Email announcements to [email protected] 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.
Thursday, May 28
Heritage Storytelling session at the Mancos Public Library from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sally Pearce will facilitate a brainstorming session on identifying the special places, people, themes and historical events in the Mancos Valley. Mancos residents are encouraged to attend and to share their story. RSVP to Mancos Town Hall at 533-7725.
Old West Heritage Performances, at the Cortez Cultural Center Plaza at 7 p.m., 25 N. Market St.
The Dolores River Anglers chapter of Trout Unlimited hosts the 2015 Annual Spring Fling Fly Rod Casting Clinic and Cookout at Denny Lake Park, 6 p.m. to dark. The clinic will demonstrate several types of fly casts, how to set up gear, and basic knots for fly fishing. Experienced fly fishers will be coach and answer questions. Burgers and hot dogs will be served. All are welcome. Free.
“Is Andromeda Part of Creation?” will be 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. Call 565-7865 for more information.
Acoustic Old Timey Open Jam Session, 6 p.m. at the Mount Lookout Grange in Mancos.
Friday, May 29
Native American Dances, at the Cortez Cultural Center Plaza at 7 p.m., 25 N. Market St.
MCHS Building Closing Party from 5 to 8 p.m. The entire community is invited to comewalk the halls one last time and share your memories. Refreshments will be provided. Hosted by the MCHS Student Governmetn and Drama club.
The Sunflower Theatre hosts The Delbert Anderson Trio at the Sunflower Theatre, 7–9 p.m. Doors open at 6:15 p.m., and there’s a cash bar. General admission tickets are $15 each.
Mancos Valley Historical Society Yard Sale, 209 North Main in Mancos, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday, May 30
Native American Dances, at the Cortez Cultural Center Plaza at 7 p.m., 25 N. Market St.
Celebrate Life Annual Skateboard and BMX competition and music festival, 9 a.m., Parque de Vida. Cortez. Info: 970-739-4944.
Hip Hop with GeorgeLife, DJ Pookie, Honey, and more, 9 p.m. at Blondies in Cortez. Info: 970-739-4944.
The Mancos Valley Distillery presents The Lindells. Doors open 5 p.m., and music starts 8 p.m., with special guest Stan Davis. Cover charge is $3. Check out their web page at: http://lindellsmusic.com/index/.
Last Nickel brings Bluegrass music to the patio at the Mancos Brewing Company, at 6 p.m. Come on down and enjoy some great music!
Saturday-Sunday, may 30-31
Annual Ute Mountain Ute Beardance Co-ed Open Softball Tournament, in Towaoc. Awards for top three places. Deasdline to enter: May 28. Entry fee: $20 per player. Info 970-564-5360 (John or Cedric), and 970-560-6932.
Sunday, May 31
The Painted Turtle Studio gears up for summer with a workshop on making homemade natural sunscreen, 1-3 p.m., at 200 W. Grand Ave. Check out the Painted Studio Facebook page or website at paintedturtlestudio.org for details about classes for adults and youths, drop by noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday, or call 970-533-7136.
Through May
“Mary Poppins,” by the Durango Merely Players May 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 at 7 p.m., with matinees on May 2 and 9 at 1 p.m. Tickets: $24 at The Ticket Office in the Durango Welcome Center or at 970-247-7657, or www.durangoconcerts.com. All performances at the Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., Durango.
“Spring Possibilities” is the theme of the Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., Cortez, every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Older children may join for a craft at 11:15 a.m. May 7, “It’s All About You Mom!”; May 14, “Clowns”; May 21, “National Bike Month”; May 28, “Bears Galore.” Info: 970-565-8117.
2015 Bird Art Show, Cortez Cultural Center Artist Gallery, 25 N. Market St.
June – August
Summer Camp art classes run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the Painted Turtle, 200 W. Grand Ave., in Mancos. For details about classes for adults and youths, visit the Painted Studio Facebook page or paintedturtlestudio.org, drop by noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday, or call 970-533-7136.
Monday, June 1
The Mt. Lookout Grange (680 Grange Ave, Mancos) hosts a free presentation at 7 p.m. about the biology of bees and their importance in Montezuma County. All are welcome.
