OUR WORLD
SCCOG Meeting
LAS ANIMAS/HUERFANO— The South Central Council of Governments next board meeting (open to public) is scheduled on Thursday, Sept. 28, 1 p.m. Contact Donna Sue at SCCOG at 719-845-1133 X223 for zoom link if you would like to join the meeting.
HUERFANO
La Veta Library fall programs
LA VETA—Fall is in the air and the adult programming series for the LaVeta library will be resuming soon. As always we have some special movies on tap up for our movie matinee dates and some great programs lined up for the upcoming months. Our usual times are Thursdays at 2 p.m. but that varies occasionally. Always check out the Journal for the latest updates. Also, if there is a topic that you would like us to explore, a movie that you would like to share or a program that you would like to present, we would be delighted! Please contact Mitzi at 719-742-3572 or mitzivlpl@gmail.com to talk about your idea and book a date. Thank you for your support and interest and we’ll look forward to seeing you soon.
Abuelos art class
WALSENBURG— The monthly abuelos art class will be held Thursday, Sept. 28, 1 – 3 p.m. at the Spanish Peaks Library in Walsenburg. This class will include making and framing a retablo saint, or photo brought to class from home. The frame opening size is 2” by 3”. We will supply saint’s pictures one may choose from. Materials to decorate, and paint the frames will be supplied. Refreshments provided, class is always free. Call or text S. Johnston to reserve your spot 719 989-8438.
Movie Matinee at LVPL
LA VETA— Join La Veta Library for a Movie Matinee as we show “Judy” starring Renee Zellweger on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 2 p.m. “Judy” is a 2019 biographical drama film based on the life of American actress Judy Garland. Directed by Rupert Goold, it is an adaptation of the Olivier- and Tony-nominated West End and Broadway play End of the Rainbow by Peter Quilter. The film stars Renée Zellweger, Jessie Buckley, Finn Wittrock, Rufus Sewell, and Michael Gambon. Read more about this film on our Facebook Events page.
Kick off Oktoberfest at the Peaks!
LA VETA—Caption Reid will be kicking off the festival with a Friday night, Oct 6 concert at 5 pm at the Grandote Clubhouse. Come enjoy the music and all-you-can-eat buffet for $20. www.playgrandote.com. 719-999-2006
Huerfano Farmers Markets
HUERFANO— Our local farmers markets are going strong! Don’t forget to stop by one or all of these for the best local goodies around.
La Veta Farmers Market, every Thursday, 3 – 5 p.m. next to the library on Main Street.
Cuchara Farmers Market, every Friday, 4 – 6 p.m. at the Cuchara Mountain Mercantile at the base of the mountain park.
Gardner Farmers Market, every Saturday, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. under the pavilion next to the Methodist church.
Walsenburg Farmers Market, Every Sunday 12 -2 p.m. at Heritage Park on Main Street by the railroad tracks.
Music Bingo with La Veta Library
LA VETA— Thursday, Sept. 28, 6 p.m. Join La Veta Public Library at Mountain Merman Brewing Company in La Veta for “Now That’s What I Call Music Bingo: Songs of the 1970’s!”
Homecoming Parades
HUERFANO— On Friday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m. the La Veta Red Hawks will have their Homecoming Parade down Main Street in La Veta. Later that day at 3 p.m. the Walsenburg Jr. Sr. High School will have their annual Homecoming Parade on Main Street Walsenburg. Help support our local students but lining up along Main St. and checking out their floats. Both Main Streets will be closed in La Veta and Walsenburg during the parades, please respect barricades and traffic detours to help keep our community safe. The high school football games will kick of that evening at 7 p.m. at the home fields. Go Red Hawks and Panthers!
SPLD Presents Storytime with Mrs. Flamingo
WALSENBURG— Join Mrs. Flamingo on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. at the Spanish Peaks Library in Walsenburg. Each kid who attends will receive a free book from the Flamingo Book Club. There will be books read, songs sung, story boards, crafts, prizes and much more!
