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.
September
Call for artists and vendors for Mancos Valley Balloon & Artfest, which runs Sept. 26-27. Details: 970-533-7434 or www.chamber@mancosvalley.com.
The Unlimited Learning Center is enrolling students through September to earn a GED, 9 a.m. -4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 640 E. Second St., Cortez. Details: 970-565-1601.
Tuesday, Sept. 22
The Hisatsinom Chapter of the Colorado Archaeology Society presents David Lee on Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Sunflower Theatre, 8 E. Main St., Cortez, to discuss “Closer than we Know: Comparing the Rock Art of Australia and Western North America.” Details: Kari Schleher, 505-269-4475.
Community Open Forum for MCHD Hospital Building Project, Elks Lodge, 2100 N Dolores Road, in Cortez, 6-8 p.m. Details: Email contact@swhealth.org or call 970-564-2040.
Wednesday, Sept. 23
PEAK Parent Center will be at Cortez High School on Sept. 23 from noon to 2:30 p.m. to present a workshop on “The Road to a Good Life: and how to get what you need for parents and young people with disabilities ages 14-26. Free. Sign up at www.peakparent.org/events/road-good-life-how-get-what-youneed or call 719-531-9400 or 800-284-0251. Register before Sept. 16.
Thursday, Sept. 24
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, Fall Yard Sale, vaccination clinic and other fundraisers. All are welcome to attend. Details: (970) 565-PETS/7387.
“Religious Liberty” is 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. Questions required. No answers promised. Details: 565-7865.
Acoustic Old Timey Open Jam Session at the Mt. Lookout Grange in Mancos, at 6 p.m. Jam session open to listeners and players. Free, but donations are appreciated.
Friday, Sept. 25
Mancos Valley Distillery presents The Porchlights. Doors open at 5 p.m.; music starts at 8 p.m. The Porchlights have released five CDs, and the sixth is currently in production. Check them out at: http://porchlights.20m.com/index.html. “Tastes Like Friday” cocktail specials will be served.
“Courage To Be You,” the seventh annual celebration of women, at the Shiprock Youth Complex, 8:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. Free on-site registration and lunch for registered participants. Details: 505-215-0814
Friday-Saturday, SEPT. 25-26
For Pets’ Sake Humane Society’s Fall Yard Sale fundraiser, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cortez Plaza Shopping Center, 2200 block of E. Main St. Donations accepted at the building, Sept. 24, 3–6 p.m. Call for early drop-offs and large item pick-ups: (970) 565-PETS/7387.
Friday-Sunday, Sept. 25-27
Mancos Valley Balloon Festival & Street Fair, downtown Mancos, Colo. Balloon rides, live music, carriage rides, our “Pilots & Heroes” BBQ dinner, and more. Proceeds benefit: Operation Second Chance and Medicine Horse Center. To schedule a balloon ride, contact Bobbi at 970-560-0203 or bobbib203@gmail.com. Vendor spaces available. Details: Marie, 970-533-7434 or chamber@mancosvalley.com
Saturday, Sept. 26
National Public Lands Day, held this year at Phil’s World, hosts a “Trasher Hunt.” Adults, motorized/non-motorized and youth volunteers are encouraged to sign up. Lunch, T-shirt, trash bags, buckets and any tools will be provided. Wear long pants, sturdy shoes, eye protection such as sunglasses and gloves. Register by Sept. 24. Details: Kathe Hayes, kathe@sjma.org or 385-1310.
Montelores Baptist Church Chili Fest and Cook-off, 5-7:30 p.m., 18375 CR 23.5 off Colo. 184. Concert by the Gospel cowboy band Mountain Saddle Band. Donations accepted for concert and dinner. Prizes be awarded for chili; no entry fee. Information and registration: Pastor Paul at 970-882-2418 or monteloresbc@hotmail.com.
Lighthouse Christian Academy hosts 2015 LCA Market, including new and used items and fresh foods, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. at 11502 Colo. 145, Cortez. Vendor spaces: $20. Details: Ruth at 970-570-9332.
Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance presents a lecture by Dr. Steve Lekson at 7 p.m., at the Sunflower Theatre in Cortez. Lekson will discuss Chaco, Cahokia, and Postclassic North America. The lecture is free and part of the Four Corners Lecture Series.
Tuesday, Sept. 29
Community Open Forum for MCHD Hospital Building Project, 6-8 p.m., Mancos Public Library, 211 First St. Details: Email contact@swhealth.org or call 970-564-2040.
Sunday, Oct. 4
SouthWest Colorado Concerts presents its first concert of the season – The San Juan Symphony with a guest conductor and an international cello soloist, at the new M-CHS auditorium. Season tickets are on sale at 2 p.m. Details: Joyce Stevenson, 565-4757 or Lindsay Havran, 565-7676.