Deadline to apply for child-care programs in Montezuma, Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata and San Juan counties. Maximum award is $1,500 per an infant/toddler slot. Apply at: http://ecclaplata.org/quality-improvement/ or contact Jessica Edelbaum, regional collaboration coordinator, at (970) 247-0760 or [email protected].
The Montelores Early Childhood Council holds next monthly luncheon meeting at 11:45 a.m., in downstairs meeting room 110, in the Johnson Building, 925 S. Broadway, in Cortez. The public is invited. Lunch is provided so RSVP to Vangi McCoy at 970-749-7017.
Tuesday, June 2
The Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo Committee hosts the first of two Rodeo Days at 10 a.m. at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., Cortez, to promote rodeo and ranch life to children. Stories, songs, explanations of rodeo and ranch equipment use, talks by the rodeo royalty, crafts, steer roping and a photo op. Each child receives a free rodeo ticket (if accompanied by an adult ticketholder.) Info: 970-565-8117 (library); 970-759-3358 (Ranette, rodeo committee).
Wednesday, June 3
The Cortez Public Library’s Summer Reading Program’s Family Entertainment Series kicks off with Mr. Kneel Hip-Hop for families, 2 p.m., at 202 N. Park St., Cortez. Join Neil McIntyre and his special blend of hip-hop for an entertaining hour of fun. Info: 970-565-8117.
Thursday, June 4
Free Estate Planning Open House and Workshop with an attorney, financial planner, CPA and the Montezuma Land Conservancy. At the Dolores Public Library, 5–7 p.m. Refreshments provided. Reservations: [email protected].
“Come Back to My Valley” reception, at the Mancos Town Gallery, 103 E. Bauer at Boyle Park. Call 970-533-7434.
Dolores School District Critical Budget Discussion, 1301 Central Ave., Dolores (The Commons), 6–8 p.m. Participate in a Mill Levy Override discussion. A spaghetti dinner and free child care will be provided.
Friday, June 5
Mancos Community Fireworks Fund seeks donations. Drop off a donation at Mancos Valley Bank in Mancos or Cortez. Join one of the fundraisers at the Mancos Valley Bank in Mancos. The annual bake sale and silent auction is June 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; the National Honor Society is washing cars on June 20; and the Independence Run is June 27.
Saturday, June 6
The 12th Annual Dolores River Festival runs 10 a.m. to sundown at Joe Rowell Park in Dolores. See www.doloresriverfestival.com for a full lineup and details. Amazing music all day long, raft rides, games for kids, Salida Circus, and more.
Dolores Community-wide Yard Sale also runs during the Dolores River Festival. Look for the red balloons.
Kiwanis Youth Fishing Tournament, sponsored by Cortez Kiwanis and Groundhog Lake RV Park, for kids 16 and under. No registration fee. First 30 who register receive a goody bag of fishing tackle. Registration: 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; weigh-in at 1 p.m. Prizes. Info: 970-739-5533.
Artist reception for Brad Reed, 4–6 p.m. at Olio, 114 W. Grand in Mancos. Call 970-533-1381.
Saturday, June 6-7
Free “Wildflowers of Southeast Utah” walk on June 6 Near Natural Bridges National Monument. June 7 walk to to be determined. The leaders are Kay Shumway and Al Schneider. Info and reservations: Call Al Schneider at 970-882-4647. Sponsored by the San Juan/Four Corners Native Plant Society: http://www.swcoloradowildflowers.com.
Sunday, June 7
Mesa Verde Back Country Horsemen and San Juan Mountains Association poker ride at Sagehen, starting at 8 a.m. with riders out at 10 a.m. Cost: $20/hand; $5/additional hands. Prizes for at least the top 5 hands. Donations accepted for the BBQ pork lunch by the Dolores Girl Scouts Troop 1192.
Monday-Wednesday, June 8-12
Junior Golf Camp, for girls and boys ages 6-17, June 8-12 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Conquistador Golf Course, Cortez. Register by June 5 to win a free camp scholarship. Fee: $50. For more information, call the Pro Shop: 970-565-9208.
