Reminder for school shots
Attention parents and guardians: Students going into kindergarten and sixth grades need additional shots for school compliance before the first day of the new school year. Kindergartners need their last set of childhood booster shots. Students going into 6th grade need a ‘Tdap’ shot. Please contact your child’s health care provider or the Montezuma County Public Health Office (970-565-3056) for information about specific requirements and appointments.
Colorado law has allowances for exemptions. Contact your child’s school nurse for more information.
For Pets’ Sake summer wine festival to be held
For Pets’ Sake will hold its seventh annual Summer Wine Festival from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, at Cliffrose Garden Center just east of Cortez on U.S. 160. The evening will include wines and beers provided by Smitty’s Liquors, along with other cold beverages, yummy appetizers and desserts, music by Redneck Synfuny, and a Silent Auction. Tickets are $25 each or two for $40, and are available now at Cliffrose Gardens and at the door. All proceeds benefit the cats and dogs of Montezuma and Dolores Counties. For more information call 565-PETS.
Fox is SCCC law enforcement coordinator
Diane Fox was recently tapped as Southwest Colorado Community College’s new law enforcement academy coordinator.
“I’m really excited about bringing my law enforcement experience and my love of instructing together,” said Fox. “I will be working hard to maintain the quality of the program and serve the needs of the community.”
In addition to coordinating SCCC’s law enforcement academy curriculum and instructors, Fox will also teach classes. She replaces Gini England, who retired as coordinator after six years.
Fox worked for the Cortez Police Department for 20 years in patrol, investigations, narcotics, schools and dispatcher. She also served two years as community corrections officer in the Mesa County Sheriff’s office in Grand Junction.
Fox is also active in the community, serving on the Montezuma-Cortez school board and on the Cortez Fire Protection District board.
The Law Enforcement Academy is an 18-week program that prepares students for POST certification. Applications are currently being accepted for classes starting Aug. 11.
Proposal would name auditorium for Vavak
Montezuma-Cortez High School band director Rodney Ritthaler has proposed that the new M-CHS auditorium be named the Ralph E. Vavak Memorial Auditorium.
The RE-1 school board asked Ritthaler to solicit local opinions.
Ritthaler solicited opinions on the Ralph E. Vavak memorial Facebook page, and as of July 9, reported 110 “likes.”
A commenter identified as former M-CHS teacher David Feela wrote, “He is a role model for all who follow, a spirit that believed in the power of education to change lives.”
Michael Hemphill called it an “excellent idea” and “fitting tribute.”
Vavak directed the M-CHS band for several years, led the Cortez Choralairs and was a choir director at the First United Methodist Church.
Ritthaler is accepting comments at rritthaler@cortez.k12.co.us and 24103 County Road T, Dolores, CO 81323.
The Cortez Journal