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 and the calendar may be edited for length and content.
Friday, Dec. 5
The Ancestral Homelands exhibit opens at the Anasazi Heritage Center with a reception at 5 p.m. The Anasazi Heritage Center is at 27501 Highway 184, Dolores, CO 81323. The exhibit will run through October 2015.
5th Annual Christmas Cookie Contest and free hot cocoa at the Columbine, 123 Grand Ave. in Mancos. Judging is at 6:30 p.m., prizes in 3 categories: best tasting; best decoration; best overall.
Saturday, Dec. 6
The 25th 4 Corners Board of Realtors Parade of Lights, 6 p.m. on Main Street, Cortez. This year’s theme is “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Three float categories; commercial, nonprofit, and other, with three prizes awarded for each of the three categories. No entry fee, but an entry form must be submitted. Entry forms will be published in the Cortez Journal, picked up at Century 21 West Slope Realty, or call Terry McCabe at 970-565-8408 ext. 115, Or email terrymc@move2swcolo.com .
PorDia Preschool fundraiser, selling hot chocolate and baked goods in from of Mane Shipping during the Parade of Lights Parade, 4:40 to 7 p.m.
43rd annual Elks Hoop Shoot, Cortez Middle School gymnasium. Registration at noon, competition at 1 p.m. Categories for girls and boys ages 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13. Proof of birthdate is required. Winners advance to the district contest in Durango. Info: George Fish at 570-9446 or Gini Olson or Fred Dewitt at 882-4904.
Photos with Santa, 5-6 p.m. at the San Juan Coffee Shop before the Parade of Lights. Cost: $5 per photo, with proceeds going to the Cortez Rotary Club’s literacy projects. First-come, first-served.
Dolores Christmas Bazaar, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Dolores Community Center. Door prizes. Proceeds go to the Dolores Community Center.
Coolzey & Belly Belt at Blondies in Cortez 45 E. Main St., 8 p.m. Call (970) 739 4944.
Catholic Daughter’s Christmas Bazaar, St. Margaret Mary Church Hall, 28 E. Montezuma Ave., Cortez, Saturday 8 a.m.–3 p.m. and Sunday 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Lunch, gifts, wreaths, baked goods, music, floral arrangements, door prizes, holiday gift baskets, and more. Proceeds benefit CDA.
The Dolores River Brewery Holiday Arts and Crafts Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Brewery, 100 S. Fourth St., Dolores. Local artists will have pottery, jewelry, photography, fiber arts, handmade soaps and more. Live music, refreshments and good cheer. Info: Michele Martz, 562-4494.
Breakfast with Santa, 8-10 a.m. at the Elks Lodge, 2100 N. Dolores Road, Cortez. Free pancake/sausage breakfast and meet with Santa for a photo and gift. Presented by Kiwanis of Mesa Verde.
Medicine Horse Center Tack and Outdoor Gear Sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All proceeds go to Medicine Horse Center. To donate an item for sale, call 970-533-7403 or email info@medicinehorsecenter.org.
Frack Free Montezuma sponsors a free lecture by Pete Dronkers, the Southwest Circuit Rider for Earthworks and the Oil and Gas Accountability Project at the Mancos Public Library starting at 3 p.m. Public discussion and questions to follow the lecture. Info: Chip, 970-739-9989.
First Annual Tree Lighting on The Plaza, 5 p.m. Four Corners Community Band will play from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Cocoa, Baked Goods and Gypsy Wood-fired pizza for sale. Auction of trees benefits The Center and Children’s Kiva Montessori.
Sunday, Dec. 7
The Third Annual Messiah Sing-in, 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church at 515 N. Park St., Cortez. Suggested arrival time for choral singers: 5:30 p.m. Please bring music. All are welcome. Info: Patricia Faulkner, 564-9458.
Korean War Veterans will be recognized on Pearl Harbor Day, 1-4 p.m. at Montezuma County Annex. Sponsored by Montezuma County VFW Post 5231 and its Ladies Auxiliary. Korean War Veterans, their families are invited to attend. Please call 970-739-6270 or 970-560-6375.
The Mancos Valley Chorus’ free Home for the Holiday concert, 3:30 p.m., United Methodist Church, 470 W. Grand, Mancos. Arrive early – seating is limited. Info: mancosvalleychorus.org
Monday. Dec. 8
The Montelores Early Childhood Council’s monthly luncheon meeting, 11:45 a.m., Meeting Room 110, in the Johnson Building, 925 South Broadway, in Cortez. The public is invited. Lunch provided. RSVP Vangi McCoy, 970-749-7017.
Tuesday, Dec. 9
The Mancos Valley Chorus’ free Home for the Holiday concert, 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 515 N Park, Cortez.
Wednesday, Dec. 10
Bedtime Story Time with Santa at the Dolores Public Library from 6 to 7 p.m. Slip on your comfy Christmas pajamas and join Santa for stories and snacks. Info.: 882-4127.
Thursday, Dec. 11
Holiday toy and coat drive – last day to donate. Drop off coats, hats, gloves, movies, books, etc., at C&G Healthcare, at Mildred and Main. Cash donations also accepted. Call Brittny Weir, 970-560-0919.
