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.
Live Well Montezuma 'Focus on Food' Conference
Live Well Montezuma will present the "Focus on Food" Conference on Thursday, Jan. 31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Koko's Conference Center, 2121 E. Main St. in Cortez. Learn about community-based food systems and how local foods can be a strong economic driver. Join Ken Meter, food systems analyst and learn how Montezuma County can improve its local food system. Registration is $20 and includes local lunch. For more information, contact Megan at 882-3344 or lwprojects.coordinator@gmail.com.
Preventive Medical Care lecture
Jill Schenk, MD, will give a free lecture about preventive medical care on Thursday, Jan. 31, from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. in the conference room at Southwest Memorial Physicians, 20 S. Market St. in Cortez. Find out the latest on how often you need pap smears, mammograms, cholesterol checks, bone density studies, and PSAs, as well as what Medicare now covers for preventive services. No RSVP is necessary and light refreshments will be served. Call 565-4291 for more information.
M-CHS Theater Department to perform 'Macbeth'
The Montezuma-Cortez High School Theater Department proudly presents Shakespeare's "Macbeth" at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 1 and 2, with a 1 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Feb. 2. The show at the high school auditorium will be performed in the style of film noir, classic black-and-white gangster movies of the 1940s. The language will remain Shakespearean, but the look is entirely black and white with lots of shadows, fog, and tommy-guns. The story follows a man who is foretold that he will become king. But when he decides to take matters into his own hands by killing the present king, his whole world begins to fall apart. Tickets will be $8 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and kids under 5 are free. Visit us online at www.mchsdrama.org or call 565-3722 ext 2198 for reservations.
Rock Art Studies PAAC Class
Kevin Black, Assistant State Archaeologist, will teach a four-day class called Rock Art Studies the first weekend in February, and registration is open now. Beginning Friday, Feb. 1, the class will be from 4 to 7 p.m.; on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 2 and 3, we will meet from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Monday, Feb. 4, class will be from 4 to 7 p.m. This course provides a general overview of the field of rock art. We will learn about a variety of rock art recording techniques, current research in conservation and interpretation of rock imagery, and styles documented in Colorado. It will be of value to all those interested in broadening their knowledge of Colorado's cultural heritage. We will meet at the Anasazi Heritage Center just west of Dolores on Hwy. 184. The cost is $12 to cover the cost of the materials. Space is limited! For questions and to sign up, contact Terry at Terrywoodrow@gmail.com or 560-1318.
'Safe and Effective Strategies for Cleansing and Detox'
Amy Loschert, Naturopathic Doctor, will present "Cleansing and Flushing: Safe and Effective Strategies for Cleansing and Detoxification" at the T.O.N.I. (Toxins Out, Nutrients In) share session on Friday, Feb. 1, from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Mesa/Canyon room at the Cortez Recreation Center. These sessions are free of charge and open to the public. Listen, learn and share on topics of health interest. For more information, contact Joe Keleher, TONI Coordinator, at 565-5448.
Doctor Robert, Beatles Tribute band plays Dolores
Doctor Robert, the Beatles tribute band from Crested Butte, Colo., will perform a show on Saturday, Feb. 2, from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Dolores River Brewery, 100 N. 4th St., Dolores. Doctor Robert is a new generation of Beatles tribute bands with a commitment to the accurate reproduction of over 100 songs of The Beatles' repertoire. Doctor Robert redefines the concept of a Beatles tribute band, playing extended sets of music ranging from "Please Please Me" to "Abbey Road." Their high-energy shows are full of Beatles magic, as the band loves the challenge of re-creating even the most demanding musical compositions live onstage. Dressed in "Ed Sullivan"-style suits and mod-style dress, Doctor Robert brings playful enthusiasm and a fresh sound to the classic music and genius of the Beatles. To learn more about the band, go to www.doctorroberttribute.com.
Colo. Archaeology Society presents Irwin talk
The Hisatsinom Chapter of the Colorado Archaeology Society will present a talk by Don Irwin on Tuesday, Feb. 5, at 7 p.m. at the First Methodist Church, 515 N. Park St., Cortez, to discuss the Pueblo I period Ancestral Puebloan occupation of the Abajo Uplands, Monticello Ranger District, Manti-La Sal National Forest in SE Utah. After 40 years of archaeological investigations, the Forest remains a gray spot on most peoples' map. This talk summarizes and, where possible, interprets the Forest PI occupation in light of the last decade of work conducted on the District. Donald Irwin has served as the District Heritage Manager at the Moab-Monticello Ranger District of the Manti-La Sal National Forest for the past 11 years. In his current position, Don manages the cultural resource program that covers over 500,000 acres in the Abajo and La Sal Mountains areas on lands administered by the USDA Forest Service. For more information, call Diane McBride at 560-1643.
'What Color Is That Horse' equine genetics presentation
Everyone is welcome to a public presentation by Ann Streett-Joslin, "What Color Is That Horse?" at the Mesa Verde Back Country Horsemen meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 5, at the Elks Lodge, 2100 N. Dolores Rd., in Cortez. Arrive for dinner at 6:15 p.m. for buy your own Taco Tuesday; the presentation will start at 7 p.m. Ann Streett-Joslin, a Certified Horsemanship Association Master Instructor, will present the basics of Equine Color Genetics and review common dilution genes and the white spotting genes. Along with black, bay, and sorrel, these genes account for most of the familiar colors, including palomino, dun, and tobiano, seen in our horses. For more information, visit www.mesaverdehorsemen.com, or contact Nihla McCabe at 570-5036 or nihla45@hotmail.com.
