Meet, Meditate & Be Mindful

August 1, 2023

Prizes, meditation and social hour highlight a wellness mixer planned at Zu Gallery in August. Learn how to identify, harvest and prepare mushrooms at an upcoming seminar hosted by Fish & Fungi. Help supply local kids with the tools they need to return to the classroom this fall at a fundraiser hosted by local businesses. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by TruWest Auto and Blondies Trophy Room

Learn More...

Montezuma Leadership Network - https://montezumaleadershipnetwork.org/

Zu Gallery - https://zugallery.com/

Fish & Fungi Guide Service - https://www.fishandfungi.com/

EsoTerra Ciderworks - https://www.esoterracider.com/

Montelores Early Childhood Council - https://www.facebook.com/Montelores.Early.Childhood.Council

Read the Full Transcript

Check in on your wellbeing at an upcoming social event, start your journey to mushroom mastery, and it's time to start thinking about going back to school. You're watching the Local News Roundup, brought to you by TruWest Auto and Blondie's Trophy Room. I'm Connor Shreve. You're invited to join Montezuma Leadership Network for a small business focused wellness mixer. Snacks, drinks, a social hour, and a short guided meditation session are all included. There will also be a raffle for gifts provided by local businesses. Prizes include acupuncture sessions, a bike tuneup, and a wellness basket. The event is scheduled to take place at Zoo Gallery on Wednesday, August 2nd from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Learn how to harvest and prepare wild mushrooms at an upcoming event at the Dolores Public Library. Local Mycologist, Chris Ricci of Fish and Fungi Guide Service for a presentation on how to find, identify, and prepare mushrooms here in our area. Ricci says south Colorado and the San Juan Mountains are one of the top mycological destinations in the world. The seminar takes place Thursday, August 3rd at 5:30. If you cannot make the session, but do want to learn more, Fish and Fungi offer guided mushroom forays throughout the San Juans. Esoterra Cider Works is hosting a school supply fundraiser on Sunday, August 6th, from noon until 6:00 PM. In addition to Esoterra cider, the event includes live music and food in a festive environment. Bring a new or gently-used backpack full of school supplies to get in or pay a suggested donation of $25 per couple. All proceeds go to purchase backpacks and school supplies for kids pre-K through high school living in Montezuma County. Learn more about this and other stories at MontezumaLocal.news. Thank you 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.