THROUGHOUT OUR WORLD
Respond to the Census! Our district is still waaaay behind!
OUR WORLD — Did you know Census data is used to ensure your local communities receive their fair share of funding for things like hospitals, ambulance services and medical clinics?
The 2020 Census will determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives. This is the rate of response in the Colorado 7 districts:
2020 Census Self-Response Rates by Colorado Congressional District
7th Congressional District: 69.3% (Rep. Ed Perlmutter)
6th Congressional District: 69.1% (Rep. Jason Crow)
4th Congressional District: 63.4% (Rep. Ken Buck)
5th Congressional District: 62.8% (Rep. Doug Lamborn)
1st Congressional District: 62.5% (Rep. Diana DeGette)
2nd Congressional District: 57.6% (Rep. Joe Neguse)
3rd Congressional District: 48.7% (Rep. Scott Tipton)
Didn’t receive a Census form in the mail? No worries. Just go to My2020Census.gov and fill out the survey online using your physical address. Or you can do it by phone, at 844-330-2020. Language assistance is available, if needed. Remember: Respond to the 2020 Census to #ShapeYourFuture.
The U.S. Census Bureau plans to deliver a census invita- tion and paper questionnaire later this year – as soon as it is safe to do so. By responding with your Census ID or on the paper questionnaire, we’ll be able to get the best count of your community.
Mental health support for senior citizens
OUR WORLD — Senior Health Advocates Colorado wants you to know we are here for you during this difficult time. You may be feeling isolated, scared, or just want to talk. You may have a friend or relative you are concerned about or perhaps you need support in some other way. Please reach out to us. We care about you and want to support our community. Call us at 719-680-4883 or Email us at: seniorhealthadvocatesco@gmail.com or info@seniorhealthadvocatesco.com . For more information, check out our website and Facebook page: http://seniorhealthadvocatesco.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/seniorhealthadvocatesco/
Stay safe and reach out should you need anything. We want to help. Senior Health Advocates Colorado is a member of the Trinidad Las Animas Chamber of Commerce. We are a voluntary group of professionals dedicated to community health and wellness. We recognize the difficulties older adults may have navigating the health care system, associated sup- port services and advocating for themselves.
Our mission is to ensure that seniors in Southern Colorado are provided with services required by law and by standards of decency and dignity. Our goal is to assist you by providing guidance, support, education and advocacy.”
Recreate safely with the COTREX app
OUR WORLD — Find less busy trails near you, and stay up- dated on closures related to trails, parks, open spaces, visitor centers and campgrounds across Colorado by downloading the free COTREX app.
Learn to Hunt webinar series
OUR WORLD — Interested in learning how to hunt but not sure where to start? Know someone who might benefit from some hunting tips and tricks? We’re here to help with our upcoming Learn to Hunt webinar series, Thursday nights at 7 p.m. on Zoom.
Understanding Hunt Statistics – May 14 – Learn how to use the free hunt statistics in planning your future big game hunts. Make the most of your draw applications and leftover license options.
Field Scouting – May 21 – Time spent in the field before your season starts can pay off in hunter success. Let’s talk about making a reasonable plan to get started.
Big Game Hunting Tactics – May 28 – We will discuss three hunting tactics to try in the field and when you might want to try them.
Secondary Draw, Leftover Licenses, and OTC Licenses – June 4 – New to Colorado in 2020 is the Secondary Draw. Let’s talk about how this works, as well as left over and over the counter options for this coming fall.
Hunt Mentors and Hunt Community – June 11 – A challenge to new hunters, or hunters new to Colorado, is finding people to hunt with. We will discuss opportunities to find mentors and fellow hunters. https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YmIcLtFsRLmFUg9sh 5AtLQ
HUERFANO
Artists are invited to enter SPACe shows this week
LA VETA — There will be three new shows on display beginning Tuesday, May 19 and artists are invited to enter 2 of them: “The Changing Climate” and “Artists’ Choice”.
All media will be accepted, with a limit of 4 total entries per artist. Entry fees remain $5 per entry, with pieces over the equivalent of 30″ wide considered two entries. Artists may bring their work Thursday, May 14, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.. Since only 2 people will be al- lowed inside at one time, it is recommended that artists call ahead for an appointment. Face masks will be required. Entry forms with complete details are available on the SPACe website, www.spanishpeaksarts.org. Call SPACe at 719-742-3074 Tues., Thurs. or Sat., between 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. for more information and to make an appointment to bring artwork. If leaving a message, please speak slowly and distinctly. Your call can’t be returned if we don’t understand your phone number.
