People are encouraged to submit announcements about upcoming events for the Community Calendar. Send announcements to [email protected]. Items submitted less than two weeks in advance will be less likely to be published.

Tuesday, Feb. 25

The Dolores Rotary Club will sponsor a bingo night at the Dolores Community Center on Feb. 25. Proceeds will benefit the Mancos students traveling to Costa Rica for a science trip March 31 - April 7. Bingo kicks-off with a light dinner of frito pie chili and dessert, for a $5 donation, starting at 6:30 p.m. followed by Bingo at 7 p.m. For further information, please contact Tom Seymour at 799-7708 or Laurel Rematore at 564 -1241.

Thursday, Feb. 27

The public is invited to the Cortez Public Library Storytime on Feb. 27 to join children’s author Melanie Milburn while she reads her book “Imagination, It’s Up To You.” The library is at 202 N. Park St. in Cortez and can be reached at 565-8117.

“How Can We Help Christianity Evolve?” will be the topic on Feb. 27 at 6:30 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. Wine and cheese will be served. Call 565-7865 for more information.

Feb. 27 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. the Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce, 31 W. Main, will have a workshop on “Marketing with Email Newsletters”. Cost is $50 and $40 for Chamber Members. Call 564-7249 to register or for more information.

Friday, Feb. 28

The 9th Annual Lewis Arriola Community Center “Warm Up” chili and cornbread supper will be Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. at 21176 MC Road S. (1/2 mile west of US 491). This is the primary fundraiser for the center. Funds raised help offset operating and maintenance expenses. There will be homemade chili and cornbread and an old-fashioned pie auction. Tickets available at the door for $5 each or 5 tickets for $20 or can be purchased in advance from Chan 882-7318 or Carol 882-7816.

Dr Robert: the Beatles Tribute Band comes to the Dolores Community Center on Feb. 28 from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. Admission is $10, with kids 12 and under free. Dress to impress in retro & vintage ‘60s & ‘70s garb! All ages are welcome, bar for 21 years & older, food concession by The Pie Maker. This is a fundraiser for sound improvements for the Dolores Community Center. Call Heather at 739-4646 for more details.

Sherry Dyess, Montezuma County Treasurer, would like to remind property owners that Feb. 28 is the deadline to pay the first half of 2013 property taxes. If you have questions call 565-7550. Postmarks through Feb. 28 will be accepted.

Through February

“A Literary February” is the February theme of Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library. Storytime is every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. for preschool-aged children. Older children are welcome to join for the craft at 11:15 a.m. For more information, contact the library at 565-8117.

The Cortez Public Library will offer a computer class On Feb. 27, at 1 p.m., called Basics II. The class must be signed up for ahead of time by stopping by or calling the library at 565-8117.

The 20th Annual Pueblo to Pueblo Run-Bike Event will be held April 26 and is now open for registration. Register by visiting www.cortezculturalcenter.org. The Center also seeks health conscious organizations to sponsor the event. Call 565-1151 for more information.

Saturday, March. 1

The public is invited to dance with “Country Fix”, at The American Legion, 320 N Harrison, Cortez, on March 1 at 7 p.m. $5 cover charge

Sunday, March 2

Dancing with the Cortez Stars will be held at the M-CHS Auditorium on March 2 at 6:30 p.m. This fundraiser for the Millennium Center for the Performing Arts will feature performances by ten local couples, each vying for the coveted “Mirror Ball Trophy.” Tickets are $20. Call Denise at 739-6771 or visit www.comedancetonight.com for more information.

Monday, March 3

SouthWest Colorado Concerts presents award winning concert pianist Charlie Albright at 7 p.m. March 3, at the Montezuma-Cortez High School Auditorium. Tickets will be on sale at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. For more information contact Joyce Stevenson at 565-4757 or Paul Bostrom at 565-9127.

Tuesday, March 4

The Hisatsinom Chapter of the Colorado Archaeology Society is pleased to present Linda Honeycutt on March 4 at 7 p.m. at the Methodist Church, 515 Park Street in Cortez to discuss Seven Basketmaker III Black-on-white Bowl Motifs. Contact Kari Schleher at 505-269-4475 with questions.

The Montezuma County Democrat Caucus for 2014 is being held on March 4 at Mesa Elementary School Cafeteria from 6 to 9 p.m. This will be for Precincts 1-10. Precinct 11 (Mancos) will have their Caucus at the Mancos Public Library at the same time. Please contact Ric Plese at 739-4365 for any questions.

Mesa Verde Back Country Horsemen invite the public to their monthly meeting on March 4 at 7 p.m. at Empire Electric in the Calvin Denton Rm. 801 N. Broadway (Hwy 491), Cortez. Chris Bouton, Recreation Specialist from the San Juan National Forest, will talk about trails and projects scheduled for this summer. Snacks and social time start at 6:15 p.m. Guests welcome! For more info call 928-600-2993.

