October Viewings and Fashion Fundraisers

October 7, 2023

Southwest Colorado is listed as one of the top areas to view the solar annular eclipse on October 14th, and popular viewing spots are filling up. Cortez Public Library invites you to join them for free popcorn and movies. Tickets are still available for the Pretty in Pink Fashion Show with the Cancer Resource Alliance later this month. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and FASTSIGNS

Learn More...

Cortez Public Library - https://www.cortezco.gov/761/Library

Cancer Resource Alliance - https://www.cancerresourcealliance.com/events-1/12th-annual-pretty-in-pink-fashion-show

Keesee Motor Company - https://www.keeseemotorcompany.com/

FASTSIGNS - https://www.fastsigns.com/560-durango-co

Read the Full Transcript

Mark your calendars and set your alarms to view the solar annual eclipse on October 14th. Cortez Public Library is hosting their own viewings this month with two nights of movies and snacks. Tickets are still available for the Pretty in Pink Fashion Show later this month. You are watching the "Local News Roundup", brought to you by Keesee Motor Company and Fastsigns. I'm Wendy Graham Settle. With the Four Corners region directly in the path of the upcoming solar annual eclipse, locals and travelers alike are preparing to have their eyes on the sky on October 14th. Hotels and campsites in the Four Corners region are booking quickly as Cortez, Dove Creek and Mesa Verde National Park are listed as the top places to view the annual solar eclipse in Colorado. This type of eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, blocking the sun and leaving only an outline of sunlight, or ring of fire, visible in the sky. While other areas may be able to view a partial eclipse, Colorado is one of nine states along the path of annularity, where the ring of fire will be visible. According to space.com, in Cortez, the eclipse will be visible from 9:11 AM to 12:03 PM with the annular eclipse lasting three minutes and six seconds, starting at 10:30 AM. Solar eclipse glasses must be worn and solar filters placed on camera, telescope, and binocular lenses for safe viewing. The Cortez Public Library invites you to join them for movie nights at the library. They'll be screening, "Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris" on Thursday October 12th at 4:00 PM, followed by the horror film, "Cobweb" on Friday the 13th at 5:30 PM. The library will be providing free popcorn and bottled waters at both events. Tickets for the 12th annual Pretty in Pink Fashion Show are available for purchase. The event, put on by the Cancer Resource Alliance, will be held on Thursday, October 19th at the Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery. Described as a girls' night out for a cause, the evening includes fashion tutorials, a three-course dinner, a silent auction, and more. Last year, the event raised over $11,000 for the Cancer Resource Alliance. The funds are used as financial aid for residents in Montezuma and Dolores Counties for cancer-related expenses. This year, the organization's goal is $20,000. Tickets are limited and available on Cancer Resource Alliance's website. Learn more about these and other stories online at montezumalocal.news. Thank you for watching this edition of the "Local News Roundup", I'm Wendy Graham Settle.

Christmas Trees for Conservation

San Juan Mountains Association is holding its Christmas Trees for Conservation fundraiser. Come pick up your Christmas tree and support stewardship and conservation education on Southwest Colorado’s public land. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by FLC Center for Innovation and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

Winter Arts and Crafts

Looking for a good cozy winter activity? Get your copy of the Historic Cortez Coloring Book, featuring artwork from over 20 local artists. The book, released earlier this year, has multiple designs inspired by Southwest Colorado and Montezuma County and is perfect for coloring enthusiasts and beginners alike. The Town of Dolores has put out a call to artists of all ages for a new logo design. With three age categories available, there’s a chance for everyone to show off their design skills. Submit your design by the end of December, and the winning logo will be announced Jan. 31, 2025. The Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce invites you to the annual community holiday gathering Thursday, Dec. 12 at Moondog Cafe and Bakery. Celebrate the holidays with the awards ceremony for the Person of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, Business of the Year, and Cowboy/Cowgirl of the Year. By Hannah Robertson. This story is sponsored by Big O Tires and Hospice of Montezuma.

Join the Parade! Entry Forms Due by Nov. 30

Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Olde Fashioned Christmas on Friday, Dec. 6 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. The City of Cortez is establishing new office hours to give staff an early start to their weekend starting Monday, Dec. 2. The Shield 616 Angel Armor Vest presentation is coming up on Monday, Dec. 2nd. The Four Corners Board of Realtors 34th Annual Parade of Lights is accepting entries for parade participants through Thursday, Nov. 30 at 5:00 p.m. The parade will be held on Main Street in Cortez on Saturday, Dec. 7 starting at 6:00 p.m. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Blondie’s Trophy Room.

Local Food & Farms Investment

The Good Food Collective helped 16 local food producers earn business-improving grants from the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Local retailers are using the funds for infrastructure improvements to help provide fresh food to underserved areas. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Blondie’s Trophy Room and Choice Building Supply.

Festival of Wreaths and Mancos Valley Annual Awards

Tour more than 50 wreaths downtown Cortez during Community Connections’ 5th Annual Festival of Wreaths. The festival will be held Monday, Nov. 25 through Sunday, Dec. 8. Dolores’ annual Turkey Trot is happening at 9:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28. Vitalant is conducting a blood drive for the Dolores community on Tuesday, Nov. 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Dolores Community Center. Nominations for Mancos Valley Annual Awards are due on Thursday, Dec. 5 with winners announced at the Mancos Chamber Community Holiday Gathering on Thursday, Dec. 12. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Keesee Motor Company and Hospice of Montezuma.

Carute Roma Brings Gypsy Tunes to the Sunflower Theatre this Saturday

The Sunflower Theatre is celebrating two decades of music with local band Carute Roma on Saturday, November 16th at 6:30 p.m. Mancos Public Library is holding an evening of land education titled, “Our Common Ground: Why You Cannot Fence the Forest” on November 20th featuring author and professor Dr. Andrew Gulliford. The Mancos Art Market will be held on Sunday, December 1st from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at several locations around Mancos. Zu Gallery’s monthly Four Corners Writers Workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, November 20th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Blondie’s Trophy Room and Choice Building Supply.

Esoterra Ciderworks expands into Winemaking

Exciting news for wine lovers in Durango! Following the success of their ciders, Esoterra Ciderworks is expanding into winemaking with the Arboretum—a groundbreaking venue that will transform a 70-acre property into a unique blend of vineyards and apple orchards. From wine tastings and live music to motorboats on the pond for the kids, this venue promises something for the whole family to enjoy. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Crystal Mart and Denise Elliott, State Farm Agent.

Four Corners Writers Anthology Inaugural Event on Nov. 13

The Four Corners Writers Anthology is having its inaugural event on Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Cortez Public Library. Mancos FoodShare’s annual winter coat drive has begun and will run through Dec. 16. Clean, gently-used coats, hats and gloves can be dropped off on Mondays from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Cortez Public Library will be closed through Monday, Nov. 11, in order to replace the HVAC system. A recent survey from LotteryTexts shows that Coloradans would support the preservation of Mesa Verde National Park if they were to suddenly become wealthy. By Rachel Hughes. This story is sponsored by Hospice of Montezuma and Keesee Motor Company.

Election Week Rally with Adam Frisch

There’s still time to cast your vote! At a rally in Durango on Oct. 30, Adam Frisch rallied support for his campaign as he emphasized the importance of unity among voters. Frisch, the Democratic candidate for Colorado's Third Congressional District, called for collaboration between parties to elevate rural voices in Washington. With Election Day approaching, he urged everyone to make their voices heard at the polls. By Sadie Smith. This story is sponsored by Serious Texas BBQ and FLC Center for Innovation.