The Cortez Journal encourages people to submit announcements about upcoming events for the Community Calendar. Send announcements to news@cortezjournal.com. Items submitted at least two weeks in advance will have a better chance of getting published; items submitted several days before the event might not get published. For more information, call the Journal at 565-8527.
'Thirteenth Year in Zion' author reading, book signing
Author Duane Keown will be at the Cortez Public Library on Thursday, Jan. 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. to read and discuss his book "Thirteenth Year in Zion." The book is about his personal experiences of being a non-mormon in Blanding, Utah, where he worked as a science teacher during the 1950s to 1970s. The author will sign copies of his book that will be available for purchase at the event.
Health presentation 'Heavy Metals and Depression'
"Heavy Metals and Depression - Make the Connection" will be presented by Dyanna Hoffman, Natural Health Practitioner, on Friday, Jan. 4 from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Mesa/Canyon Room at the Cortez Recreation Center. T.O.N.I. share sessions are free of charge and open to the public. Listen, learn and share on topics of health interest. For more information, call Joe Keleher, T.O.N.I. facilitator, at 565-5448.
Boot Camp for Writers
Erica Olsen, the author of "Recapture & Other Stories" (Torrey House 2012), will present a boot camp for writers at the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St. on Saturday, Jan. 5 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Join her for a session of fun, low-impact writing exercises - a creativity workout to start the new year "write." Bring pen/pencil and paper or a laptop. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for students (high school or college). There is a sliding scale; no one will be turned away for lack of funds. All proceeds benefit Cortez Cultural Center. Call Erica for more information at 435-210-1847.
Mother & Daughter Teatime Luncheon
Christian Women's Celebrations will be having a Snowflake Spectacular - Teatime by Candlelight Luncheon on Saturday, Jan. 5, at noon at the Elks Lodge, 2100 N. Dolores Rd. Mothers and daughters are invited and will be honored. A princess party dress fashion show will be featured by girls ages 4 to 18. Call 560-3328 if you would like to model. Songs with sparkle will be performed by Amanda, Skylar and Sariah Robinson. Speaker Teresa Reynolds will tell a story fit for a princess. The luncheon is $14.50 per person and includes the meal, dessert, beverage and tip. Reservations should be made by Monday, Dec. 31 by contacting Cindy Bennetts at cncfunevents@gmail.com or 560-3328. Complimentary tickets are offered for first timers and daughters under age 18.
Fly-tying classes taught by Dolores River Anglers
Fly-tying classes return to the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St., starting on Tuesday, Jan. 8 and will continue for seven weeks. Classes will be upstairs at the Center, and hosted by the Dolores River Anglers (Trout Unlimited) For details, contact Brad at 759-0175.
'Architectural Documentation of Spring House' presentation
The Hisatsinom Chapter of the Colorado Archaeological Society is pleased to present Dr. Patricia Flint Lacey on Tuesday, Jan. 8, at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park St., Cortez, to discuss "Architectural Documentation of Spring House," a large unexcavated cliff dwelling on Long Mesa at Mesa Verde National Park. Spring House has nearly 85 rooms and seven kivas, similar in size to Spruce Tree House. In the upper part of the Spring House alcove there are eight rooms with remarkable preservation of their wood, adobe floors, and pink and tan plastered walls.
Patricia Flint Lacey came to southwest Colorado in 1982 to work on the Dolores Archaeological Project after completing her doctoral studies in anthropology at the University of Oregon. Over the last 30 years she has worked and volunteered for the BLM Anasazi Heritage Center as a museum educator and researcher. She has worked for Mesa Verde for the the past two years. For more information, contact Diane McBride at 560-1643.
McElmo Flume historic preservation program
Montezuma County Historical Society is sponsoring a free program on the restoration of the McElmo Flume. The date is Thursday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Hampton Hall, 515 N. Park St., Cortez. Linda Towle, local historic preservation consultant, will present a talk, "Saving the McElmo Creek Flume." She will briefly review the history of this local water delivery system developed in the late 1890's. Of the 105 wooden flumes in the system, the McElmo Flume is the only one left in existence.
The McElmo Flume was declared an Endangered Place in 2011; since then, Montezuma County has received two grants to assess its condition and develop a plan for it's preservation. The flume is located next to Hwy. 160 and can be interpreted to visitors traveling the Trail of the Ancients and the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byways. Linda will also discuss the grant from the Federal Byways program to build a paved pullout and formal display for the flume.
The Historical Society is excited to sponsor this important history preservation program, as we begin celebrating the New Year of 2013 with our continuing symposiums on the important history of this area. For more information, contact Phil and Vivienne Kenyon, Program Chair at 565-7714.
Southwest Open School student art show, opening reception
The Cortez Cultural Center gallery will feature amazing art by Southwest Open School students from Wednesday, Jan. 9 through Jan. 19, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. An opening reception is to be held Friday, Jan. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. You may be viewing the artwork of the next famous artist from the area. The Center is at 25 N. Market St. Join us on Facebook or call 565-1151 for more information.