HUERFANO
Twelve Days of Giving
HUERFANO— December 1 -12 the Spanish Peaks Business Alliance will be accepting donations through their website, spba.huerfano.org Participating nonprofits will be featured on the donate page with descriptions of their mission and needs for the coming year, which may also include volunteer and other non-monetary requests. You will be able to contribute right from the website to some or all groups with one convenient check out, and will receive a tax deductible receipt directly from SPBA.
We hope you will explore all the groups’ pages, give your support, and share with friends and family!
Here is to a generous season of giving!
Janice Walters poetry reading
LA VETA— Walsenburg resident, Janice Walters, will join us at the La Veta Public Library on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2 p.m. as she explores the history, legends and geological significance of our special little piece of paradise through her wonderful original poetry. She will have her beautiful book “The Twin Peaks Speak-Poetry of Southern Colorado” with amazing photographs to accompany each poem with her and extra copies available for signing and purchase and for each copy sold she will make a generous donation to LVPL. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet Janice and enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
LV Elementary Christmas program
LA VETA— The La Veta Elementary music students, under the direction of Cheryl Shults, will be presenting a program entitled “Ode to Beethoven” on Thursday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. in the Redhawks gymnasium. Students, ages preschool through fifth grade, will be singing, playing bucket drums and xylophones, and honoring one of the world’s greatest composers, Ludwig van Beethoven. There are rumors that Mr. Beethoven may attend the program and that another great musician, Elvis Presley, may show up, too.
Santa plans an appearance after the program. Refreshments will be provided by the culinary arts classes. Junior high singers plan to carol and elementary artists to sell student-created gift-wrapping paper and holiday cards. The public is invited to this free, all-school event.
Holiday craft fair this weekend
WALSENBURG— Come to the holiday craft fair at Legends Flooring, 726 Main St., Dec. 8- 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lots of wonderful holiday gift ideas, home decor, stocking stuffers, and so much more.
Wisdom Archive at SPLD
WALSENBURG— Join Sandy Dolak on Friday, Dec. 8, 1 p.m. as she shares her favorite holiday tradition, the recounting of Stubby Pringle’s Christmas. A turn of the century story about a young cowboy on his way to
a Christmas Eve dance. The spirit of Christmas is contagious and overwhelming in this charming and
unpredictable holiday tale. Come have your heart warmed with Stubby’s story and hot chocolate
and cookies. Our holiday gift to the community.
SPLD Presents Book Dragons Book Club
WALSENBURG— Every Friday, 5 – 6 p.m. at the Spanish Peaks Library in Walsenburg Book Dragons Book Club will meet. Join us in person or by Zoom. This program is for adults only. Please call us for more information at 719-738-2774.
Wrap your gifts at LVPL
LA VETA— Wrapping paper and materials will be available for you to wrap your holiday gifts at La
Veta Public Library Saturday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. There will also be materials to make a mini gift to keep or give away. There will be hot cider and cookies.
Holiday Bazaar
WALSENBURG— The Honeypot Warehouse, 111 W 10th st, Walsenburg is having a for women by women Holiday Bazaar on Sunday, Dec. 10, 12 – 4 p.m. We have 15 women owned vendors and we are so excited for this micro event as we celebrate locally owned women businesses. This is a great time to come in for last minute shopping for your special someone before Christmas and is open for everybody to attend.
SPLD Presents Classic Flicks
WALSENBURG— Join the Spanish Peaks Library in Walsenburg Sunday, Dec. 10, 1:30 p.m. for another afternoon of popcorn and classic movie. This month’s classic movie is Scrooge, starring Albert Finney, an adaptation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Free Popcorn, and BYOB (bring your own beverage).
The Muppet Christmas Carol – screenplay reading & sing along
LA VETA— Join us at the Francisco Center for the Performing Arts, 127 West Francisco St, La Veta for a potluck and screenplay reading and sing along of “The Muppet Christmas Carol” on Sunday, Dec. 10, 4 p.m. Bring a dish to share. No admission fee. For more info email theater@fcpalaveta.org.
