsenburg Golf Course Clubhouse. The next trivia night will be on April 21st from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Teams can be up to six people and prizes will be awarded to the winners. Bring your library card for extra points and food and beverages are also available for purchase.
The Second St Bar & Grill can be accessed either by taking Second St all the way to the clubhouse or through Lathrop Park and no parks pass is required.
So, put on your thinking caps and join us every 3rd Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. for fun and games!
Spanish Peaks Library Gardening 101 series
WALSENBURG— The Spanish Peaks Library will resume a monthly program series on gardening in a high plains desert. Topics will include a transplant exchange, soil amendments, plant selection, landscapes, lawns, preserving, diseases and pests and other topics relating to gardening in Colorado.
North St. Mary Cemetery decoration removal
WALSENBURG — North St Mary Cemetery notice: All flowers, decorations and other items must be removed by May 1, 2021 or they will be removed and disposed of by the cemetery crew as they do their annual sweep in preparation for the summer season. Flowers, flags, etc. placed on graves for Memorial Day must be removed two weeks after Memorial Day or they will be removed and disposed of when the crews mow the lawn.
Friends of the La Veta Public Library Annual Fundraiser
LA VETA — The La Veta Public Library is once again and for the 69th year running their Community Calendar Fundraiser. On the calendar they list birthdays, anniversaries, and memorial dates. Please help support the Friends of the Library!
There is a 50¢ cost per individual listing and the deadline for submitting listings is May 15th.
Each calendar will cost $8.00 and will be ready for delivery by July 20. Calendars are based on the school year, August 2021-August 2022.
Please call Mitzi Keairns at (719) 742-5278 or Peggy Arnold-Hoobler at (719) 989-1531 (text or call) for more information.
La Veta Student Art Show now at SPACe
LA VETA — The annual La Veta Middle and High School art show is now on display at the SPACe Gallery in the Park. See what the local young people are learning about the arts, under the guidance of art teacher, Amber Huff. Her art students learn about displaying their art in a gallery venue by doing most of the work themselves. We are so happy to be able to share their artwork, in spite of all the constraints of the Covid pandemic. Social distancing and face masks are required inside the Gallery. Hours are 11 – 2, Tues. & Thurs., and 10-2 Saturdays. Visit www.spanishpeaksarts.org for a link to our YouTube channel and see more about the show.
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 everyone, 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.
Spanish Peaks Library Board of Trustees seeking applicants
WALSENBURG— The Spanish Peaks Library Board of Trustees is looking for a few good women and men. If you want to get more involved in your library and your community and can commit to one meeting per month, we want YOU! Be an active part of a growing and changing library. For more information and an application, contact the library at (719) 738-2774.
Free legal self-help clinic
HUERFANO COUNTY — The Spanish Peaks Library in Walsenburg is hosting a free legal self-help clinic on the second Tuesday of every month. As a COVID work-around, instead of coming into the physical library, the volunteer attorney will call the clinic patron’s telephone directly, using the phone number provided to your library staff.
Please call (719) 738-2774 to be added to the sign-up sheet. The next clinic will be hosted on Tuesday, May 11th from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. If possible, patrons are encouraged to have a computer or tablet available during the phone call.
Walsenburg Eagles hosting bingo
WALSENBURG — The Walsenburg Eagles will be having bingo on Wednesday evenings! Regular meetings are on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month.
Spanish Peaks Library is open
WALSENBURG — The Spanish Peaks Library District is open to the public on a limited basis. The hours will be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The services that are offered at this time are: computers by appointment, browsing the stacks by appointment, printing by emailing documents to printspld@gmail.com, and receiving faxes. Patrons can call the library at 738-2774 to set up appointments or if you have any questions.
Visit Spanish Peaks Country 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
Interested in establishing a Rotary Club in Huerfano?
HUERFANO COUNTY — Greg Sund is looking for a few people in Huerfano County who would be willing to talk about establishing a Rotary Club. There used to be a Rotary Club in La Veta, but it was dissolved when membership became too low. If you are interested in setting up a new club, please contact Greg Sund at greg.sund@gmail.com.
LAS ANIMAS
John Anderson speaking on “Native American Prayer Trees of Colorado”
TRINIDAD — Trinidad Carnegie Public Library is hosting a presentation by John Anderson on Saturday, April 17th from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. to discuss Native American Prayer Trees of Colorado. This will be a remote discussion using Zoom Meeting, and to join the discussion, please email Tom Potter at tom.potter@trinidad.co.gov to receive a link to register.
NOTE: These trees have commonly been referred to as Ute Prayer Trees and attributed to be general cultural practices of the Ute people.
Accordingly, the library has been contacted by representatives of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe of the Ute Nation—regarding “Bent Trees” within the heartland of their aboriginal territory and ancestral hunting-grounds in the State of Colorado.
According to the staatement issued by the tribes, it is their official position that while other tribes may have conducted these types of practices, the practice of bending trees is not part of the customary cultural traditions of Ute people, past or present, who comprise the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribes.
The Chief Bicycle & Comedy Festival
TRINIDAD — The Chief Bicycle & Comedy Festival is taking to the streets of Trinidad for three days of bicycling and outdoor, socially-distanced comedy from April 29-May 1.
Made possible by dozens of community sponsors, the Chief will bring 50+ comedians to Trinidad to activate Main and Commercial Streets for three evenings of outdoor comedy on multiple stages set up through the El Corazon de Trinidad Entertainment District. In total, nine blocks of downtown Trinidad will be closed to vehicular traffic which will allow open container liquor to be served by participating bars and restaurants and for an extended dining service in an outdoor, socially distanced setting.
For more information, please go to TheChiefFestival.com or find them on Facebook or Instagram.
Registration now open for ‘Rad Dirt Fest Gravel Bike and Trail Run Event
TRINIDAD — As off-road endurance events continue to gain popularity throughout the country, Life Time is excited to announce The ‘Rad Dirt Fest, a new off-road cycle and trail run event based in Trinidad, Colo. The ‘Rad marks the newest event conceptualized by the Life Time Events team, which owns and produces the famed UNBOUND Gravel, the storied Leadville Race Series and the new to-the-lineup Bentonville-based Big Sugar NWA Gravel. The ‘Rad Dirt Fest features impressive views of the Spanish Peaks, small town charm and miles of smooth gravel and trails. The inaugural event, which will take place Oct. 2-3, 2021, offers three gravel cycling distances and two trail run distances. It also coincides with a town celebration commemorating the 200th year of the Santa Fe Trail.
The off-road cycle race will offer three distance options for athletes on fast, fun and clean gravel: a short 38-mile loop with 2,720 feet of elevation gain, a 90-mile course with 5,000 feet of climbing and a 162-mile grind with 10,800 feet of elevation gain. In its inaugural year, the trail run will take athletes on two scenic routes on the outskirts of Trinidad: an approachable half marathon option with 1,000 feet of elevation gain and a 50k route with 3,200 feet of climbing. As the town evolves and grows its trail network, the running courses will also evolve, allowing The ‘Rad to grow alongside the town of Trinidad.
Registration for The ‘Rad opened Tuesday, April 13. To learn more and register for The ‘Rad, visit www.theraddirt.com. Or follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
COLFAX
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 people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
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. 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 and 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.