One Nation Walking Together donation drive at Big R
LA VETA — There will be a no contact drop off for Native American regions hard hit by the Covid-19 virus Saturday May 16, 1 to 3 p.m. at BIG R. Here is your opportunity to make a difference for the Native people that are being devastated by the current pandemic. Huajatolla Heritage Foundation will once again partner with One Nation Walking Together from Colorado Springs to collect items for vulnerable populations for the Navajo Nation as well as a variety of other tribes.
Sandy Dolak will be available with all social distancing and masking precautions in the parking lot of Big R from 1-3 p.m. as a drop off site to only collect items identified as the most pressing needs (see list below) to add to shipments going to Native American hot-spots for Corona-19 activity. Tribal people are being affected disproportionately by the devastating pandemic. The Navajo Nation now has the highest per-capita Covid-19 infection rate after only New York and New Jersey, and the spread is not slowing.
The most pressing needs we are collecting right now are: nonperishable food, water, baby diapers, baby food and formula, hygiene items/toiletries, feminine hygiene, Masks (dis- posable and fabric), Latex Gloves, Thermometers, Finger Pulse Oximeters, Paper products, Pet Food, 1⁄4” Elastic, 100% Cotton & Flannel Fabric, Polypropylene, Thread, Needles, Machine Needles, Cleaning Supplies, Cleaning Wipes, Liquid Hand Soap, Hand Sanitizer. (Please: NO clothes or furniture at this time in order to address the high virus-related needs.)And as always, cash donations are always appreciated. Donations help so much in either buying items that are in short supply or help in transporting the goods to the people in need.
If you cannot come out Saturday, you can help by making a financial donation or finding out more at One Nations website: www.onenationwt.org or call or text Sandy Dolak at 719- 251-1271 for more information
Book Nook book delivery
LA VETA — The Book Nook is happy to announce a book de- livery service for the locals of La Veta. For five dollars you will receive three books of your choice in genre, author, etc. If you are friends with us on Facebook simply leave a message with your information and preferred method of payment. We now have a PayPal to make secure online payments or you can leave cash or a check made out to Friends of the Library on your front porch. We will send you a confirmation message and date of delivery with estimated time. The books will be wiped down and placed in a new paper bag for your protection. We are still waiting for approval from the County Health Department, so keep an eye out on our Facebook Page to see when this service will become available. We hope this service can bring some joy into your or your loved ones lives. Happy reading, friends!
La Veta Public Library curbside service
LA VETA — La Veta Public Library (LVPL) would like to offer curbside service for our patrons during social distancing requirements. Patrons will reserve Library materials online via our catalog, or by calling in. Library staff will retrieve the materials, bag them, label them with the patron’s name, and place the bag on a table setup between the Library’s Main Street porches, at the edge of the public sidewalk. Patrons will collect their materials from this table. There will be two times each day when reserved materials will be ready for pickup: 10 am and 1 pm. Any unclaimed materials will be brought back into the library building at 4 pm. The service will run Monday through Friday.
There will be no more than three library staff (including the library director) in the building at any one time. The director will work in his office, which is a separate room with a closable door. Staff members working on curbside service order fulfillment will prepare the orders in separate rooms of the library, with the aid of laptops that are reserved for each staff member and not shared. Frequently touched surfaces including desks, tables, computer keyboards and mice, date stamps, barcode readers, doorknobs, light switches, etc. will be wiped down with the CDC-recommended bleach solution (4 tsp bleach per quart of water) at the start and end of each shift. The director will log staff health using the county health department logging form and a touchless forehead thermometer.
New Hope Community Church reopens
WALSENBURG — New Hope Community Church of Walsenburg, 801 Pennsylvania, has re-opened services with a drive-in celebration each Sunday, 10 a.m.. Attendees can stay in the comfort of their vehicle and tune to 103.9 on their FM radio to hear the message and to sing along with guest guitarist John Rodriguez. Parking will be in the vacant lot on the east side of the church building. Mother’s Day carnations will be given to the first 40 attendees requesting them.
SPACe Gallery reopens
LA VETA — The SPACe Gallery in the Park reopened last week after being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing will be strictly enforced, with all visitors required to wear face masks. No more than 4 visitors at one time will be allowed to enter, due to the requirement of 400 sq. ft. per per- son, including employees. Disposable gloves will be provided, and a few disposable masks will also be available. The current show ” Spring Break–Art Gone Wild” will be on display through this week.
