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.
St. Barnabas' conversation on faith
"How does my belief/practice form my life?" will be discussed on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at a conversation at St. Barnabas Church at the corner of North and Elm Streets. St. Barnabas hosts these gatherings for folks who can't reconcile their life experience with what they believe the church requires; who don't want to check their minds at a church door; or who just don't want to live in a world they think the Christian church espouses but who might value being part of a community of faith. Questions are required. No answers are promised. St. Barnabas 565-7865.
M-CHS artists' opening reception
The Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St., will host a Montezuma-Cortez High School artists' reception on Tuesday, Feb. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. Support our youth and enjoy the wonderful student artwork. Cultural Center 565-1151.
Radon information session
Colorado State University Extension will present a free information session on radon on Wednesday, Feb. 20 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Montezuma County Extension Office, 109 W. Main, Room 102. Learn what radon is, why you should care about it, and what to do with the information after testing your home. Test kits will be available for $7. Please call ahead to 565-3123 to reserve a spot.
'Soul Food Junkies' documentary screening
The Mancos Public Library, 211 W. Main St., will host a free Community Cinema screening of "Soul Food Junkies" on Thursday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. This film by Byron Hurt looks at the upsides and downsides of soul food, a quintessential American cuisine. The film explores the history and social significance of soul food to black cultural identity and its effect on African American health, good and bad. Soul food will also be used as the lens to investigate the dark side of the food industry and the growing food justice movement that has been born in its wake. A panel discussion will follow. Mancos Library 533-7600.
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!
Lewis-Arriola 'Warm Up' annual chili dinner, pie auction
Come eat supper, buy a pie and meet your neighbors at the 8th annual "Warm Up" at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22 at the Lewis-Arriola Community Center, 21176 CR S (west off of Hwy. 491). The evening includes a homemade chili supper and homemade pie auction, with door prizes such as gift cards for area grocery stores and gas stations. Tickets are $5 for one or five tickets for $20, and are available for purchase in advance or at the door. Proceeds support the free activities and events put on at the Lewis-Arriola Community Center throughout the year. To buy advance tickets or for more information, call Chan at 882-7318, or Carol at 882-7816.
Cowboy Music and Poetry Jam Session
Branded Western, the Colorado Chapter of the Western Music Association, will sponsor a Cowboy Music and Poetry Jam Session at the Montezuma County Annex, 107 N. Chestnut St. in Cortez from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and admission is free. Join in the fun and take in the amazing talents of real cowboys and cowgirls as they sing songs and tell stories of cowboy life, past and present. Performers of cowboy song and poetry are wanted to participate; please RSVP to Linda Lee Filener at 769-0447 to be placed on the list of performers for this event.
CMS dramatic arts club's The Masked Musketeer
The students of Cortez Middle School's dramatic arts club will present their production, "The Masked Musketeer" for the public on Friday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the main gym of the middle school. Tickets may be purchased at the door; children 12 and under are $5; age 13 and older are $7. Information 565-7876 ext. 3302.
Big Moon in the La Platas SJMA winter nature tour
A winter nature tour, Big Moon in the La Platas, will take place Saturday evening, Feb. 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Folks of all ages are invited to go snowshoeing with the San Juan Mountains Association, in partnership with San Juan National Forest, and certified interpretive guide MK Thompson. Explore wonders of La Plata Canyon as the sun sets and the moon comes up. Snowshoes are available for kids under 120 pounds. To reserve your spot, contact MK@sjma.org or 759-9113. Various tours are offered throughout the winter.
Family Pizza, Movie Night event will feature 'Babe'
Bring the kids for Family Pizza and Movie Night on Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Montezuma County Annex Building, 107 N. Chestnut, Cortez. Doors open for dinner at 4:30 p.m., and the movie begins at 6 p.m. The G-rated film being featured is "Babe," a funny, heartwarming tale about a little pig that goes a long way. Dinner will include pizza, salad, desserts and lemonade. Bring cash to purchase extra concessions. Feel free to bring a sleeping bag or blanket and pillow; kids are invited to wear PJs. There will be drawings for prizes, and Katya Chorover will hold a Music and Motion session starting at 5:30 p.m. Tickets $5 per child and $10 for adults - please help us plan for the event by buying tickets in advance at The Children's Kiva and Silver Bean, or tickets will also be available at the door. All proceeds will benefit the tuition subsidy and scholarship programs at The Kiva. For more information, call us 565-8586, or stop by.