Coal Camps, Cow Camps
WALSENBURG— Sandy Dolak with be at the Spanish Peaks Library in Walsenburg every Friday in Sept. from 1 – 3 p.m. to collect pictures and stories of the miners, ranchers and cowboys that shaped the legacy of Huerfano County. I can scan the pictures and hand them right back to you. This is such an important story to be told and will be presented to the community on November 4 at the county community center in Walsenburg. If you would prefer another time (or I would be willing to come to you) call or text 719-251-1271.
Spaghetti Dinner with the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary
WALSENBURG— Walsenburg Ladies Eagles Auxiliary #1187, will be hosting a fundraiser dinner, on Friday, Sept. 29, 5 – 7 p.m. at the eagles hall 614 Main St Walsenburg. Money raised will go towards The Bridge for the Cure to help find a cure for diabetes. The Eagles Ladies Auxiliary #1187 well be serving spaghetti, meatballs, salad and desert with coffee and water. Dinner costs $7. We hope to see you there to support this meaningful charity.
SPLD Day of Service
WALSENBURG— The Walsenburg Woman’s Club, Spanish Peaks Library and Flamingo Book Club are teaming up for a day of service. They will be giving away PB&J Sandwich supplies, and childrens books on Saturday, Sep. 30. We are currently asking for donation from teh community to make this event possible. Any time of peanut butter, nut butter, jelly, jam, bread and childrens books. The donation drop off is the Spanish Peaks Library in Walsenburg.
Community Health Fair
WALSENBURG— On Saturday, Sept. 30, 7:30 – 11:30 a.m. the Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center will be hosting a Community Health Fair at the Huerfano County Community Center in Walsenburg. For $60 you get a lab panel which includes; comprehensive metabolic
panel, complete blood count, lipid profile, and hemoglobin A1C. Walk-ins are welcome or you can pre-register by calling Loni at 719-738-5201.
Nolan Strong Fundraiser concert
WALSENBURG— Master of the Hammond B3 and most soulful vocalist this side of the Mississippi, Shawn Brown, will be at the Fox Theatre on Saturday, Sept. 30, 6 p.m. Meet Baby Nolan Rinker, 18 months, a proud 5th generation native of Huerfano County who has been diagnosed with Apert Syndrome. Tickets are $15 and the money goes toward helping Nolan and his family with the medical expenses. There will be a hog auction as well as a silent auction. Please see the ad on page 17
Laughing as Exercise Mondays
LA VETA— Join us to experience laughing as exercise to support mental, emotional and physical health every Monday, at 5 p.m. Taking care off ourselves so that we are healthier interacting with the world has never been so joyful! Practiced regularly, laughing can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. We may find that we are less fearful and reactive and more calm, caring, understanding and forgiving when the unexpected happens. Laughing as exercise can also support a deeper sense of wellbeing for those experiencing chronic illness. Located at the La Veta Town Park along West Ryus. For more info, please contact Laura “Joy” Bedford at (630) 864-8992 or Trusting OurInnerLight@gmail.com.
Call for singers
LA VETA— It’s not too late to join us as we rehearse for our 2023 Christmas Season Concerts. The Sangre de Cristo Vocal Arts Ensemble is calling all singers, young and old, experienced, or willing to become experienced, to join us weekly on Tuesdays, 6:15 p.m. sharp, at the La Veta United Methodist Church in La Veta (416 S Main Street in La Veta). We love to make music and we’d love to have you join us. Sopranos, Altos, Tenors and Basses – all are WELCOME! We have a few extra seats saved for sopranos, so don’t be shy! We’ll have the sheet music and cd’s for everyone. Be ready to have fun making a joyful noise! Call Kalima at 719-742-5333 with any questions you might have or email me at amuse@rmi.net.
SPLD presents Teen Pizza
WALSENBURG— Every Wednesday, 4 – 6 p.m. join the Spanish Peaks Library in Walsenburg for PIZZA, provided by GubGub’s Pizza and Ice Cream! Teens are welcome to come hang with us after school every Wednesday, no catch, no demands just stop by and check out our library. We have Wii, computers, tablets, games, puzzles, music, friends, laughs and of course BOOKS!
