People are encouraged 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.
Thursday, Nov. 28
The Four Corners Board of Realtors 24th annual Parade Of Lights will begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 7. This year's theme is "Bringing Life to Christmas." Participants must complete and sign an entry form by 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 28.
For Pets' Sake Humane Society will hold its 10th annual Cortez Turkey Trot at 9 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, at the Parque de Vida Pavilion near the Cortez Recreation Center. The 1-mile run/walk starts at 10 a.m., regardless of the weather. $20 entry fee includes a commemorative T-shirt. For more information, call 565-7387.
Friday, Nov. 29
The Dolores River Brewery will host Cassie Taylor and her band starting at 8:30 p.m. Nov. 29. Tickets are $10 and are available at the door. Cassie is a veteran musician who spent a decade playing bass and singing with her father, Otis Taylor.
"Crooked Sky" will make a holiday appearance at the Columbine, 123 Grand Ave. in Mancos, Nov. 29. Music begins at 5 p.m. with no cover. The duo comes from California via Pagosa Springs bringing a fusion of folk, country, rock and blues. For more information, call 533-7397.
The Mancos Indoor Flea Market (192 S. Main) will be open for black Friday on Nov. 29 and also on Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be antiques, saddles, lamps, plants, arts & crafts, jewelry, household items, toys, tools and much more for sale.
Saturday, Nov. 30
The public is invited to the 40th Annual Fireman's Dance from 8 p.m. to midnight Nov. 30 at the Beulah Fire Department in Lewis-Arriola, (C.R. N and Hwy. 491). $5 for adults, children 12 and younger are free. Ralph Dinosaur will perform. For more information, call 882-4957 or 529-3173.
Through November
Mancos watercolor artist Jan Wright exhibits paintings of Mesa Verde at The Farm Bistro, 34 W. Main in Cortez, through Jan. 1, 2014.
Book a librarian for up to two hours for free at Dolores Public Library to help with research, a job search (résumé), your computer or software. To schedule, come in, call 882-4127 or visit www.doloreslibrary.org.
The family of Ron Lacy has set up a donations account for Monica Lacy who has medical conditions that require surgery. Any help is appreciated and can be donated at the Dolores State Bank (Cortez Branch) for the Monica Lacy Medical Account.
The public is invited to Join Blue Star Moms Southwest Chapter 2 in sending boxes to the troops. There are boxes located around Montezuma County: in Cortez at Susie's Hallmark, Carquest, Big O Tires, Jack & Janelle's Country Kitchen and The Good Life; in Dolores at The Ponderosa Restaurant; and in Mancos at Cellar Cuts. There are lists of items wanted in or near the boxes. Accepting items until the end of November. For more information, email smvzorro@aol.com.
Sunday, Dec. 1
The annual Citizen of the Year award nomination deadline is Dec. 1. The nomination form is available online at chamber@mancosvalley.com or call the Visitor Center or send an email to receive the nomination form. The winning candidate will be honored at the Chamber of Commerce's annual social in February.
The local chapter of the Disabled American Veterans is holding its annual Christmas Bazaar (Arts and Crafts Fair) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 1 at the American Legion Hall in Cortez. Door prizes and food will be available for sale. All proceeds will go to the DAV Van Fund to provide transportation for local veterans to and from medical appointments in the Four Corners area. For questions or vendor information, call Darla Sanders at 560-2793.
Monday, Dec. 2
The next District Accountability Meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2 in the Board Room at the Administration Building, 400 N. Elm St.
Wednesday, Dec. 4
On Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. Marla Sitton and the MCHS Choir will be at the Cultural Center to perform music of the season. Admission is free for students and Cultural Center members, $5 for non-members.
Thursday, Dec. 5
The 15th annual "A Taste of the Seasons" wine-tasting event, hosted by Four Season's Greenhouse and Nursery, in partnership with West Slope Liquors, the Cortez Journal and KRTZ 98.7 FM/KISS 97.9 FM, will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 5. For more information, call Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery at 565-8274 or Bruce Johnson of United Way at 882-2635.
