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.
Presentation: 'Lincoln's Legacy of Equality and Liberty'
On Saturday, March 23, Montezuma County Court Judge JenniLynn Everett Lawrence will present "Lincoln's Legacy of Equality and Liberty." The program was developed by the Colorado Bar Association and is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Montezuma County. It will be held at 9 a.m. at the Ponderosa Restaurant, 108 S. 8th, Dolores. The presentation is open to the public. For more information, contact Betty Janes at 533-1051 or ejanes@frontier.net.
Edible Book Festival
The Southwest Open School and the Cortez Public Library will host the town's first annual edible book festival on March 23 from 1 to 3:45 p.m.
Although anyone may participate, event organizer Rita Stramel thought the activity would be a good fit for the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant she now helps administer. The program, called Project Empower, provides aftr-school and weekend classes and activities for students at Southwest Open School, Mesa Elementary, and Manaugh Elementary.
To get an idea of the event, photos of creations from past years are posted on www.books2eat.com. Entries may be dropped off at the library on March 22 from 3 to 4 p.m., or on March 23 from 10 a.m. to noon.
Vanishing Breed Dance
The Vanishing Breed Dance will be held Saturday, March 23 at the American Legion, 320 N Harrison, Cortez. Dance starts at 8 p.m. $5 cover, must be 21 and over.
Book signing in Dolores
Author Lowell F. Volk, of Pleasant View, will be hold a book signing on March 23 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Dolores Public Library, 1002 Railroad Ave.
Volk's book - "Luke Taylor: Westward Bound" - is a Civil War novel where Taylor struggles to keep his family safe as Union soldiers march through the South burning crops, destroying buildings, and killing livestock. When a band of renegades dressed as Union soldiers attacks his home, killing his brother and beating him and his mother, Luke must leave the farm to find his father.
For more information, contact James Branscum at 888-361-9473 or james@tatepublishing.com
Leave No Trace training
Dolores River Boating Advocates will host a "Leave No Trace" awareness workshop for whitewater boaters on Saturday, March 23 at 4Corners Riversports in Durango from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn how to minimize impacts to the rivers Rick Ryan, former BLM Dolores River ranger, will lead the training. Cost is $10, which includes lunch and all materials. Space is limited, register by calling 799-1475 or email info@doloresriverboating.org.
Come Unto Christ Easter Cantata
The second annual Come Unto Christ Easter Cantata, written by Sally DeFord will be presented by the four-ward choir of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Sunday, March 24 at 6 p.m. at 26525 County Road M. All are welcome and refreshments will be served.
Messianic Passover Seder
Passover Seder will be held on Monday, March 25 at 6 p.m. at 15325 Rd. 22 (north of Cortez, near Road S, off Highway 491). As celebrated in homes throughout the world, the Passover Seder is rich with historical meaning and traditions, as well as with Messianic symbolism. Passover is a holy convocation, a calling together for a sacred assembly. The observance will last about three hours and includes reading together through the Haggadah, eating the symbolic elements, drinking the cups, partaking of a meal of traditional foods, partaking of the Lord's Supper, all with music and worship and in order. An optional $10 donation would be appreciated. Please RSVP to one of the following by March 20: Mike and Paulette Gasner, 882-7696; Ron and Carolyn Lucus, 565-2430; Jeanette Conacher, 560-1651; Pat Grant, 560-2848; or Jean Oliver, 565-0747.
Bingo in Dolores
Dolores Rotary Bingo will be held Tuesday, March 26 at 6:30 p.m. Dinner (chili and soups, drink and dessert for $5) Bingo begins at 7 p.m. Help support the Dolores Operation Graduation by playing Bingo.
M-CHS band spring concert
The Montezuma-Cortez High School band's annual spring concert will be Tuesday, March 26 at the high school at 7 p.m. There is no charge. Featured groups will be Jazz Band I and Symphonic Winds.
High Desert Homesteading third seminar
The Montezuma Valley Farm Hub introduces the fourth class in their High Desert Homesteading seminar series, "High Altitude Vegetable Production," presented by Rosie Carter and Bessie White on Wednesday, March 27 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Let it Grow Nursery and Garden, 90 N. Mildred Rd. The course is $15, refreshments and educational materials will be provided. For more information contact Nina Williams at 560-1443 or Rosie Carter at 565-4170.
