Editor:
The Cortez Cultural Center has become an icon in the Four Corners, uniquely supporting and providing education, art, festivals, historical connections and opportunities for community presentations as well as fun and enlightenment in the process.
It would be a tragedy for Cortez to lose this asset.
I remember when the then-director Ann Chambers, offered the plaza every Saturday for a farmers market. And at that time For Pets Sake Humane Society was invited to bring the dogs in our care looking for forever homes and they found some.
The Center sponsored The Old Traders Reunion, and Ill never forget getting to sit in on the reminiscences of traders spanning the 20th and 21st centuries.
The Indian dances draw tourists as well as locals who have visitors from far away. I always took my granddaughters. Now they are growing into adulthood with first hand memories of actual Native Americans welcoming them and inviting them to dance. Of course, it is a great and special privilege to have the world-famous Navajo Code Talkers give presentations at the Center.
I personally have benefited from such diverse classes as art, astrology, dream interpretation, sculpture and yoga lessons at the Center as well as enjoying audio-visual presentations by my friends and other locals of some of their travels and interests.
We have not got another place like The Cortez Cultural Center as a magnet to draw people, and we must not let it go under for lack of funds. If there are companies out there who could provide matching funds in a general fund drive to benefit the Center, it would also benefit local businesses. To support the Center with your membership, call Shawn Collins, the director, at 565-1151 and ask what you can do to help.
Mimi Pribble Scott
Mancos
Via email