Send announcements to [email protected]. Items submitted less than two weeks in advance will be less likely to be published. Entries may be edited for length and content.

April 8

The Mancos Water Conservancy District will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. at the office located at 42599 Road N.

April 9

Kindergarten registration for the 2013-2014 school year at Dolores Elementary School is noon to 6 p.m. at the Dolores Elementary Office. Bring a birth certificate, immunization records and proof of residence. Children must be 5 years old before Sept. 1, 2013.

Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Support Group meets 5-6:30 p.m. at the SWMH Annex Building, 20 South Market St. in Cortez. Share ideas and information with others who have had weight-loss surgery at this free meeting. Information: SWMH dietitian Laura White, 564-2276.

April 10

Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., Cortez. On April 10, "Signing with Lillian Orbke." For preschoolers at 10:30 a.m. Older children welcome for the craft at 11:15 a.m.

Dolores High School 2014 Operation Graduation Committee meets at 6:30 p.m. at the Dolores School Commons/Lunchroom. DHS senior parents are encouraged to attend. (Operation Graduation is an all-night "lock-down" celebration intended to keep our seniors safe on graduation night.) Call Wendy Moore at 970-799-4815 or Michelle Whatcott at 970-759-3799.

April 11

The Mancos Opera House Restoration and Preservation Society will be hosting a Poet's Riot on April 11 at 6 p.m. at 136 Grand Avenue in Mancos. All ages are invited. The poet's riot is open to the public in celebration of National Poetry Month. For more information contact Sandi at 560-2572.

Herb Folsom and Tony Littlejohn will play acoustic blues and swing at the Kennebec Cafe in Hesperus 6-8 p.m. 533-7943

April 11 and 12

The Mancos Public Library and the Girl Scouts of Montezuma County will be holding a Literacy Fair as well as a Scholastic Book Fair at the Mancos Public Library on April 11 and April 12. Different interactive displays based on popular books will be available for everyone to enjoy. For more information call, 533-7600.

April 11

San Juan Mountains Association and San Juan National Forest will plant Ponderosa Pine trees with Dolores fourth and fifth graders. Adult volunteers needed in Haycamp Mesa area. Contact Kathe Hayes, [email protected], or 385-1310. Background check may be required.

April 12

The League of Women Voters of Montezuma County will hear from Chris Burkett concerning the work of the Montezuma Community Economic Development Association at their breakfast meeting on April 12, at 9 a.m. at the Ponderosa Restaurant in Dolores. Anyone interested in economic development and learning about MCEDA is welcome to attend. Information: Call Eleanor at 564-0708.

Spring Hoe Down Fundraiser at the Mancos Opera House on 5-11 p.m. Carute Roma Gypsy Band, Sand Sheff and the Desert Mongers and Carla Roberts Square and Line Dancing. Silent auction, local taco bar, local beer and wine. Adults $15; kids 17 and under free. Fundraiser for the Montezuma School to Farm Project, Mt. Lookout Grange and Mancos Valley Resources. Tickets available at FB Organics, Zuma and Dolores Food Store. Call 903-8831.

For Pets' Sake Humane Society will host a dog and cat vaccination clinic from 9 a.m. to noon at the IFA Country Store, 10501 Highway 491 in Cortez. Dog and cat vaccine includes rabies, distemper (dogs), leukemia (cats), and more for $41; or $15 for rabies only. Packages without rabies are $32. A portion of each package purchased will be donated to For Pets' Sake. Call the Humane Society at 565-PETS (7387).

Dance to Country Fix and local musician/songwriter Linda Lee Filener at The American Legion, 320 N. Harrison, Cortez, at 7 p.m. Cover charge: $5.

Southwest Open School will again present the Edible Book Festival in cooperation with the Cortez public library. The Cortez library will host the festival from 1 to 3 p.m.

April 14

The Tree of Life In Jesus Messianic Community (Etz-Chayim B'Yeshua) invites you to Passover Seder 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Shiloh's Restaurant, at Main and Sligo. Adults $25, children $15. Call 562-4217.

April 16

Birding with a Camera Birding Festival, with Chuck Haspels, at 6:30 p.m. in the Gallery. Free to members, $5 others. Location: 25 N. Market St. Cortez. Call 970-565-1151.

Southwest Colorado Green Party meets 6:60-8:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Wilson Building, 16 W. Main St., Cortez. All are welcome. Visit southwestcoloradogreens.org for more information.

April 17

Everyone is invited to the Twin Topics conversation at Lewis-Arriola Elementary from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Topics will be John Hattie research on what educational tactics work for students and building the RE-1 2014-15 budget. The last Twin Topics session for this school year.

Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., Cortez. On April 17, "Mudge Redux." For preschoolers at 10:30 a.m. Older children are welcome for the craft at 11:15 a.m.

The Mancos Public Library and Durango Nature Studies will give away books to four year olds at the One Book 4 Colorado initiative on April 17th, at 10:30am, at the Mancos Library at 211 W. First St. Copies of "Grumpy Bird" by Jeremy Tankard will be given out and there will be a short talk on bird adaptations.

