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.