Thursday, March 6

A fruit tree pruning workshop will be held on March 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Southwest Colorado Research station located approximately 17 miles north on hwy 491 and west one-quarter mile on Rd Z. Participants are asked to register by phoning either Montezuma County Extension at 565-3123 or Dolores County Extension at 677-2283. The cost is $15 per person, payable the day of the workshop. Must bring chair, water, snacks, lunch and dress in warm clothing. For hands-on pruning, bring loppers or hand pruners. Leave pets at home.

March 7 and 8

The Presbyterian Women’s Spring Rummage Sale will be March 7 and 8 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Montezuma Valley Presbyterian Church, 350 S. Washington, Cortez. Proceeds are used for mission projects. Call 565-7024 for further information.

Saturday, March 8

There will be a Brain Workshop for Stress, Mindfulness and Brain Health on March 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. taught by Susan Matthews at the Shanti School of Taijiquan, Millennium Center for the Performing Arts, 20 W. Main St., Cortez. Call 970-903-5723 or visit www.susanmatthews.com for more information.

Join Jude & the Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project for FREE hands-on pruning workshops in the heritage orchards on Feb. 22, March 1, and March 8. Meet at Let It Grow, 90 North Mildred in Cortez at 1:30 p.m. to caravan, or call ahead for directions to the orchard. 565-3099. Dress for the weather, wear boots, gloves, and glasses. Bring water and snacks.

Sunday, March 9

Little League Baseball is open for registration. Super Saturday registration will be at Hibbett Sports on March 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Baseball is open for ages 4 to 15 as of April 30. Cost varies from $55 to $105 according to age. Registration closes March 9. Registration forms can be downloaded from cortezlittleleague.com or picked up at the Rec Center, Hibbets, or the Super Saturday event. For more info call 560-3029 or email [email protected]

Monday, March 10

The Four Corners Community Band will play a concert with the Newcomb, New Mexico High School Band, at the Phil Thomas Center for the Performing Arts, in Shiprock, New Mexico, on March 10, at 7 p.m. For more information, please see www.fourcornerscommunityband.com or call 564-1245.

Friday, March 14

Hope Taylor will be presenting “Hope for America – Our Nations Future” on March 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the Mesa/Canyon rooms at the Cortez Rec Center. You are welcome to visit ILE-dc.org. They will collect a Free-Will offering. This is sponsored by the Colorado Coalition for Regional Transformation and Community of Believers. For more information call Gregg at 739-3323, Elaine at 739-9785 or Zandra at 739-0920.

Celebrating Women’s History Month, HerStory - Midge Kirk and Terri Helm present Two Women from Rico, Lizzy Knight and Betty Pellet. on March 14 at 7 p.m. at the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St. Cost is $5 for members and $7 for non-members. A cash bar and appetizers will be offered before the program. For more information, contact the Cultural Center at 565-1151.

Sunday, March 16

Literary Explorations with Jennifer Hope will be March 16 at the Cortez Cultural Center. An Ongoing discussion group, 3rd Sunday of the month, exploring all kinds of writings, both fiction and non-fiction, Free, donations welcome. For more information call 565-1151.

Saturday, March 22

There will be a benefit Chili dinner and silent auction for Amy Martin, a mother of three fighting stage two breast cancer, to help with medical bills on March 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Lewis Arriola Community Center. Kids are $4 and adults are $10. To donate or for more info call Heather Veach at 560-9316.

The Montezuma County Democrat Party is having their County Assembly on March 22 at 9 a.m. at the Mesa Elementary School Cafeteria. Please contact Ric Plese at 739-4365 or Orly Lucero if you have any questions.

Wednesday, March 26

Diane Cherbak will be at the Cortez Cultural Center on March 26 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss Bird’s Eye View Sneak Peak at the 10th annual Ute Mountain Mesa Verde Birding Festival. Free to members, $5 others. For more information call 565-1151.

Monday, March 31

Cortez Cultural Center in collaboration with Conservation Colorado announces, “What does wilderness mean to you?” Youth Poetry Contest. Submission deadline is March 31. Email submissions to [email protected] or Anne at [email protected]. Poetry reading and awards ceremony with Dave Mason will be April 18 at the Cortez Cultural Center. For submission guidelines or more information call 565-1151.

Through March

“Let’s Celebrate!” is the March theme of Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library. Storytime is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. for preschool-aged children. Older children are welcome to join for the craft at 11:15 a.m. For more information, call 565-8117.