Fun-A-Day art show reception, DJ dance party
Sideshow Emporium & Gallery in Dolores, 411 Central Ave., will host the Fun-A-Day art show opening reception and dance party on Saturday evening, Feb. 23 from 6 to 11 p.m. DJ Cannonball and DJ Needlz will spin bumpin' dance beats from 8 to 11 p.m. The Fun-A-Day show is a nationwide creativity movement where artists work on a project daily for one month, then display the work in a collective show. Eight participating Montezuma County artists will have their contributions on view at Sideshow through March 21. Join us for this evening of art, dancing and refreshments. Sideshow Emporium 739-4646.
Singer-songwriter Ramsay Midwood at DRB
Singer-songwriter Ramsay Midwood from Austin, Texas and his band the 13 33's will perform at the Dolores River Brewery, 100 N. 4th St., on Saturday night, Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. Ramsay is a self-proclaimed make-believe cowboy who has started his own space program. His bluesy, rootsy romps instantly start your head bobbing as his bizarre lyrics full of rich, Southern Gothic visuals set your imagination flowing. Tickets are $15 at the door. www.doloresriverbrewery.com.
'Death By Medicine' documentary screening
Dolores Healing Space, 102 S. 4th St., will have a free screening of Gary Null's documentary, "Death by Medicine" on the American medical system at 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 25. Come learn how health care has become the leading cause of injury and death in the U.S.; a discussion will follow. Amy Loschert 676-1011.
M-CHS choir performance
Join the M-CHS choir for a grand performance from 7 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 26. Marla Sitton and the choir will be featured in the gallery of the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St. Donations at the door are appreciated. Cultural Center 565-1151.
Dolores Rotary Club Bingo Night
The Dolores Rotary Club will sponsor a bingo night, with all proceeds to benefit the Pinon Project, on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave. A light supper and dessert will be served starting at 6:30 p.m. for $5 with bingo to follow at 7 p.m. Cards are $10 for the evening. Dave Sanford 882-7428.
'Healthy Homes' discussion
"Healthy Homes: The T.O.N.I. Approach to the Place Where We Live" will be presented by Joe Keleher, T.O.N.I. (Toxins Out, Nutrients In) Facilitator, and others on Friday, March 1 from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Mesa/Canyon Room at the Cortez Recreation Center. Presentations are free of charge and open to the public. Listen, learn and share on topics of health interest. Joe Keleher 565-5448.
Volunteer training at Medicine Horse Center
Medicine Horse Center will hold a volunteer training on Wednesday, March 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for anyone wishing to participate. Looking for a great way to spend your free time this year? Volunteers are needed for our therapeutic riding sessions in Mancos. Horse experience is welcome, but not necessary. We'll teach you everything you need to know. New volunteers are always welcome! If you love horses, helping people, and spending a few hours a week in the great outdoors, you'll love volunteering for Medicine Horse Center! Lynne or Rachel 533-7403.
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. They will perform great classics such 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 and under. Paul Bostrom 565-9127.
Harlem Ambassadors basketball show
Get ready for dazzling ball-handling tricks, high flying slam dunks and hilarious family comedy. Join the Harlem Ambassadors basketball show on Wednesday, March 13 at 7 p.m. as they take on the Montezuma Mavericks at the Montezuma-Cortez High School gym. Purchase tickets in advance for $7 for students and seniors or $10 for adults, at the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St. and at M-CHS. Tickets will also be available at the door for $2 more. Admission free for age 5 and under. All proceeds benefit the Cortez Cultural Center, 565-1151.
'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. Marsha Green 564-2775.