Water Conservancy District Board meeting
HUERFANO COUNTY — The next meeting of the Huerfano County Water Conservancy District will be held remotely by GoTo Meeting Monday, May 18, 6 p.m.. A draft agenda and login information for the meeting are available on the HCWCD website at: www.hcwcd.net . The public is welcome to join:
Join meeting from computer, tablet or smartphone: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/969680141
Or dial in using your phone: (872) 240-3212 Access Code: 969-680-141
Dems virtual meeting
HUERFANO COUNTY — There will be a Zoom meeting of the Huerfano County Democratic Party Central Committee held this evening, Thursday, May 21, 5:30. Chairperson Dale Lyons will sent the Zoom link via email to participants. Please log in and keep democracy alive during these trying times!
Opening reception at La Veta Gallery
LA VETA — There will be an opening reception for Memorial Weekend show at La Veta Gallery on Main Saturday, May 23, 5 to 7 p.m.. This group show features Gallery Artists in “A Celebration of Blooms.”Refreshments served. Show runs through June 23. www.lavetagalleryonmain.com
SCCOG (AAA) senior Services and Care & Share
HUERFANO COUNTY — The Agency on Aging coordinates food distribution in Huerfano and Las Animas Counties and is provided through South Central Council of Governments. All Agency on Aging programs are for residents 60 years or older, assessments and reservations required. Please make reservations/cancellations one day in advance. Call 719-738-1182 or 719-738-2205 for assessments, reservations, and questions.
Take out lunch meals are provided in Walsenburg Monday through Friday at the Huerfano County Community Center. Also available are homebound meal deliveries Monday through Friday in Walsenburg and Tuesday and Friday in La Veta.
La Veta Village food services
LA VETA — La Veta Village has two programs to help with food needs during Covid-19 alerts.
If you are 60 or older or high-risk, safety-trained volunteers will shop at Charlie’s with your grocery list and deliver to your home. This service is available to anyone in the 81055 zip code or in Navajo ranch. Contact Susan at 719-989-8361 or email lvvfoodservices@gmail.com
Also, La Veta Village offers a free food pick-up for persons who qualify by income level or because of unemployment. Please register for a box by Wednesday at 5 pm for a pick-up the following Saturday. The next pick-up is Saturday, May 16.
Email lvvfoodservices@gmail.com or call Rebecca 719-746-2329. If you would like to volunteer, call 719-746-2329. To donate, go to lavetavillage.org.
Huerfano RE-1 providing breakfasts/lunches to all children 0-18 years
WALSENBURG/GARDNER — Huerfano RE-1 will have sack breakfasts/lunches available for drive through pick-up at Peak- view School and Gardner Elementary. Pick up days will be Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.. Each pick up will have at least two breakfasts and two lunches for each child in the household. All children 0 to 18 years old are eligible for free breakfast and lunch regardless if they are enrolled in 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.
Art in the Park canceled
LA VETA — The Board of Directors of the Spanish Peaks Arts Council (SPACe) decided to cancel the annual Art in the Park festival this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They felt that the vendors, if they chose to participate, would not have the crowds needed to make it worth their investment, if the Health Dept. allowed the event to take place. In addition, visitors would also feel apprehensive about attending. The current directives for social distancing would be impossible to enforce.
LAS ANIMAS
Cash Mob for the Mitchell Museum
TRINIDAD — Join us Friday, May 15, 6 to 8 p.m. for the Trinidad Historic Main Street’s Virtual Cash Mob featuring Mitchell Museum of Western Art. We will host an Facebook Live. Be sure to scroll done the fb page at 6 p.m. for the live video. Allison will be showing a variety of unique items that are at the gift shop. If you like an item, be the 1st person to commit and make a comment, on the video, that you would like to purchase. (Sometimes there are multiple available.) A member of the team will comment “confirmed” and then contact you though private message.
* Allison will contact you the following day for payment and to arrange pick-up.
* List of sample items will be updated soon
Be sure to like “Trinidad Historic Main Street” on Face- book for announcements of upcoming “Virtual Cash Mob” events in Trinidad. If your business is interested in hosting an upcoming virtual cash mob, please call Penny Saeedi at 719- 859-2584.
