Email announcements to news@the-journal.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.
Cortez
Monday, Jan. 11
The first MECC meeting of 2016, with lunch at 11:45 a.m. in Room 110 of the Johnson Building. RSVP by Friday, at vangim@monteloresecc.org.
The documentary “Best of Enemies,” about the series of debates in 1968 between the liberal Gore Vidal and the conservative William F. Buckley Jr. will show at 7 p.m. at the Sunflower Theatre, 8 E. Main St. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Admission is a suggested donation of $5. The film is part of a partnership between the Cortez Public Library and the Sunflower Theatre.
Wednesday, Jan. 13
Amazing Authors Tour with Pam Houston, author of “Cowboys Are My Weakness,” 6 p.m., Cortez Public Library.
Week 2 of Cortez Idol Auditions, at Blondies, 8 p.m. Details: 565-4015
Thursday, Jan. 14
The Montezuma Land Conservancy Book Club meets, 6 p.m. at Once Upon a Sandwich, 9 W. Main St. in Cortez. The book selection for this month is “One Man’s West – New Edition” by David Lavender.
“Do We Have a Moral Obligation to Provide Health Care for Everyone?” That’s the topic at the “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 6:30 p.m., St. Barnabas Church, 110 W. North St., Cortez. Questions required. No answers promised. Details: 565-7865.
Saturday, Jan. 16
Christian Women’s Celebrations hosts an encouragement party, noon at the Elks lodge. Includes room fee, program, meal, drink, dessert and tip. Presented by Terry McCloskey, quilter and speaker from Farmington. Music by Cindy Bennetts. RSVP at cwcfunevents@gmail.com or 970-560-1824. Complimentary tickets to first-timers.
A fundraiser for the Burch family, 5 p.m. at the Lewis Arriola Community Center. Steve Burch is recovering from a stroke. There will be a Navajo taco dinner, dessert auction, and silent auction.
Monday, Jan. 18
Square Dance Lessons at Kemper Elementary, 7:15–8:45 pm. Meet-and-greet at Kemper on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 6:30 p.m. Details: Judy Morris at 565-9836 or Vonnie Robinson at 749-9682.
Dolores River Anglers’ Chapter to Trout Unlimited’s monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the Main Street Brewery. Meet-and-greet at 6 p.m. It will be a “Gear Review Show and Tell,” with Cole Glenn, of the San Juan Angler. Bring your fly box to get tips.
Wednesday, Jan. 20
The Southwest Singers’ auditions for the spring season, 6-7:30 p.m. in the Blue Room of the Methodist Church in Cortez, 515 N. Park. Please bring a piece that demonstrates both range and musicianship. Questions: 562-4476.
Thursday, Jan. 21
For Pets’ Sake Humane Society holds a monthly board meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. Discussion will include the group’s finances, pet assistance programs, fundraising efforts and New Year’s resolutions. All are welcome. Details: 970-565-PETS/7387.
There will be a free Tenant’s Rights Clinic, noon-1 p.m. at the District Courthouse, 109 W. Main St. in Cortez. Details: 970-564-5029 from 10 a.m.–noon or 970-564-5073 from 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
SouthWest Colorado Concerts holds its annual Board of Directors meeting, at 6 p.m. in the conference room at the First United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park, Cortez. We will review activities of the last year, prepare for the Feb. 9 John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band concert and address current business items. All season ticket holders are welcome.
Friday, Jan. 22
Live music with State 38 at Blondie’s in Cortez, starting at 8 p.m. No cover, all ages welcome. State 39 plays a variety of party rock and funky blues.
Saturday, Jan. 23
Week 1 of Cortez Idol at Blondie’s in Cortez, 7 p.m. Cortez Idol is a singing competition. Details: 970-565-4015 or look up Cortez Idol on Facebook.
Friday, Jan. 29
Live music with Rob Webster at Blondie’s in Cortez, 8 p.m. Details: www.robwebstermusic.com.