Connect for Health Colorado information forum, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Mancos Public Library, 211 West First Street. Learn about health insurance. Free and open to the public. Info: 533-7600 or visit www.mancoslibrary.org
Friday, Dec. 12
The Mancos Valley Chorus’ free Home for the Holiday concert, 7 p.m., United Methodist Church, 470 W Grand, Mancos.
The Southwest Singers present their Christmas concert, Christmas Memories, at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park in Cortez. An informal reception follows. Info: Bonnie Kane, 565-6223.
Friday, Dec. 12
“A Bluegrass Christmas” featuring swingin’ band Last Nickel. No cover. Toe-tapping begins 8:30 p.m. at the Columbine, 123 Grand Ave., Mancos.
Saturday, Dec. 13
Santa at the Galloping Goose Historical Society Museum in Dolores at 5:30 p.m. There will be a bonfire at Dolores Town Hall, and Santa will be visiting with children at the Galloping Goose. There will be candy for the kids, cookies and hot cocoa for all and live music from the Dolores School’s Choral Group under the direction of Beverly Hall.
The Mancos Valley Chorus’ free Home for the Holiday concert, 3:30 p.m., United Methodist Church, 470 W. Grand, Mancos.
The Southwest Singers present their Christmas concert, Christmas Memories, at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park in Cortez. An informal reception follows. Info: Bonnie Kane, 565-6223.
The League of Women Voters of Montezuma County meets at 9 a.m. at Beny’s Restaurant on South Broadway to learn about threats to TV service, with speakers from the Television Translator District. Open to the public. Information: Eleanor Kuhl, 970-564-0708.
Ute Mountain Tribal Park Special Winter Tour, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., starting at the Tribal Park Visitor Center/Museum, Junction 160/491. Tour of Anasazi Sun Calendars in Mancos Canyon conducted by Virginia Wolf, $29 per person. Call 970-565-9653.
Christmas in the Country at Lighthouse Baptist Church. Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ with music and worship, Saturday and Sunday at 6 p.m. at 11502 Highway 145, Cortez. Call (970) 565-9302 or visit us at www.lbccortez.org.
Sunday, Dec. 14
Cortez Elks 20th Annual Christmas Craft Bazaar, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Pay for vendor space before Nov. 10 for $25; $30 after Nov. 10. Info: 970-739-0616.
“Bethlehem’s Child,” 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park St., Cortez. Choir presents a cantata of word and music about the Christmas story.
Tuesday, Dec. 16
“Morality: Its Origins” 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 (North and Elm). Questions required. No answers promised. Call 565-7865.
Saturday, Dec. 20
The Southwest Colorado Green Party’s Winter Solstice celebration at Mr. Happy’s at 6 p.m. 125 E. Main St., Cortez, Co. Music by Donny Johnson. All are welcome.
Friday, Dec. 26
DJ P.A.’s annual Naughty or Nice costume party at Blondies, 9 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve Party featuring live music by Vanishing Breed; 9:00 pm at The Columbine, 123 Grand Ave. in Mancos. Five dollar cover includes munchies, complimentary champagne & party favors. For more info call 533-7397.
New Year’s Eve party with JR Stafford at Blondies, 8 p.m.
Through December
M-CHS Coat Drive for the Renew Shelter through Dec. 12. Drop off coats and warm winter clothing at the M-CHS Library, sponsored by the National Honor Society.
Raising Readers Storytime’s December theme is “Holiday Time!”At the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., Cortez. Preschool Storytime program is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Older children welcome for a craft at 11:15 a.m. “The Letter W for Winter,” Dec. 4; “The Color Green for Evergreens,” Dec. 11; “Who’s Your Santa?” Dec. 18. No Storytime on Dec. 25 Info: 970-565-8117.
Saturday, Jan. 17
Square Dance Lessons at Kemper Elementary: A meet-and-greet at 6:30 p.m. Lessons begin Jan. 19, 7:15-8:45 p.m. Info: Judy Morris 565-9836 or Vonnie Robinson 749-9682.
MOndays and Fridays
Open riding hours at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds indoor arena have been extended until 9 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays, from Oct. 20 to the end of the year. User must have a Horseman card with the fairgrounds and are encouraged to call 565-1000 before arriving to confirm open riding hours.
Cortez Public Library is offering one-on-one computer and tech tutoring. Call 970-565-8117 or visit the library, 202 N. Park in Cortez, to schedule an appointment.
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 Legion Hall, 320 N. Harrison St. Call 565-8151.
Dolores Mountain Quilters meets at 10 a.m. at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave, Dolores. Guests and visitors are welcome. Visit doloresmountainquilters.org or call Judith Swain, 970-560-4426.
The Mesa Verde Back Country Horsemen meet at the Elks Lodge in Cortez at 6:15 p.m. (except December). Buy a taco or hamburger and drink. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. Info: www.mesaverdehorsemen.com.
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
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.
Montezuma County Republican Women meet at noon at Shiloh’s on Veach and Main St. All are welcome. Info: Call Rosemarie Beall at 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.
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
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.
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.
Overcomers Outreach bridges the gap between 12-Step recovery groups and churches of all denominations. Christ-centered and Bible-based. Evangel Assembly of God, 209 W. 5th St., Cortez. 6:30 p.m.. Call James, 303-519-7523
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.