Essential Help for Essential Workers

February 22, 2023

“Essential care for essential workers” is a multi-series event hosted by Resilient Colorado, designed to support personal and professional well-being for those who work in the restaurant and hospitality industries. Fenceline Ciders is inviting you to revel in the party during its upcoming fifth anniversary party. Learn the art of ethical animal harvesting during a two-day class at Sacred Song Farm. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motors and Southwest Health System

Learn More...

Resilient Colorado - https://www.resilient-colorado.org/

Fenceline Cider - https://www.fenceline.co/

Sacred Song Farm - https://www.sacredsongfarm.com/

Read the Full Transcript

Help for essential workers suffering from mental health issues related to service industry work is available, Fenceline Ciders is getting ready for another birthday bash, and a local farm is hosting an on-farm butcher class. You're watching the Local News Roundup, brought to you by Keesee Motors and Southwest Health System, I'm Connor Shreve. Resilient Colorado, a local nonprofit group, is making sure essential workers are taken care of by hosting a six-part series designed to support personal and professional wellbeing for those in the service and hospitality fields. Three sessions remain February 27th, March 6th, and March 13th. The final sessions will focus on understanding the differences between certain kinds of trauma, fatigue and burnout. They'll provide productive and healing tools that essential workers can begin using immediately. Each session runs from five to 7:00 PM at the Mancos Library and is free, but registration is required in advance due to limited space. Register on Eventbrite and find more details on the Resilient Colorado Facebook page. Fenceline Cider is promising in the evening of cider, celebration, dancing, and joy as the Mancos Libation Mainstay celebrates its fifth birthday, Saturday, February 25th. The back production space will be transformed to accommodate live music from Afrobeatniks for the party, free pizza, door prizes and more will be available. The party runs from 2:00 to 9:00 PM at the Fenceline Cidery Tap Room on Main Street in Mancos. You can learn the art of ethical animal harvesting during a butcher class being hosted by Sacred Song Farm in Mancos next month. The on-farm class will be held in two separate four hour Saturday sessions on March 11th and March 18th, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The class covers field dressing and skinning, as well as harvesting hogs and sheep, and proper cooling and aging technique. It costs $300 and students get to bring their harvest home. You can register in the Sacred Song Farm online shop. Thanks for watching this edition of the Local News Roundup, I'm Connor Shreve.

Growing Community, Culture, and Climate-Adapted Crops

Pueblo Seed & Food Co. is a family-run organic farm and seed enterprise rooted in deep stewardship of land, seed, and community. Established in 1996 and now operating on irrigated acreage near Cortez, Colorado, the company grows a wide diversity of certified organic crops—open-pollinated seeds, chile peppers, varietal garlic, vegetables, legumes, and heritage grains—selling them as seeds, fresh produce, and handcrafted foods through their Seed & Bakehouse retail space. Their mission centers on renewing and strengthening community resilience by stewarding healthy seeds and food, guided by regenerative, biodynamic, and conservation farming traditions that honor both plant genetics and human stories. As winter approaches, Farm Direct Seed & Food Co. invites its community to celebrate the Winter Solstice Fundraiser on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at their downtown Cortez Bakehouse. This festive gathering not only marks the seasonal turning point with music, hands-on milling and baking, and holiday shopping, but also serves as a kickoff to their exciting new initiative—the Pueblo Seed & Grain Hub, developed in partnership with the Onward! Foundation to expand regional capacity for drought-tolerant grain and legume production. Join in the spirit of the season with whole grain cookies, community, and support for food and seed security in the Southwest. By Paige Sparks. This story is sponsored by Choice Building Supply and The LOR Foundation.

The Dolores Public Library Hosts Christmas Crafts and Competitions

The Dolores Public Library invites community members to craft, compete, and enjoy holiday festivities. Join LB Productions for a cozy night of holiday cheer at its Christmas choir concert and community sing-along. And the Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado opened applications for the Meaningful Opportunity through Learning and Advancement Scholarship. Watch to learn more! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Blondie's Trophy Room.

Festival of Wreaths and Silent Auction Begins Nov. 28

The Festival of Wreaths and online silent auction begins Sunday, Nov. 28. The Cortez Parks and Recreation Department seeks community input in a new semi-annual survey. Watch for details! And Thanksgiving Day is the top reported day for home cooking fires. Learn how you can stay safe this holiday season with tips from the National Fire Protection Association. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Hospice of Montezuma and Keesee Motors.

Nearly 5,000 Montezuma Residents Lose SNAP Benefits

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, lost federal funding starting on Saturday, November 1st. Learn how Montezuma County may be affected. Local libraries join forces to host a holiday diaper drive. And HomeToGo named 19 Colorado Ski areas on its top-70 list of best ski resorts for visitor value. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Blondie's Trophy Room and Big O Tires.

Durango Has Work Ahead as International Mountain-Bike Championships Host

In 1990, the Union Cycliste Initernational held the inaugural world mountain bike championships in Durango. In 2030, the world's best mountain bike riders will once again return to Purgatory for the UCI World Championships 40 years after the inaugural event. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and Crystal Mart.

Cortez Library and Wildfire Adapted Partnership Receive Grants

The LOR Foundation awarded a grant to the Cortez Public Library to support new technology and youth STEM programs. The City of Cortez seeks community comments on the 2026 proposed budget and applicants to fill board vacancies. And the Wildfire Adapted Partnership will receive more than $2 million from the United States Forest Service. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Distil Beer Wine and Spirits and Home2Suites.

An Evening of Costumes and Community Celebration

The zombies are coming! Find out who won business and citizen of the year at the Dolores Chamber of Commerce’s zombie-themed banquet. Registration is open for the Cortez Police Department Fall Citizens Academy. And the Hospice of Montezuma will host two free seminars this month. Watch for details! By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by LOR Foundation and Choice Building Supply.

SWCO United Way Expands Mission as “Team Up”

As a fund-raising organization, United Way has a powerful reputation and international name recognition. So why would the United Way of Southwest Colorado sever ties with a philanthropic behemoth to become Team Up? President and Chief Executive Officer Lynn Urban explains, and donors like the change. By Deborah Uroda. This story is sponsored by Crystal Mart Durango and Fort Lewis College Center for Innovation.