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.

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.