Art of Giving

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G Locally Inspired Gift Giving for you & your loved one

f o t if G e th g n ri a h S & g in d il Bu

Good Health

New state - of - the - art health care facilities coming to Montezuma County in 2018

1311 N. Mildred Road • Cortez, CO 81321

www.swhealth.org 2

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•

970-565-6666

TA B L E O F CO N T E N T S L e t t e r F r o m T h e E d i to r

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H o l i day E v e n t C a l e n da r

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B e n e fits o f S h o p pi n g Lo ca l

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Co m m u n ity Cas h prog ram

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C r e at i v e W ay s t o G i v e B a c k

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B u d g e t f o r H o l i d ay g r at u i t i e s

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Gifting on a Bu dg et

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S u p p o r t i n g pa s s i o n s

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CORTEZ CULTURAL CENTER 25 N MARKET ST • 970-565-1151 C O R T E Z C U LT U R A L C E N T E R . O R G

GIVE BACK

Please stop by the Cortez Cultural Center at 25 N. Market anytime during business hours to become a member or make a donation.

This will make you a member of the Far View Friends and plays a major role in keeping the Center running. Membership gives you many benefits, including 10% off non-consignment items in the Gift Shop, 5% off Consignment items and Discounts to Selected Events.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING

PUBLISHER

DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE SERVICES

SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

Douglas Bennett

ADVERTISING

Samuel DESIGN/PREPRESS

Lindsay Christian Ridings Justin Meek Michelle Martin Ryan Brown

David Habrat Colleen Donley Tad Smith

Hunter Harrell

ADVERTISING SALES Cassie REPRESENTATIVE

Constanz0 Tana Bowen

The Journal uses reasonable effort to include accurate and up-todate information for its special magazine publications. However, all information comes from a variety of sources and may change at any time for any reason. To verify specific information, refer to the organization or business noted.

To view the online version of this guide, visit www.the-journal.com

WHY IS A CULTURAL CENTER IMPORTANT? Our center helps enrich the lives of the residents and visitors through programs, events, and open spaces we provide. 100% of the cost of membership goes towards providing programs and events. Did you know, your membership also helps Hawkins Preserve? Access to the 122 acres of wildlife habitat and 3+ miles of trails is made possible by the Cortez Cultural Center.

The Cortez Cultural Center is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so your donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. Thank you very much for your continued support of the Cortez Cultural Center!

MEMBERSHIPS: INDIVIDUAL FAMILY

$35

$50

DONATIONS: BUSINESS

$125

Submit your membership or donation online www.cortezculturalcenter.org/about-us/donation

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PANORAMA

$100

FRONTIER

$500

VISTA

$1000

HORIZON

$5000

Or by mail Cortez Cultural Center • 25 N Market Street • Cortez, CO 81321

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Letter fr om th e

Stocking stuffers, holiday decor and much more!

EDITOR Acts of kindness inspire thoughtfulness.

ms! istian

Experience the “WOW” for yourself - Stop in today!

And I love the holiday season because it inspires acts of love, appreciation and kindness. As the year winds down, we gather indoors more often for events, fundraisers, school activities, meals and fellowship. There’s a closeness in the season that bridges gaps left while we each explored new and different things this year.

After reflecting on what we are thankful for, we turn our attention to others. We want to make sure the people in our lives know they are appreciated this time of the year. We spend time carefully choosing gifts for our loved ones and offering gratitude to the people who serve us.

90 N Mildred, Cortez Co - (970) 516-0150 Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm 4

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Some folks take it one step further by doing kind things for strangers. During the holiday season, there are ample opportunities to help a neighbor in need. Whether you donate time, money or items to a nonprofit organization, helping others have a happy holiday is important.

Connecting with the community during this season can even help you determine personal goals for the new year. One of my personal goals is to make every season giving season, because building a better tomorrow means remembering the holiday spirit, year round.

Warm wishes,

Hunter Harrell

CALENDAR O f H oli d a y Eve n t s

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Breakfast with Santa Cortez, CO

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Festival on the plaza Cortez, CO

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4 Corners Realtors Parade of Lights Cortez, CO

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Mancos old fashioned christmas mancos, CO

The Kiwanis Club of Mesa Verde

Visit Cortez Cultural Center for a

Enjoy the annual holiday parade

Mancos kicks off the holidays with a

will host free breakfast with

Christmas concert, tree-lighting

featuring brightly lit floats, fire

variety of events beginning at 6 p.m..