Friday night Solidarity in Sight & Sound
TRINIDAD — Please join us every Friday night at 8 pm in “Solidarity In Sight and Sound”. At 8 pm from your residence, your driveway or front yard we would ask that for 1 minute you shine a light, wave a flag, honk a horn, sing a song or play an instrument so that the whole city can hear you; hear your neighbors, your friends, your family.
Even tho we are all apart during this time, we as a community have never been closer together. Each one of us is fight- ing the same battle, feeling the same worries and fear, missing our loved ones.
The Trinidad Police Department would like our community to know that you are not alone…we are not alone! Of course, we would ask everyone to practice social distancing and no fireworks or firearms should be used to make a noise, this event is about all of us coming together for 1 minute to let us all know that we are ok and that we as a community will be ok.
Mt. Carmel Wellness virtual classes
TRINIDAD — Mt. Carmel Wellness & Community Center brings you FREE virtual programs and classes to help you remain active and connected during this challenging time. These classes are available to anyone through the Zoom app. You can participate using your computer or smartphone.
See our weekly wellness schedule, followed by instructions to log-in on your computer or call-in from your phone. Get the schedule by signing up for the weekly email at: “Mt. Carmel of Colorado” ahamilton@mtcarmelcenter.org
Contact Laura at (719) 845-4894 with questions.
Food pantry in Segundo
SEGUNDO — For those in need during this crisis situation, we invite you to come visit our food pantry on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 12 noon at The Lord’s Chapel Segundo
SCCOG (AAA) senior services and Care & Share
LAS ANIMAS COUNTY—The Agency on Aging coordinates food distribution in Huerfano and Las Animas Counties and is provided through South Central Council of Governments. All area Agency on Aging programs are for residents 60 years or older, assessments and reservations required. Please make reservations/cancellations one day in advance at 719-846-3336. Call 719-845-1133 ext 208 or ext. 225 for assessments and questions.
Take out lunch meals are provided in Trinidad Monday through Friday at the Sayre Senior Center. Also available are homebound meal deliveries Monday through Friday in Trinidad and Tuesday and Thursday in Aguilar.
There will be a regular Care & Share distribution at 125 E. Main Street. This distribution is for Aguilar/Ludlow area residents only (proof of residency required). Every Thursday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. there will be an emergency food distribution for those in dire need.
Please do not open the gates if they are closed. The regular distribution will be Wednesday, May 20, 10 to 11:30 a.m. for seniors and 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. for all eligible residents. Primero distribution will be Tuesday, May 19 and at Kim/Branson, Thursday, May 21. The regular Aguilar distribution will be Tuesday, May 26, 12 to 3 p.m. at 125 E. Main Street. For all distributions, please do not show up too early, bring a pen, and stay in your vehicle. Please wear a mask.
Free lunch pickup for Trinidad kids
TRINIDAD — Students age 0-18 have the option of picking up free curb and go meals at Fisher’s Peak Elementary or Trinidad Middle School (Park Street). From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday – Thursday.
Cash Mob for Corazon Gallery
TRINIDAD — Join us Friday, May 22, 6 p.m. for the Trinidad Historic Main Street’s Virtual Cash Mob featuring Corazon Gallery
* We will host an Facebook Live. Be sure to scroll done the fb page at 6 for the live video.
*Trish will be showing a variety of unique items that are at the gallery. If you like an item, be the 1st person to commit and make a comment, on the video, that you would like to purchase. (Sometimes there are multiple available.) A member of the team will comment “confirmed” and then contact you though private message.
* Trish will contact you the following day for payment and to arrange pick-up.
* List of sample items will be updated soon
Ugly Pet Portrait fundraiser
TRINIDAD — Get a one-of-a-kind portrait of your pet! We have some amazingly talented people who volunteer at Noah’s Ark Animal Welfare Association. They help make our day-to- day operations possible. We love our volunteers – they are awesome! Some of our volunteers are pretty good artists… and there are many more who… let’s face it, should probably keep their day jobs when it comes to creating artwork. Nonetheless, this eclectic team is dedicated and they have decided to join together for a fun, unique new fundraiser for Noah’s Ark — introducing the Ugly Pet Portrait Fundraiser.
For just $20, you’ll get an original, one-of-a-kind portrait of your pet, drawn by a “possibly-talented” NAAWA volunteer! Your pet is NOT ugly… but keep in mind that the artwork you get back, well… it may not be Mona Lisa quality, but we can assure you that it was made with lots of love! And there is nothing ugly about love!
