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.
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.
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.
The Four Corners Back Country Horsemen holds its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. at the La Plata County Fairgrounds in Durango. Guests are always encouraged to attend. To learn more, go to: www.4cbch.org or contact Cathy Roberts, chapter president, at 970-749-0316 or cathyroberts08@gmail.com.
“What Were All Those Things We Thought We Had To Believe?” will be the topic at 6:30 p.m. 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 held at St. Barnabas Church (corner of North and Elm). Questions required. No answers promised. Info: 565-7865.
Friday, Jan. 9
Food and Farm Forum Pre-Conference Workshop, 1–4:30 p.m. Seed Save the Rocky Mountains: Fundamentals of Regional Seed Production and explore how to re-engage with the ancient tradition of seed saving. Info and registration: www.foodfarmforum.org
Saturday, Jan. 10
The Western Colorado Food and Farm Forum, is back in Montrose for its third year. Info and registration at www.foodfarmforum.org.
The Montelores Early Childhood Council holds its next monthly luncheon meetin at 11:45 a.m., in the downstairs meeting Room 110, in the Johnson Building, 925 South Broadway, in Cortez. The public is invited to these meetings. Lunch will be provided so please RSVP to Vangi McCoy at 749-7017.
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.
“Midwinter Fun” is the January theme of Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., Cortez. Every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Older children are welcome to join us for a craft at 11:15 a.m. Info: 970-565-8117.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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 Monday
The Southwest Center for Independence Potluck Lunch Group meets the fourth Monday at noon, 2409 E. Empire St., Cortez. Call Matthew, 570-8001.
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.
Bible studies at Chapel on the Farm, 6 p.m. 19927 Road 26.2 Loop, Dolores. 903-6153
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.
Every Saturday
Santa will be at the Artisans of Mancos every Saturday until Christmas from 1 - 4 p.m.