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. 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, Sept. 19
Local author Amy Cook holds a book-signing for her debut paranormal romance novel "Edge of Instinct" at the Cortez Public Library, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The novel is sold on amazon.com in ebook and paperback. Copies will be available for cash at the signing.
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
Meet with birders at the Cortez Cultural Center at 7:30 a.m. for a trip toward La Plata River and Blue Lake Ranch. Bring lunch and water. Cost is $3 for members of the Cortez Cultural Center and $5 for nonmembers. Mark your calendars for the third Saturday each month for additional outings. Info: Donna Steward 970-565-1151 ext. 10.
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.
Meeting about Montessori-based religious information for kids 3-6 at St. Barnabas Church at 3 p.m. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd uses the stories of faith to give expression to their connection to God. Information: 303-883-5679 or 565-7865.
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.
Square dance lessons at Kemper Elementary: A meet-and-greet at Kemper on Sept. 20, at 6:30 p.m.; lessons beginning Sept. 22, 7:15-8:45 p.m. Info: Judy Morris 565-9836 or Vonnie Robinson 749-9682.
Mesa Verde National Park will host a pottery making demonstration by Santa Clara Pueblo born Starr Tafoya at 10 a.m. at the park's Visitor Center as part of the annual Four Corners Lecture Series. All programs are free. Info: www.mesaverde.org/four-corners-lecture-series.
Tuesday, SEPT. 23
Calling all volunteers for the Mancos Balloon Festival to attend the Volunteer Potluck on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. at the Bauer House. Bring a favorite dish and meet the pilots. Info: Dee Lynn Ford, 970-560-0259
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.
The Dolores River Anglers and Dolores River Boating Advocates will clean the banks of the river through Dolores. Meet at 9 a.m. at Joe Rowell Park. Hamburger cookout at 11:30 a.m. Bring gloves, dress for weather and a side dish and beverage. RSVP for DRBA contact Lee-Ann Hill at (970) 560-5486. RSVP for DRA contact Dale Smith at (970) 759-3020.
Attitudinal Dynamics of Driving class hosted by the Colorado State Patrol at 8:30 a.m. in the Colorado Welcome Center in Cortez, taught by certified instructors and designed for drivers of all ages. Info: coloradosafedriver.com.
Mesa Verde National Park's annual Hike and Bike. The 5.5 mile Wetherill Mesa Road loop is open 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Visitors must exit Wetherill Road by 4:30 p.m. Entrance fees will be waived for participants. Info: 529-4465.
Four Corners Rifle and Pistol Club and San Juan Farm Bureau Turkey Shoot. Sign in at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. Door prizes and chili feed $5. Exploding targets at 300 and 500 yards; also shoots for pistol and .22 long rifle. Prizes include turkeys and hams.
Through September
The Cortez Library Storytime offers "A Little Bit of Everything" through September. The preschool Storytime program is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at the library and every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Cortez Farmers Market, weather permitting. Info: 565-8117.
Thursday, Oct. 2
The Women's Cancer Coalition of Montezuma and Dolores Counties will present the 12th Annual Pink Ribbon Affair from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Dolores Community Center. "Pretty as a Picture" honors breast and other cancer survivors with a photo presentation by Barb Grist, a photo booth by FeVa Photos, catering by Seas'nings and a silent auction. Tickets are $15 at the door. Info: 882-4484.
Saturday, Oct. 4
Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance's geologic tour of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument with Dr. Kim Gerhardt. Hike the lower Sand Canyon area and join a presentation in Battle Rock School. You must be a member of Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance. Contact Diane McBride at diane.mcbride@swcocanyons.org or 970-560-1643, by Thursday, Sept. 25, 5 p.m.
Lighthouse Christian Academy school fundraiser, 8 a.m.- 1 p.m., 11502 Colorado 145, Cortez. Flea market/swap meet spaces are $20, and proceeds from individual sellers are kept by the seller. Call Berta 739-6014 or Natalie 739-8570.
Sunday, Oct. 5
The San Juan Symphony opens the season for SouthWest Colorado Concerts with modern and classical music at 3 p.m. at M-CHS. Season tickets will be on sale at the door at 2 p.m. Season tickets for the 4-concert 2014-2015 season are $45 for adults and $10 for youth 18 and younger. Sale of single-concert tickets available at 2:40 p.m. $20 for adults and $5 for youth. Info: Lindsay Havran at 565-7676 or Joyce Stevenson at 565-4757.