Water Conservancy District budget hearing, board meeting
WALSENBURG— The 2024 budget hearing and monthly board meeting of the Huerfano County Water Conservancy District will be held at the Walsenburg Housing Authority activity room, 220 Russell St, Walsenburg, CO, on Monday, Dec. 11 , 6 p.m. The draft agenda for the meeting will be available on the district’s website: www.hcwcd.net .
La Veta Library Board
LA VETA— The La Veta Library Board is looking for two new members to help shape the future of award-winning library services in southern Huerfano County. Meetings are once per month and usually last between one and two hours. Terms are for a three year period, beginning January 1, 2024, and Board members must reside in the Library District. Send letters of interest to Library Board Chair, Brad Atchison at Trustee_Brad@lvpl.org or drop off a letter at the library at 310 S Main in La Veta by Tuesday, Dec. 12.
Blood Drive
WALSENBURG— The American Legion Brian T. Chiquette Post 16 will be sponsoring a blood drive on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Huerfano County Community Center, 928 Russell St. Walsenburg.
Abuelos painting class
WALSENBURG— The monthly Abuelos painting class will be happening on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 1 – 3 p.m. at the Spanish Peaks Library in Walsenburg. Jenn Dunn will be instructing the subject of a deer in a winter forest, with snow coming down, a beautiful scene. Free to all, all ages, refreshments and materials provided. RSVP to Sandy by phone or text 719-989-8438.
Christmas Memorial Celebration at Boies-Ortega Funeral Home
WALSENBURG— As the holiday season arrives, we know that someone special you lost will not be with you and your family to celebrate. This time of the year is so difficult and we continue to send our support and sympathy.
To honor your loved one, Boies-Ortega Funeral Home would like to extend our gratitude for your business by sharing food, cheer, music and good will. If we served you or your family in 2022 and 2023, please join us for a Christmas Memorial Celebration Wednesday, Dec. 13, 4 – 6:30 p.m. at our location, 115 E. 5th Street, in Walsenburg. Gift celebration is at 5:30 p.m. RSVP by calling Elisa at 719-738-2152 from 8 to 5 Monday through Friday before Dec. 11. Hope to see you there!
American Legion Post 16 meeting
WALSENBURG— The Brian T. Chiquette Post 16 of The American Legion will have their monthly meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 13th, 6 p.m. at the Walsenburg Housing Authority Office, 220 Russell Ave. in Walsenburg. All Veterans are invited and encouraged to attend the meeting. We will be having a Post Everlasting Ceremony for Post 16 members that recently passed away and discussing future activities within Huerfano County. If you have any questions, please call Dave Rogers 719-738-9965.
Friends of the Library book sale
WALSENBURG— The Friends support ongoing efforts by the Spanish Peaks Library District to serve Walsenburg, Gardner, and surrounding communities in Huerfano County. Assistance is fostered and developed through fundraising, volunteer contributions, program sponsorship and infrastructure improvements. The Friends advocate for all constituents, inclusive of all demographics. Check our their book and bake sale on Thursday, Dec. 14 and Friday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Spanish Peaks Library in Walsenburg.
Science Seminar Series
LA VETA— Join us at the La Veta Library on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2 p.m. as our Library Director, Dr Anthony Masinton, discusses his area of expertise for our Science Seminar Series. Tony holds a PhD in Medieval Studies from the University of York (UK) where he was employed as a professor of Medieval Studies for 10 years. His specialism is creating digital reconstructions of historical buildings as they may have looked in the past. He will explore with us the question of how we know when things happened in the past and the importance of scientific dating with some fascinating examples. Questions encouraged, refreshments provided.
Care and Share Mobile Market
LA VETA— The La Veta Village assisted living residence partners with Care and Share Food Bank of Southern Colorado to provide food for those in need in the greater La Veta area. The monthly Mobile Market provides no-cost groceries. Everyone in the community is welcome to shop at the market. Simply walk up and choose food you would like to take home. The Mobile Market is coming to the La Veta Village parking lot 109 East Francisco Street on Friday, Dec. 15, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Bring Your Own Bags. For questions please call (719) 247-1393 or email foodservices@lavetavillage.org.
