The Cortez Journal encourages people to submit announcements about upcoming events for the Community Calendar. Send announcements to news@cortezjournal.com. Items submitted at least two weeks in advance will have a better chance of getting published; items submitted several days before the event might not get published. For more information, call the Journal at 565-8527.
Mesa Verde Gardeners will hold annual plant, bake sale
Mesa Verde Gardeners will hold their annual Plant-Bake Sale from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 21, at the Front Row Seat parking lot on Main Street east of City Market. No early sales.
For more information, call Marianne at 565-9158 or Dayna at 565-2598.
Partners will hold office furniture parking lot sale fundraiser
Montezuma County Partners will hold a fundraiser parking lot sale of office furniture from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 21, at Partners, 1011 N. Mildred.
All purchases will be considered a donation to the nonprofit Partners for aiding programming costs this coming year. Buyers will receive a donation receipt upon purchase. Office desks, shelves, chairs, as well as other miscellaneous items will be sold.
For more information, call 565-4926.
Family-friendly community dance will benefit Relay for Life team
The Bald is Beautiful team from the 2011 Montezuma County Relay for Life will sponsor a Family Night Out Community Dance and Silent Auction from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at the Lewis Fire Station, located at County Road N and U.S. Highway 491.
The event will include music by guest DJ Mike Vrtatko. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, as well as luminarias to be displayed at the Relay for Life in July. Local emergency response vehicles will be on display for kids of all ages to view and learn about. All proceeds from this event benefit the American Cancer Society. There is no need to find a babysitter this is an alcohol and tobacco free event, and is for all ages. Ticket prices are $10 per person, or $15 per couple, and a family of four or more is $25. Kids 10 and under get in free. Bring your family and wear your dancing shoes, and prepare for a good time while also helping support the American Cancer Society.
To reserve tickets in advance, contact Cassie at 799-1877 or Bethany at 739-9290.
Clean-up day will benefit
Goodman Point Cemetery
A clean-up day at Goodman Point Community Cemetery will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 21. To reach Goodman Point Cemetery from Cortez, travel five miles north on U.S. Highway 491; at County Road P, turn left and proceed four miles west to the cemetery.
There will also be a meeting to decide on new caretakers for the property.
Plan to devote an hour or so to sprucing up the property, such as clearing out tumbleweeds. Bring your lawn mower, gardening gloves, and other gardening tools such as clippers or trimmers.
For more information, contact Wilma at 882-7348.
Childrens Kiva will hold yard sale to benefit tuition assistance fund
The Childrens Kiva, a nonprofit preschool in Cortez, will have a yard and bake sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 21. The Childrens Kiva is located at 1204 E. Empire.
There will be lots of baby and kids gear, along with items for the whole family. The Kiva is accepting donations of items for this sale. All proceeds go into the tuition assistance fund, which helps families pay for their children to attend the school.
For more information, contact the Childrens Kiva at 565-8586.
Riding club hosts riding, food, fun at Armed Forces Benefit
The Four Corners Riding Club will host the eighth annual Armed Forces Benefit on Saturday, May 21, with the first of several events beginning at 10 a.m. with a Poker Run starting at Blondies Pub & Grub (last card out at noon), and ending at Parque de Vida (last card in by 1 p.m.).
The cost is $20 per hand, and $5 for one extra card (per hand). The rest of the days events take place at the shelters and in the parking area of Parque de Vida on North Mildred Road in Cortez.
The club will sell Frito pies, chili dogs, hot dogs, and chili beginning at noon. Beer, mixed drinks, soda, and iced tea will be served. Blue Star Moms will have baked goods and military-related items for sale.
Music and a live auction will begin at 2 p.m., as well as the biker rodeo, and door prizes awarded throughout the afternoon.
Proceeds from the benefit will go to help the Blue Star Moms and the local Vans for Vets organization. The Blue Star Moms use the funds to send care packages to troops serving in the military overseas. The Van for Vets organization provides free transportation to area veterans who need to go to the VA Clinic in Farmington, N.M., or to the VA Hospital in Albuquerque. Everyone, biker or not, is welcome.
For more information, contact Cindy Olson at 564-0613 or 529-6370.
Cortez celebrates 2nd Annual Historic Preservation Day
Mayor Dan Porter has declared Saturday, May 21, as Cortez Historic Preservation Day, in conjunction with Colorado Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month.