Dr. Seuss Family Night
The Montelores Early Childhood Council will present A Dr. Seuss Family Night in honor of the 108th birthday of Dr. Seuss. This free evening includes dinner and many fun activities for parents to do with their preschoolers. It takes place on Thursday, March 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Beech Street Preschool Big Room Please RSVP by March 25 to brittanyconner@cortez.k12.co.us or 970-565-7491.
Messiah in the Passover
Cathy Wilson of Chosen People Ministries will give a vivid and exciting presentation of how Jesus fulfilled the ancient feast of Passover. It will be held on Thursday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cortez Church of the Nazarene in the sanctuary located at 514 N. Chestnut. We will also be having a Good Friday service on Friday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m.. The public is invited to both special services during Holy Week. For more information contact Tenia (Tina) Tyron at 565-7826.
Bake Sale and Easter Egg Hunt
The VFW Ladies Auxiliary #5231 will hold their annual Bake Sale and Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30 at the Post Home, 136 Grand Avenue in Mancos. Volunteers are aked to arrive at the Post at 1 p.m. to help hide the eggs. The hunt will begin at 2 p.m. Children are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to benefit the less fortunate in our area. The youngsters will be divided up in groups for the hunt, ages toddler to 3, (may be helped by one adult); headstart and kindergarten (no helpers); first and second grades; third and fourth grades, with a scavanger hunt for the fifth and sixth graders. Several of the bright colored, plastic eggs will hold notes that when returned to the Post Home will be redeemed for money or prizes. The Ladies Auxiliary will also have homemade baked goods available at the Post from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Easter egg hunt
The Cortez Rotary Club will be hosting their annual Easter Egg Hunt beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 30. The event will be held on the west side of the Cortez City Park just outside the Cortez Municipal Pool. All children are invited.
Call for vendors
The Cortez Elks Spring Craft Show is calling for vendors to join them for the show that will be on Saturday, March 30 at the Cortez Elks Lodge. Call now to reserve a booth: 739-0616.
Beautiful Losers dance
The Beautiful Losers dance will be held Saturday, March 30 at the American Legion, 320 N Harrison, Cortez. Beautiful Losers will perform featuring rock and roll, country and original songs. Dance starts at 8 p.m., $5 cover, must be 21 and over.
Easter party for children
All children in kindergarten through fourth grade are invited to attend an Easter party from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at the Montezuma Valley Presbyterian Church, 350 S. Washington St., Cortez, directly across the street from Manaugh School.
This activity is being organized by the "Fellowshipping Fun Loving Outreaching Christian" committee and the Youth Group of the church. Numerous games and activities are being planned for the children to enjoy. A raffle will be held for a number of items, including a large vinyl bunny. Refreshments will be available for parents who accompany their children.
For more information, contact the church at 565-7024 or Jack Robbins at 882-1444.
Sunrise Easter Service
There will be a Sunrise Easter Service at the Center of Light, located at Sophia Peace Center, 19581 CR 31 in Dolores, on Sunday, March 31 with mediation starting at 6:30 a.m.
To RSVP or to find out more information, contact Deacon Crystal Kaems or Deacon Bridget Wyatt at 970.882.2123
Calling all artists
Artists can submit their work for the Cortez Cultural Center's annual Mancos Mix Show. Pick up rules and application at the center, 25 N. Market, Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Art and completed application needs to be submitted April 1 from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information call the center 565-1151 or Jan Wright 882-3130
St. Barnabas community conversation
"Can, or How Does the Spirit of a Christian Community Evolve" will be the topic on Tuesday, April 2 at 6:30 p.m. for the next "How You Can Be Part of a Christian Community with Integrity and Not Believe All Those Things You Thought You Had to Believe" conversation. St. Barnabas Church (corner of North and Elm) hosts these gatherings for folks who struggle to 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. Call 565-7865 for information.
Driver safety course offered by AARP
AARP will sponsored a driver safety course Tuesday, April 2 from 12:30 to 5 p.m. at the Calvin Denton Room in the Empire Electric Building.