Santa at the Cortez Elks Lodge

ceremony. Other activities include a

engines, a float competition,

Witness the holiday tree lighting, visit

from 8-10 a.m.

tree auction and crafts. Event starts at

candy and more beginning at 6

with Santa and enjoy a movie.

3 p.m. with tree-lighting at 5:30 p.m.

p.m on Main Street.

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dolores christmas bizarre dolores, CO

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3-9

“Ding, Dong!

Merrily on high” mancos, CO

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Gingerbread Auction Cortez, CO

Visit the Dolores Community Center from

The popular Mancos Valley Chorus will present

Deliver your homemade houses to

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the biggest and best

this program full of unexpected versions of holiday

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church to participate

seasonal craft fair in town.

favorites. There are multiple free performances in

in the competition. Judging begins at 5:30

Montezuma County, followed by light refreshments.

p.m. Prizes and auction start at 6 p.m.

For more information visit mancosvalleychorus.org.

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mancos grand winter nights mancos, CO

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Winter Holiday Arts Bizarra mancos, CO

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holiday arts & crafts show dolores, CO

Shop local galleries and businesses on

The Mancos Creative District will host a shopping

Dolores River Brewery will host this holiday event

Grand Avenue and Main Street downtown

event for the community at the Mancos Community

from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for community members

from 5-8 p.m. for amazing deals.

Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some of the businesses

to browse local art and unique products made by

participating this year include The Painted Turtle,

artisans in region.

Artisans of Mancos, Beehive and The Raven Gallery.

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Christmas at the galloping goose #5 train station dolores, CO

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Mesa Verde Luminarias Open House cortez, CO

D e c e m b e r holiday hayrides

15-16

mancos, CO

Join the community in celebrating the holiday season

Join the Mesa Verde National Park in a holiday

Stop by Cortez Cultural Center between 5 p.m. and 6:30

with a visit from Santa, live music, treat bags for kids,

celebration featuring musical entertainment,

p.m. and hop on a hay wagon to view lights around town,

the tree-lighting and bonfire.

activities for children and refreshments. Luminarias

meet Santa and enjoy hot cider and cookies. A children’s

glow along the pathways into cliff dwellings. Dress to

ticket includes a cup of hot cider and an adult ticket

stay warm and bring a flashlight. The event is free for

includes a glass of wine. For more information, visit

the public and takes place from 4-9 p.m.

www.mesaverdecountry.com/holiday-hayrides.

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G N I L P P A C O O H L S

I N G ON Y U O B SEAS T S T AY FI D I E L N BE HO THE L THIS A LOC

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etween the day after Thanksgiving and the final days before Christmas, many people spend their free time shopping for the holidays. Though sales entice others to shop on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, those days still account for a relatively small amount of the hundreds of billions of dollars that are spent each holiday season.

Shoppers now have a plethora of options at their disposal as they embark on holiday shopping sprees.

Traditional in-store retailers are still around, and online shopping continues to grow in popularity with each holiday season. But many people are looking to buy local this holiday season, and that decision can be beneficial for both shoppers and the community. Not to mention, there are a variety of community events to ensure shoppers find something for everyone on their list in just one day.

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Buying local benefits your local economy

Studies from Civic Economics, an economics and strategics planning firm, found that independent, locally-owned retailers return a far greater percentage of their revenue into their local economies than national chain stores. One such study examined the disparity between revenue recirculation among independent, locally-owned businesses in Raleigh, North Carolina, versus four major national chains in the city. The former recirculated 51.1 percent of revenue into the local economy, while the latter recirculated less than 14 percent.

Similar results were discovered in many cities, indicating that buying local not only benefits local business owners, but also the communities their customers call home.

Buying local creates jobs in your community

One of the biggest ways local business owners in Raleigh recirculated their revenue in the local economy was job creation.

While national chains also create jobs, such jobs only benefit your community if the chains are located within your community.

If your local mall is a considerable drive away, chances are the chains within that mall are not employing many of your fellow community members. Local businesses in your community are more likely to employ residents of your town.