Christmas Cantata
HUERFANO— You are invited to experience the joyful sounds of Christmas with the Sangre de Cristo Vocal Arts Ensemble as they present their 2023 Christmas Cantata, “Joyful Noel”, at 3 of their favorite venues in Huerfano County: Friday, Dec. 15, 6 p.m. at the La Veta United Methodist Church, 416 S. Main Street, La Veta; Saturday, Dec. 16, 6 p.m. at Villa Jubilee (please call for directions – 719-742-5333); and, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 121, E. 7th Street, Walsenburg. Please join us to celebrate the joy of Christmas in scripture and song. As always, admission is free. Be sure to join us after each concert for a festive spread of cookies and cider. We’re happy to be making a joyful noise for you! Merry Christmas.
La Veta Holiday Market
LA VETA— Come grab some last minute stocking stuffers and gifts, while supporting local, women owned businesses! Sunday, Dec. 17, 11 a.m. -3 p.m. Visit: www.mountainmerman.com/events for vendor details, and more!
La Veta Writes – Monthly Writing Group
LA VETA— Join us at our monthly gathering of La Veta Writes, Tuesday, Dec. 19, from 3 – 5 p.m. at The Parkside Art Gallery, 127 W Ryus Ave. If you are a longtime writer, song writer, frequent journaler and need encouragement this is the place for you! We meet on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. If you would like to practice reading your work aloud, bring some along (up to a couple of pages!) This is a free gathering, please bring a toasty warm or cold beverage as the gallery and its cafe will be closed. Donations to The Parkside are welcome, but not required. Sponsored by the La Veta Creative District & Colorado Creative Industries, LaVetaCreativeDistrict.org. For more info or to be put on our email list, contact TrustingOurInnerLight@gmail.com.
SPLD presents Trivia Night
WALSENBURG— Check out this month’s trivia with the Spanish Peaks Library on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 6 p.m. at the Second Street Bar & Grill. Teams of up to 6 allowed and extra points for Library Card holders! Great food and drinks available, and the winning team gets $20 off their table’s tab. Call or check out our website at spld.org for category topics. Don’t miss the fun!
Winter Solstice Community Bell Ringing
LA VETA— Join us for our annual Community Bell Ringing event on Winter Solstice, Thursday, Dec. 21, 4:30 p.m. Meet at the La Veta Town Park Pavilion to ring out the old, and chime in the new! We’ll stroll around town ringing bells, chimes, and/or making sound on a favorite instrument. You can also join in by ringing from your porch! If you like, wear festive or vintage garments! This event is sponsored by the La Veta Creative District, OEDIT, and Colorado Creative Industries.
Cuchara Chapel Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
CUCHARA— Have you been to a Cuchara Chapel Service? If not, this is one you will not want to miss. An evening to gather with friends and family at the historical chapel for a candle lit service on Sunday, Dec. 24, 5 p.m. Don Pike will officiate & Peggy Hoobler will provide accompaniment. It’s the traditional Christmas Story with readings and hymns. Located at the corner of Oak and Highway 12 just South of the Cuchara Main Street Entrance.
LAS ANIMAS
The Christmas Express
TRINIDAD— Main Street Live, 131 W. Main Street in Trinidad presents The Christmas Express. Directed by Nancy Mitchell this comedic play will sure to get you in the Holiday Spirit. Appropriate for all ages. Sponsored by First National Bank in Trinidad. The Christmas Express will be showing Friday and Saturday, Dec 8, 9, 15, 16 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 10 and 17 at 2 p.m.
Susan Adair Harris – Book Signing
TRINIDAD— We’re pleased to announce a book signing by local author Susan Adair Harris on Saturday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Trinidad Library. This is Susan’s fourth novel, a fast-paced suspense story surrounding a near-death experience. Susan was part of the Writer’s Group that flourished at the library prior to the COVID pandemic. Susan is enjoying a long career as a teacher and writer. See the attached flyer for more details about Susan and her new novel, Return Ticket
Cut your own Christmas Tree
TRINIDAD— You’re invited to cut your own Christmas tree at Trinidad Lake State Park as part of our fuel reduction effort around the Piedmont Group Camping Area (on the east side of the dam road – watch for signs). First-come, first-served and only 25 trees available Saturday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. They will be marked, $35 cash or check. Free holiday refreshments and proceeds go to the Friends of Fishers Peak and Trinidad Lake State Parks.