April 21

Four Corners 9/12 meets at 7 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Cortez. First in a series to vet local candidates for county offices in the primary election in June. Open to the public.

Paths to Mesa Verde, an effort to develop a nonmotorized connection between Mancos and Cortez, is having an informal open house at the Mancos Library from 7-9 p.m. We're seeking community support, feedback, and your vision. Learn more/take a survey at motrail.com.

April 23

The Master Steward Program's 9-week course helps you design a customized blue-print and management plan for your farm using the Whole Farm approach. At the 1st National Bank of Cortez from 6-8:30 p.m. through June 18. Register at www.ext.colostate.edu/sam/ms or call the Dolores Conservation District at 970-565-9045 ext 118.

Paths to Mesa Verde, an effort to develop a nonmotorized connection between Mancos and Cortez, is having an informal open house at the Cortez Recreation Center from 7-9 p.m. We're seeking community support, feedback, and your vision. Learn more/take a survey at motrail.com

April 22

Mancos students from Kindergarten through third grade will present Storybook Theater at the Mancos Opera House starting at 6:30 p.m.

April 22 and April 23

Paths to Mesa Verde, an effort to develop a nonmotorized connection between Mancos and Cortez, is having an informal open house April 23 at the Cortez Recreation Center from 7-9 p.m. A similar meeting will be held April 22 at the Mancos library from 7-9 p. m. The planners are seeking community support, feedback, and your vision. Learn more/take a survey at motrail.com

April 24

Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., Cortez. On April 24, "Fairies." For preschoolers at 10:30 a.m. Older children are welcome for the craft at 11:15 a.m.

Mancos students in fourth and fifth grade will present Musical Proverbs at the Mancos Opera House at 6:30 p.m.

Second Annual Spring Craft bazaar: Deadline to register is April 24. Vendors needed ($30 per table, table provided inside-outside, weather permitting. Event is May 10. Call Sally to reserve space, get information, at 970-739-0616.

April 27

The Dolores State Bank invites Dee Fosnot's friends and customers to a retirement party 2-4 p.m. at the Dolores Community Center. Your presence is her requested gift. Call Shawna Valdez at 882-1024.

April 29

The Montezuma Agility Dog Club offers Basic Obedience classes for dogs 5 1/2 months and older. Classes are on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m., last one hour, and begin on April 29 and continue for six weeks. Class size is limited. Registration is first-come, first-served. Information: 970-882-5404.

Through April

On display at the Cortez Public Library: through mid-April, Dolores Mountain Quilters' works in the atrium; through April, Addie Dodson's Easter collection and Laura McHenry's vintage tie collection. At 202 N. Park St. Call 565-8117.

May 3

SouthWest Colorado Concerts presents the famous Golden Dragon Acrobats at 7 p.m. at the Cortez Middle School Auditorium. This 26-member company of Chinese acrobats perform astounding acrobatics and traditional dance. Tickets at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. Information: Lindsay Havran at 565-7676 or Paul Bostrom at 565-9127.

May 4-9

The Mancos Valley Chorus' Spring 2014 Concert, "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," with songs from "The Lion King," and lead song "Seasons of Love," from the show "Rent." Free. Refreshments. May 4 at 3:30 p.m., Mancos United Methodist Church, 470 W. Grand Ave. May 6, 7 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park St., Cortez. May 7, 7 p.m. Christ the King Lutheran Church, 495 Florida Rd., Durango. May 9, 7 p.m. Mancos United Methodist Church, 470 W. Grand Ave. Information: 970-946-1267.

May 10

Fourth Annual Dairy Goat Information Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 23161 Road G.2 in Cortez. Presented by Four Corners Dairy Goat Breeders. See animals and get advice on care and maintenance. Multiple breeds; goats, equipment may be for sale. Call Jeanette at 565-9065 and leave a message.

Mesa Verde Back Country Horsemen sponsors a Poker Ride at Sage Hen Day Use Area (Hwy 184). Start selling hands, 8 a.m.; riders on trail, 10 a.m.; first hand, $20; additional hands, $5. Prizes for 5 highest hands. Lunch available. Call 970-570-5035 or go to mesaverdehorsemen.com

First Monday

Southwest Center for Independence Second Chance Brain Injury group meetings at noon at the Cortez office, 2409 E. Empire. Call Matthew at 570-8001.

Cortez Emblem Club No. 261 meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday (except in January and February). Call 565-2197.

First Tuesday

American Legion Ute Mountain Post 75 meets at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 320 N. Harrison St. Call the Legion at 565-8151.

Dolores Mountain Quilters meet 10 a.m. at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave, Dolores. Guests and visitors are welcome. Information: doloresmountainquilters.org or Judith Swain, 970-560-4426

First Thursday

Montezuma County Republican Central Committee meets at noon the first Thursday of every month at Shiloh's Steakhouse. Email Nicci Crowley at [email protected] or call 570-9372.