Tuesday, June 9
The Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo Committee hosts the second of two Rodeo Days at 10 a.m. at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., Cortez, to promote rodeo and ranch life to children. Stories, songs, explanations of rodeo and ranch equipment use, talks by the rodeo royalty, crafts, steer roping and a photo op. Each child receives a free rodeo ticket (if accompanied by an adult ticketholder.) Info: 970-565-8117 (library); 970-759-3358 (Ranette, rodeo committee).
Free Estate Planning Open House and Workshop with an attorney, financial planner, CPA and the Montezuma Land Conservancy. At Mancos Visitor Center, 5–7 p.m. Refreshments provided. Reservations: [email protected].
Wednesday, June 10
Free Estate Planning Open House and Workshop with an attorney, financial planner, CPA and the Montezuma Land Conservancy. At First National Bank, Cortez, 5–7 p.m. Refreshments provided. Reservations: [email protected].
The Cortez Public Library’s Summer Reading Program’s Family Entertainment Series hosts puppeteer Kate O’Kami at 2 p.m. The library is at 202 N. Park St., Cortez. Info: 970-565-8117.
Friday, June 12
Shelley Walchak presents “52 Rivers” slideshow at the Mancos Public Library at 7 p.m.. This is the third program in the library’s series “Life Is An Adventure.” The slideshow covers the rivers that she visited during a year-long adventure, told in her book “52 Rivers.” Info: www.mancoslibrary.org or 970-533-7600.
Saturday, June 13
The Mancos Beautification Project plans to brand wine-barrel planters, 4–7 p.m. t Main and Grand, across from the Absolute Bakery. Enjoy chile and tortillas. RSVP by Wednesday, June 10. Info: Leslie at 533-7725 or Boe Hawkins at 739-6613.
The League of Women Voters of Montezuma County will meet at 9 a.m., at the Ponderosa Restaurant in Dolores. The program will be presented by Ole Bye, director of the Southwest Farm Fresh Coop. The meeting is free and open to the public.
Saturday-Sunday, June 13-14
Blue Lake Ranch’s 22nd Iris Festival and Bedding Plant Sale, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Hesperus, Highway 140, mile marker 16, 0.3 mile north of Wildcat Canyon Road (141). Refreshments served all day.
Thursday, June 18
The Mancos Farmers Market’s opening day, 4–7 p.m.
Saturday, June 20
Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance presents Ray Williamson at 8:30 p.m., at the Hawkins Preserve in Cortez. Williamson will present a night sky presentation Building a Calendar from Watching the Skies, a Non-technological Approach in which he will discuss the crucial role of skywatching for survival of ancient people on the landscape. Info: www.swcocanyons.org.
Wednesday, June 24
Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance presents Sharon Edgar Greenhill at 7 p.m., at the Sunflower Theatre, 8 E. Main St., in Cortez. Greenhill will present the award-winning documentary “Agave is Life,” which chronicles the 10,000 year-old story of mankind’s symbiotic relationship with the agave plant. Info: www.swcocanyons.org.
Through June
“Superheroes All Around” is the June theme of the Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, at 202 N. Park St., Cortez, every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Older children are welcome to join for a craft at 11:15 a.m. Storytime also is at the Cortez Farmers Market on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m., weather permitting.The schedule: “Tall Tales,” Thursday, June 4 and Saturday, June 6; “Animal Heroes,” Thursday, June 11 and Saturday, June 13; “Dad’s My Hero,” Thursday, June 18 and Saturday, June 20; “Kid Heroes,” Thursday, June 25 and Saturday, June 27. Info: 970-565-8117.
Monday, Aug. 3
Free Alive @ 25 class on Aug. 3 at Mancos High School for students who will be 15½ years old by Aug. 3. Once registration opens, register your student online at: https://aliveat25.us/co/course-info?course_id=9293.
Saturday, Aug. 8
39th Annual Escalante Days at Flanders Park in Dolores. Details: www.doloreschamber.com.
The 17th annual Escalante Days Mountain Bike Race in Dolores. Register at Active.com, or visit the Dolores Rotary page at www.clubrunner.ca/dolores.
Wednesday, Aug. 15
First annual Mancos Brew Fest, noon to 8 p.m., Cottonwood Park.
Mondays and Thursdays
Free nondenominational silent meditation in the Johnson Building at 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., beginning May 4. 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.