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.
4 Corners for Animals, animal welfare conference, at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Many local speakers and organizations represented. Lunch provided by The Farm Bistro. Film presentation at the Cortez Library, 7 p.m. of "The Ghosts in Our Machine," a documentary about the use of animals in our society. Pick up a registration at the Cortez Library or call Mary at (970) 394-0387. Please preregister.
First Monday
Southwest Center for Independence Second Chance Brain Injury group meets at noon at 2409 E. Empire, Cortez. Call Matthew, 570-8001.
Cortez Emblem Club No. 261 meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday (except in January and February). Call 565-2197.
First Tuesday
American Legion Ute Mountain Post 75 meets at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 320 N. Harrison St. Call 565-8151.
Dolores Mountain Quilters meets 10:00 a.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave, Dolores. The Oct. 7 meeting includes a demonstration by Corrina Gray of creating one seam Flying Geese. Guests and visitors are welcome. Visit doloresmountainquilters.org or call Judith Swain, 970-560-4426.
First Thursday
Montezuma County Republican Central Committee meets at noon at Shiloh's Steakhouse. Email Nicci Crowley at montezumagop@gmail.com or call 570-9372.
The Montezuma County VFW Post 5231 meets at 7 p.m. at the Post home in Mancos.
First Friday
Caregiver/Advocate support group for caregivers of any person with Alzheimer's, dementia or any chronic illness at noon at Vista Mesa Assisted Living, 1206 N. Mildred, Cortez. Discuss options with other caregivers. Lunch provided. Info: Elaine at the Alzheimer's Assoc., 259-0122
First and Third Thursdays
Learn signs and nursery rhymes at the Mancos Public Library at 10 a.m. All ages welcome. Call 970-403-9237.
Second Tuesday
The Montezuma County Historical Society Board of Directors meets at 11:30 a.m. at the Cortez Elks Club and includes a no-host lunch. Anyone interested in area history is welcome.
Second Thursday
The Southwest Woodworkers Guild meets at 7 p.m. at various locations. Woodworkers welcome, beginner to expert. Call Rick, 533-7180.
Second Thursday
The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce's Business After Hours at various locations, 5-7 p.m. Call 565-3414.
Republican Women of Montezuma County invite the public to meet at noon at Shiloh's Steakhouse at 5 Veach St., Cortez. Call Rosemarie Beall, 564-1576.
A free legal self-help clinic for Montezuma County parties without an attorney are 2-5 p.m. at the Mancos Public Library, 211 W. First St. Volunteer attorneys will assist one-on-one, via computer link. First-come, first-served.
Third Saturday
Christian Motorcycle Association - Cortez Chapter holds its 8 a.m. breakfast, 9 a.m. chapter meeting and 10 a.m. ride (weather permitting). At Jack & Janelle's, 801 E. Main St., Cortez. Call chapter president Steve Reed at 970-565-7233. No motorcycle required.
Third Wednesday
The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon is noon at Shiloh Steakhouse. Call 565-3414.
Caregiver/Advocate support group for caregivers of any person with Alzheimer's, dementia or any chronic illness at 6 p.m. at the Methodist Church, 515 North Park Street, Cortez. Discuss options with other caregivers.
Third Thursday
Dolores secondary PTO meets at 3:45 p.m. in Mr. Thurston's office. Email Heather Alvarez at halvarez0722@gmail.com or call Tif at 903-8752.
Fourth Tuesday
4 Corners Republican Women's Club meets at 11:30 a.m. at the Cortez Elk's Lodge. Info: 565-2197.
Last Tuesday
Loss & Grief Support Group, 5:15 p.m. Hospice of Montezuma, 1345 S. Broadway, Cortez. Drop in; discussion of any loss issue. Info: 565-4400.
FEvery 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.
Every Friday
Friendship Social Group, 1 p.m. at Beny's Diner, 640 S. Broadway, Cortez. For those looking for support with finding friends and social activities after a loss, or need a break as a caregiver. Sponsored by Hospice of Montezuma.
TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) meets at 11:30 a.m. in the Community Room at the Cortez Public Library.