Saturday, Jan. 30
Week 2 of Cortez Idol singing competition at Blondie’s in Cortez, 7 p.m. Details: 970-565-4015.
Through Jan. 29
Children’s Kiva Montessori School Open Enrollment, runs through Jan. 29. Contact 970-564-9377, susan.likes@kivacharter.org. Visit kivacharter.org for more.
Friday, Feb. 6
Week 3 of Cortez Idol singing competition, 7 p.m. at Blondie’s in Cortez. Details: 970-565-4015.
Monday, Feb. 8
Jordan World Circus, Montezuma County Fairgrounds, Cortez, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 9
SouthWest Colorado Concerts presents the John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band, 7 p.m. Montezuma-Cortez High School. The band plans a student mini-concert/masters class at M-CHS from 3:20-4:20 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 10
Amazing Authors Tour with John Christian Hopkins and David Feela, 6 p.m., Cortez Public Library. Hopkins is author of “Twilight of the Gods,” and Feela is author of “How Delicate These Arches.”
Friday, Feb. 12
Live country music from Albuquerque with Kyle Martin, 8 p.m. at Blondie’s. No cover. Ages 21-plus. Details: www.kylemartinmusic.com.
Saturday, Feb. 13
Week 4 of Cortez Idol singing competition, 7 p.m. at Blondies. Details: 970-565-4015.
Friday, Feb. 19
Live music with one-man band Rob Webster, 8 p.m. at Blondie’s. No cover charge. All ages welcome. Details: www.robwebstermusic.com.
Saturday, Feb. 20
Week 5 of Cortez Idol singing competition, 7 p.m. at Blondies. Details: 970-565-4015.
Friday, Feb. 26
Eighties costume and dance party with DJ P.A., 9 p.m. at Blondie’s. No cover charge. Door prizes, games, and more. Ages 21-plus. Details: 970-739-4944.
Saturday, Feb. 27
Finale of Cortez Idol singing competition, 7 p.m. at Blondie’s
Wednesday, March 9
Amazing Authors Tour with Steph Davis, author of “High Infatuation,” 6 p.m., Cortez Public Library.
Wednesday, April 6
Amazing Authors Tour with Luci Tapahonso, author of “Saanii Dahataal,” 6 p.m., Cortez Public Library.
Friday-Saturday, April 29-30
The Cortez Lions Club hosts the 6W District Convention, aymont Inn, 2321 E. Main Street, and Creative Genius Destination Grill and Conference Room. Details: Irene Aldaz, 970-565-3830.
Wednesday, May 18
Amazing Authors Tour with Kevin Fedarko, published in “The Best American Travel Writing,” 6 p.m., Cortez Public 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 computer and tech tutoring, 202 N. Park. Call 970-565-8117 or visit the library, for an appointment.
First Monday
Cortez Emblem Club No. 261 meets, 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, 7 p.m. at the Legion Hall, 320 N. Harrison St. Call 565-8151.
The Mesa Verde Back Country Horsemen meet, 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.
Second Tuesday
The Ute Mountain High School Rodeo Team meets, 6 p.m. in the outdoor arena at the fairgrounds. Details: Karen, 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, noon at Shiloh Steakhouse. Email Nicci Crowley at montezumagop@gmail.com or call 570-9372.
Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Support Group meets, 5-6:30 p.m. in the Kiva room at Southwest Memorial. Share ideas and exchange information. Free. Details: Laura White, 564-2276.
First Friday
Caregiver/Advocate support group for caregivers of any person with Alzheimer’s, dementia or chronic illness, noon at Vista Mesa Assisted Living, 1206 N. Mildred, Cortez. Lunch. Details: 259-0122.
The Disabled American Veterans’ monthly meeting, The Veterans Outreach Center, 7 W. First St., Cortez. Lunch at noon, meeting at 12:30 p.m. Details: 560-2793.
