Send announcements to news@cortezjournal.com. Items submitted less than two weeks in advance will be less likely to be published. Entries may be edited for length and content.
July 25–27
Mancos Days events will be held in Boyle Park and around town during the three-day festival. Events will start at 9:30 a.m. Friday with a kids parade and conclude with water fights Sunday. A schedule at mancostimes.com
Friday, July 25
Saint Barnabas of the Valley Episcopal Church in Cortez will celebrate the 40th anniversary of its Bozeman-Gibson pipe organ with a recital by one of its builders, George Bozeman at 6:30 p.m. Public is invited. Reception will follow.
The San Juan Mountains Association will host a program for toddlers and preschool student at Denny Lake from 10–11 a.m. Kids will learn about local critters, explore the natural world, read related books and have fun. Free. Contact SJMA: gabi@sjma.org or 759-1170.
Saturday, July 26
For Pets’ Sake Humane Society will hold its Summer Wine Festival from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cliffrose Gardens east of Cortez on U.S. 160. The evening will include wines and beers, other cold beverages, appetizers, desserts, music by Redneck Synfuny, and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit local pets. Information: (970) 565-PETS/7387.
Meet Judy Marquez, candidate for county clerk and recorder, at the home of Don and Ann Brown, 28829 U.S. 160, Cortez, 2:30–4:30 p.m.
Tim Sullivan, world-renown singer-songwriter, is coming to Cortez. Dancing starts at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post 75, 320 N. Harrison, 565-8151. More information at timsullivanmusic.com.
Monday, July 28
The Piñon Project will hold a 12-week Strengthening Families parenting class beginning weekly, 5:30–8 p.m., at The Piñon Project Annex Campus, 300 N. Elm St., Cortez. For families with children ages 12-17. Dinner and childcare for under 12 years. Free for participants. Enrollment limited. Call Lara, 564-1195.
Wednesday, July 29
The Montezuma County Fair Horticulture/Agriculture/Design Show, July 31 to Aug. 2. Classes include: Flowers, fruits and vegetables, foliage, herbs, houseplants, educational displays, and floral design. Entries accepted July 30 from 3-8 p.m. Floral design and educational entries require pre-registration by July 29. Call Dayna Herrick at 570-9048. Info about the show: Mary Ann Bruner 565-9158.
Thursday, July 31
“Does Theology Evolve?” will be the topic at 6:30 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 held at St. Barnabas Church (North and Elm). Info: 565-7865.
The Tuesday Afternoon Women’s Bowling League will hold a meeting at Lakeside Lanes at 1 p.m. There will be open bowling practice afterward. This will include 3 games for the price of 2. Information: Betsy at 882-1242.
Aug. 1–2
Presbyterian women will have their back-to-school rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Montezuma Valley Presbyterian Church, 350 S. Washington St. Proceeds go toward mission projects. For info: 565-7024.
Aug. 1-3
The Cortez Hot Air Balloon Rally will start each day at 6:30 a.m. flying from Parque de Vida. KOA Kampgrounds will be the host for balloons flying from its park. Volunteers are needed. Call Cookie See: 505-977-2679.
Monday, Aug. 4
The Montelores Early Childhood Council will hold its next monthly luncheon meeting at 11:45 a.m., in downstairs Meeting Room 110, in the Johnson Building, 525 South Broadway, in Cortez. The public is invited. Lunch will be provided so please RSVP to Vangi McCoy, 970-749-7017.
Tuesday, Aug. 5
First Tuesday Evening Market. Local produce, handmade goods, music. At City Park next to the Welcome Center on Main, 4-7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Information: Gretchen, 509-830-4380.
Friday Aug. 8-9
The 38th Annual Escalante Days celebration in Dolores, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Saturday. Mountain bike race, live music, food, parade, softball tournament, bike race, duck race, activities for kids and families. Venues include Flanders Park and Dolores River Brewery’s indoor and outdoor stages. Information: 970-882-4018, or dolorechamber.com.
Saturday, Aug. 9
Seed School in A Day will be taught at the Mt. Lookout Grange, 680 Grand Ave, Mancos, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. It will be taught by Bill and Belle of Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance. Register online at www.RockyMountainSeeds.org.