Free walking tours of historic First and Ash Streets will be offered at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m., leaving from the Historic Graham Home at the corner of First and Ash. Participants are invited to tea and cookies on the veranda after each tour. Each tour will be limited to 12 participants, and reservations are required.
Join the tour to find out who built the homes and businesses on these streets, and which were part of the Cortezs original townsite. Find out which are the oldest houses on each street, where the old gymnasium was located, and learn more about the history of the Calkins School, built in 1909.
Brochures for a self-guiding walking tour of Main Street and Montezuma Avenue will be available.
This day of celebrating Cortez and Montezuma Countys history is sponsored by the Montezuma County Historical Society, the Cortez Cultural Center, and the Cortez Historic Preservation Board.
Call the Cortez Cultural Center at 565-1151 to reserve a spot.
SWMH Foundation will host diabetes symposium
The Southwest Memorial Hospital Foundation will host a full-day diabetes symposium from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at the hospital Annex building, 20 S. Market St., Cortez.
A full slate of local physicians and hospital staff experts will discuss the latest research as well as the prevention, treatment and management of diabetes. A donation of $25 to the foundation includes registration, a light breakfast, healthy lunch, useful handouts, and a chance to win door prizes.
Advance registration is required. For more information or to reserve space, contact Susan Thomas at 564-2156.
Kennel Club Dog Show will come to fairgrounds in Cortez
The Durango Kennel Club Dog Show will be held May 20-22 at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds, 30100 U.S. Highway 160, east of Cortez. The show, licensed by the American Kennel Club, will start at 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday, May 20 and 21, and 8:30 a.m. Sunday, May 22. Judging continues until about 4 p.m. all three days.
Sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, nonsporting and herding breeds will compete in conformation, rally and obedience. More than 100 breeds will be represented, and this is a way to check out that special breed you may have been considering. The show will have a junior showmanship class. No dogs are allowed on show grounds that have not been entered in the show. Admission is free. Refreshments are available on site.
For more information, call Kristen Corbitt at 749-5121, or visit www.durangokennelclub.org.
Rock art scholar will give Basketmaker presentation
Rock art scholar Lawrence Loendorf will share his insights onto Basketmaker-era rock art in the presentation Pigments of the Imagination at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 22, at the Anasazi Heritage Center, 27501 Colorado Highway 184 west of Dolores.
Canyon del Muerto, a branch of Canyon de Chelly National Monument in northeast Arizona, contains some of the Southwests best-preserved rock art. The most spectacular and colorful paintings are more than 1,500 years old and belong to the Basketmaker era. Loendorf is an archaeologist who has spent the past 50 years studying the past. For the past 30 years he has concentrated on rock art-related research projects. Museum entry is free on lecture days.
For more information, contact the museum at 882-5600 or see its website at www.co.blm.gov/ahc.
Elks Club will hold charity fundraiser brunch and events
The Cortez Elks Lodge will hold its Mayday Charity Fundraiser events from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 22, at the Elks Lodge, 2100 N. Dolores Road.
A brunch breakfast buffet will begin the days activities, with other events to follow, such as a build-your-own-sundae bar, a barbecue cook-off competition, and silent auction and raffle drawings held throughout the day.
All funds raised go to the Charity Fund Bank and to future events, awarded as needed.
For more information, contact the Elks Club at 565-3557.
Habitat for Humanity seeks items for A Brush with Kindness project
The local Habitat affiliate is requesting donations of household goods, furniture, building materials, jewelry, artwork and other serviceable items that can be auctioned to raise funds for our first A Brush with Kindness project. Donations will be accepted from 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 22; and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, and Saturday, May 28.
Donations can be brought to the office complex at 102 N. Mildred the northwest corner.
Habitat cannot accept batteries or items that require repair. If you need help getting your donation to the drop-off site or cannot get it there during the collection times listed, call the Habitat office at 565-8327 and leave your name and phone number with information about your donation. Someone will get back with you.
In addition to the auction, Habitat is partnering with the City Market Cares program. Value card customers can designate a local nonprofit to receive a percentage of available funds based on purchases made at City Market. If you have a value card and wish to designate Habitat for Humanity of Montezuma County as your recipient, contact Holly Tatnall or Karen Sheek at 565-2728. You will need to provide the 14-digit number on the back of your card along with your name and a local phone number.
