Music Benefit Scheduled for Local Musician

Cortez is planning to come together to help a beloved resident. A photo contest is offering cash to capture the beauty of a local river watershed, and the Pinyon Project is offering a chance for local parents to learn new caregiving skills. You're watching the "Local News Roundup," brought to you by the law firm of Downs, McDonough, Cowan & Foley, and TruWest Auto. I'm Connor Shreve. American Legion Ute Mountain Post 75 is orchestrating an upcoming benefit for local musician, Larry Easterling, on Saturday January 21st. The 82-year-old handyman has had recent health issues keeping him from working his day job. The Blackwell Brothers, Chris Lindell and Ellis Miller, just a few of the local musicians and bands that will play the benefit, which runs at the American Legion Hall from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Saturday, January 21st. There is a requested donation of $5, which will go to Easterling. There's also a GoFundMe page for Easterling, which has raised more than $2,000. For details, call Mark Allen at 970-565-9804. The Mancos Valley Conservation District is hosting a photo contest, and you have until January 30th to submit a photo that could win you cash. The Mancos Conservation District is asking for submissions of your favorite photo of the Mancos River or Mancos River Watershed for a chance to win $200 for first prize, $100 for second, and $50 for third. Public voting during the month of February will determine the winners. To be eligible, you do have to live within the boundaries of the Mancos Conservation District. Photos must be submitted by five o'clock on January 30th. Winners will be announced at the Mancos Conservation District's annual meeting in March. To view guidelines and submit your photo, visit montezumacountyconservationdistrict.org. The Pinon Project is hosting The Incredible Years Parent Group, beginning Friday, January 27th. The group teaches evidence-based parenting skills for caregivers of children from age two to eight. It also strengthens the parent-child bond and reduces negative behaviors in kids. The skills also promote social, emotional and academic competence, as well as a healthier family dynamic. It runs from 12:30 to 3:00 PM and will provide lunch and childcare. For more information or to RSVP, call Lorenzo Perez at 970-570-5870. Thanks for watching this edition of the "Local News Roundup." I'm Connor Shreve.