Cuchara La Veta Area News

At the May 3 meeting the group adopted these defining statements below for the organization. These will be used to guide our direction and to communicate to others through our marketing and educational efforts.

The Cuchara Recreation Co-operative hopes to restore and govern the operation of the Cuchara Mountain Resort property as a year-round recreational center for the people of Cuchara Valley, the southern Colorado region, and previously established markets while preserving a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere.There is no facility in Southern Colorado to enjoy the winter experience (skiing, snowboarding, Nordic center, snow shoe trails, tubing). A restored recreational center will provide a venue for winter sports as well as summer activities (cycling events, mountain biking, music and art events).

The establishment of the Co-op will allow the citizens of the area to own and govern the operation of the facility. All the components for success are here and will provide a vehicle to realize a badly needed economic upturn and a positive step into the future. We hope individuals and families of the community and surrounding region will join the Co-op to raise sufficient capital in order to rehabilitate equipment and assets incrementally to achieve our goals.

Mission Statement

Cuchara Recreation Cooperative is dedicated to creating accessible, affordable recreation, which will provide fun and educational opportunities to the region and its visitors.

Vision Statement

We envision Cuchara Recreation Cooperative as a leading entity within the County that enriches life in the Cuchara Valley and surrounding communities, and provides a venue for families and friends to enjoy outdoor recreation in the beauty of our natural surroundings.

• Community run cooperative with a democratic governing structure
• Focused on outdoor education for all ages
• Sustainable financial structure
• Managed growth of year-round recreational opportunities
• Open public access to year-round activities
• Family oriented and family friendly
• Responsible stewards of our natural resources
• Responsible involved partners with other community entities
• Leader in economic revitalization, training and employment opportunities for residents of Huerfano County and surrounding areas
• Affordable recreational experience
• Friendly community spirit
• Escape from the hectic

Cuchara, La Veta and the region got some great moisture this week. In Cuchara it came as heavy wet snow with almost a foot accumulating in Cuchara between Wednesday night and Thursday evening. Don’t let this deter you from getting here as the temps will be 60 today in Cuchara steadily increasing to 80 by Monday. The snows will soak in further greening the region.

Gentle rains were scattered throughout the county. This will help carry us until the monsoons begin in the summer.

Dale Fritson and son/daughter-in-law Kevin and Eileen have provided us the latest regarding the Memorial service for Jane in Cuchara, as asked that we pass it along. It is planned for June 14^th at 11:00 A.M. at the Cuchara Chapel. They are planning on having a reception/social time immediately following the service at the Cuchara Community Hall with some refreshments/lunch at the Hall. We will provide more information as available.

We will also pass on information on the plans for the Memorial service for Dianne Baldwin later.

Click on photo to enlarge

The region got some much needed moisture yesterday with rain showers around Walsenburg and La Veta and snow at higher elevations. As the ground and ambient temps were relatively high it melted or compacted. We ended up with about 2″ on the grassy surfaces and it was interesting to see the green grass and white snow.

On May 7 we told you about wonderful art classes running for youth throughout the summer. Those are provided by La Veta School for the Arts. That opportunity combined with another program makes it imperative you get your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews here and enrolled in these enriching programs. Spanish Peaks Art’s Council, with support from La Veta School of the Arts and Target are presenting 2008 Children’s Art Workshop from July 7 through July 16 in La Veta. It is entitled Parts of the Whole and is for childrent 2-12. Children will be grouped 5-8 and 9-12 and the fee is only $50 for the first child and $25 for siblings. The classes run from 9:30-11:30 and offer so much. Here is a link that provides so much more information, including how to register or how to even volunteer to assist in this great program. http://spanishpeaksarts.org/2008_shows_events/CAW_08.htm

We had the pleasure of dining at The Timbers Friday night and for the Mother’s Day brunch. We must say that both meals were delicious and the staff was efficient and attentive while not overbearing. The menu has a wide variety of entrees and also features some great appetizers, salads, soups and a nice wine selection. The brunch was equally delicious and featured a nice variety and again great service. They have a new chef this year who is younger, well experienced and very capable. More on dining as we get out.

Spanish Peaks Arts Council (Gallery on the Park) has issued a call for area photographers to enter works for its 2008 Photography SHow. This show is being judged by outstanding area photographer Paul Alhadef. Cash awards will be provided in three categories, Color, B & W and Digitally Ehnanced. Entries must be hand delivered to SPACe on May 18 between noon & 2 PM. An opening reception will be held on May 24 from 5 to 7 PM and the show will run from May 20 until June 21. For more information and access to an entry form follow this link: http://spanishpeaksarts.org/2008_shows_events/photo_show_08.htm

Summer family visits make for great opportunities for family photos. Paul Alhadef has done many great family photos in Cuchara, La Veta, Walsenburg and Gardner areas. He also does weddings He and his wife, Tammy (who writes for the Pueblo Chieftain) live in Walsenburg and he operates a studio in Pueblo. His phone number is 719-214-6686 and his email is palhadef@gmail.com . Visit his website to see representation of his works: http://www.AlhadefPhoto.com

Get on by the Bear’s Den and see Riesa Harris as she has opened for the season. Serving up ice cream, smoothies, teas, flower essences, frozen organic foods, organic coffees, organic sodas, MINI GOLF and so much moore! Open during the week from 11 am to 6 pm for now. You can give her a ring at 742-6022 if you want to meet by appointment.

Cuchara, comin’ alive.

Mark your calendars to come out to the popular Old West Saloon Night & Tast of the Valley, June 7 from 4PM-10PM (you must be 21 to participate). This fun fundraiser for the Francisco Fort Museum takes place at the Bob Ford Historic Bar and grounds of the museum. Gamblers, gunslingers and soiled doves are welcome and folks can dress in period costumes, western attire or whatever you like. There will be drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), music, a taste of the museum tour, costume contest and a chicken drop contest (droppings of the chicken not dropping the chicken). It includes a Taste of the Valley with food from folks in the Valley. It is an evening of libations, gaiety and a trip back in time. Truly fun. For more information please call 742-3042 and make plans for this fun fundraiser for our wonderful museum!

Though not measured in inches, the past several days has brought nice showers to Cuchara and some of the surrounding areas. We have had some evening thundershowers and even dustings of snow on the range.

The Cucharas River is raging through Cuchara, but not yet at a dangerous level. It is turning quite lush and green, though this week we have had frosty mornings.

 More moisture is forecast for the next few days. Hope to see it.