Second Tuesday
The Ute Mountain High School Rodeo Team meets, 6 p.m. in the outdoor arena at the fairgrounds. Details: Karen, 970-560-2657.
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. History buffs welcome.
The Southwest Art League meets, each month. Details and locations, 882-4770.
Second Wednesday
Montezuma County Hospital District monthly board of directors meets, 6-8 p.m. in the Kiva Room at Southwest Memorial hospital. Public is welcome. Details: 564-2146.
Second Thursday
The Southwest Woodworkers Guild meets, 7 p.m. at various locations. Beginners and experts welcome. Details: Tom, 882-7360.
Montezuma County Republican Women meet, noon at Shiloh Steakhouse at Veach and Main streets. All are welcome. Details: Rosemarie Beall, 564-1576.
Third Tuesday
The Compassionate Friends Four Corners Chapter, For Families following the Death of a Child meets, 7 p.m. at the Hospice Building, 1345 S. Broadway, Cortez. Use kitchen entrance. Call Cherie at 565-6480 or Debbie at 565-4732.
Third Wednesday
The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, noon at Shiloh Steakhouse. Call 565-3414.
Caregiver/advocate support group for caregivers of any person with Alzheimer’s, dementia or chronic illness at 6 p.m. at the Methodist Church, 515 North Park St. Cortez.
Third Saturday
Christian Motorcycle Association Cortez Chapter, 8 a.m. breakfast, 9 a.m. chapter meeting and 10 a.m. ride (weather permitting). At Jack & Janelle’s, 801 E. Main St. Details: Steve Reed, 970-565-7233. No motorcycle required.
Third Sunday
The Cortez Fire Protection District’s CPR and First-aid certification classes, 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. Register: 565-3157. Fourth Tuesday
4 Corners Republican Women’s Club meets, 11:30 a.m. at the Cortez Elks Lodge. Details: 565-2197.
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. Details: Jennie Nuriya 801-671-6275.
Last Wednesday
Bereavement Support Group, for anyone dealing with death, at 5:15 p.m. Hospice of Montezuma, 1345 S. Broadway, Cortez. Details: 565-4400.
Every Sunday
The Unitarian Universalists meet, 10:30 a.m. upstairs in the Cortez Cultural Center. The topic for Jan. 10 will be Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now. Details: 970-677-4189.
Every Monday
The Four Corners Community Band, 7-9 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Cortez at Market and North streets. New members welcome. Details: 882-2522 or fourcornerscommunityband.com.
Every Wednesday
Sitting in the quiet, meditation, contemplation, centering prayer, 12:15–12:45 p.m., St. Barnabas Church, 110 W. North St. Details: 565-7865.
St. Paul’s Joyful Noise Children’s Choir, meets 4-4:45 p.m. at Oak and Bauer. Traditional songs with piano, dulcimer, hand percussion, Orff instruments and some acting and dance. Free. All welcome, Ages K-5.
Every Thursday
Raising Readers Storytime, 10:30 a.m. at the Cortez Public Library, at 202 N. Park St., Cortez. Older children welcome to join for a craft at 11:15 a.m. Jaunary schedule: National Games Day, Jan. 7; Sharks, Jan. 14; Joe Hayes, Jan. 21; Charlie Brown, Jan. 28. Details: 970-565-8117.
Country music and dancing, 7-10 p.m. at the Cortez Senior Center.
Bingo at the Cortez Elks Club, with progressive pot, split pot and regular pot winners. Doors open 5:30 with food and beverages; first game at 7 p.m. Big-screen giveaway Dec. 17, with a free ticket given each week to all paying bingo players over the age of 18
Every Friday
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. Details and location: Sunny, 565-4400.
Every Saturday
Restoration Bible Study Series, about the Hebrew roots and insights into the Gospel, at 10 a.m., ECBY, Tree of Life In’Jesus, 1509 Colorado 145, Cortez. Praise and worship, lecture, and workbook discussion. Cost: $32, including book and workbook. Details: 970-562-6311 and www.byeshua.org.
