The Cortez Journal encourages people to submit announcements about upcoming events for the Community Calendar. Send announcements to news@cortezjournal.com. Items submitted less than two weeks in advance will be less likely to be published.
Calendar items are published as space allows. To see the current complete calendar, log on to www.CortezJournal.com, click on Community and, under it, Community Calendar.
A Cappella Chorus
to benefit Grace’s Kitchen
The Rochester College A Cappella Chorus will perform on Monday, May 13, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Barnabas Church (corner of North and Elm).
Now in its 53rd year, the chorus has appeared regularly with the Rochester Symphony Orchestra in works such as Vivaldi’s Gloria, Orff’s Carmina Burana, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, and the Mozart and Verdi Requiems. It also has appeared with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in classical and pops concerts.
There will be a free-will offering to benefit Grace’s Kitchen and to help offset the costs of the chorus’ tour.
Call 565-7865 for more information.
Montezuma Avenue historical buildings program
On Tuesday, May 14, Jill Seyfarth, of Cultural Resource Planning in Durango, will offer a colorful presentation of her latest research on historic structures along Montezuma Avenue, 14 of which are newly listed on the Cortez Historic Register. Funded by a Colorado Certified Local Government grant to the City of Cortez, she will tell about the buildings and the people who built and lived in them.
Hosted by the Montezuma County Historical Society, the free program will be at 7 p.m. at the Cortez Methodist Church, 15 N. Park Street.
Burgers and casting clinic rescheduled
The Dolores River Anglers Chapter of Trout Unlimited invites all members and friends to attend the rescheduled Annual Spring Fling Casting Clinic and Cookout at Denny Lake Park Tuesday, May 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring their own fly rods, but a limited number of rods will be available.
For information or to reserve a rod, call Brad Waltman at (970) 759-0175 or Dale Smith at (970) 759-3020.
.
Free programs on estate planning
Erin Johnson will present two free programs on estate planning at the Cortez Welcome Center on Tuesday, May 14.
The first session will cover common errors in estate planning efforts and will be presented at 1:30 p.m. and again at 6 p.m.
The second session will introduce succession planning tools for businesses, farms and ranches. This session will be presented at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
To register online, go to https://www.coloradosbdc.org and click on workshops.
For more information, email Asano_L@fortlewis.edu or call (970) 247-7009.
Program on Hanging Flume
On Thursday, May 16, at the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market Street, Ron Anthony of Anthony & Associates will describe the history of the Hanging Flume, a world engineering marvel along the San Miguel and Dolores rivers, and how a professional team has reconstructed a portion of the flume. Anthony is also involved in investigating the possibilities of preserving the McElmo Flume outside of Cortez.
Anthony and other consultants will be on the site at the McElmo Flume (adjacent to Highway 160, just before the fairgrounds) on Thursday and Friday, May 16 and 17, to further assess the condition of the structural components of the Flume.
The public is welcome to stop by to see what is happening.
Spring superfoods talk to be held
Registered dietitian Marissa Kleinsmith will discuss “Eat with the Season: Spring Superfoods” on Thursday, May 1, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Cortez Rec Center Mesa Canyon Room.
Topics include why it’s important to eat seasonal foods, what’s in season now and the beneficial nutrients found in those foods, and how to incorporate spring superfoods into everyday eating. The monthly nutrition series is free and sponsored by the Rec Center.
Blood drive to be held in Cortez
United Blood Services will hold a blood drive from 3 to 6:30 p.m. May 16 at the Cortez Middle School cafeteria, 450 W. Second, Cortez.
FireWise Home Ignition Zone workshop
FireWise of Southwest Colorado is offering a Home Ignition Zone Workshops as part of Wildfire Prevention and Education Month in May. During the 12-hour workshop, attendees will learn risk factors around their home that could cause it to burn, how to conduct an assessment, review case studies of homes that have burned due to flying embers, and more. This is an ideal course for anyone interested in providing important wildfire risk information to residents. Attendees will get to practice the information they learned by conducting on-site assessments on Saturday.
The workshop will be held May 17-18 at the Mancos Public Library, from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Registration is required, as space is limited. There is a $10 fee; dinner Friday night and lunch on Saturday will be provided.
RSVP to Becca Samulski at 564-4007 or montezumafirewise@gmail.com.
Southwest Singers Chamber Choir
The Southwest Singers’ Chamber Choir invites the public to a “Celebration of Spring” on Friday, May 17, and Saturday, May 18, both at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 515 n. Park, Cortez. Admission is free, but an appreciation box will be available.
Works include: The Blue of the Night, Beyond These Mountains Blue, My Funny Valentine, Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring. Choir accompanist is Joy Steffen.
For more information, call Ruth Wilson Francisco at 882-3870.
Yard sale for the Bridge
The Bridge Emergency Shelter will hold a yard sale at the Cortez Day Labor Center, 2405 E. Empire, on Saturday and Sunday, May 18-19, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
All profits will go to the Bridge’s summer programs and the Day Labor community garden.
Children’s Kiva yard sale
The Children’s Kiva Montessori School will hold a spring yard sale from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 18. Proceeds go to the tuition assistance program.
Spring Remembrance and Balloon Release
The Four Corners Chapter of the Compassionate Friends and Hospice of Montezuma will hold their third annual “Community Spring Remembrance and Balloon Release” at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 18, in Centennial Park near the large gazebo. For more information, call Cherie 565-6480, or Debbie, 565-4732.
Dairy Goat Information Day
The Four Corners Dairy Goat Breeders will hold a dairy goat information day on Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 23161 Rd. G.2 in Cortez.
Ask questions about raising dairy goats. See animals and get advice and demonstrations on care and maintenance. Multiple breeds will be represented. Some will be available for sale. Some equipment may be available for sale.