Science: A Search for Trustworthy Answers
LA VETA— Presenting Science Seminars at La Veta Public Library. Science: A Search for Trustworthy Answers will be presented by Ed Donovan. How do we know that a new treatment works in health care? Does the new treatment result in more benefit than harm? Join us at the La Veta Library, 310 S. Main St. on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. to learn more!
Gardner Valley Falcons Fall Festival
GARDNER— Come one, come all community members to the Fall fest on Thursday, Oct. 5, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Gardner Valley School in Gardner. Dinner starts at 5 p.m. with karaoke, games and fun for the whole family. Join
SPBA Mixer and MoF Reception
WALSENBURG— On Thursday, Oct. 5, 5:30 p.m. there will be a special reception and mixer at Museum of Friends for our business community and leaders to explore the topics of Change in Rural America and downtown revitalization! Come network and enjoy this special and topical exhibit before it moves on to the next stop. Drinks and light snacks provided, free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Spanish Peaks Business Alliance and MoF.
Noxious weed workshop
WALSENBURG— The Upper Huerfano Conservation District in cooperation with the NRCS, CSU Extension and Huerfano County Noxious Weed Department will be holding a noxious weed workshop and weed walk on Friday, Oct. 6, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Huerfano County Community Center, 928 Russell in Walsenburg. Topics include: species ID, overview of control options & services available to landowners. Free lunch and educational materials will be provided. Space is Limited-RSVP by calling: 719-989-1353 or email: cbryant@huerfano.us
Oktoberfest
LA VETA— Check out Main Street La Veta on Saturday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. for their annual Oktoberfest. Vendor booths, great food, kids activities and fun. Proceeds to benefit the Candy Coco Memorial Student fund and helping people throughout our community. For more information visit www.LaVetaOktoberfest.org. Check out the beer garden too, presented by Mountain Merman Brewery.
Fall Colors at Cuchara Mountain Disc Golf Tournament
CUCHARA— The 2023 Fall Colors Disc Golf Tournament presented by Bachman & Associates is a PDGA C-tier sanctioned tournament and part of the Competition Endowment Program to support the non-profit that maintains Cuchara Mountain Park. Plus aspen leaves will be at peak colors this weekend. Lots of fun for a great cause on Saturday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m. To register visit www.DiscGolfScene.com
Crossroads, Change in Rural America
WALSENBURG— Smithsonian Exhibition at the Museum of Friends “Crossroads, Change in Rural America,” now through tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m.
until 5 p.m. Group Tours and School-Tour Program available (k through 12) with prior reservations. The museum is located on the corner of 6th and Main in downtown Walsenburg.
SPLD Presents Flicks at the Library
WALSENBURG— Friday, Oct. 13, 1:30pm. It’s back! Spanish Peaks Library in Walsenburg will once again be showing movies in our meeting room with FREE popcorn! This month we will be showing Hocus Pocus, starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as 3 witches seeking immortality and 3 teens who aim to stop them. Don’t miss the fun!
LAS ANIMAS
Cup of Joe Peer-to-Peer Program
TRINIDAD— Every second and forth Thursday of the month at 9 a.m. Veterans are invited to Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, 127 N. Commercial Street Suite 205 for a fresh cup of coffee. Join other Veterans and an Americorps Resource Coordinator to build peer-to-peer relationships. For more information please call 719-845-4872
Purgatoire Watershed Partnership kids day
TRINIDAD— Join us for an exciting day of kids tarantula exploration and adventure on Friday Sept. 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Trinidad Community Center. This free event in Trinidad kicks off a tarantula extravaganza weekend happening in Southeast Colorado and the 2nd Annual La Junta Tarantula Festival!
