The Cortez Journal encourages people to submit announcements about upcoming events for the Community Calendar. Send announcements to [email protected]. 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.



Eads will lead hike focusing on ‘Sand Canyon through the ages’

Larry Eads of San Juan Mountains Association will lead a hike focusing on “Sand Canyon through the ages” on Thursday, April 28 in Sand Canyon, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

Learn what the rocks can tell about the 200 million year span of history visible in Sand Canyon. Explore the vegetative community in Sand Canyon and find out what it shows about the environmental conditions past and present. Finally, learn about the people who have made the Sand Canyon vicinity their home over the past 1,000 years, about their lifestyle, and about how the climate, geology and vegetation were important to them. Registration is required.

Contact SJMA to register and for more information at 385-1256 or [email protected].



Dolores River Dialogue will meet

to discuss goals, water forecasting

The full Dolores River Dialogue will meet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at the offices of the Dolores Water Conservancy District, 60 S. Cactus Street, Cortez.

The agenda items include updating the full DRD on various proposals for meeting the purpose statement that have been discussed by the DRD Steering Committee; discussion of the goals and activities of the DRD for 2011; information about a new SNOTEL site to improve water forecasting; and other information sharing. The Dolores River Dialogue comprises 20 stakeholders, and the public is welcome to attend all meetings.

A website for the DRD has meeting minutes of the Steering, Hydrology and Science committees as well as full DRD meetings and other information at: http://ocs.fortlewis.edu/drd/

Anyone wishing to attend the meeting should RSVP by April 27 to Marsha Porter-Norton at 759-3110 or [email protected] in order to plan for seating, food and handouts.



Dedication ceremony at hospital will honor Dr. E.G. Merritt

Southwest Memorial Hospital will host a dedication ceremony to honor Dr. E. G. Merritt, who practiced medicine in the Four Corners area from 1948 until he retired in 1993, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at 1311 N. Mildred Road, Cortez.

Following his death in 2009 at the age of 87, Dr. Merritt’s family donated his collection of medical instruments to the SWMH Foundation. The collection is now on display in the main lobby of the hospital, where the dedication event will be held. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact Susan at 564-2156.



‘Flowers Abound’ is April theme for Cortez Public Library Storytime

“Flowers Abound!” is the April theme of Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St.

Storytime is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. for pre-school aged children. Older children are welcome to join us for the craft at 11:15 a.m.

We’ll wrap up the month with “My favorite dinosaur” on April 28.

Storytime offers songs, stories, crafts and silliness and uses the Early Childhood Literacy Initiative program.

For more information, contact the library at 565-8117.



McHenry will give presentation about historic McCabe Ranch

Come hear John McHenry’s “History of the McCabe Ranch” at the Montezuma County Historical Society’s symposium, at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at the Methodist Church’s Hampton Hall, 515 Park St., Cortez.

McHenry is the grandson of Leona and Stanley McCabe, a rancher and coach for the Dolores school system.

For more information, contact Vivienne Kenyon at 565-7714.



Two Eagles Astrology presents workshop series

Two Eagles Astrology will hold a series of workshops designed to empower people with archetypal astrological insights that have practical meaning beginning at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at Kaleidoscope Wellness Center, 233 Park St., Mancos. For more information or to register, call Cassandra Leoncini at 565-7272 or go to www.TwoEaglesAstrology.com.



Band Rockslide will perform

mix of blues, jazz, rock, country

The band Rockslide will play at 8 p.m. Friday, April 29, at Blondie’s Pub & Grub, 45 E. Main St., Cortez. There is no cover charge.

Rockslide plays a mix of high energy original songs and covers that includes blues, jazz, rock ’n’ roll, and some country.

They will have copies of their new CD release “Keeping Music Live” available at the shows.

Rockslide also will play at 8 p.m. Friday, May 6, at the Mancos Valley Distillery, 116 N. Main St. There is a $3 cover charge.

For more information, contact Leo at 426-8452.



Magic show will raise funds for eyeglasses and eye care assistance

Mysto’s ‘The Mad World of Magic’ show will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, April 29, at the Montezuma-Cortez High School Auditorium, 206 W. Seventh St., Cortez.