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 (except in January and February). Call 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. On June 2, the annual Pot Luck Luncheon and “Crazy Hexies,” a workshop for charity quilts (bring all your sewing stuff). Guests and visitors welcome. Info: doloresmountainquilters.org or Judith Swain 970-560-4426.
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.
Second and Fourth Tuesdays
Knitting Club at the Mancos Public Library. Learn to knit, 6–7 p.m. Come to any or all sessions. Free. Teens and adults welcome. Limited knitting needles and yarn are available, so bring your own if possible. To sign up or for info, visit www.mancoslibrary.org or call Kathy Graf at 970-565-7600 ext. 206 or email [email protected].
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 [email protected] 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
First Friday Leadership at First National Bank in Cortez, 8–9 a.m. Free. Coffee and doughnuts at 7:45 a.m. Call Dena, 565-3414.
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
Second Tuesday
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 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 Thursday
The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours at various locations, 5–7 p.m. Call 565-3414.
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.
Summit Ridge Women’s Club seeks members to promote the organization and service club efforts of providing High School scholarships, sponsoring families in need during holiday events. The club meets once a month. For information, call Marie Chiarizia 757-395-0915.
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 too.
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 Wednesday
The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon is noon at Shiloh Steakhouse. Call 565-3414.
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
Adult Computer Classes, 1:30-3 p.m. at Mancos Public Library Community Meeting Room 211, W. First St., Mancos. Call 970-533-7600 to enroll. No charge.
Dolores secondary PTO meets at 3:45 p.m. in Mr. Thurston’s office. Email Heather Alvarez at [email protected] or call Tif at 903-8752.
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.
Last Thursday
The Mancos Public Library Board of Trustees meets at 5 p.m. in the library meeting room, 211 West First Street, Mancos. Info. 533-7600.
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 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.
Free medical care, Tuesday 1 – 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.
The Mancos Public Library, 211 W. First St., continues the Little People Seasonal Storytime, at 10:30 a.m. The program follows the Mancos Re-6 schedule; runs through May. Children ages 2-6 will be taught songs, verses and stories. A craft is offered. Free. Call the library at 533-7600 or visit www.mancoslibrary.org.
“Joyful Noise” Children’s Choir starting in Mancos. Grades K-6, Homeschoolers welcome. Tuesdays, 4-4:45 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church, corner of Bauer and Oak in Mancos.
Life Drawing, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Cortez Cultural Center 25 N. Market St., Cortez. Bring your own drawing materials. Easels and models provided. Ages 18 and older. No instructor; $5 fee. Info: 970-565-1151, ext.10 and cortezculturalcenter.org.
Every Wednesday
GOAL Academy/Rocky Mountain Digital Academy, a free, accredited online high school, hosts informational sessions and wait-list applications every Wednesday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at new location at 215 N. Linden St. For questions, call 970-213-0923 or go to www.goalac.org.
Yoga Flow with Lily, 9:30-11 a.m. at the Grange. Call 847-819-2039.
Bible studies at Chapel on the Farm, 6 p.m. 19927 Road 26.2 Loop, Dolores. 903-6153
Every Thursday
Free Community Dinner at 6 p.m. at the Cortez Family Worship Center Foursquare Church, 500 N. Washington. Donation appreciated. Call 565-3709.
Weekly weigh-ins available with the Waist Management Group, 4:40 to 5:30 p.m., 343 E. Main St., Suite 300, Cortez. Free. Info: Berta at 565-9515 or 739-6014 after 4:30 p.m.
Country music and dancing for residents at the Cortez Senior Center, 7–10 p.m.
Overcomers Outreach bridges the gap between 12-step recovery groups and churches of all denominations. Christ-centered and Bible-based. Evangel Assembly of God, 209 W. 5th St., Cortez. 6:30 p.m. Call James, 303-519-7523.
Elks Bingo. New hours, beginning at 7 p.m. Come eat, play and visit.
Every Friday
TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) meets at 11:30 a.m. in the Community Room at the Cortez Public Library.
“Bereavement & Caregiver Support Group, 1 p.m. Hospice of Montezuma. Call Sunny for information and location. 565-4400.
