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, July 3
Simone Sanchez & The Machine perform at Blondies in Cortez at 8 p.m. Cover: $5 at the door. Details: 565-4015
Saturday, July 4
For Pets’ Sake Humane Society seeks help for their Pennies For Pets fundraiser, Saturday morning at the Cortez Farmers Market in the Montezuma County Courthouse parking lot, 109 W. Main St. Donate to For Pets’ Sake at the Market’s Community Booth to help cats and dogs of Montezuma and Dolores counties. Info: (970) 565-PETS-7387.
Free Small Claims Clinic at 3:30 p.m. at the Justice Building, 601 N. Mildred Road in Cortez. Details: 970-564-5029 from 8 a.m. to noon and 970-564-5073 from 1-4 p.m.
The sixth annual Cortez Burst Triathlon at City Park has events for all ages and abilities. Benefits Friends of Recreation for a Healthy Community, which provides scholarships to the Cortez Rec Center. Details: Sensa Wolcott at (970) 903-9882, corteztri@gmail.com or www.corteztri.com.
Rico hosts a Fourth of July celebration. The parade (entry is free) starts at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Community Church next to the Courthouse. Free fireworks Saturday night and an old-timers picnic on Sunday at noon. Details: Jenny at 970-903-3841.
The Sunflower Theatre presents “The Harmonicowboy” Gary Allegretto for performance at 4:30 p.m. and a workshop at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the concert; $20 for the workshop; and $30 for both. Details: www.sunflowertheatre.org.
Fireworks after party with Cinematica, Dj Kiosk, and more. Blondies in Cortez 9 p.m. Free 21 years and up.
Tuesday, July 7
The Hisatsinom Chapter of the Colorado Archaeology Society presents James Davenport at 7 p.m. at the Methodist Church, 515 Park St., Cortez, to discuss “’Literal Providers of Food and Drink’: The Inka Empire, Feasts, and Ritual Control.” Davenport will explore the extent of this ritual control through analysis of ceramics recovered from Pachacamac, a ritual center conquered by the Inka on the Peruvian coast. Details: Kari Schleher at 505-269-4475.
Lynne Howarth of Medicine Horse Center speaks at the Mesa Verde Back Country Horsemen meeting at the Elks Lodge, 2100 N. Dolores Road in Cortez. Dinner at 6:15 p.m.; presentation at 7 p.m. Details: www.mesaverdehorsemen.com.
MSPERA members and new PERA retirees are invited to a summer picnic at Denny Lake, 11 a.m. on July 7. Bring chairs and a dish to share. More details coming. Call to confirm 970-565-1937 or 970-565-7964.
The Cortez Evening Market takes place at City Park (next to the Welcome Center on Main Street), at 4-7 p.m. Stop by for local produce, handmade goods and live music!
Wednesday, July 8
Free wildflower walk “Wildflowers of Hermosa Fens & Wetlands,” west side of Bolam Pass. Details and reservations: Bob Powell at 970-385-8949 or Al Schneider at 970-882-4647. Sponsored by he San Juan/Four Corners Native Plant Society: http://www.swcoloradowildflowers.com.
Indiana Bones caps off the Cortez Public Library’s Summer Reading Program Family Entertainment Series with his “Indiana Bones – Heroes Past, Present and Future show, at 5 p.m. Travel through time with storyteller Indiana Bones as he unveils fossils and artifacts. The library is at 202 N. Park St., Cortez. Details: 970-565-8117.
Thursday, July 9
Mancos Public Library hosts Anna Taft’s slideshow “Intercultural Adventures in Ecuador and Mali,” in the “Life Is an Adventure” series. Mancos resident Taft is the founder and executive director of The Tandana Foundation. Details: mancoslibrary.org or 970-533-7600.
The Four Corners Back Country Horsemen holds its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Guests welcome. This month’s presentation takes place at the pavilion at 7:30 p.m. with a saddle fitting demonstration by Kristi Sweney. Details: www.4cbch.org, 970-749-0316 or cathyroberts08@gmail.com.