Furry Paws & Santa Claus
TRINIDAD— Join PALS for a yappy holiday celebration on Saturday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. at The Well Hotel and Taproom in Trinidad. This event will feature photos with Santa Claus for you and your pets, plus low cost vaccinations with local veterinarian Dr. Laura Blanton and nail trims by groomer Dana Rawlings from The Tail’s End Grooming Salon.
Tractor Trek
TRINIDAD— Join us on Saturday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. as we recognize and pay tribute to the generations of farmers and ranchers who have worked tirelessly to help make our communities strong and vital throughout history.
For the first time in recent memory, a parade of agricultural power equipment will pass through downtown Trinidad, showcasing the machinery that has helped shape the region’s development. It’s an opportunity to experience the sights, sounds, and even smells of agricultural history!
Following the parade, stay for the Grand Opening of the Smithsonian Exhibition, Crossroads: Change in Rural America at Trinidad Space to Create.
Philosophy Café
TRINIDAD— We will meet on Monday, Dec. 11, at 5 p.m. for another Philosophy Café. The topic was suggested by Sara Rose: The Philosophy of Belonging. This will be a remote meeting using Zoom Meeting. You must register to join. To register, visit https://bit.ly/3T5LwRl
Movie Madness at MSL
TRINIDAD— Check out the FREE Movie Madness at Main Street Live, 131 W. Main, Trinidad on Monday, Dec. 11 , 6:30 p.m. “Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas” and “Christmas with the Kranks” Doors open at 6, show starts at 6:30 p.m. On Tuesday, Dec. 19, doors open at 4:30p for “Elf” showing at 5 p.m. and “Polar Express” at 7 p.m. Bar and concessions will be open For more info, call 719-846-4765.
Winter Wonderland Party
TRINIDAD— ABC Disability Support Group will hos their annual Winter Wonderland Party at Peak Cinemas, 3600 E Main St, Trinidad. Come out and join us for our annual Winter Wonderland Party on Thursday, Dec. 14, 5 p.m. We will be watching a Christmas movie, eating snacks, opening presents and celebrating the wonder of the holiday season. Check out ABC Disability Support Group’s Facebook page for more information.
Christmas Choreo and Caroling
TRINIDAD— Come bring the kids to Main St. Live at 131 W. Main St on Friday, Dec. 15, 1 – 3 p.m. Dance and sing to your favorite Christmas songs. There may even be a visit from Santa himself or possibly the Grinch. This family friendly event is free for everyone.
Las Posadas
TRINIDAD— Las Animas County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Presents Las Posadas, Friday, Dec. 15, 5 p.m. Immediately following the procession there will be a Pot Luck meal for anyone that participated in the procession. Please call Yolanda or Desiree if you have any questions @ 7198468234 or 7198457839.
Shop with a Cop
TRINIDAD— Help spread holiday Cheer to Las Animas County Kids!
The Trinidad Police Department Shop with a Cop event is fast approaching. We will be holding our annual Shop with a Cop event on Saturday, Dec. 16. If you see a line of police cars escorting the Trinidad Trolley in the morning, please wave at the kiddos inside! Each child is paired with an officer, treated to breakfast, and given a 100-dollar Wal-Mart gift card to spend as they wish. During this event Wal-Mart employees and volunteers help wrap the presents for the children and they also help serve breakfast.
If you would like to donate to the program, please drop by the police department, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or drop donations in the utility’s payment drop box at City Hall.