Intro to Meditation & Christian Mysticism
The Center of Light in Dolores will offer an Intro to Meditation & Christian Mysticism on Thursdays at 7 p.m., beginning on Thursday, Feb. 7, at the Sophia Peace Center, 19581 Road 31. In Dolores turn left on 11th, go 1.8 miles, and look for the large sign with the dove on the left. This is a powerful six-week introductory course designed for modern mystics. Classes will include teachings on: the Inner Spiritual Path, Meditation, Soul, Light, Prayer, and Blessing. Time will be spent teaching the principles of meditation that will allow you to move deeper than the body, beyond thinking and emotions and into the reality of God's peace and presence within. This course is free, and all are welcome. To RSVP or for more information, contact Deacon Crystal Kaems or Deacon Bridget Wyatt at 882-2123.
SWMH Foundation Jewelry Sale Fundraiser
The Southwest Memorial Hospital Foundation will hold a jewelry sale to raise funds for their healthcare education scholarship program on Friday, Feb. 8 from noon to 6 p.m. in the hospital lobby, 1311 N. Mildred Road in Cortez. Vintage and gently used good-quality costume jewelry that has been donated by community members will be available for sale. Don't miss this opportunity to support the SWMH Foundation by buying a Valentine's Day gift or something nice for yourself. Donations for this event are still being accepted. Contact Susan Thomas at 739-3158 for more information about the sale or to donate jewelry.
Incredible Years parenting classes
The Pinon Project will offer a series of free parenting classes beginning Tuesday, Feb. 12, and lasting 14 weeks. The Incredible Years is a curriculum targeting parents of children 2 to 8 years of age and is proven effective. If you are looking for more effective ways to discipline and want to build a more positive relationship with your child, this is the program for you. Classes will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Pinon Project, 300 N. Elm St. Dinner and childcare are provided. To register, please contact Lara Blair at 564-1195. Space is limited, so sign up soon.
'Giving Up Something Bad for Lent' series of classes
Rev. Suzanne Listemann will present a special Lenten Season class in the conference room at the Cortez First United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park St., Cortez, beginning on Friday, Feb. 15 at 10 a.m. and meeting each Friday at 10 a.m. for the following six weeks. "Giving Up Something Bad for Lent" is another way of thinking about engaging in a traditional act of sacrifice and spiritual discipline. We normally give up something we like to eat like chocolate, knowing that when Easter Sunday comes we can once again enjoy what we have given up. In this study, based on a new book by James Moore, we are challenged to take it further. Why not give up something that is destructive in our lives? Imagine giving up envy, jealousy, self-pity, apathy, procrastination, gossip, resentment, negative thinking - and how much better your life would be. Take the 46 days of Lent to prepare to give up something bad while preparing to fully embrace the "Good News" of Easter. The public is invited to attend. For more information, please call Remetha Gustafson at 565-3001.
Legislative Low Down with Sen. Roberts, Rep. Coram
On Saturday, Feb. 16, the League of Women Voters will sponsor a Legislative Low Down in Cortez with State Senator Ellen Roberts of Durango and State Representative Don Coram of Montrose. The program will be at 10 a.m. in the Calvin Denton Room at Empire Electric, 801 N. Broadway. These legislators, whose districts include Montezuma County, will discuss the issues expected to come before the Legislature this year. The event is open to the public. For more information, contact Betty Janes at ejanes@frontier.net or 533-1051.
Colorado Poet Laureate offers reading, poetry workshop
David Mason, Colorado's esteemed Poet Laureate, is coming to the Cortez Public Library for a reading on Friday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. and a workshop at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16. The workshop, "Where Do Poems Come From?" will explore the sources of imagery with which poems are built. Both events are open to all who are interested in enjoying the art of poetry. Please don't miss this opportunity to listen to and learn from a renowned and celebrated poet.
Soups of the World fundraiser for Bridge Shelter
Grace's Kitchen and St. Barnabas Episcopal Church offer the sixth annual Soups of the World and live dessert auction on Friday, Feb. 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. This event supports the Bridge Emergency Shelter. Delicious soups from various regions of the world will be served at Grace's Kitchen at 110 West North St. in Cortez. Tickets are $10; kids 5 and under are free. Tickets will be available at the door as well as from various agencies in the community. There will be a live dessert auction beginning about 6 p.m. with Larry Don Suckla serving as auctioneer. Those that wish to contribute something for auction should bring homemade desserts to St. Barnabas between 1 and 5 p.m. on the day of the event. Contact Kristen or Christy at the shelter at 565-9808 or Betsy Jones at 565-7865 for more information. Join us for this fun soup supper and dessert auction!
Classical Gas performs Cortez concert
Southwest Colorado Concerts presents Classical Gas, a concert with piano, violin and a whole lot of fun, on Thursday, March 7 at 7 p.m. in the Montezuma-Cortez High School auditorium. Pianist Rich Ridenour teams up with violinist/comedian Steve Brook for a show that is a little bit Jack Benny and a little bit Victor Borge as they perform classics fueled by their own imaginations. The program for the evening includes such great classics as "At the Old Ballgame," Beethoven's "Fifth Symphony" and "11 Finger Rag" by Dykstra. Tickets will be on sale at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m.; single-concert tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for youth, 18 years-old and under. For more information, contact Paul Bostrom at 565-9127.
'Play It Safe' presentation on consumer fraud, financial abuse
AARP ElderWatch in conjunction with Montezuma County Senior Center will offer "Play It Safe," a presentation featuring Bob Mager of AARP ElderWatch. This interactive presentation will instruct on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from consumer fraud and financial abuse. Join us at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 22 at 107 N. Chestnut in Cortez. For more information, contact Marsha Green at 564-2775.