K-9 Search and Rescue Team Inc will host its annual pancake breakfast at the “Doghouse,” 35 Railroad Avenue in Dolores. Doors open at 6 a.m. Cost: $5
League of Women Voters of Montezuma County holds its monthly meeting at 9 a.m. at the Ponderosa Restaurant in Dolores. As part of the series “Know Your Community,” the speaker will be Terri Wheeler of the Montezuma Housing Authority. Info: 533-1051.
Saturday, Aug. 16
Dirt Riot 4x4 Endurance Racing at BattleRock Offroad Park, 5740 County Road G. Gates open at 9 a.m. Full-day action, with food vendors. More than 40 competitors. Tickets: $15/adult; $5 ages 8-16; free for ages 7 and under.
School Supply Drive, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at First and Elm streets in Cortez. Needed supplies include dry erase markers, copy paper, notebook paper, 1-inch binders, construction paper, No. 2 pencils, erasers, spiral notebooks, composition books, glue, pocket folders Scotch tape and Kleenex. Contact Judy Schuenemeyer at judyswsc@q.com or 565-7837.
Sunday, Aug. 17
All Terrain Hero Race.Run.Walk at BattleRock Offroad Park, 5740 County Road G, Registration online at www.allterrainhero.com or 6:30-7:10 a.m. day of the race. First flight for timed racers at 7:15 a.m. All funds from the All Terrain Hero raise money for The Gwendolyn Strong Foundation. Information: shelley@werocklive.com
Saturday, Aug. 30
Josh Blue, winner of Last Comic Standing, will perform in Cortez at 6 p.m. at the Parque de Vida pavilion to benefit Special Olympics Cortez. Gates open at noon. Bring ID to buy alcohol. Cost: $20 in advance $25 at the gate. Tickets available at Rocky Mountain One Stop or 565-9249.
Through August
Indian Dancers and Sam Sandoval, Navajo Code Talker at The Cultural Center, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7-8 p.m. Every Wednesday at 8 p.m. in The Gallery: Sam Sandoval, WWII Navajo Code Talker. Note: Saturday, July 12 and Saturday, Aug. 9, there will be no Dancers.
Tri-County Head Start/Early Head Start is taking enrollments for the 2014-2015 school year in Montezuma County. To see if your child qualifies, call Toni Gilge, 970-565-6040 ext. 11 (for 3-5-year-olds) or Nancy Daves 970-565-8850 (for infants and toddlers).
Saturday, Sept. 6
The Guardian Angel’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s is at Cortez City Park. Registration is at 9 a.m., and the Walk begins at 10 a.m. Country fair, with food, drinks, entertainment, games Free, but donations welcome. Info: Cindy Lichliter (749-2319).
Fourth Tuesday
4 Corners Republican Women’s Club meets at 11:30 a.m. at the Cortez Elk’s Lodge. Information: 565-2197.
Last Thursday
Suicide Support Group, 6:15 p.m. Hospice of Montezuma, 1345 S. Broadway, Cortez. Information: 565-4400.
Every Tuesday
The Montezuma Agility Dog Club’s Basic Obedience classes for dogs 5½ months and older. Classes are Tuesdays at 7 p.m., and begin on April 29 and continue for six weeks. Registration is first-come, first-served. Information: 970-882-5404.
Every Thursday
Raising Readers Storytime offers songs, stories and crafts using the Early Childhood Literacy Initiative program at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. For preschoolers at 10:30 a.m. Older children may attend the craft at 11:15 a.m.
Free Community Dinner at 6 p.m. at the Cortez Family Worship Center Foursquare Church, 500 N. Washington. Donation appreciated. Call 565-3709.
Country music and dancing for senior residents at the Cortez Senior Center, 7 to 10 p.m.
Every Friday
Friendship Social Group, 1 p.m. at Beny’s Diner, 640 S. Broadway, Cortez. For those who are looking for support with finding new friends and activities after a loss, or need a break from caregiving. Sponsored by Hospice of Montezuma.