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Shopping local may provide access to more unique gifts In addition to the economic benefits of buying local, shoppers may find merchandise made by local craftsmen is more unique than mass-produced items found on the shelves of national retailers.

Recipients may cherish unique items that they cannot find on their own, and that appreciation may spur them to visit more local retailers long after the holiday season has come and gone.

Local business may provide a more personal touch

Buying from national chains has its advantages, but customer service is not always one of them. Should your loved ones encounter problems with their gift that requires assistance, they might be forced to wait on the phone for extended periods of time as they and thousands of others wait for customer service representatives to answer their calls. Local businesses do not deal with nearly the volume of customers as national retailers and, therefore, are capable of addressing concerns more quickly and personally than large chains.

Buying local not only benefits small business owners, but it also pays dividends for their customers and the places they call home.

COMMUNITY Cas h

LOCAL PROGRAM ENCOURAGES SHOPPING, ECONOMIC GROWTH Shopping for a teenager, “the person who has everything” or someone you barely know? Cortez Cash is a great alternative to cash or gift cards.

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he Cortez Cash program was established by Cortez Retail Enhancement Association to encourage local shopping. In the past, the success of the program circulated more than $150,000 to the local economy. CREA Executive Director Mark Drudge said over the

years, the program has been better refined to benefit both shoppers and businesses.

The program works by allowing residents to trade U.S. currency for Cortez Cash, dollar for dollar, year-round. It is then loaded on a MasterCard, and accepted at

participating businesses that take MasterCard. Twice a year, CREA puts Cortez Cash on sale. Drudge said at this season’s holiday sale Nov. 15 people received $250 Cortez Cash for every $200 dollars.

Collection

2 Us Two Stone Fashion Jewelry

Shimmering Diamond

Collection

Collection

AC E FIRST PL

450 E. Main St. Cortez, CO 970-565-3411 • garciajewelerscortez.com 247339

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Happy Holidays

We love where we live, play, hunt and explore. So stop in to see our selection of new & used cars, SUVs & trucks.

Our service center is trusted so we’re here to serve the Cortez, Mancos and Dolores areas.

(970) 565-8431 • www.KeeseeMotorCompany.com 111 South Broadway Cortez, CO 81321 Showroom Hours Mon - Fri 8 am - 5:30 pm Sat 8 am - 3 pm

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Sun Closed

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C R E AT I V E ways for small town residents to

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G I V E B AC K

olunteering in the community is a great way to foster strong towns and cities. Opportunities abound in big cities, but small town residents may not feel they have as many options as when pursuing ways to give back.

Residents in Montezuma County looking to lend a helping hand may need to create their own opportunities if the options available do not suit their talents.

Contact local schools.

Teachers, caregivers and coaches can always use extra help. Contact local schools to determine if there is any way to assist.

Volunteers might be able to speak to youth about professions, serve as assistant coaches for a youth sports teams or chaperone a field trip.

Small town school budgets tend to be stretched thin, so chances are local educators will welcome citizens looking to pitch in with open arms. The schools are also partnered with many nonprofit organizations, so they may be able to steer volunteers the right direction.

Start a program through your place of employment.

Start a volunteering group.

Small town residents without access to volunteering programs can organize groups through their offices or neighborhoods. Organize groups willing to pitch in with charities such as The Good Samaritan Center, The Bridge Emergency Shelter and Habitat for HumanityÂŽ.

Group leaders can arrange transportation to volunteer sites for the group while working as liaisons between community groups and the organizations they choose to assist.

Work with area care centers.

Similar to school districts, many hospitals and assisted-living facilities would struggle

to provide compassionate care if not for the contributions of volunteers. Contact regional care centers and clinics to learn about volunteering. Some may need volunteers to help out with special events, while others may need help keeping elderly patients company.

Small town residents may not have a wealth of volunteering opportunities at their disposal. However, with a little creativity, folks can still find useful ways to aid their communities.

Another way for small town residents to give back to their communities is to begin a mentoring or internship program through their places of employment. Once their employers give the go-ahead, men and women can begin working with regional schools to develop programs that encourage young people to gain professional experience that can benefit them as they apply to college or graduate school or prepare to begin their own careers.