Agricultural Roundtable meeting will take place in Dolores
The Agricultural Roundtable will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, at the Dolores Community Center. The first phase action plan will be unveiled. Dan Hobbs from Rocky Mountain Farmers Union will be on hand to answer questions. Come hear about new marketing ideas and a planned Community Harvest Festival. This meeting is open to all community members.
For more information, call Judy at the Dolores Conservation District, 565-9045 ext. 118.
Dolores Conservation District sponsors NRCS irrigation seminar
The public is invited to attend a 2011 Natural Resources Conservation Service irrigation seminar sponsored by the Dolores Conservation District from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, at the Cortez Welcome Center, 928 E. Main St.
Topics of discussion will be gated pipe to-dos and not-to-dos, sideroll irrigation principles, soil moisture testing techniques, weather station data applications, NRCS contract obligations, and a field tour at Larry Claycombs. Anyone is welcome whether you have a current NRCS contract or not.
RSVP with Linda by Monday, May 23, at 565-9045 or linda.bilger@co.usda.gov.
Writer will read and share songs from new childrens book
Durango preschool teacher, singer, songwriter, and first-time author Melanie Milburn, will share her original childrens songs and read her newly released book at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 26, during Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park.
Milburns book, I Love You More ... Than Chocolate, is illustrated by Cindy Coleman of Bayfield. The book includes a CD of the song by the same title. Theres a real good chance chocolate will be served.
Milburn is a chocoholic. When tucking her children into bed at night, she always assured them, I love you more ... than chocolate. The ritual inspired the song that became the book.
Milburn can be reached at heartsong@bresnan.net or 247-4751.
Cortez Public Library announces May Storytime themes
Change is in the Air is the May theme of Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St.
Storytime is held at 10:30 a.m. every Thursday for pre-school aged children. Older children are welcome to join us for the craft at 11:15 a.m.
Well wrap up the month with Time for Ice Cream! on May 26.
Storytime offers songs, stories, crafts and silliness and uses the Early Childhood Literacy Initiative program.
For more information, contact the library at 565-8117.
Sheriff posse will host yard sale
to replace building lost to fire
The Montezuma County Sheriff Posse has started a building fund to replace the hall that burned down this spring and will host a yard sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 28, at 15257 Colorado Highway 145, Dolores, about 5 miles north of Cortez, at the home of Reed and Nihla McCabe.
Space available for $20 for people who want to come sell things with the posse, or the posse will accept donations of items to sell. Delivery of items and/or donations will be accepted from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, May 26 and 27.
Already donated items include outdoor furniture, dinette table, suitcases, bookshelf and dog pen. Tables will include Navajo rugs, tack, antiques, household furniture and a camper shell for a Chevy pickup.
The Montezuma County Sheriff Posse is a nonprofit community service organization that assists the Montezuma County Sheriffs Office with security, traffic control, searches and more.
For more information, call Nihla McCabe at 570-5036.
Community Band will perform concert with flute choir
The Four Corners Community Band will give a combined concert with the Silver Echoes Flute Choir at 7 p.m. Monday, May 30, in Hampton Hall at the First United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park Street, Cortez. The concert is open to the public.
A variety of contemporary music will be played. For more information regarding band membership, scheduling a concert, and upcoming events, visit www.fourcornerscommunityband.com or call Sue at 564-1245.
Empire Electric will hold 2011 Annual Meeting, board election
Empire Electric Associations annual meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 2, at the Monticello High School Auditorium in Monticello, Utah.
Arrive at 5 p.m. to register and to enjoy hors doeuvres prior to the 6 p.m. business meeting.
Each member of the cooperative is entitled to vote on all issues properly brought before the membership, including the election of directors. Mail voting must be in writing on ballots provided by the cooperative and will be received by 5 p.m. Saturday, May 28. Members who vote by mail are not entitled to vote at the annual meeting.
To assure that your vote counts, you are strongly encouraged to cast a mail ballot regardless of whether or not you might attend the annual meeting.
For more information, contact Neal Stephens or Denise Rosenbaugh at 565-4444.
Sideshow will host Artyfishial show opening night event
Artyfishial, a photography show by Copi Vojta, will open with live vaudeville folk music from John Whipple from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 28, at Sideshow Emporium & Gallery, 411 Central, Dolores.
