Use Your Outdoor Gear for Good

September 20, 2023

If you have gently used outdoor gear, donate it to local kids in need. Four Corners Writers is launching a new writing workshop for writers of all experience levels. The San Juan Mountains Association is hosting a trail day at Canyons of the Ancients on National Public Lands Day. By Connor Shreve. This story is sponsored by Southwest Health System and TruWest Auto

Learn More...

School Community Youth Collaborative - https://www.scyclistens.org/

Four Corners Writers - https://linktr.ee/fourcornerswriters

San Juan Mountains Association - https://sjma.org/

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument - https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/colorado/canyons-of-the-ancients

Southwest Health System - https://www.swhealth.org/

TruWest Auto - https://www.truwestautooutlet.com/

Read the Full Transcript

The first of its kind outdoor gear drive aims to help local kids. A new writing workshop begins this month, and you can celebrate National Public Lands Day by giving back with the San Juan Mountains Association. You're watching the Local News Roundup, brought to you by Southwest Health System and TruWest Auto. I'm Connor Shreve. The school community youth collaborative wants your outdoor gear to help local kids in need. You can drop your gear at Montezuma Park, Thursday September 21st from 5 to 8:00 PM. Gently used outdoor gear like shoes, jackets, backpacks, sleeping bags and more will be accepted to help SCYC with its first ever drive of this kind in the area. You can declutter your house while helping a local cause. More information can be found online at SCYClistens.org. Writers can polish their skills at a new writing workshop. Sessions will take place at Zoo Gallery on the third Wednesday of each month. Workshop host, Four Corners Writers wants Wednesday's introductory session to be something of a summit for future session topics. Writers of all levels, including high school students are encouraged to attend. The first workshop takes place Wednesday, September 20th from 6:30 to 7:30 PM at Zoo Gallery. Celebrate National Public Lands Day by serving local public lands. The San Juan Mountains Association invites you to help complete trail work and sign installation at the Painted Hand Pueblo Trail in the canyons of the Ancients National Monument. The event will take place Friday, September 22nd. SJMA has multiple projects planned that will allow people with all skill sets and ability levels to be accounted for. There will be drinks and snacks, and participants will get a T-shirt and National Parks passes. 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.

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.