For more information call Jeanette at 565-9065 and leave a message.
Free Montezuma Avenue walking tours
In the fourth annual celebration of Historic Preservation Week in Cortez, four free walking tours of Montezuma Avenue, guided by volunteers steeped in local history, will be offered from the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market Street, on Saturday, May 18, beginning at 10 a.m. on the hour until 1 p.m.
Tours will celebrate 14 new additions to the Cortez Historic Register and will culminate in visits to the interiors of two additions, St. Margaret Mary Church and Rectory.
Tours are limited to 12 people per tour; reservations are required and may be made by calling the Cortez Cultural Center, 565-1151. Some area businesses will offer discounts to tour participants who display their name badges.
This event is sponsored by Cortez Historic Preservation, Cortez Cultural Center and the Montezuma County Historical Society.
Blood drive to be held May 18
United Blood Services will hold a blood drive in its Bloodmobile at the Fiesta Twin Theater, 23 W. Main, Cortez, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on May 18.
Lakeview Harmony Club Centennial
The Lakeview Harmony Club, established in May 1913, will celebrate its 100th anniversary on Sunday, May 19, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Lakeview Grange Hall, East of Highway 145 on Road M. The event will include music, refreshments and door prizes.
The Lakeview Harmony Club, organized by pioneer women, is a community fellowship and service group. Family and friends of past members are invited to attend.
For more information, call Jodi Foran at (970) 882-2401.
Class on government contracting
Four Essential Steps to Government Contracting, with Dennis Casey of the Colorado Procurement Technical Assistance Center (Co PTAC) is designed for companies registered as government contractors in the SAM system. Casey will be covering the recent changes in the new system, how to be more successful in winning bids, limitations for subcontractors, non-manufacturing rule and more. The Small Business Development Center class is free and is scheduled at the Durango Public Library program room on Wednesday, May 22, from 1 to 3 p.m.
The class is free; to register, call (970) 247-7009 or email Asano_L@fortlewis.edu.
Blood drive to be held May 23
United Blood Services will hold a blood drive from 3 to 6 p.m. May 23, at the Pleasant View Fire Department conference room, 15529 Road CC, Pleasant View.
Blood drive to be held May 24
United Blood Services will hold a blood drive from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday, May 24, at the First Methodist Church, 515 N. Park, Cortez. Blood drive
Public Plant Sale
The Mesa Verde Gardeners are hosting their Fifth Annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 25, from 9 a.m. until noon in the parking lot of Front Row Seat (next to City Market) on Main Street in Cortez. This is your chance to add some new and perhaps unusual plants to your landscape. Plants are provided by our garden club members and by local nurseries. Perennials, annuals, herbs, houseplants and vegetables will be available.
Mesa Verde Gardeners is a group of men and women dedicated to enriching the lives of the local gardening community through education and experience in all aspects of horticulture and gardening. Anyone interested in plants or gardening is invited to join. There are educational meetings and garden tours throughout the year.
For more information or to donate additional plants for the sale, please call Mary Ann Bruner at (970) 565-9158.
Rodeo and Cowboy Days
for kids at the library
The Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo will be presenting Rodeo and Cowboy Days on Wednesday, May 29, at the Dolores Library and Thursday, May 30, at the Cortez Library, starting at 10 a.m. There will be stories, crafts and an opportunity for the kids to have their picture taken on a mannequin horse or to try their roping skills. This is for kids of all ages. Dress Western or just come for the fun! Each child attending will receive a free rodeo and carnival ticket.
Blood drive to be held May 29
United Blood Services will hold a blood drive Wednesday, May 29 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in its Bloodmobile at the Cortez Fire Protection District, 30 N. Ash.
Blood drive scheduled for May 30
United Blood Services will hold a blood drive on Thursday, May 30, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Ute Mountain Casino Hotel Bingo Hall, 3 Weeminuche, Towaoc.
Baby-sitting class rescheduled
A baby-sitting class originally scheduled for May 4 will be held on Friday, May 31, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Southwest Memorial Hospital Community Annex Room. The cost is $25 per participant, and all proceeds will go to the SWMH Relay for Life Team.
The course will cover how to stay safe, feeding, playtime, and how to start and safely advertise a baby-sitting business. Students will learn how to change diapers and identify age-appropriate toys and games, and will receive a basic first aid overview. Choking and what to do in an emergency is also covered.
To register, call Robin Bragg at 564-2243 or email rbragg@swhealth.org.
Incredible Years Parenting Class
The Pinon Project will offer a series of free parenting classes beginning in June and lasting 14 weeks. The Incredible Years is a curriculum targeting parents of children birth to 12 years of age and is proven effective.
This program is for parents who are looking for more effective ways to discipline and who want to build a more positive relationship with their children. Classes will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Pinon Project, 300 N. Elm Street. Dinner and child care are provided. To register, contact Lara Blair or Sandra Jaburg at 564-1195. Space is limited; sign up soon.
‘Starting your own business’ class
The Small Business Development Center will hold a workshop for people interested in starting businesses on Thursday, June 13, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Durango Public Library.
The cost is $25, with a $5 discount for Chamber members. Walk-ins are welcome; to reserve a spot contact the SBDC at (970) 247-7009 or email Asano_L@fortlewis.edu.
Dolores River Dialogue
There will be a full Dolores River Dialogue (DRD) meeting on Tuesday, July 2 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the offices of the Dolores Water Conservancy District.
The topics of this meeting will be the “319 Watershed Plan” that the DRD Steering Committee has been working on since early 2012, updates on the next version of the Lower Dolores River Implementation, Monitoring, and Evaluation Plan for Native Fish, as well as other updates including drought forecasting.