Thursday-Friday, July 9-10
Free Native American Entrepreneurial Empowerment Workshop in the Buffalo Conference Room at the Ute Mountain Casino Resort, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Materials, refreshments and lunch provided. Register at: http://conta.cc/1JJLtRN, or contact Tawnie Knight with the Ute Mountain Ute Economic Business Development Division: 970-565-0155; tawnieknight@utemountain.org, or Linda Turnbull Lewis: 918-458-9322; ltlewis@nativesmallbusiness.org
Friday, July 10
Dave Mensch performs at Blondies in Cortez at 8 p.m. to midnight. No Cover. All ages welcome.
The Southwest Art League exhibits the work of local artists at the Cortez Cultural Center. An opening reception will be held July 10 from 5 to 6 p.m.
Saturday, July 11
Comedian Josh Blue returns to Parque de Vida. Gates open at 5 p.m. The Carl Johnson Trio will perform, followed by comedienne Stephanie McHugh. Proceeds benefit Special Olympics Colorado and Community Connections. Tickets at Rocky Mountain One Stop or by calling (970) 565-9249. $20 in advance, $25 on that Saturday. Rain backup will be inside the Rec Center.
Painted Turtle Studio hosts an estate sale and fundraising event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at our Mancos location on 200 W. Grand Call for more details, 970-533-7136 or to find out about our summer classes and Kids Art Camp Scholarships.
The Montezuma County League of Women Voters hosts Brad Finch, regional coordinator of the Three Rivers Education Foundation, which aims to improve literacy and reading skills in primary school students. Its programs are available in the Dolores, Cortez and Silverton School Districts. Hear about the programs and Little Libraries at 9 a.m. on July 11, 2015 at the Ponderosa Restaurant in Dolores.
DJ Imperfect spins dance music from all genres at Blondies, 45 E. Main Cortez, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Local puppeteer and storyteller Don Kirk performs at 2 p.m. at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. Free. All invited. Details: 970-565-8117.
Sunday, July 12
A procession from St. Margaret Mary’s Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. will present the newly hand-painted banner picture from Italy and begin the celebration in honor of the First Native American Saint, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, who was canonized in Rome in 2012.
Lighthouse Baptist Church, 11502 Colorado 145, Cortez, invites children in kindergarten through fifth grade to Vacation Bible School, July 12-16, 6–8:30 p.m. Games, lessons, snacks and more. Van pickups available. Call 970-565-9302 to sign up for pickup.
Monday, July 13
The Montelores Early Childhood Council holds its monthly luncheon meeting at 11:45 a.m., in downstairs meeting room 110, in the Johnson Building, 925 South Broadway, in Cortez. The public is invited. Lunch will be provided, so please RSVP to Vangi McCoy at 970-749-7017.
Journey Off the Map Vacation Bible School, Dolores Southern Baptist Church, 21st Street and Colorado 145, 9 a.m. to noon. Details: 970-570-9301 or 882-7208.
Tuesday, July 14
The Mesa Verde Gardeners host a Design Class in advance of the Montezuma County Fair and Horticultural Show at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 14 at 29204 Road M. Participants will receive instruction on floral arrangements and how to prepare for the show on July 29 to Aug. 1. Reservations needed by July 13. Reservations: Dayna at 570-9048.
THURSDAY, JULY 16
“Thou Shalt Not Kill except..?” will be the topic at 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. Meet at St. Barnabas Church, at 6:30 p.m.. Questions required. No answers promised. Details: 565-7865.
For Pets’ Sake Humane Society holds its monthly board meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. Discussion will include the group’s finances, pet assistance programs, upcoming Summer Wine Fest and other fundraising efforts. All are welcome. Details: 970-565-PETS/7387.
Koch Brothers Exposed 2014: The Montezuma County Democrats invite everyone to the Brave New Films expose of the Koch brothers plan to buy our democracy. Mancos Public Library, 211 E. First St., Mancos, starting at 7 p.m. Info: 970-739-9989
Montezuma County Democratic Party meets at the Mancos library from 6:30-9 p.m., with a showing of the film “Koch Brothers Exposed.” Learn about what’s going on with elections. All are welcome. Details: Ric Plese, 970-739-4365
Friday, July 17
The Champion for Children Event, 5-7 p.m. at the Cliffrose Garden Center, honors a local champion and supports the Four Corners Child Advocacy Center. Appetizers, beverages, and music in the garden. Free, but donations are accepted. Details: Rose Jergens at 565-8155 or rose@nestcac.org.