So set your bar nice and low, and support NAAWA with a gift of $20 today! Just remember to upload a fairly good picture of your pet at the time of order. Please also remember to provide your email address and mailing address so we can send your pet’s portrait to you.
Get your order now because this FUNdraiser ends June 20, 2020! Email: noahsarktrinidad@pb02.ascendbywix.com to request your application.
Bianco Grant Foundation offering cash to Las Animas grads
courtesy Dave Santistevan Jr.
LAS ANIMAS — To the 2020 high school graduates of Las Animas County. The Bianco Grant Foundation is accepting applications for college bound students. This grant provides $500 per semester for up to four years. To apply, please provide the following:
1. Cover sheet (include basic contact info, name, address, and telephone number, as well as your parents’ contact info.)
2. Letter of interest-one page only (include extra-curricular activities in school, and your future endeavors, college and work.)
3. Two letters of recommendation (from school, work, or volunteer work)
4. Copy of high school transcripts
You may send these items by mail to: 1123 Willow, Trinidad CO 81082, or email them (in one folder) to: biancofoundation2020@gmail.com
COLFAX
Colfax County Rapid Response meeting
RATON — The next CCRR meeting will be Thursday, May 14, 7 p.m. at Colfax County Courthouse, 230 North 3rd Street. Col- fax County Rapid Response is a volunteer firefighting community based organization. Currently we engage in Wild land and Structural fires. When called upon we serve a civic duty, which is to protect the communities and citizens in Colfax County. Colfax County Rapid Response meets on the second and forth Thursdays
May 2020 MCMC Board of Trustees virtual meeting
RATON — The Miner’s Colfax Medical Center Board of Trustee has rescheduled its regular meeting for the third Friday of the month, Friday, May 15, 1 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. Call the hospital for more information.
New Mexico Arts grant deadline to arts
SANTA FE — New Mexico Arts, the state arts agency and a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, announced today that it will allocate $1.5 million in state and federal funds to approximately 200 arts organizations, colleges and universities, K-12 schools, tribal governments, and government entities.
The guidelines and application for NM CARES funds will be available on May 1, 2020, to New Mexico Arts awardees from Fiscal Years 2018-21. The application period will close on Friday, May 15, 2020.
Please visit http://www.nmarts.org for more information and to access the application.
Raton High School Class of 2020 Schedule of Events for Graduation
RATON — The principal of Raton High School, Olga M. Neurauter, announces the Class of 2020 Schedule of Events for Graduation.
“At this time I along with the Raton School Board would like to announce the plans for the 2020 Graduation for the Raton High School Seniors, Class of 2020, on Friday, May 15, 2020. We will start at 2:00 PM with the first 10 Seniors from 2:00-2:20 PM (please look for your scheduled time) please come into the gym to take a picture with a board member, and we will continue to do this until all 65 Seniors have been photographed. (One person will be allowed into the gym to take pictures. ) At this time we will give each Senior his/her diploma, cords, and bag of goodies. (Students will remain in their cars until we call them into the gym.) We will do this pro- cess until around 4:00 PM. During this time we ask that the students remain in their cars until you are called to the gym.
Here is what will be happening on the evening of May 15, 2020:
• Staging begins at 5:30
•All graduate vehicles will enter the High. School Campus on Letton Drive.
•All parties are to remain in their vehicles at all times through-out the staging and drive through parade.
•Cars will be directed to the staging area on the bottom parking lot in a single file line, wrapping around the South side of the gym and the South end of Letton Drive.
•All cars will be staged before the Radio Broadcast Ceremony which begins at 6:00 PM.
•A condensed ceremony will take place at 6:00. This ceremony will consist of speeches, awards, and the reading of the Seniors of the Class 2020.
• All listeners will be encouraged to honk at every mention of the Class 2020 to mimic the normal tradition of clapping at this time during a traditional ceremony.
•At the conclusion of the ceremony, a police escort will escort the caravan down Tiger Drive and then left on South Second Street.
•The Caravan will then travel North on Second Street to Savage Avenue.
•The Caravan will then continue South on First Street and will disburse after taking a right into Cimarron Avenue. •Graduates from that point will break formation and exit right onto Second Street, straight up Cimarron Avenue or left onto Second Street. (Use the map to help visualize. )
•Family and friends are invited to legally park along the parade route on First or Second Street. It is requested that people remain in their vehicles and practice appropriate social distancing. People are encouraged to decorate Senior and family vehicles to show support for the graduating Seniors.”
