Email announcements to news@cortezjournal.com and include "Community Calendar" in the subject field. Items submitted less than two weeks in advance will be less likely to be published. Entries may be edited for length and content.
Thursday, Sept. 11
Free Pottery-Making Program with artist in residence Michael Savage at 7:30 p.m., at Far View Lodge Library at Mesa Verde National Park. Learn about rarely shown aspects of pottery production that are rarely shown or demonstrated. Call 970-529-4445.
San Juan National Forest stakeholder panel workshop focusing on management of Rico-West Dolores roads and trails. This is the last in a series of three workshops which will take place at the Dolores Community Center at 6 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 12
A collection of short films by Coloradans on the effects of fracking, 7 p.m. at The Annex Building, 108 N. Chestnut, Cortez. The film is "Dear Governor Hickenlooper." Info: DearGovernorHickenlooper.com.
Saturday, Sept. 13
The Montezuma VFW hosts its Annual End of Harvest Dinner for Veterans and their families, 5 p.m. in Post No. 5231 home in Mancos, 135 W. Grand Ave. Open to all veterans. Fellowship, roasted pig, corn and ice cream. Free, but donations are accepted. Call 533-7144.
The Galloping Goose Historical Society's annual meeting, lunch starts at noon, and its annual meeting at 1 p.m. Call 882-7082 for location and information.
Celebrate National Public Lands Day at Goodman Point Area and help clean up trash and tires and reclaim trails and ATV routes. Volunteers must register and wear long pants, sturdy shoes and gloves and bring water and snacks. Lunch will be provided by the San Juan Mountains Association. Call 970-385-1310 or email Kathe@sjma.org.
The Montezuma County Democratic Party hosts an FDR Fundraiser dinner at Cliffrose Garden Center and Gifts in Cortez from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 or $40 a couple. Local foods, libations and music by O.T.T.O & the Harpies. Guest speaker is Abel Tapia. Call Ric Plese at 970-739-4365.
4th Annual Western Slope Toy Run starts at VFW Post 4031, 1550 Main Ave., Durango and ends at the American Legion Post 75, 320 N. Harrison St., in Cortez. Entry fee is $15 or and equivalent toy. T-shirts cost $15. Sponsored by The Men Motorcycle Club: 970-799-3031 or 970-739-4869.
SaturdaY-Sunday, Sept. 13-14
Dressage and Hunter/Jumper Horse Show hosted by the Four Corners Dressage and Combined Training Association at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds. Info: www.4cdcta.org.
Sunday, Sept. 14
Meet Abel Tapia, Democratic candidate for representative of the 3rd Congressional District, at The Spruce Tree Espresso House, 9-10 a.m. Info: party co-chairman Ric Plese, 970-739-4365.
Monday, Sept. 15
Four Corners 9/12 will be meet at the Cortez Elks Lodge at 7 p.m., primarily to interview candidates for Montezuma County Clerk, Kim Purcell (R) and Judy Marquez (U). Open to the public; ask your questions.
Thursday, Sept. 18
Alive at 25 class held by the Colorado State Patrol at 4 p.m. at the Colorado Welcome Center in Cortez. This 4½-hour class is designed to give 15- to 24-year-olds the tools they need to stay out of crashes. Info: coloradosafedriver.com
Friday-Saturday, Sept. 19-20
For Pets' Sake Humane Society's fall yard sale on Sept. 19-20 and 26-27 at 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Cortez Industrial Park near the entrance on Road L. Look for the signs. Donations accepted at the building Sept. 18, 2-7 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 25, 3-6 p.m. Call 565-PETS/7387.(No computers or other electronics, no tires or TVs.)
Southwest Christian Writers Association 35th Annual Conference, Friday 2-8:30 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Vectra Bank, Community Room, 1201 Escalante Drive., Durango. Keynote Speaker: Beth K. Vogt. $100 for both days; Saturday-only rate available. Registration at the door. Info: www.southwestchristianwriters.org, lindafarmerharris@gmail.com.
Friday-Saturday, Sept. 19-21
The town of Mancos will accept scrap metal, old furniture, and old household items excluding electronics at the public workshop, 300 S. Monte. Friday, the workshop will be open 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, it will be open 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Standard-size tires will be accepted for a $3 fee.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 20
Colorado State University Extension Apple U-Pick harvest, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the CSU Southwestern Colorado Research Station. The station is about 18 miles north of Cortez. Take U.S. 491 to Road Z and turn left or west - it's the first place on the left after crossing Road 17. Info: 970-562-4255.
Dolores Secondary Parent/Teacher Organization for the middle and high schools will dance to raise funds for the PTO from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Elk's Lodge in Cortez. DJ, $5 charge and cash bar. The dance is open to anyone 18 and over. ID required at the door.
Tim Sullivan Band plays at a dance at the American Legion, 320 N. Harrison St., in Cortez at 7 p.m. Info: 565-8151.
Local cowboy poet and singer Slim McWilliams will be perform at the Presbyterian Church, 350 S. Washington St., Cortez. A dinner of pulled pork will be served at 5:30. Donations of salad or dessert would be appreciated. Slim will begin his program at 6:30.
Friday-Sunday, Sept. 27-29
Mancos Valley/Mesa Verde Country Balloon Festival. Art Festival and Street Fair to coincide with balloon festival on Sept. 27 in Mancos from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Food, art, music, dancing, entertainment and kid activities. Info: 533-7434.
Saturday, Sept. 27
The Dolores Chamber of Commerce Fall Festival at Flander's Park, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. No charge for setup, but vendors must call 882-7717 or 882-4018 to register. Music, activities, local produce, baked goods, crafts, jams and jellies.
Saturday, Oct. 11
Cortez Elks 1789 Oktoberfest celebration. Open to the public and includes a golf tournament, autographed sports items silent auction, German food and more. Proceeds benefit Elks projects. Info: event chairman Lynn Gann at 970-565-7423 or club manager at 970-565-3557.
First Tuesday
Dolores Mountain Quilters meets 10 a.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave, Dolores. Guests and visitors are welcome. Info: doloresmountainquilters.org or Judith Swain at 970-560-4426.
Third Thursday
Dolores secondary PTO meets the third Thursday of every month at 3:45 p.m. in Mr. Thurston's office. Email Heather Alvarez at halvarez0722@gmail.com or call Tif at 903-8752.
Every Tuesday
The Dolores Public Library answers technology/software questions about Microsoft Word, email, digital pictures, etc. Free at 2-5 p.m. Call 882-4127.