All seats are $5. Tickets are available at the door. A family event filled with fun and surprises, this show features the celebrated magician Mysto the Magi. All proceeds from this fundraising event go to provide eye exams, eye care and glasses for children and other individuals in the Cortez area who might need services not covered by other programs or who have a limited income.

The Cortez Lions Club is grateful to continue this annual fundraising event to serve and support the community.

For more information, contact Kevin Cason at 739-8313 or Marilyn Lee at 564-9619, email [email protected], or address Cortez Lions Club, P.O. Box 394, Cortez, CO 81321.



Law enforcement has National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Local law enforcement in cooperation with the Drug Enforcement Agency will offer a prescription medication drop off for medicine that is old, expired or no longer in use from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30, in the Notah Dineh parking lot at the corner of Maple and Main streets in Cortez.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be an opportunity for the public to surrender expired, unwanted or unused medications and over-the-counter substances to law enforcement officers for destruction. This will prevent the medication from falling into the wrong hands and help ensure the safety of children. The program is anonymous, and no questions or requests for identification will be made. It is encouraged that any identifying information be removed from the prescription label before disposal. Intravenous solutions, injectibles and syringes will not be accepted due to potential hazard posed by blood-borne pathogens.

For more information, contact the Cortez Police Department at 565- 8441, Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office at 565-8452 or Dolores County Sheriff’s Office at 677- 2257.



For Pets’ Sake will host low-cost pet vaccination clinic

For Pets’ Sake Humane Society will host a low-cost dog and cat vaccination clinic from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 30, at the IFA Country Store, 10501 Highway 491 in Cortez.

Veterinarian Dr. Sue Grabbe, with Four Corners MASH, will offer dog and cat packages (which include rabies) for $37 each, or $12 for rabies only. Exact change is appreciated; checks are OK, but no credit cards. Dogs must be on leashes and cats must be in carriers. A portion of each package purchased will be donated to For Pets’ Sake.

For more information call the Humane Society at 565-PETS (7387).



San Juan Bible Camp will hold registration, Christian rock concert

San Juan Bible Camp will have a registration day for students grades two through 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at 14260 Road 39.9, Mancos.

That evening will include the Christian rock band A Road Less Traveled from Lubbock, Texas, in a free promotional concert at 7 p.m. at the Cortez Christian Church Annex building, 2310 E. Empire, Cortez.

San Juan Bible Camp is a non-denominational camp, serving the Four Corners area, that teaches principles from the Bible and skills for everyday use. The camp will have licensed medical personnel to give physicals, parental consent forms will be available for off-site activities, and snacks will be served.

Costs and registration forms are on the website at www.SanJuanBibleCamp.org. Scholarships are available.

The camp will hold a “get ready for summer” work party from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 7. Projects include limbing trees, chipping branches, cleaning cabins, putting up the chapel tent and fire mitigation. RSVP, as lunch is provided.

For more information, call 533-7622 or email [email protected].



Dolores River Festival organizers call for festival vendors

Organizers of the Dolores River Festival, scheduled for Saturday, June 4, are looking for licensed food, crafts, and merchandise vendors as well as nonprofit organizations to participate in this year’s festival as vendors. The deadline to reserve a booth for this year’s Festival is May 1.

If you are a licensed food vendor, commercial merchant, craftsman, artist, or local business and would like to reserve a 10- by 10-foot or 10- by 20-foot booth space at the festival to sell your goodies, gear, or glitz then see the festival website for vendor information and applications.

Organizers are also offering discounted booths to local nonprofit organizations that want to spread the word about their work to the festival audience. If you are interested in either of these two great opportunities, see the festival website at www.doloresriverfestival.com or contact the Festival Director, Shaine Gans, at 759-9817 or [email protected].



Mancos Valley Chorus to perform ‘Heart and Soul’ spring concert

The Mancos Valley Chorus will have its Spring Concert at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 1, at Mancos Methodist Church, 470 W. Grand Ave.; 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, at First United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park St., Cortez; with additional performances in Mancos Methodist Church at 7 p.m. Friday, May 6, and 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7.

“Heart and Soul” is the theme this season, featuring Gershwin swing and a variety of love songs from folk rock to inspirational. A reception will follow the concerts. All concerts are free and open to the public, but donations are accepted.