Dolores
Thursday, Jan. 14
Dolores Public Library Winter Tales presents ‘Everest -Back in the Day, 1984,’ 6:30 p.m. Carolyn Gunn, of Dolores, will present a slide show of the successful 1984 China-Everest expedition to Mt. Everest including a pictorial trip through China and Tibet to the East Rongbuk Glacier of Mt. Everest. Details: 882-4127.
Friday, Jan. 15
Dolores River Boating Advocates’s Permit Party and Film Premiere, 6-10 p.m. at the Dolores Community Center. See the film about the Dolores River “The River of Sorrow,” with music by Last Nickel and a silent auction for a trip on the Yampa River. River permit info and applications, food and beverages available. Details: Lee-Ann at 970-560-5486 or info@doloresriverboating.org.
Tuesday, Jan. 26
The Dolores Rotary Club’s bingo night, at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave. A light supper, for a $5 donation, at 6:30 p.m., followed by bingo at 7 p.m. Benefits Dolores Secondary PTO. Details: Chris Trusler at 970-570-9425.
Friday, Feb. 5
Ride the Durango and Silverton train, on 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and support the Galloping Goose Historical Society. A $125 ticket includes five-hour train ride, food and drinks. Details: 970-882-7082 or email gghs5@centurytel.net for more information.
Tuesday, Feb. 23
The Dolores Rotary Club’s bingo night, at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave. A light supper, for a $5 donation, at 6:30 p.m., followed by bingo at 7 p.m. Benefits Disabled American Veterans. Details: Chris Trusler, 970-570-9425.
Tuesday, March 9
The Dolores Rotary Club’s bingo night, at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave. A light supper, for a $5 donation, at 6:30 p.m., followed by bingo at 7 p.m. Benefits Dolores Greater Action. Details: Chris Trusler, 970-570-9425.
First Tuesday
Dolores Mountain Quilters meeting, 10 a.m. at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave. The program for Jan. 5 will be a demonstration by Elaine Brown: Large print “stack and whack.” Bring a large print piece of material with 4 repeats and straight pins. Guests and visitors welcome. Info: doloresmountainquilters.org or 719-850-0923.
Third Thursday
Dolores secondary PTO meets, 3:45 p.m. in Mr. Thurston’s office. Email Heather Alvarez at halvarez0722@gmail.com or call Tif at 903-8752.
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 Tuesday
Civil Air Patrol Mesa Verde Cadet Squadron meets, 6:30–8:30 p.m. at K9 Search & Rescue in Dolores. Details: Maj. Debrah Archer, 970-759-5669.
Every Wednesday
Bible studies at Chapel on the Farm, 6 p.m. 19927 Road 26.2 Loop, Dolores. Details: 903-6153.
Mancos
Friday, Jan. 15
The Mancos Valley Distillery hosts Micah Wyatt, with music starting at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. Cover charge is $3.
Saturday, Jan. 23
The Mancos Valley Distillery hosts The Crags, with music starting at 7 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. Cover charge is $3.
Thursday, Jan. 28
Free screening of “In Football We Trust,” a documentary that transports viewers deep inside the tightly-knit and complex Polynesian community in Salt Lake City, 6 p.m. at the Mancos Public Library. Details: www.mancoslibrary.org.
Friday, Jan. 29
Science Friday for elementary age students, 9:45 a.m. to noon. This month is a special field trip to the Powerhouse Science Center in Durango. Pre-registration is required. Contact Amy Skinner, 533-7600, or Heather Mestas, 759-1827 for more information and to register your child.
First Thursday
The Montezuma County VFW Post 5231 and Auxiliary meets, 7 p.m. at the Post home in Mancos. Will open at 5:30 for a neet-and-greet, entertainment and food provided.
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 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 Tuesday
The Mancos Water Conservancy District board meets, 7 p.m. at the district’s office, 42599 Road N, Mancos. Info: Gary Kennedy, 533-7325.
