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.
Plant and Animal Adaptations hike at Mesa Verde
Park biologists and interpretive rangers will lead a hike from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 22, to explore the amazing ways that animals and plants survive in the cold winter environment of Mesa Verde National Park. The hike will tour their winter habitats in the Morefield Campground area. Meet at the Morefield Village parking lot at Morefield Campground, four miles from the park entrance. Snowshoes and poles will be available during each hike for those who need them. This program is free; the Mesa Verde entrance fee ($10/car) will apply. Limited to 20 people, ages 7 to adult. Advance reservation is required. For more information, go to www.nps.gov/meve; to make a reservation, call the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum at 529-4631.
Cortez community mobile blood drive
United Blood Services will hold a mobile blood drive on Saturday, Dec. 22, from 9 a.m. to noon at Walmart, 1831 Main St. Look for the Bloodmobile. 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.
Community Christmas Dinner set for Tuesday
The annual Community Christmas Dinner, a Cortez tradition for more than 20 years, will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Christmas day at the Montezuma County Annex.
An army of volunteers will pitch in to help make the dinner special for as many as 600 people. There is no charge for the dinner.
Volunteers will set up for the dinner on Christmas Eve. Monetary or dessert donations should be dropped off at the annex building at 103 N. Chestnut anytime after 8 a.m.
Cortez Audubon Christmas Bird Count
The Cortez Audubon Christmas Bird Count will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 26. Participants should meet at 8:30 a.m. in front of the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St. Routes will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. The Christmas Bird Count is an Audubon-sanctioned event and used to help compile data. The count is open to all birders - from beginners to experts - and beginners can go with a more experienced birder. Participants can bird for as many hours as they want - from several hours to all day. Participants receive the annual summary, and in lieu of the $5 participant fee, Audubon is asking for voluntary donations. For more information, call Carolyn at 882-7742 or 529-3544.
'Thirteenth Year in Zion' author reading, book signing
Author Duane Keown will be at the Cortez Public Library on Thursday, Jan. 3 from 2 to 4 p.m. to read and discuss his book "Thirteenth Year in Zion." The book is about his personal experiences of being a non-mormon in Blanding, Utah, where he worked as a science teacher during the 1950s to 1970s. The author will sign copies of his book that will be available for purchase at the event.
Health presentation 'Heavy Metals and Depression'
"Heavy Metals and Depression - Make the Connection" will be presented by Dyanna Hoffman, Natural Health Practitioner, on Friday, Jan. 4 from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Mesa/Canyon Room at the Cortez Recreation Center. T.O.N.I. share sessions are free of charge and open to the public. Listen, learn and share on topics of health interest. For more information, call Joe Keleher, T.O.N.I. facilitator, at 565-5448.
Boot Camp for Writers
Erica Olsen, the author of Recapture & Other Stories (Torrey House 2012), will present a boot camp for writers at the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St. on Saturday, Jan. 5 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Join her for a session of fun, low-impact writing exercises - a creativity workout to start your new year "write." Bring pen/pencil and paper or a laptop. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for students (high school or college). There is a sliding scale; no one will be turned away for lack of funds. All proceeds benefit Cortez Cultural Center. Call Erica for more information at 435-210-1847.
Mother & Daughter Teatime Luncheon
Christian Women's Celebrations will be having a Snowflake Spectacular - Teatime by Candlelight Luncheon on Saturday, Jan. 5, at noon at the Elks Lodge, 2100 N. Dolores Rd. Mothers and daughters are invited and will be honored. A princess party dress fashion show will be featured by girls ages 4 to 18. Call 560-3328 if you would like to model. Songs with sparkle will be performed by Amanda, Skylar and Sariah Robinson. Speaker Teresa Reynolds will tell a story fit for a princess. The luncheon is $14.50 per person and includes the meal, dessert, beverage and tip. Reservations should be made by Monday, Dec. 31 by contacting Cindy Bennetts at cncfunevents@gmail.com or 560-3328. Complimentary tickets are offered for first timers and daughters under age 18.