The First Thursday Art Walk will be downtown Telluride from 5 to 8 p.m. Listen to Open Art Radio on KOTO noon to 1 p.m. on first Thursdays for interviews with artists. Maps available at participating venues and at the Telluride Arts offices in the Stronghouse Studios + Gallery at 283 S. Fir St. Information: www.tellurideinside.com.

First Friday

First Friday Leadership at First National Bank in Cortez, 8 to 9 a.m. Free. Coffee and doughnuts at 7:45 a.m. Call Dena, 565-3414.

First and Third Thursdays

Learn signs and nursery rhymes the first and third Thursdays of each month at the Mancos Public Library at 10 a.m. All ages welcome. Call 970-403-9237.

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. For information, to help out, or to make donations call Gretchen at 509-830-4380.

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. 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. Call Rosemarie Beall at 564-1576.

A free legal self-help clinic for Montezuma County parties without an attorney are 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 Saturday

Christian Motorcycle Association, CMA - Cortez Chapter holds its 8 a.m. breakfast, 9 a.m. chapter meeting and 10 a.m. ride (weather permitting). Meet at Beny's resturant in Cortez. Call Chapter President Steve Reed at 970-565-7233. No motorcycle required.

Third Sunday

Literary Explorations with Jennifer Hope will not meet in the month of April. The next meeting will be May 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Cortez Cultural Center.

Third Wednesday

The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon is held at noon the third Wednesday of the month at Shiloh Steakhouse. Call 565-3414.

Third Thursday

Dolores secondary PTO meets the third Thursday of every month at 3:45 p.m. in Mr. Thurston's office. Email Heather Alvarez at halvarez [email protected] or call Tif at 903-8752.

First and Third Thursdays

Planning committee for the 10th Annual Ute Mountain-Mesa Verde Birding Festival meets at 10 a.m. the first and third Thursdays each month upstairs at the Cortez Cultural Center. Potential volunteers welcome. Call 565-1151.

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.

Last Saturday

Last Saturday of each month Mt. Lookout Grange, 680 W. Grand, Mancos. will have a Yoga Benefit for the Grange, donation only. Bring towel or mat and water. Refrain from eating an hour before.

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

The Montezuma Agility Dog Club offers Basic Obedience classes for dogs 5 1/2 months and older. Classes are Tuesdays at 7 p.m., last one hour, and begin on April 29 and continue for six weeks. Class size is limited. Registration is first-come, first-served. Information: 970-882-5404.

The Kiwanis Club of Mesa Verde meets at noon each Tuesday at Shiloh's. For more information, email [email protected].

The Dolores Public Library will answer technology/software questions about Microsoft Word, email, digital pictures, etc. free from 2 to 5 p.m. every Tuesday. For more information, call 882-4127.

The Mancos Public Library, offers Little People Storytime on Tuesday's at 10:30 a.m. The program is geared towards children ages 2 - 6 but all ages are welcome. For more information call 533-7600.

Free medical care, Tuesday 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.

Wednesday Morning Yoga will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Kaleidoscope, 233 Park St. in Mancos.

Wednesday community drum circle will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Kaleidoscope, 233 Park St. Mancos. Bring your drum (and an extra to share) and a folding chair to sit in.

Every Monday and Wednesday

Freestyle Defensive Arts is held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday at the Community Center in Mancos. Kids Freestyle Defensive Arts class, for ages 8 to 15, will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. every Wednesday. For more information, call instructor Brian Williams at 903-5576.

Mancos Yoga/Meditation Monday and Wednesday's 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. (except first Monday of the month) Mt. Lookout Grange, 680 W. Grand, Mancos. Bring towel or mat and water. Refrain from eating an hour before.

Every Tuesday and Thursday

Karate "Ryukoku Seidokan" is at 5:30 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at the Mancos Community Center. Ages 5 to 10 is 5:30 to 6 p.m. and costs $5 each class. Ages 11 and older is 6 to 8 p.m. and costs $10 each class. Call Victor Pilcher at 533-7471.

Every Thursday

Raising Readers Storytime offers songs, stories, crafts and silliness and uses the Early Childhood Literacy Initiative program at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. For preschoolers at 10:30 a.m. Older children are welcome for the craft at 11:15 a.m.

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

The Mancos Grange hosts Spanish classes for all levels every Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 680 W. Grand Avenue. Contact Jason at 417-437-1747. A $5 donation is suggested.

Every Saturday

The Mancos Indoor Flea Market is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday at the old hardware store in Mancos, 192 S. Main St. To become a vendor, call Queenie Barz at 749-9320. The booth fee is $15 per weekend, along with insurance and vendor license charges.

At 10 a.m., the Tree of Life In Jesus Messianic Community (Etz-Chayim B'Yeshua), holds services at 1509 Highway 145. Call 970-562-4217 or email [email protected].