Rob Webster performs at Blondies in Cortez, 8 p.m. to midnight. Details: www.robwebstermusic.com
Friday-Saturday, July 17-18
Second annual Four Corners Football Camp, 8-11 a.m. at Dolores High School. Cost: $30 per player, including camp T-shirt. Registration forms are available at the Dolores School District Office and at the Cortez Rec Center. Register by July 13.
Saturday, July 18
Toga Party at Blondies in Cortez, with music by Vanessa Perry, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Prizes for best togas.
Thursday, July 23
“NAGPRA+25: Where Do We Stand? Where Are We Going?” by Kathleen Fine-Dare at 7 p.m. at the Sunflower Theatre, 8 E. Main, Cortez. Part of the Four Corners Lecture Series and sponsored by the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center and the Mesa Verde Foundation.
Friday, July 24
Reverend Catfish performs blues, rock, country, and more at Blondies in Cortez, 8 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, July 24-25
Book Sale and Yard Sale to benefit Mancos Public Library during the Mancos Days weekend. Book sale on Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donated books will be accepted at the library Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 am to 3 p.m. The Yard Sale is Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donations accepted July 23 and July 24.
Friday-Sunday, July 24-26
The 56th annual Mancos Days event will be held at Boyle Park and Grand Ave. Family Fun with games, live music and food vendors. This year a classic car show will be held on Grand Ave after the parade. For a schedule of events go to www.mancoscolorado.com.
Monday, July 27
Habitat For Humanity of Montezuma County holds a free public information session for low-income families/households interested in becoming homeowners, 6 p.m. at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 110 W. North St., Cortez. Free childcare available. Details: 970-565-8312 for more information or email office@habitatmontezuma.org
Wednesday, July 29
The sixth annual Women’s Small Business Conference is 7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. at Fort Lewis College’s student union building, 1000 Rim Drive, Durango Female entrepreneurs are invited to attend this conference to receive hands-on business training seminars, free one-on-one consulting, exhibitor tables with regional resources, breakout sessions, and plenty of networking opportunities. Cost: $50. Details: coloradosbdc.org/events/6th-annual-colorado-sbdc-womens-small-business-conference.
Thursday, July 30
Mancos Public Library offers a plein air painting demonstration with Mancos artist Deb Doty at 6:30 p.m. Free. Several paintings are being featured in July on the library’s Art Wall through Aug. 4. Details: mancoslibrary.org or 970-533-7600.
Free Small Claims Clinic at 3:30 p.m. at the Justice Building, at 601 N. Mildred Road, in Cortez. Details: 970-564-5029 from 8-noon and 970-564-5073 from 1-4 p.m.
Through July
Artists of the Southwest Art League exhibit at the Cortez Cultural Center. Reception to be announced.
Southwest Art league member Judi McDonald is a featured artist at the Cortez Cultural Center.
Become a volleyball official and make some extra money while supporting student athletes. Experience not necessary; knowledge of the game is very helpful. Call Kami Oliver, (970) 562-4506.
August
Southwest Art league member Jay Whitewolf exhibits at the Cortez Cultural Center.
Monday, Aug. 3
Free Alive @ 25 class on Aug. 3 at Mancos High School for students who will be 15½ years old by Aug. 3. Once registration opens, register your student online at: https://aliveat25.us/co/course-info?course_id=9293.
Saturday, Aug. 8
39th Annual Escalante Days at Flanders Park in Dolores. Details: www.doloreschamber.com.
The 17th annual Escalante Days Mountain Bike Race in Dolores. Register at Active.com, or visit the Dolores Rotary page at www.clubrunner.ca/dolores.
Wednesday, Aug. 15
First annual Mancos Brew Fest, noon to 8 p.m., Cottonwood Park.