Second Thursday
A free legal self-help clinic, for Montezuma County parties without an attorney are 2-3:30 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. Details: 970-564-5029 from 8 a.m.–12 p.m. and 970-564-5073 from 1–5 p.m.
Third Monday
The Mancos School District Re-6 Board of Education meets, 7 p.m., 395 W. Grand Ave., Room 503, Mancos. Work session at 6 p.m.; special meetings as needed.
Third Wednesday
Play video games at the Mancos Public Library, until 5 p.m.
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.
Fourth Thursday
Monthly Civil Air Patrol Senior Squadron, monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., First Baptist Church of Mancos, 150 N. Walnut St. Call 970-759-7012.
Last Thursday
The Mancos Public Library Board of Trustees meets, 5 p.m. in the library meeting room, 211 W. First St. Info: 533-7600.
The Mancos Historical Society meets, at the Mancos Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 470 W. Grand Ave., new time of 5 p.m.
Every Tuesday
Knit or crochet at the Mancos Public Library, 6-7 p.m. Teens and adults are welcome. Free. Limited supplies of knitting materials, so bring your own if possible. Sign up at mancoslibrary.org or call 970-533-7600 ext. 206 or email kgraf@mancoslibrary.org.
Kids Storytime at the Mancos Public Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. A bilingual, seasonal story time for ages birth through 6 years old.
Every Wednesday
Yoga Flow with Lily, 9:30-11 a.m. at the Grange. Call 847-819-2039.
A free class for Spanish speakers, 10-11-30 a.m. at the Mancos Public Library. Work to improve your English skills.
“Joyful Noise” Children’s Choir starting in Mancos, 4 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church, corner of Bauer and Oak. For grades K-6, Homeschoolers welcome.
Game Daze, 3:45-5 p.m., Mancos Public Library. For kids 8–12; opportunities to play technologically innovative computer-generated games.
Durango
Tuesday, Jan. 12
Mercy Regional Medical Center hosts a free presentation by spine surgeon Douglas Orndorff, M.D., for “Neck Pain Explained,” 6 p.m. at the Durango Public Library. Orndorff will explain degenerative changes on the upper spine as well as treatments. RSVP to mercydurango.org/neck-pain or by calling 970-764-3914.
Wednesday, Jan. 13
Green Business Roundtable, 12 p.m., Henry Strater Theater. Should local farmers get certified as organic? Farmer Linley Dixon will delve into the pros and cons for local farmers and consumers. Register or RSVP to info@sanjuancitizens.org by 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 11. Cost is $15, $18 for walk-ins.
Thursday, Jan. 14
The Four Corners Back Country Horsemen hold their monthly meeting, 7 p.m. at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Non-members are welcome. Mike Jensen, BLM Range Manager for the Spring Creek Herd Management Area, will discuss plans for the continued well-being of wild horses. Details: www.4cbch.org or contact Cathy Roberts, chapter president, at 970-749-0316 or cathyroberts08@gmail.com.
Friday, Jan. 15
The Open Shutter Gallery, 735 Main Ave. in Durango, will present “Variations,” an exhibit of portraits by internationally renowned Guatemalan photographer Luis Gonzalez Palma. Gonzalez Palma uses many alternative processes to achieve his work’s stunning effects. The show runs Jan. 15 through March 2. Details: 970-382-81355 or www.openshuttergallery.com.
Sunday, jan. 17
Underground hip hop, with Copywrite, Coolzey, DJ Teknique, and more at Moe’s in Durango 937 Main Ave. Details: 970-739-4944.
Friday, Jan. 29
Album release party with Diabolical Sound Platoon, 9 p.m. at Balcony Backstage in Durango. Special guests Pants Party!
Friday, Feb. 5
Ride the Durango and Silverton train, on 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and support the Galloping Goose Historical Society. A $125 ticket includes five-hour train ride, food and drinks. Details: 970-882-7082 or email gghs5@centurytel.net for more information.