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GIVE with PURPOSE LIVE UNITED

Invest in Proven Strategies with Reputable Partners for Better Lives

Your gift supports our local efforts to help youth reach their potential, to improve the health of everyone, and to help build personal financial stability!

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EASY & SECURE WAYS TO GIVE

AT WORK*

• Online: unitedway-swco.org • Phone: 970-247-9444 • Text: text “Credit” to 40403 to pay with a credit card • Mail: PO Box 995, Cortez, Co 81321 • Visit: 23 S. Beach Street, Cortez, Co 81321

• Text: “payrollswco” to 40403 to sign up for payroll deduction • At Work: Turn in a paper pledge to your HR/Payroll Dept *Only available at business that offer payroll dedcution.

Call for info!

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g r a t u i t i e s

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f the rate of spending during the holiday is any indication, generosity is in full force come the end of the year. During their second annual holiday debt survey, the financial resource MagnifyMoney found consumers who took on debt during the 2016 holiday season started the New Year an average of $1,003 in the red. That marks an increase of 1.7 percent over 2015.

Postal workers: Postal workers face the elements each and

every day to make sure letters and packages arrive on time. Their work is made even more challenging during the rush of the holiday season, when mail flow increases considerably. The U.S. Postal Service forbids carriers from accepting cash gifts, but gift cards or other tokens of appreciation can be fitting.

Newspaper delivery person: Gift the equivalent of one month of the subscription price, which may be between $10 and 30.

Rather than finding themselves in debt again next January, shoppers inclined to use their credit cards this holiday season must recognize the importance of budgeting for all holiday expenses — including those that may not immediately come to mind, such as gratuities for service providers.

Trash/recycling collectors: Check with the

local municipality for regulations on tipping public service providers, who can be tipped depending on your budget.

Daycare staff or babysitter: Those

tasked with caring for children are worthy of a little something extra. A gift between $40 and $70 can be fitting. In addition, include a handmade gift from the children if kids are old enough. The Emily Post Institute suggests gifting one week’s pay to a live-in nanny or au pair.

Gratuities are gestures of kindness and appreciation during the holiday season. Although gratuities are not entirely necessary, many etiquette experts say certain people, particularly those who provide year-round services, are worthy of a little extra money this time of year. Consider thank-you notes for those people who don’t land on this year’s gratuity list.

Housekeeper: Up to one week’s pay should suffice for housekeepers.

Personal caregiver: Gift between one

week and one month’s salary for someone charged with caring for a loved one. In a nursing home setting, provide a gift the staff can enjoy, such as a catered lunch.

The following is a list of service workers whose efforts throughout the year are typically worthy of gratuities come the holiday season.

Teacher: He or she spends several hours a day with children. Pool resources with other parents to purchase a gift card or thoughtful gift.

Other people that may be tipped include salon workers, building superintendents, doormen, tutors, and pet groomers whose services are required often.

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A little place wit

h a lot going on

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ant with cuisines from Family friendly restaur ist. ssic cocktails with a tw around the world and cla

ry e k a B HOURS

· Senior Discounts · One Free Bag of Ice* *Valid with one $15 or more purchase.

Pre-Order your Hol iday Treats Today!

(970) 516-1777

Closed Sunday and Monday Tuesday - Saturday: 11:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M.

AC E FIRST PL

44 West Main St · Cortez, CO · (970) 516-1777

Rib Roast

Holiday Pies

Unexpected Gourmet

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Fresh Fish

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Embrace a “Secret Santa” exchange Large families can save money by engaging in a Secret Santa exchange.

Rather than asking each member of the family to buy gifts for one another, a Secret Santa exchange asks each participant to pick a name out of a hat and then only buy gifts for that person. This is a great way to save both money and time, and it saves participants from the potential hassle of returning gifts after the season.

Budget-conscious families don’t have to sit out of holiday gift exchanges, as there

K BUDGET-CONSCIOUS FAMILIES

are plenty of creative ways to express your love and appreciation for family without

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he holiday season is a magical time of year when many people celebrate their faith and express their love and appreciation for their families.

Exchanging gifts is one way to show appreciation, which can stretch families budgets.