For more information, contact Carol at 882-0120 or visit www.mancosvalleychorus.org.



Renew will present education series on domestic violence, sexual assault

Renew will present the first of a free Community Education Series about domestic violence and sexual assault from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. beginning Tuesday, May 3, at The Nest Child Advocacy Center, 140 N. Linden, Cortez.

This group will meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for four weeks. Volunteer advocate training will continue on the same schedule for two additional weeks. Participants are invited to bring a brown bag meal. Beverages and small snacks will be provided.

For more information or to register, call 565-4886.



Writer will give workshop on ‘How to Write Your Life Story’

A four-week long workshop on “How to Write Your Life Story” will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, with subsequent classes to be held 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, 17 and 24, at the Mancos Public Library, 211 W. First St.

Writer Linda Rose will teach this class on how to turn journals, diaries, and other thoughts and memories into book form so it will be around for all posterity. The class is free, but the instructor suggests a one-time donation of $20 dollars to benefit the Mancos Public Library.

For more information or to sign up, call the library at 533-7600.



Strong Extended Families Program offered for relative caregivers

The Strong Extended Families Program begins Tuesday, May 3, and offers four weekly classes at Suite E, 215 N. Linden, Cortez.

Caregivers gain support and information on state and local resources. The program includes snacks, games, art projects and skits that help youth in relative care understand the situation and learn coping skills. The cost is $80 per family.

Scholarships are available.

For more information or to register at 565-3606.



Scientist, theologian will present creation-evolution seminar

A research scientist and practical theologian will make sense of creation-evolution debate in the first of a free five-part seminar series that will be shown from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 4, through Sunday, May 8, at the Seventh-day Adventist Churches in Cortez, 540 W. Fourth St., and at Dove Creek.

The seminar will originate from an uplink live from Nashville, Tenn., that will be distributed via satellite across the United States and Canada. Timothy G. Standish, a research scientist in the field of genetics, and Ron E. M. Clouzet, a practical theologian and seminary professor, will present this creation-evolution seminar.

For more information, visit http://sdacortez.com.



4CORE offers free session

on Insulated Concrete Forms

4CORE’s Sustainable Building Education Program will present Insulated Concrete Forms with John Hatfield of Energywise Sustainable Products at 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, at Empire Electric Association, 801 N. Broadway, Cortez.

Realtors, homeowners, architects, energy raters, building officials, mortgage brokers, appraisers, builders, suppliers and anyone interested can attend. Free breakfast will be provided by Empire Electric Association.

For more information, call 4CORE at 259-1916 or go to www.fourcore.org. RSVP to Heather Wyatt at 799-7718.



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.

On Thursday, May 5, we’ll introduce “Good Ol’ Mom!.” “Let’s Run Away to the Circus!” will be the focal point for Thursday, May 12. Next is “Let’s Visit the Dentist!” on May 19. We’ll 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.



Cultural Center will hold Cinco De Mayo dinner for Hawkins Preserve

A Cinco De Mayo celebration and dinner will be held from 5:30 until the last taco is gone Thursday, May 5, at the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St.

Different kinds of tacos, beans and rice dinner bar will be served, with beer, soda, and lime-aid. There will be door prizes, pinatas for the kids, Traveling Sombrero, and music.

The cost is $18, and $15 for members of the Cultural Center. All proceeds will benefit the Hawkins Preserve, in an ongoing effort to raise money to reroof and stabilize the largest archaeological site.

For more information, contact Linda Raczek at 565-1151.



Public Health Department will offer low-cost bone density screening

Montezuma County Public Health Department, in conjunction with the Osteoporosis Prevention Project of Western Colorado, will provide a low-cost ($29) osteoporosis bone density screening from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, May 6, at the Montezuma County Public Health Department, 106 W. North St., Cortez.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Montezuma County Public Health Department at 565-3056, ext. 221.



League of Women Voters will hold Annual Meeting in Dolores

The League of Women Voters of Montezuma County will hold its annual meeting at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 7, at the Ponderosa Restaurant, 108 S. Eighth St., Dolores.

In addition to the business meeting, representatives of Southwest Colorado Community College, Southwest Open School and adult education providers will discuss their programs. The public is invited.