Hunger Pantry food distribution
RATON — There will be a food distribution Wednesday, May 27, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 300 S 3rd Street.
New Mexico primary election information
NEW MEXICO — The New Mexico Primary Election will be June 2, 2020. The voter registration deadline for this election was Tuesday, May 5. The deadline to request an absentee ballot online is Thursday, May 28 by midnight. The deadline to return a completed absentee ballot is Tuesday, June 2.
Early voting begins Saturday, May 16 and continues until Saturday, May 30. In-person absentee voting will be held from Tuesday, May 5 through Friday, May 29.
Walk to Remember lost loved ones
RATON — The Josie Barela Memorial Walk to Remember Lost Loved Ones will be held Friday, May 29, 6 a.m.. The walk starts at Fairmont Cemetery from 6-630 then proceeds to Mt. Calvary with prayer in between and safe social distancing.
COVID referral numbers
NEW MEXICO —These numbers are important for all New Mexicans.
EMPLOYMENT/INCOME
LOSS OR REDUCTION
• If you are unemployed/underemployed and need assistance: Department of Workforce Solutions Call Center 1-877-664-6984
• If you are a small business/employer and need assistance: Economic Development Department for Small Business = 1- 505-827-0300
FOOD ASSISTANCE
• If you need assistance obtaining food
a. School age children: Public Education Dept = 505-827-6683 b. Senior / Adult with disabilities:
i. Seniors Who Need Groceries or Meals = 1-800-432-2080 ii. Emotional Crisis, Mental Health, or Substance Abuse = 1-855-662-7474
• SNAP benefits: HSD/Income Support Division = 1-800- 283-4465
• WIC: Department of Health
a. WIC Questions on food or formula availability = 1-505- 469-0929
b. WIC Operations Manager = 1-505-819-7028
c. WIC General Questions = 1-866-867-3124
HEALTH INSURANCE
• If you need assistance obtaining health insurance: HSD/Medicaid = 1-800-283-4465
• If you are not eligible for Medicaid, you can apply for afford- able health insurance online at www.bewellnm.com or call 1- 855-996-6449
HOUSING
• If you need assistance with housing/utilities:
a. Housing–Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) Emergency
Housing 1-800-444-6880
b. Utilities HSD Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program 1-888-523-0051
FAMILY & MISC.
• If you need assistance with childcare: 1-800-691-9067 NM Kids Child Care Resource Center
• If you have complaints about facilities not closing: 505-469- 2940/505-629-2845
• If you want to volunteer or need a volunteer: 505-476-2200
State launches portal with more COVID-19 data
NEW MEXICO — The state of New Mexico has launched a portal with more COVID-19 data specific to positive cases and testing in the state.
The data dashboard currently includes county-by- county breakdowns of positive cases by age, gender and ethnicity. The portal also includes reporting about testing by county. The state department of health has conducted extensive testing in Native American communities where clusters of illness have been identified, which at least in part explains the disproportionate share of the Native American population in the state’s total positive tests.
The state will endeavor to update the data at least twice weekly on the Health Department’s COVID-19 microsite, cv.nmhealth.org.
If and when more data can be reported accurately, the state will update the portal to include it. The data page can be found at cv.nmhealth.org/dashboard.
Rural Development offices open for business by phone
SANTA FE — USDA Rural Development in New Mexico is working to ensure the safety, security, and health of the public and our employees while continuing to provide excellent customer service. Consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on limiting the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing, we are now in enterprise- wide remote operational status. USDA Rural Development is open for business via telephone and email and we look forward to continuing our vital work supporting you our customers who live and work in rural America.
Please know the New Mexico Rural Development team will continue delivering programs and offering the highest level of customer service. Customers and stakeholders can reach employees using the contact information below.
Contact us by phone:
New Mexico State Office: 505-761-4950 Albuquerque Field Office 505-761-4950
Aztec Field Office 505-334-3090 Extension #4
Las Cruces Field Office 575-522-8775 Extension #4 Las Vegas Field Office 505-425-3594 Extension #4 Roswell Field Office 300 575-622-8745 Extension #4
Weekly Update: Experience New Mexico’s museums, historic sites, and cultural institutions from home
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Cultural Af- fairs (DCA) museums, historic sites, and cultural institutions continue to operate virtually during this time of social distancing, offering resources, activities, and exhibitions to be enjoyed at home.