Tarantula experts from the Butterfly Pavilion in Denver (butterflies.org) will be coming to Trinidad to introduce us to tarantulas up close and teach us about their world, then lead us out into the eastern plains of the Purgatoire River watershed on an adventure to look for tarantulas in their natural habitat! Plus free lunch and a free tarantula stuffed animal or other non-live version of a tarantula for each child attendee to take home, as well as free Tarantula Cycles t-shirts, water bottles, and bandanas to take home!
Final Friday mountain bike meetup
TRINIDAD— Introducing Final Fridays at Fishers on the last Friday of each month. Join Tarantula for a lap (or two or three) on Poison Canyon at Fishers Peak State Park Friday, Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. Work on your skills, chase your buddies, get after it or take it slow and session some features. However you want to ride, we hope to see you there. Please wear a helmet and parking lot hags to follow. Carpooling from Tarantula is encouraged.
The Rad Dirt Fest
TRINIDAD— Be a part of Life Time’s newest event in the remote and rugged Spanish Peaks on Saturday, Sept. 30, 8 a.m. The Rad Dirt Fest offers three different bike course options (110, 70, 40) for all types of rowdy riders. Join us in Trinidad, for an eclectic off-road adventure that is sure to keep you coming back year after year. For more information please visit www.theraddirt.com/
Fall Literacy Event
TRINIDAD— Join Children’s Services at SCDDS on Saturday, Sept. 30, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. for their fall literacy event “ Camp fire & S’mores”. There will activities, games, snacks and of course s’mores. Located in Trinidad at 415 S. Indiana Ave. For more information please call 719-680-3153.
Art Take-in for the Animals show
TRINIDAD— The Corazon Gallery is accepting entries for the “ANIMALS” art show on Saturday, Sept. 30, Sunday Oct. 1, and Monday, Oct. 2 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at The Corazon Gallery, 149 E. Main in Trinidad. Artwork may be in any medium, depicting any type of animal. Size limit is 30 inches x 30 inches unless approved before entering. Cash prizes will be awarded! A reception for “ANIMALS “ will be held Friday, October 6th during the First Friday Art Walk.
Tastes of Trinidad Champion Chili Contest
TRINIDAD— The Commons at Space to Create presents Tastes of Trinidad Champion Chili Contest on Saturday, Sept. 30, 3 – 7 p.m. Food, crafts, artists and of course a chili showdown! Free tastings for everyone who attends, $15 to enter either green chili or red chili. All dishes will be judged based on overall flavor, creativity and quality of ingredients. Who do you think will be crowned Chili Champion?
Trivia with Trinidad Carnegie Public Library
TRINIDAD— Join the library as you compete for prizes, have some fun, and show off your smarts! Bring your friends and family and your brain power for an unforgettable night of trivia. In celebration of Banned Book Week, our trivia topic will be Banned Books. Stop by the library ahead of time to brush up on your knowledge. Trivia will be held at Sexy Pizza in Trinidad on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 5:30 p.m.
Amplify Our Voices Art Show
TRINIDAD— Explore unique and artistic expressions of residents of The Legacy and the Trinidad Rehabilitation and Health Care Center on Friday, Oct. 6, 1 – 3 p.m. Featuring music by the Mount Carmel Youth Orchestra. Proudly sponsored by the Arts Council of Trinidad-First Friday Art Walk, SCCOG, The Legacy and Trinidad Rehabilitation and Heritage Center ans is held at 409 Benedicta Ave, Trinidad.
Second Annual Resonance Show
TRINIDAD— They’re gearing up over at A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art for our second annual Resonance show! This is their marquis fall opening and will feature over forty artists that will recreate photos from the A.R. Mitchell Museum archive in their own style. Mark your calendars for opening day on Friday, Oct. 6, 5 – 8 p.m. This art show is free to attend.
First Friday Art Walk
TRINIDAD— On Friday, Oct. 6, 5 – 8 p.m. visit participating galleries, creative spaces and businesses for their monthly First Friday Art Walk along Main St and Commercial St. The seasons are starting to turn, take advantage of weather while you still can.