Book Club Meetup
TRINIDAD— Join the Trinidad History Museum’s Book Club for a discussion about December’s book-of-the-month: The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones on Saturday, Dec.16, 10 – 11 a.m. Every other month, the Trinidad Book Club comes together to talk about a book set in or related to Colorado. This month, the well-received horror fiction and thriller novel, The Only Good Indians, is bound to spark fruitful discussions surrounding themes on tradition, identity, and guilt. To sign up or learn more, please contact Millie at at (719) 846-7217 or emily.duren@state.co.us .
Holiday craft fair
TRINIDAD— On Saturday, Dec. 16, 11 a.m. the Old School House, 221 CR 71.4, Trinidad will be hosting a holiday craft fair. There will be food, crafts and pictures with Santa. Vendor space is limited for this show, if you haven’t already messaged us for a space please contact Amanda at 719-493-3953.
Youth Orchestra Christmas Concert
TRINIDAD— The Youth Orchestra Christmas Concert will be on Saturday, Dec. 16, 6 p.m. at the Mt. Carmel Chapel, 911 Robinson Ave. Please call 719-845-4894 for more information.
Favorite book or character ornament contest
TRINIDAD— Get ready to spread some literary holiday cheer with our “Favorite Book or Book Character Ornament Contest” hosted by the Trinidad Carnegie Public Library. Show off your creativity, celebrate the joy of reading, and decorate your own unique holiday ornament based on your favorite book or book character.
This fun and festive contest is for ages 5-17 and you have the chance to win amazing prizes, thanks to the generous support of the Trinidad Community Foundation. Participants are encouraged to create a holiday ornament inspired by their favorite book or book character. Visit Trinidad Carnegie Public Library during our regular business hours to submit your ornament.
If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Jessica Huffman or Phyllis Kilgroe at 719-846-6841. All submissions must be turned in to the library by Monday, Dec. 18th.
COLFAX
Eagle Tail Road closure
COLFAX— Road A-10, Eagle Tail Road is closed indefinitely at this time due to the bridge being shut down. The alternative route is to drive to Tenaja and drive around. Please use caution and drive safe.
Young adults peer support group
RATON— Would you like to learn and share strategies for coping with life’s struggles? Young Adults, ages 18-30 join ZIA’ Youth, 207 Park Ave every Saturday, from 9 – 10 a.m. Join the community of encouragement and Empowerment and begin you weekend on a positive note. There will be free coffee and snacks.
Elks Hoop Shoot
RATON— Check out the Elks Hoop Shoot free throw contest on Saturday, Dec. 9, 9:30 a.m. at Raton Intermediate School. The free throw contest is for children ages 8 – 13 and gives them the opportunity to put their name in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. For more information please call Joana Apodaca at 575-707-8618.
Cimarron Community Kitchen opening
CIMARRON— The Community Kitchen of Cimarron’s grand opening is Saturday, Dec. 9. from 2 to 4 p.m. It is located at the Cimarron Community Methodist Church, 31082 US Hwy. 64.
Raton Business Meeting
RATON— On Monday, Dec. 11, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. GrowRaton in partnership with Better City invites you to our monthly Raton Business Meeting at the Arthur Johnson Memorial Library in Raton.
This meeting is free of charge, but please RSVP to Ann@BetterCity.US. A light lunch will be provided by a generous sponsorship from Ken Lee. Speaker Kristine Olsen from Needonm.org and Creating Bridges Program will be the guest speaker.
Colfax County Health Council
RATON— The Colfax County Health Council and Health Equity Collaborative hybrid meeting will be on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 12 – 1:30 p.m. at CYFD Raton, 1900 Hospital Dr, Raton. Lunch will be provided. For more information or to get the zoom link please email ashvigil2016@gmail.com
Pictures with the Grinch
RATON— Duncan Automotive, 245 N 2nd St in Raton is hosting Grinchmas Picture day on Saturday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Pictures with the Grinch, goodie bags and hot coco for $12. All pictures will be printed and can be picked up on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at the shop. For more information please call 575-245-2886.
Holiday Market
ANGEL FIRE— Check out the Holiday Market at the Angel Fire Community Center, 15 CS Ranch Rd on Saturday, Dec. 16, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Purchase your Christmas gifts from 28 vendors, visit with Santa Claus, enjoy live music and entertainment and great food.