Emerging photographer Vojta presents his first solo show of images made around the rivers of Colorado. This self-proclaimed fly-fishing dirtbag from Glenwood Springs shoots in both black and white, and color, and has had photographs published in the Flyfish Journal and Drake Magazine.
Artyfishial will run at Sideshow Gallery through July 16. Listen to John Whipple at whipplemusic.com.
For more information, contact Heather at 739-4646.
Ute Mountain Tribal Park will hold annual open house events
Ute Mountain Tribal Parks 11th annual Open House will be held beginning at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, May 28, at the Tribal Park Visitor Center, 20 miles south of Cortez at the junction of U.S. Highways 160 and 491.
This event is held annually in conjunction with Mays National Preservation Month activities. Porcupine House and Anasazi Sun Calendar tours will be conducted. Transportation is on a first-come, first-serve basis. All tours are $29 per person. Native American stories and a give-away will be conducted by Norman Lopez.
For reservations and more information, contact Jacob Dance Jr. or Veronica Cuthair at 565-9653 or 565-3751 ext. 330, utepark@fone.net.
Democratic Women will host speaker from Blue Star Mothers
The Democratic Women will present a special speaker, Lexie Muhonan, of the Blue Star Mothers, at their meeting at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, at Jack and Janelles Country Kitchen, 801 E. Main St. The public is invited to attend.
For more information, contact Marcia Boon at 565-7668.
Hospital sets reception for outgoing Dr. Fury, incoming Dr. Aikin
The community is invited to a farewell reception in honor or Dr. Dianna Fury, who has practiced medicine in our area for 19 years, and to welcome Dr. Kent Aikin, who has returned to the area to serve as medical director of the Southwest Memorial Hospital hospitalist program. The event will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 2, in the Southwest Memorial Hospital lobby, 1311 N. Mildred Road, Cortez.
For more information, contact Deanna Bond at 564-2152.
Yard sale will benefit Lewis-Arriola, Pleasant View elementary schools
Lewis-Arriola and Pleasant View elementary schools will have a huge yard sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, June 3, at the Lewis-Arriola School parking lot, 21434 County Road U.
Proceeds will go toward buying instructional materials for both schools. Organizers will collect items for the sale Tuesday, May 31, through Thursday, June 2, at Lewis-Arriola School. All donated items are welcomed and appreciated.
For more information, call 882-4494.
M-CHS Band Boosters rummage
sale will benefit band program
Montezuma-Cortez High School Band Boosters will hold a rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, June 3, and Saturday, June 4, at 445 N. Broadway (previously the Video Palace and Windows in Motion).
This fundraiser is to help benefit the band program. The boosters are accepting donations to make this a successful rummage sale. If you have items you wish to donate and/or to be picked up, contact Margaret at 749-7751 or Becky at 739-0827.
Kids can sign up for mutton bustin at Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo
Kids ages 3 through 7 can sign up for the Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo Mutton Bustin event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 4, at IFA, located just north of Cortez on U.S. Highway 491.
Available spots for each nights event is limited. Cost per child is $10, payable at the sign up. Children cannot weigh more than 55 pounds to be eligible. The event will be held each night of the rodeo; Thursday through Saturday, June 911, at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds just east of Cortez.
Stick horse races will also be held each night of the rodeo. No sign up is necessary for the stick horse race; just show up for the fun and register that night.
For more information, contact Robyne Cote at 882-7826.
Anasazi Heritage Center presents rock art photo exhibit
The photo exhibit Sacred Images: A Vision of Native American Rock Art will fill the Special Exhibit Gallery at the Anasazi Heritage Center, located three miles west of Dolores on State Highway 184 in Dolores.
Curator of the exhibit, David Sucec, will speak at the museum at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 26, in connection with the Four Corners Lecture Series.
The exhibit, which will be on display through Oct. 30, features Utah rock art in vintage chromogenic prints by photographers Craig Law, Tom Till and John Telford. Their work acquaints the visitor with four major styles Barrier Canyon, Hisatsinom, Fremont, and Ute as well as the perceptions, sensibilities, and cultures of early people who hunted and farmed the Great Basin and adjacent areas.
The Heritage Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the end of October.
For more information, contact the Center at 882-5600, or visit the web site at www.co.blm.gov/ahc.