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. 19
Interested in becoming a Colorado Master Gardener? Today is the deadline to enter the 11-week program. This year's program begins in Cortez on Jan. 29 and continues every Thursday, from 8:30 A.M. to 4 p.m. to April 9. For an application or for information, call the CSU Extension Office at (970) 565-3123.
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.
Christmas dance with the Tim Sullivan Band at the American Legion in Cortez , 7 p.m., open to the public.
The Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., holds a free drawing for 12 items donated by Adeline Dodson at noon at the library. You don't need to be present to win. There is 1 ticket per item - 12 total. Info: 970-565-8117.
The For Pets Sake Humane Society will have its Holiday Bake Sale at 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at City Market's North entrance. Baked goods can be dropped off that morning at 9:30 or Dec. 19 at Let Grow Nursery 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Info: Janet at 394-4164.
Santa Claus is coming to town, noon to 1 p.m., corner of Main and Market. Helping out Santa are the American Legion Post 75, the Cortez Fire Department and the Men Motorcycle Club.
Wednesday, Dec. 24
Christmas stories and carols at St. Paul's Christmas Eve Services, 6 p.m., Bauer Avenue and Oak Street in Mancos. Includes Children's Procession of the Nativity. Special music by Carolyn Smith and Patsy Smith. All are welcome. Call 970-533-7210.
Candlelight Christmas Eve service at St. Barnabas Church begins at 6:30 p.m. with carols, bell choir, and special music. Worship with Holy Communion begins at 7 p.m. All are invited. Corner of North and Elm. Info: 565-7865.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at Mountain View Baptist Church at 6 p.m., at Colorado 184 and County Road 30.5 in Dolores. Info: 882-7521 or Pastor Scott Hartle at (970) 739-4496.
Friday, Dec. 26
DJ P.A.'s annual Naughty or Nice costume party at Blondies, 9 p.m.
The Cortez Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Meet at Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St. at 8:30 a.m. The count is held rain or shine. Contact Carolyn Gunn for more information: 970-882-7742 or carolyn.gunn@state.co.us.
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.
Lucy Hadley is the artist for December for the Southwest Artists League and is displaying her watercolors at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. Info: 970-565-8117.
Thursday, Jan. 8
Alphabet Soup Family Support Group for people who are interested in establishing a support system for families of local children with special needs, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Piñon Project Annex Conference Room, corner of N. Chestnut and Arbecam in Cortez. Info.: 564-1195 ext. 229.
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.
Through January
Children's Kiva Montessori School, a free Colorado Public Charter School under the Montezuma Cortez RE-1 School District, will begin enrollment for the 2015-2016 school year soon. Visit www.kivacharter.org for detailed information and important dates.
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.
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 10 a.m. at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave, Dolores. The Jan. 6 meeting includes a "Show and Tell" of UFOs ( Unfinished Objects). On Thursday, Jan. 8, Virginia gives a class on the color wheel. Guests and visitors always welcome. Info: doloresmountainquilters.org or 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 Thursday
Montezuma County Republican Central Committee meets at noon at Shiloh's Steakhouse. Email Nicci Crowley at montezumagop@gmail.com or call 570-9372.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Every Wednesday
Bible studies at Chapel on the Farm, 6 p.m. 19927 Road 26.2 Loop, Dolores. 903-6153
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.