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
The Mancos Tree Board conducts a workshop on pruning street trees, concentrating on the area of Montezuma Avenue to First Street and Main to Aztec streets. Meet at Main and First at 9:30 a.m.
United Blood Services Mobile Blood Drive, 3-6 p.m. at the Pleasant View Fire Department, 15529 Road CC, Pleasant View.
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.
Mancos Valley Distillery presents blues and rock ’n’ roll by Dave Duncan. Doors open at 5 p.m., music begins at 8 p.m. Cover charge: $5. Info: www.daveduncanmusic.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
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
The Red Arrow Mill cleanup will be discussed at a public meeting 6-8 p.m. at Mancos Town Hall. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry will share its findings; other government agencies will be present too.
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.
Celebrate Active Aging at Vista Mesa ALF, 1206 N. Mildred Ave., from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Honor the elders of our community and learn about Conscious Aging, a curriculum celebrating wisdom, connecting with others and celebrating life, presented by Susan Sheely Ullman. Enjoy music, poetry and refreshments.
Thursday-Friday, Sept. 25-26
Mancos parent-teacher conferences, Thursday 4–8 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.–noon. Students will be released at 1:41 p.m. on Sept. 25; no school for students on Sept. 26. Info: Call Tracey at 970-533-7744. Appointments: Call 533-9143.
Thursday, Sept. 25
“Is God on Vacation?” 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 at St. Barnabas Church (corner of North and Elm). Call 565-7865 for information.
Friday-Sunday, Sept. 26-28
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.
Tuesday, Sept. 30
The Dolores Rotary Club’s bingo night at the Dolores Community Center benefits the Dolores Secondary Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). Bingo kicks off with a light dinner and dessert, for a $5 donation, at 6:30 p.m., followed by Bingo at 7 p.m. Info: Laurel Rematore at (970) 564–1241.
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
Free introduction to Tai Chi and Qigong for beginners, by Susan Matthews, , 11:15am-12:15pm, Shanti School of Taijiquan, Millennium Center, 20 W. Main, Cortez. Info: SusanAMatthews.com, 970-903-5723.
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.
Dale and Judy Bailey to perform at The American Legion, 320 N Harrison, Cortez, at 4 p.m. Come listen or dance to music by “Country Expressions” a music duo with a variety of country, oldies and classics. No cover charge.
Monday, Oct. 6
The Montelores Early Childhood Council will hold its next monthly luncheon meeting at 11:45 a.m., in the downstairs Room 110, in the Johnson Building, 925 South Broadway, in Cortez. The public is invited. Lunch will be provided so RSVP to Vangi McCoy at 970-749-7017.
Tuesday, Oct. 7
Riding Safety During Hunting Season is the topic at the October meeting of the Mesa Verde Back Country Horsemen, at the Elks Club on Highway 145, Cortez. Social hour at 6:15 p.m. (tacos and hamburgers available for purchase); meeting starts at 7 p.m. Presented by Scott Elder of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Everyone is welcome.
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.
Thursday, Oct. 16
The 4th Annual Pretty in Pink Fashion Show by Love on a Hanger, 7 p.m. at Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery. Desserts, cash bar and silent auction, supporting the Women’s Cancer Coalition. Tickets at Love on a Hanger, 34 E. Main St., or online at bit.ly/1poI2o6. General admission $15; VIP seats $30. Info: (970)565-9075.
Through November
The students of Lighthouse Christian Academy of Lighthouse Baptist Church will be doing fall yard clean ups for a fundraiser. Cleanups include leaf raking, shrub trimming, and yard mowing. Call Randy Davis at 970-739-9490.
The annual Messiah Sing-in will be on Dec. 7. Tryouts for soloists will be Oct. 1-2 at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Cortez at 515 N. Park, Cortez. Info: Patricia Faulkner, 564-9458.
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 Wednesday
Diabetes support group meets 3:30–5 p.m. in the Kiva Room at Southwest Memorial Hospital. Learn how to manage diabetes; share ideas with others. Sessions are free and open to anyone with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Contact Laura White, RD, at 564-2276 for details.
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.
Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Support Group meets at 5–6:30 p.m. in the Kiva room at Southwest Memorial Hospital. Share ideas and exchange information with others who have had weight-loss surgery. Free. Call Registered Dietitian Laura White, at 564-2276.
The Montezuma County VFW Post 5231 meets at 7 p.m. at the Post home in Mancos.
First Friday
First Friday Leadership at First National Bank in Cortez, 8–9 a.m. Free. Coffee and doughnuts at 7:45 a.m. Call Dena, 565-3414.
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 Saturday
The Mancos Valley Historical Saturday meets at the Mancos Public Library at 10 a.m. Info: Bob Huffman, 406-249-7733
Second Tuesday
The Mancos Water Conservancy District board meets at 7 p.m. at the district’s office 42599 Road N, Mancos. Info: Gary Kennedy, 533-7325.
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 Sunday
The Mancos Community Dinners each month at Mt. Lookout Grange in Mancos (680 Grand Ave). Pay-what-you-can dinner, bring a dish if you want. To help out or make donations, call Gretchen, 509-830-4380.
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
Adult Computer Classes, 1:30-3 p.m. at the Mancos Public Library, Community Meeting Room 211, W. First St., Mancos. Call 970-533-7600 to enroll. No charge.
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.
Consider your every-day language is a prayer. A short recorded teaching by Wisdom Master Maticintin and discussion. At Mancos Public Library Meeting Room, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Info: 800-336-6015 or www.HUMUH.org
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.
Fourth Thursday
Monthly Civil Air Patrol Senior Squadron’s monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., First Baptist Church of Mancos, 150 N. Walnut St. Call 970-759-7012.
Last Thursday
Suicide Support Group, 6:15 p.m. Hospice of Montezuma, 1345 S. Broadway, Cortez. Info: 565-4400.
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.
Free medical care, Tuesday from 1 to 1:30 p.m., St. Barnabas Church, 110 W. North St., Cortez. Call 565-4436 to schedule or show up. Limited primary and pediatric care.
The Mancos Public Library, 211 W. First St., continues the Little People Seasonal Storytime, at 10:30 a.m. The program follows the Mancos Re-6 schedule; runs through May. Children ages 2-6 will be taught songs, verses and stories. A craft is offered. Free. Call the library at 533-7600 or visit www.mancoslibrary.org
Every Wednesday
Yoga Flow with Lily, Wednesdays 9:30-11 a.m. at the Grange. Call 847-819-2039.
Every Thursday
Raising Readers Storytime offers songs, stories, crafts and silliness, 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.
Weekly weigh-ins available with the Waist Management Group, 4:40 to 5:30 p.m., 343 E. Main St., Suite 300, Cortez. Free. Info: Berta at 565-9515 or 739-6014 after 4:30 p.m.
Country music and dancing for senior residents at the Cortez Senior Center, 7–10 p.m.
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.