For additional information, call league President Eleanor Kuhl at 564-0708.



Young Artist’s Art Show displays

work of 3- to 5-year-olds

The Month of the Young Child can be celebrated by viewing the fourth annual Young Artist’s Art Show until May 7 at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St.

Three to 5-year-old artists from Montezuma and Dolores counties are participating. Children’s literature is the theme again this year (there are so many good books) and participants were asked to use a favorite children’s book as the springboard for creativity.

For more information, call 565-8117.



The Sassy Gals will re-enact lives

of historic ‘ill-behaved’ women

The Sassy Gals will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St., Cortez.

The Sassy Gals — Terri Helm and Marianne Griffin — have one job and that is to recreate the lives of “ill-behaved” women from history. Come and meet two of those women, Caroline Nichols Churchill and Mary Jane Colter.

Being ill-behaved doesn’t necessarily mean being naughty. For women, it simply meant thinking outside of the box or being ahead of their time. Caroline Nichols Churchill (1833-1926) was one of the first women to own and operate her own newspaper. She was a Denver gal and was extremely instrumental in securing the vote for the women of Colorado.

Mary Jane Colter (1869-1958) was one of the first female architects. One of her claims to fame was that she designed the buildings at the Grand Canyon. Her collection of turquoise jewelry can currently be viewed at Mesa Verde.

Admission is $5 for Cultural Center members and $7 for nonmembers.



Sideshow has Comedic Readings

of Ridiculously Bad Writing event

“Say Whaaat ?!?” — Comedic Readings of Ridiculously Bad Writing will be held from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at Sideshow Emporium and Gallery, 411 Central, Dolores.

Bring cringe-worthy writings to read! Awful examples of all genres! Sourcing materials: Books such as celebrity autobiography and fiction, smutty romance, fantasy, self-help, poetry, song lyrics, film screenplays and teleplays (act out a scene with a partner!), cheesy catalog descriptions, blogs, recipes, manuals, letters, botched news headlines. Look for outdated, vintage and antique sources also. Perhaps your own misguided writings from those angsty and dramatic teen years?

This is a free event, with donations appreciated; refreshments will be served. Kids are OK, but there will be PG-13 content.

Call your hostesses with any questions: Heather 739-4646 or JoAnne 564-5173.



Order of Job’s Daughters will hold annual Pancake Breakfast benefit

The 17th annual International Order of Job’s Daughters Pancake Breakfast will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 8, at the Masonic Lodge, 304 E. First St., Cortez.

The price for this all-you-can-eat breakfast will be $6 for adults age 12 and up and $3 for children age 12 and under. Money raised will go to girls going to Grand Session in Denver. Job’s Daughters is open to girls aged 10 to 20 years old.

For more information, contact Helen West at 565-3279.



Birding festival accepts registration for remaining tour openings

Registration for the Ute Mountain/Mesa Verde Birding Festival, scheduled for May 11-15, is in full swing now, with some openings on most tours at this time.

Participants can enjoy popular tours of local birding, archaeological and wildlife destinations with expert birders as leaders, listen to lectures, attend the bird art show, or have a brunch or dinner with other birders.

There is something for everyone, including a free Saturday class for beginners, and many new tours including Birds & Brews and Birding by Horseback in the lower Dolores Canyon with Al Heaton. Registration for the festival costs $45 if you want to attend everything, including a keynote dinner and lecture by Colorado Division of Wildlife researcher Tony Apa about the Gunnison sage grouse, or just $30 for registration only. Each tour has an additional cost to cover gas, lunch and expenses.

The public can also attend individual lectures, such as Hummingbirds of Southwest Colorado at 7 p.m. Friday, May 13, for $5.

For more information, contact the Cortez Cultural Center at 565-1151 or visit utemountainmesaverdebirdingfestival.



‘House on Mango Street’ author Cisneros will give performance

Sandra Cisneros will perform at The Poetry Corner Presents at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 12, at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St.

Cisneros is best known for her coming of age novel “The House on Mango Street” and is an accomplished, insightful and powerful poet. She will sign books after the reading. Books will be provided by Maria’s Bookshop, autographs by Cisneros.

For more information, call 565-8117 or come to the library.