The Ute Mountain Ute tribe will have a community cleanup day on April 24 to spruce up Towaoc and prepare for upcoming races.
The inaugural event involves all employees and volunteer community members, said Quinton Jacket, of the tribal environmental department.
Show up at 8 a.m. at Veterans Park in Towaoc, and there will be free work gloves for first 30 men and 30 women. Water, trash bags, and safety vests and will also be provided. A free lunch will be served at the Towaoc community center.
“Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a good attitude,” Jacket said. “We will have some give-aways too, hats and maybe T-shirts.”
The cleanup will focus on Highway 160-491 from the Ute Mountain Pottery store to the intersection of Weminuche Construction.
After clearing the Highway, participants will focus on Mike Wash Road and South Ute trail.
The tribe is working in cooperation with CDOT, who have arranged to pick up the full trash bags left on the highway shoulder.
“We’re excited about getting people out of the office, and getting everyone motivated for spring cleaning,” he said.
One motivation is to spruce up the neighborhood for walks and races starting this year on the Ute Mountain Reservation.
On May 9, “Walking Together for Healthier Nations” will take place on the Ute Mountain Ute reservation.
At 6 a.m. anyone is invited to join tribal members on an 15-mile stroll to the Four Corners Monument. The start line is at the intersection of highway 491 and 160.
On July 27, Towaoc will host the start of “Running for a Stronger and Healthier Navajo and Ute Nations” is a 255-mile, weeklong running race to the Twin Arrows Navajo Casino in Flagstaff, Ariz.
It’s sponsored by the Ute Mountain, Southern Ute, and Navajo Nations.
Information: Towoac Rec Center, 565-3751 ext. 360.
jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com