The following is a collection of updated online tools from the DCA available to the public:
Follow Farm & Ranch on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
The Historic Preservation Division is celebrating Virtual Preservation Month in May; visit the HPD website for more details. “This Week in New Mexico History” is a regular HPD Facebook series that focuses on properties across the state listed in the National Register of Historic Places, with new posts each Friday. HPD’s Facebook page also includes information about archaeology, state and national parks, preservation tax credit projects, and local preservation efforts. Follow HPD on Face- book and YouTube.
Follow Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, MIAC on Facebook, Vimeo, and YouTube.
Currently, there are 10 Folk Art lesson plans for teachers and students, available in Spanish and English, on the Museum of International Folk Art, MOIFA, website. Follow MOIFA on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Follow National Hispanic Cultural Center, NHCC on Facebook and YouTube.
The NHCC will also host the fifth performance of the “Our Fair New Mexico” virtual concert series, filmed at the Albuquerque Journal Theatre, featuring Dos Gatos. The Albuquerque-based band’s musical sound incorporates multiple genres, including zydeco, Tex-Mex, blues, gypsy jazz, swing, and a dash of outlaw country. For a list of upcoming performances, visit the Our Fair New Mexico web page.
The New Mexico Music Commission continues to share video and livestream musical performances from musicians in New Mexico and nationally. Follow NMA on Facebook, Insta- gram, and Vimeo.
New Mexico Historic Sites is continuing its “Virtual Classroom” series, which can be found on the NMHS website and social media channels. Meanwhile, Fort Sumner Historic Site/Bosque Redondo Memorial has launched a virtual “book club” program, and the first book in the series is “The Girl Who Chased Away Sorrow: The Diary of Sarah Nita, a Navajo Girl, New Mexico, 1864,” written by Ann Turner. Deputy Director Tim Roberts led a virtual discussion and a live question-and-answer session with author and historian Drew Gomber via Facebook and YouTube on May 6. This program was a collaboration between NMHS, the New Mexico History Museum, and the Friends of History. Follow NMHS on Facebook
The New Mexico History Museum is continuing to collect Quarantine Diaries. Help write history by submitting your story to the museum’s collection; contact historylibrary@state.nm.us for more information. The virtual version of the First Sunday Making History event was posted on the NMHM Facebook page and YouTube channel. The First
Wednesday Friends of History Lecture was dual-streamed on both the New Mexico Historic Sites and NMHM Facebook pages, as well as NMHS’ YouTube channel. NMHM’s website continues to offer online educational material. Follow NMHM on Facebook and Twitter.
The New Mexico Museum of Art posts online education resources including the Searchable Art Museum (SAM), archives, videos, and research library. Follow MOA on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science offers online exhibitions, resources, and other educational activities. There is also a Museum Story Time and the Smithsonian Learning Lab. An online tour of the “Tiny Titans, Dinosaur Eggs and Babies” exhibit is available on the MNHS website. On May 15, there will be a Facebook watch party for First Friday Fractal show at 6 p.m. This 25- minute show will include animations rarely seen before, along with an explanation about fractals and how they occur. Follow MNHS on Facebook.
Have you ever wondered how astronauts wash their hands in space? Did you know NASA created a ventilator to help fight COVID-19? Those are just some of the questions that the New Mexico Museum of Space
History can answer on its Facebook page. Followers can also watch Launch Pad lectures and Mini-Preservation Workshops on the museum’s YouTube channel. Other content avail- able on social media includes Virtual Rocketeer Academy, Stories from Space, and Galactic Laffs. Follow Space History on Facebook and YouTube.
`Teachers can still invite a DCA educator into their online classrooms by submitting the request form found on nmculture.org. While classes can’t visit museums and historic sites in person, the department can schedule an educator to visit with them virtually. As requests come in, they will be forwarded to the appropriate division, which will then coordinate with teachers.
New Mexico State Library is partnering with the New Mexico Library Foundation to provide a statewide online Summer Reading Program for children. There will be a lineup of online performers, prizes, and other resources to encourage children to keep reading. The expectation is to have the program begin on June 1. Follow the NMSL on Facebook.
Learn how archaeologists use experimentation to discover material from the past on the Office of Archaeological Studies educational resources and YouTube page . Activity packets that combine creative archaeological explorations with critical thinking skills can be found on the OAS website. Follow OAS on YouTube.