Community Engagement Luncheon
TRINIDAD— Join A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art in Trinidad on Saturday, Oct. 7, 12 – 2 p.m. to learn about the museum. Cody Kuehl will be speaking, there will be tours of the archives and the 3rd floor. Lunch will be provided, please RSVP on A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art’s Facebook page.
Banned Book Event at the Library
TRINIDAD— Book banning has been a hot topic in the past few years. Intellectual Freedom and The Right to
Read have historically been the core foundation of public libraries. But libraries are only part of the story. The Trinidad Public Library invites all members of the community to come to the library and join in a discussion of this important topic. This event is on Saturday, Oct. 7, 1 – 2 p.m. in the library’s Community Room.
Pals Low Cost Dog and Cat Spay/Neuter Event
TRINIDAD— PALS, Pet Assistance League, in Trinidad, is sponsoring a huge, low cost spay and neuter clinic for cats and dogs, on October 12 through 15, in Trinidad, by the Bergen Spay & Neuter Alliance. This includes free Rabies, DAPPv/HCP and microchiping. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required. To book an appointment stop by the PALS thrift store, 500 W. Main street, in Trinidad, or call 719-680-0525. Space is limited. Since June 2023 PALS has treated 290 pets in their pop-up clinics. They intend to continue these events to help the community to curtail the overpopulation of cats and dogs. For more information on PALS and their thrift store, follow them on facebook, PALS- Pet Assistance League Store, and visit them at 500 E. Main street in Trinidad, 719-680-0525.
COLFAX
Candlelight Vigil
RATON— Please join us on Thursday, Sept. 28, 7 p.m for our NE New Mexico Suicide Awareness Project Candlelight Vigil at Ripley Park in Raton. Remember loved ones we’ve lost, support friends and family that are grieving, support those that struggle with ideation and bring awareness to the community. Bring a 4×6 photo to attach to our memory board. For more information please contact Tina at 505-587-3825.
Cottage Market
RATON— Check out local goodies at the Raton Cottage Market held every Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Old Community Garden Site, 108 S 1st St. Local food, crafts and gifts, what more could you ask for?
Firewood Day at Philmont Scout Ranch
CIMARRON— On Saturday, Sept. 30, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. the Philmont Scout Ranch will be hosting their free firewood day. There are limits on how much one person can take and will be determined by the amount of demand.
Angel Fire Studio Tour
ANGEL FIRE—Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1st, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Angel Fire Studio Tour, features 27 artists located across 15 different locations. This is a self-guided 2 day tour that includes amazingly skilled artists and artisans in Angel Fire, Black Lake, and Taos Canyon. Spend the weekend in Angel Fire to complete the tour and enjoy the stunning beauty of the fall foliage in the mountains. For more information please visit http://artup-nnm.org/
Swords and Boards with ZIA Youth
RATON— Every Sunday at 6:30 p.m. at ZIA Youth, join Niko, Alex, and their merry band of Ratonians who transform into Knights, Dwarves, and Swamp Witches for a Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Your Nerd Tribe is waiting for you to discover yourself among them! ZIA Youth is located at 207 Park Ave, Raton and is a safe place for 9-17 year olds to hang out after school.
Sunrise on Capulin
CAPULIN— Take a hike with a ranger on the Rim Trail to view the sunrise on Saturday, Oct. 7, 5 a.m. Wear warm clothes and layers. Weather permitting. Reservations are required. Call 575.278.2201 to reserve your spot and find more information.
27th Annual Walk/Run for Domestic Violence Awareness
RATON— Join Alternatives to Violence 27th Annual Walk/Run on Saturday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m. at Ripley Park. Sponsored by Raton Professional Business Women, Raton Kiwanis and Alternatives to Violence
“Cross of Iron”Book review and signing
RATON— Join the Raton Museum on Friday, Oct. 13th at 6:30 p.m. for “Cross of Iron” book review and signing with author Nick Pappas. This is a tragic story of Dawson, New Mexico, and its twin mining disasters, in remembrance of October 1913 and February 1923.