November
Southwest Art League member Saralynn Risenhoover is a featured artist at the Cortez Recreation Center and lynn Risenhoover is a featured artist at the Cortez Library.
Monday-Friday
Free nondenominational silent meditation in the Johnson Building at 7 p.m., at 925 Broadway, No. 184. Call (970) 560-2822.
Mondays And Fridays
Cortez Public Library offers one-on-one computer and tech tutoring. Call 970-565-8117 or visit the library, 202 N. Park, to schedule an appointment.
Saturdays
The Cortez Farmers Market runs 7:30 a.m. until sellout through October in the County Courthouse parking lot at the of Main and Elm streets. Fruits and vegetables, baked goods, food and beverages, plants, crafts, story time and live music – all produced in Montezuma and Dolores counties.
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 every month at the Cortez Elks Lodge. More info: 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.
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 to manage diabetes; share ideas. 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 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. 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
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.
The Southwest Art League meets the second Tuesday of every month. For information and summer locations, call 970-882-4770.
Second Wednesday
Montezuma County Hospital District monthly board of directors meeting in the Kiva Room at Southwest Memorial hospital from 6 to 8 p.m. The public is welcome. Information: 564-2146.
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 or donate, 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 Steakhouse at Veach and Main streets. All are welcome. Info: Rosemarie Beall at 564-1576.
A free legal self-help clinic for Montezuma County parties without an attorney are 2-4 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 Friday
Teen Nights at the Mancos Public Library, every third Friday from 7–10 p.m. during the school year. Games on Wii, PS4, Xbox One and snacks too.
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. 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 St. Cortez. Discuss options with other caregivers.
Third Thursday
Adult Computer Classes, 1:30-3 p.m. at Mancos Public Library Community Meeting Room 211, W. First St., Mancos. Call 970-533-7600 to enroll. No charge.
Third Sunday
The Cortez Fire Protection District holds CPR and First-Aid certification classes at 9 a.m., Station 1, 30 N. Ash St., Cortez. Courses are six to eight hours and include CPR/AED, CPR/AED and First-Aid, Healthcare Provider CPR. Minimum class size is four students. Call 970-565-3157 to register.
Fourth Monday
The Southwest Center for Independence Potluck Lunch Group meets 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.
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.
FOURTH SUNDAY
KIRTAN in Cortez (Bhakti Yoga practice) 6-8 p.m., at Heart and Core Yoga Studio, 30 W. Main, Cortez. All are welcome. $10 donation suggested. Info: Jennie Nuriya 801-671-6275.
Last Wednesday
Bereavement Support Group for anyone dealing with a sudden, accidental, suicidal or traumatic death event at 5:15 p.m. Hospice of Montezuma, 1345 S. Broadway, Cortez. Info: 565-4400.
Last Thursday
The Mancos Public Library Board of Trustees meets at 5 p.m. in the library meeting room, 211 W. First St. Info: 533-7600.
Every Monday
The Four Corners Community Band meets 7-9 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Cortez at the corner of Market and North Street. New members welcome. Call Fawn at 882-2522 or visit www.fourcornerscommunityband.com.
Every Tuesday
Free medical care, Tuesday 1 – 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.
Life Drawing, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Cortez Cultural Center 25 N. Market St. Bring your own drawing materials. Easels and models provided. Ages 18 and older. No instructor; $5 fee. Info: 970-565-1151, ext. 10 and cortezculturalcenter.org.
Every Wednesday
GOAL Academy/Rocky Mountain Digital Academy, a free, accredited online high school, is enrolling for upcoming school year (now through Sept. 10th) and informational sessions every Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at its new location at 215 N. Linden St. Suite D. Details: 970-213-0923 or www.goalac.org.
Every Thursday
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 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.
Elks Bingo. New hours, beginning at 7 p.m. Come eat, play and visit.
“Superheroes Continued ...” is the July theme of the Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., at 10:30 a.m. Older children are welcome at 11:15 a.m. for a craft. The library offers a Storytime at the Cortez Farmers Market on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m., weather permitting. Details: 970-565-8117.