Tuesday, Oct. 6
Community Open Forum for MCHD Hospital Building Project, 6-8 p.m., Dolores Community Room, 400 Riverside Drive. Details: Email contact@swhealth.org or call 970-564-2040.
Thursday, Oct. 8
Tryouts for solos in the annual Messiah Sing-In are from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 512 North Park, Cortez. The Sing-In will be performed on Sunday, Dec. 6. Details: 970-564-9458.
Saturday, Oct. 10
Christian Women’s Celebrations Event, “An Autumn Surprise,” at noon at the Baymont Inn, at Main and Hawkins streets. Gourmet picnic lunch catered by Seas’nings, $15/person, including room fee, program, meal, drink, dessert and tip. Music by Southwest Singers. Speaker Lorraine Wickstrom. Free admission for first-timers and teachers. Details: cwcfunevents@gmail.com or 560-1824.
Sunday, Oct. 11
Ride of the Ancients, Parque de Vida, 400 N. Mildred, Cortez. Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance (SCCA) and Southwest Memorial Foundation (SWMF) launch the first area century ride. Individuals and teams of up to 4 riders may enter. Register at www.rideoftheanicents.com. Proceeds benefit SCCA’s mission Montelores Cancer Care Fund. Volunteers needed. Contact Diane McBride at diane.mcbride@swcocanyons.org or 970-560-1643.
Tuesday, Oct. 13
Community Open Forum for MCHD Hospital Building Project, 6-8 p.m., Elks Lodge, 2100 N Dolores Road, in Cortez. Details: Email contact@swhealth.org or call 970-564-2040.
Wednesday, Oct. 14
Do you like to read, crochet, or visit? Consider becoming a volunteer. Hospice of Montezuma is hosting a Volunteer Orientation from 6-7:30 p.m.and Specialized Training on Oct. 17 from 9 a.m.-noon. Light meals will be served. Details: 970-565-4400.
Thursday, Oct. 15
Love on a Hanger’s 5th Annual Pretty in Pink Fashion Show, at Four Seasons Greenhouse. Show starts at 7 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Women’s Cancer Coalition. General Admission $15; VIP Seating $30. Tickets available at Love on a Hanger or at bitly.com/LoveHanger. Details: 970-565-9075.
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.
Dolores Mountain Quilters meets 10 a.m. at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave. The program for Aug. 4 will be information to increase your knowledge of various “fancy” feet for your sewing machines. Guests and visitors welcome. Info: doloresmountainquilters.org or Sine Skags at 719-850-0923.
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 and Third Tuesday
Children Wanted! St. Paul’s Joyful Noise Children’s Choir meets 4 to -4:45 p.m. at Oak and Bauer. Learn traditional, upbeat songs children usually learn in Sunday school with piano, dulcimer, hand percussion, a few Orff instruments and some acting and dance moves. Free. All welcome, Ages K-5.
Second Tuesday
The Ute Mountain High School Rodeo Team meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the outdoor arena at the fairgrounds. Contact Karen for information at 970-560-2657.
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
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 Saturday
Teen Movie Nights at the Mancos Public Library, 7–10 p.m. in the Mancos Public Library Community Meeting Room. View a movie on the library’s big screen. Details and schedule: 533-7600. Snacks provided!
Second Tuesday
The Ute Mountain High School Rodeo Team meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the outdoor arena at the fairgrounds. Contact Karen for information at 970-560-2657.
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 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 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 Wednesday
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
The High Desert Conservation District offers a 9-week course on sustainable and profitable farming, 6-8:30 p.m., Sept. 9 through Nov. 4, at the First National Bank of Cortez. Details: www.dolorescd.org or Judy at 970-565-9045 x118. Space is limited so register soon.
Every Thursday
“Still Learning” is the September theme of the Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., Cortez. Story at 10:30 a.m. Older children are welcome to join in for a craft at 11:15 a.m. Details: 970-565-8117.
Country music and dancing for residents at the Cortez Senior Center, 7–10 p.m.
Elks Bingo. New hours, beginning at 7 p.m. Come eat, play and visit.
Every Friday
Little Legs Adventures, for toddlers and preschoolers, at Denny Lake in Cortez at 10-11 a.m. on July 24, 31 and Aug. 7. Kids will learn about local critters, explore the natural world, read related books and have fun with friends. Pre-registration is encouraged. Details: Email gabi@sjma.org or call 759-1170.
TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) meets at 11:30 a.m. in the Community Room at the Cortez Public Library. Details: 970-882-4369.
“Bereavement & Caregiver Support Group, 1 p.m. Hospice of Montezuma. Call Sunny for information and location. 565-4400.