The National Retail Federation reports that retail sales in November and December of 2016 reached $658.3 billion, marking a 4 percent increase over the same period a year prior. For budget-conscious families, entering the holiday spending fray can have lasting effects that cast a pall over their finances for months to come.

Staying within budget is not impossible during the holiday season. It might take a little creativity and discussion, but there are ways to exchange gifts and avoid debt this holiday season.

Establish spending limits Whether families embrace a Secret Santa exchange or not, they can save money by agreeing on a spending limit for each gift. Families participating in a Secret Santa exchange can set their spending limits a little higher than those families who will be buying gifts for multiple people.

Share experiences in lieu of exchanging gifts

Adults tend to be more difficult to shop for than children, as many adults breaking the bank. can simply buy their own gadgets, clothing and other items commonly given during the holiday season. To save money, adults can forgo gifting traditional gifts to one another, instead resolving to provide an experience for a loved one. Invite a loved one over for a homecooked meal or offer to take a family member out to dinner once the holiday season has come and gone and there’s more room in the budget.

Connect with your creative side In lieu of purchasing a gift made by someone else, make your own gift. Skilled crafters can create a one-of-a-kind gift out of supplies they already have on hand, while woodworkers can follow suit.

Such gifts are thoughtful and inexpensive, and they will likely prove more memorable than another video game or sweater.

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Su p p orti n g passions through legacy

GIFTS

Why would you select an endowment fund?

• You make the initial donation and then charitable gifts are distributed with the income from that invested money.

• When gifts are invested with a reputable foundation, the funds can grow to create an income stream for a preferred charity forever.

• Endowment funds do not dip into the principal only the income is distributed. Some donors choose to not distribute the entire income every year allowing the principal to grow which in turn can add growth to the income.

Donor Advised Funds and Endowment Funds can offer grant money to nonprofits.

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hat are your passions? Do you appreciate the arts in our community? Do you see a need to support the education system as funding decreases from the state? Philanthropic giving can be overwhelming to some, but with a little help, supporting your passion is easy.

Most only think of the basic way to give: giving money to your favorite charity. While a cash donation is a great way to support a local nonprofit, there are many other ways to help. Many think to support their favorite charities in their will as well. However, additional ways of giving can offer you the opportunity to see your support at work in your community today. As a donor, you can also support a nonprofit with a donation of stock, a gift of insurance or a donation of land or property.

“The grants from Onward! A Legacy Foundation have been an integral part of the Bridge’s ability to offer and sustain both our shelter and the Day Labor programs,” said Laurie Knutson, executive director of The Bridge Emergency Shelter in Cortez. “It is a huge gift to a nonprofit to know that there is a reliable local source of funding from year to year.”

Why would you select a scholarship fund?

• You receive an inheritance and choose to memorialize that family member by creating a scholarship in his/her honor.

• You can further support the education of students in a particular field, at a specific institution, or for general studies.

• You can support health and wellness in your community like the Friends of Recreation offering scholarships to the Cortez Recreation Center for lower income families.

Once you have decided what to give, there are many options as to how to apply that gift to create a legacy. A gift of $20 can help, but a legacy gift can be transformational for the local nonprofit or scholarship winner. You can use your legacy gift to create a donor advised fund, an endowment fund or a scholarship fund.

By Nicci Crowley, Relations Director Onward! A Legacy Foundation

Why would you select a donor advised fund?

• You make one large donation and then you can make numerous charitable gifts throughout the year. Enjoy extensive charitable giving without the administrative burden. As a donor advised fund, you can choose where those numerous donations are sent.

• You want to memorialize a loved one. Create a fund in the name of a loved one in an area he or she was passionate about.

• You wish to create a family culture of philanthropy. Teach your children or grandchildren about the importance of donating to others.

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The Angel Tree

Bringing Christmas to Kids in Montezuma County The Piñon Project in Cortez is teaming up with The Journal to provide Christmas presents to families who might not get them otherwise.

Come in to The Journal office and pick an angel off The Angel Tree to sponsor a family.

How To Help

To find out more, contact Lauren Lacourciere at 970-564-1195 or visit the Piñon Project on 212 W. Montezuma Ave., Cortez. Applications to receive Christmas presents are also available at the Piñon Project. The deadline to sign up to be a sponsor or recipient is Monday, Dec. 18.