This course is authorized by the state of Colorado and is designed to meet the needs of older drivers. Completion of this course can qualify you for a discount on your automobile insurance.
The course is available to all motorists whether or not they are members of AARP. A $12 fee for AARP members and a $14 fee for nonmembers is to be paid by check, (no cash or credit card) which covers materials. Please bring your driver's license and your AARP membership number (if you have one).
Register with Scott and Judy Aeschlimann at 565-3872. Leave name and phone number on the answering machine if no one is available. The class number is limited.
Two on Tap coming to Cortez
Southwest Colorado Concerts presents Two on Tap performing a concert of song and tap dance, on Tuesday, April 2 at 7 p.m. in the Montezuma-Cortez High School auditorium. Two On Tap marks the creative collaboration of two celebrated Broadway musical theatre performers Melissa Giattino and Ron DeStefano. Tickets will be on sale at the door; single-concert tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for youth, 18 years old and under. Season tickets for the four-concert 2013-2014 season will also be on sale, $45 for adults and $10 for youth 18 years old and younger. If you are not a current season ticket holder and purchase a season ticket for the 2013-2014 season at this concert, you will get into Two On Tap for free. For more information contact Paul Bostrom at 565-9127 or Joyce Stevenson at 565-4757.
Library storytime
"Splash into April" is the April theme of Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, located at 202 N. Park St.
Storytime is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. for preschool-aged children. Older children are welcome to come for the craft at 11:15 a.m.
"Fun at Work Day" is the subject on April 4. "Magic" will be discussed on April 11. "April is Mathematics Education Month" will be the focal point on April 18 and we'll wrap up the month with "Winnie-the-Pooh and Friends" on April 25.
Raising Readers Storytime offers songs, stories, crafts and silliness and uses the Early Childhood Literacy Initiative program. For more information, contact the library at 970-565-8117.
Childhood council training
For their April meeting, the Montelores Early Childhood Council will be hosting an Advocacy and Public Will Building training by the Colorado Children's Campaign. This Lunch and Learn will be from 11:30 to 1:30 on Monday, April 8 at the Community Room of 1st National Bank, 2258 E. Main St., Cortez. Please RSVP to mecc.coordinator@gmail.com by April 6.
Computer classes at Cortez library
The Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., and the Unlimited Learning Center will offer computer classes in April.
On Thursday April, 11 at 1 p.m.: Basic Internet Searching. Subjects covered will include: World Wide Web, URLs, Links, Web Browsers, Toolbars on Web Browsers, Address Bar, Simple Searching Tips and Techniques.
Staff from the Southwest Colorado Workforce Center will be teaching a computer class on finding a job on Friday, April 12, at 1 p.m.
On Thursday, April 25 at 1 p.m. the Cortez Public Library will present "Getting an Email with Gmail."
All classes at the library must be signed up for ahead of time. Sign up by calling 565-8117 or by stopping by the library. To find out more about the classes at the Unlimited Learning Center call 565-1601.
9Health Fair coming to Mancos
The 2013 9Health Fair, sponsored locally by the Mancos Valley Loins Club, will be held April 13 at the Mancos Middle School from 7 a.m. to noon. Don't miss this opportunity for low-cost and free health care screenings for individuals over the age of 18.
Participants can review screening options, register and pre-pay for their screenings online at www.9healthfair.org. There will be a separate entry for the pre-pay participants; watch for signs.
Volunteers are needed during the fair and for setup and clean up. If you are interested in helping with the 9Health Fair, non-medical volunteers can contact Val Hobson at 533-7874 and medical volunteers can contact Deana Yeomans at 533-7985.
Low cost vaccination clinic
For Pets' Sake Humane Society will host a Low-Cost Dog and Cat Vaccination Clinic from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, April 13 at the IFA Country Store, 10501 Highway 491 in Cortez. Veterinarian Dr. Sue Grabbe with Four Corners MASH will offer dog and cat packages which include rabies, distemper, parvo (dogs), leukemia (cats), and more for $40 each, or $15 for rabies only. Packages without rabies are just $32. Exact change is appreciated, checks are okay, but NO credit cards please. Dogs must be on leashes and cats must be in carriers. A portion of each package purchased will be donated to For Pets' Sake. For more information call the Humane Society at 565-7387.