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.
Cortez Middle School Winter Festival
On Thursday, Dec. 13, at 6 p.m., Cortez Middle School will be presenting its annual Winter Festival, an evening highlighting the school's various elective programs for parents, students and community members in the CMS main gym. There will be items on display for viewing from 6 to 7 p.m. Artwork and images from the photography club will be on display, and there will be demonstrations by the technology class, as well as work completed by the world language and family and consumer science classes. Goodies prepared by the family and consumer science classes will be available for purchase, and the band will perform from 7 to 8 p.m. Admission is free and all are welcome. Come enjoy an evening of holiday cheer!
Boy Scouts flag retirement ceremony
Boy Scout Troop 518 will hold a flag retirement ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 13, at the Mancos Fire Station, 41595 Hwy. 160. The public is invited to attend; if you have flags that need to be retired, please bring them to the fire station by 6:15 p.m. The ceremony will be held outside, so dress warmly and come enjoy some hot chocolate and cookies! Contact Sensa Wolcott at 903-9882 for more information.
Winter Discovery Walk for Families
Join San Juan Mountains Association on Saturday, Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon for the second program in the Southwest Colorado Winter Ecology Series: a Winter Discovery Walk for Families at Boggy Draw, near Dolores. We will focus on using our senses during this walk - how does winter look, smell, sound, feel, and even taste different from other seasons, and why? For ages 4-10, accompanied by an adult. Snowshoes are provided if needed. There is no charge. Contact SJMA to register (preregistration is requested), or schedule your own Winter Discovery Walk at 759-1170 or gabi@sjma.org. Walks can take place on easy terrain near Cortez, Mancos, Dolores or Durango.
Jingle Bell Dash 5K Run/Walk
The School Community Youth Collaborative (SCYC) will hold the 2nd Annual Jingle Bell Dash on Saturday, Dec. 15. The Dash is a 5K or 1 mile run/walk celebrating educators, and will begin with homemade hot cocoa and cider at 9:30 a.m. at Let It Grow Nursery and Garden Market in Cortez. The Elf Scurry, a short 100-yard dash will kick off the activities, followed by the 5k or 1 mile race, along with fun crafts for children ages 3-8. Parents must accompany young children. Santa will visit, and holiday carols will be performed by the M-CHS choir. The public may participate as a family, a team or individually, and costumes are invited. Participants are encouraged to raise pledges in support of our local educators. Discounted early registration fees are available through Friday, Dec. 7, at a rate of $15/person or $12/team member (four or more participants equals a team). After Dec. 7, registration fees increase to $18/person or $15/team member. Participants may also register the day of the race. Children ages 8 and under participate free. Registration and pledge forms, and more information is available at http://scycmontezuma.wix.com/jinglebelldash or call 529-0635.
VFW and Ladies Auxiliary annual Christmas Party
All veterans and their families are invited to attend the Montezuma County VFW Post #5231 and Ladies Auxiliary annual Christmas party this Sunday, Dec. 16, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Post home, 135 W. Grand in Mancos. The Post will provide the ham for the meal and everyone is asked to bring a dish to complement the ham, and desserts. Tom & Jerry's will be served beginning at 1 p.m. Santa Claus will make an appearance sometime during the afternoon. All veterans and their families are invited to attend. For more information, call Abe and Alice Saunders at 533-7257.
Cortez community mobile blood drives
United Blood Services will hold two mobile blood drives in the Cortez area. The first will be from 1:30 to 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 17, at Southwest Memorial Hospital, 1311 N. Mildred Rd., and the second will be on Saturday, Dec. 22, from 9 a.m. to noon at Walmart, 1831 Main St. Look for the Bloodmobile at each location. Donors should have identification with them at the time of donation. To set up an appointment or for more information, call 385-4601 or sign up online at www.unitedbloodservices.org.
Dolores Healing Space Christmas Open House
Dolores Healing Space, 102 S. 4th St., will have a Christmas Party Open House on Monday, Dec. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. Stop by to chat with our healthcare practitioners, enjoy some nutritious goodies and healthy hot beverages. Children are welcome, of course! Call Paula at 749-4160 or Janneli at 882-3032 for more information.
Poetry with Yule bards you'll enjoy
Join Art Goodtimes, Rosemary Wahtola and David Feela for an intimate conversation of poems that promise to entertain and inspire from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 19, at the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St. Sweeter than sugar cookies, stronger than eggnog and more interesting than stocking stuffers. Listening is free and the event is open to the public. Wine and goodies will also be available for a donation. For more information, call 565-1151.