Every Thursday Night starting Feb. 20 until March 20 The Cortez Family Worship Center Foursquare Church, 500 N. Washington, will be offering a free meal at 6 p.m. followed by an archeological documentary at 7 p.m. Call 749-9774 for more information.

The Cortez Public Library will offer computer classes in March: On March 13 at 1 p.m. the library will be holding a beginning computer class, on searching the Internet. On March 14 at 1 p.m. staff from the Workforce Center will be holding a class on finding a job. On March 27 at 1 p.m. the Library will be holding a computer class on Google Apps. All classes must be signed up for ahead of time. Sign up by stopping by or calling the library at 565-8117.

In the Gallery at the Cortez Cultural Center throughout March: Ann Gray with the Southwest Artists League will show her Oil Painting. MCHS Schools, March 1-14, Opening Reception will be March 7 from 5 to 7 p.m., Mancos Schools, March 15-31, Opening Reception will be March 21 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Through April

Chris Vest exhibit will be April 1-18 at Cortez Cultural Center, opening reception April 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. For more information call 565-1151.

First Monday

Southwest Center for Independence Second Chance Brain Injury group meetings will be the first Monday of every month at noon at the Cortez Office at 2409 E. Empire. For more information, call Matthew at 570-8001.

The Cortez Emblem Club No. 261 meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month (except January and February). For more information, call 565-2197.

First Tuesday

American Legion Ute Mountain Post 75 meets 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the American Legion Hall, 320 N. Harrison St. For more information, call the Legion at 565-8151.

First Wednesday

At noon the first Wednesday of each month, the Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its business lunch forum. For more information and locations, call 565-3414.

First Thursday

Montezuma County Republican Central Committee meets at noon the first Thursday of every month at Shiloh’s Steakhouse. For more information, email Nicci Crowley, secretary, at [email protected] or call 570-9372.

The First Thursday Art Walk will be held in downtown Telluride from 5 to 8 p.m. Listen to Open Art Radio on KOTO from 12 to 1 p.m. on first Thursdays to hear interviews with the artists. Maps are available at participating venues and at the Telluride Arts offices located in the Stronghouse Studios + Gallery at 283 S. Fir St. For more information visit www.tellurideinside.com.

First Friday

First Friday Leadership is the first Friday of every month at First National Bank in Cortez from 8 to 9 a.m. Join the free event at 7:45 a.m. for coffee and doughnuts. For more information, call Dena at 565-3414.

Second Wednesday

Southwest Inter-Tribal Voice and Montelores Human Rights Committee meets at 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month at the Community Meeting Room in First National Bank. Email Art Neskahi at [email protected].

Second Thursday

The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce will hold Business After Hours at various locations from 5 to 7 p.m. the second Thursday of the month. For more information, call 565-3414.

Republican Women of Montezuma County invite the public to meet at noon every second Thursday at Shiloh’s Steakhouse at 5 Veach St., in Cortez. For information, call Rosemarie Beall at 564-1576.

A Free legal self-help clinic for Montezuma County parties without an attorney will be held the second Thursday of every month from 2 to 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 basis.

Third Sunday

Jennifer Hope will host Literary Explorations, a free ongoing discussion group exploring all kinds of writings, both fiction and nonfiction, upstairs at the Cortez Cultural Center at 6:30 p.m. every third Sunday of the month.

Third Wednesday

The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon will be held at noon the third Wednesday of the month at Shiloh Steakhouse. For more information, call 565-3414.

First and Third Thursday’s

Planning committee for the 10th Annual Ute Mountain-Mesa Verde Birding Festival meets at 10 a.m. on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month upstairs at the Cortez Cultural Center. Anyone interested in volunteering is welcome to attend. Call 565-1151 for details.

Fourth Tuesday

4 Corners Republican Women’s Club meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. at the Cortez Elk’s Lodge. For more information, call 565-2197.

Every Sunday

First United Methodist Church has a Native American Worship Service at 2 p.m. every Sunday. For more information call 565-3002.

Every Monday

The public is invited to join the Southwest Singers for rehearsals for the fall season. The choir practices at 6:30 p.m. Monday evenings at First United Methodist Church in Cortez. For more information, call Director Ruth Wilson Francisco at 872-3870.

Every Tuesday

FREE MEDICAL CARE, TUESDAYS 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.

Every Wednesday

The Way Christian Church has a Bible Studies class every Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Every Thursday

Free Community Dinner every Thursday night at 6 p.m. at the Cortez Family Worship Center Foursquare Church, 500 N. Washington. Donation is always appreciated. Call 565-3709 for more information.

Every Friday

Every Friday at 6 p.m. the Tree of Life In Jesus Messianic Community (Etz-Chayim B’Yeshua) will begin a new Bible Study Series at Baptist Chapel, 1509 Hwy 145. For more information, call 970-562-4217 or email [email protected]