The Four Corners Community Band will play a Christmas concert from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at the Chapin Mesa Museum Auditorium, Mesa Verde National Park. For more information, visit www.fourcornerscommunityband.com or call 564-1245.
Cortez Special Olympics basketball staff will be holding an informational meeting about the 2013-14 basketball season at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Cortez Journal. Athletes of all abilities, guardians and potential volunteers are welcome to attend. For more information call, Brandon Eubanks at 749-5096.
Friday, Dec. 6
Sweetwater String Band will perform at 8 p.m. Dec. 6, at Dolores River Brewery.
The Dolores Conservation District will hold its annual meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6, at the First National Bank Community Room, 2258 East Main St. Dinner will be served. RSVP to doloresconservation@gmail.com or call 565-9045, ext. 118.
Enjoy live blues, swing and variety music in an old fashioned Christmas setting with WE-4 at the Columbine in downtown Mancos from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Dec. 6. Free hot cocoa and cookies for all.
Dec. 6 and 7
The public is invited to the Mancos Library from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 6 and/or to the Cortez Library from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 7. DonnaLee Wheeler, author of Who's The You In The Mirror, will explain how to research family history. Charles Wheeler, an experienced researcher, will share ideas and answer questions. For more information, call (505) 327-3235 or email ccwdlw@comcast.net.
Dec. 6 and 8
The public is invited to join the Southwest Singers for their presentation of Christmas Classics at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. at First United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park St.
Saturday, Dec. 7
The Dolores Community Center, will host a Christmas Bazaar from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 7. For more information, call Ruby at 882-7717. Proceeds go to the Dolores Community Center.
Dolores River Brewery Holiday Arts and Crafts Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7, at the Brewery, 100 S. Fourth St., Dolores. For more information, call Michele Martz at 562-4494.
The 24th annual Four Corners Board of Realtors Parade of Lights will be held Dec. 7 on Main St. in Cortez. This year's theme is "Bringing Life To Christmas". No entry fee but an entry form is required. The floats are judged based upon lights, music, theme and originality. Three prizes will be awarded to each of three different entry categories. For more information or for an entry form, call Terry at 565-8408 or email terrymc@move2swcolo.com.
Claudia Sanderson O'Hara will host Creative Kids Arts and Crafts from 10 a.m. to noon for ages 7-12 at the Cortez Cultural Center. The cost is $50 for six-week session or $12 for drop-ins. The class will be held Dec. 7 and 14.
Blue Heron Pottery and Sculpture will have a Holiday Open House from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 7 at 12200 Road 32 in Mancos. Look for signs.
The Mancos Public Library invites the public to a holiday craft party from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 7 at the library. Participants of all ages can make window stars, ornaments, cards and popcorn and cranberry garlands. For more information, call the library at 533-7600.
Monday, Dec. 9
"The Best Brass of Christmas" musical will be presented by an 11-member orchestra at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9 at St. Margaret Mary Church, 28 E. Montezuma. Tickets are $10 per adult and $5 per child 13 and younger. For more information, call 565-7308. Tickets may be purchased at the church office. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
The public invited to the Mancos Conservation District to review and adopt its annual 2014 budget at 4 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Mancos Rural Water Co., 604 Bauer Ave. Call Lea Cody, district manager, at 739-6797 for a copy of the budget for review.
Friday, Dec. 13
The Cortez Cultural Center will sell tickets from Nov. 23 to Dec. 13 for the Twelve Trees of Christmas. Tickets are a $1 each. The Twelve Trees of Christmas - fully decorated - will be given away in a festive celebration between 5 and 7 p.m. Dec. 13.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Kiwani's Club of Mesa Verde presents free Breakfast with Santa from 8 to 10 a.m. Dec. 14, at the Montezuma County Annex, corner of Montezuma and Chestnut in Cortez.
Sunday, Dec. 15
The second annual MESSIAH Sing-In will be at 6 p.m. Dec. 15 at the First United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park St. Choral singers should arrive at 5:30 p.m. Baby sitting will be provided and refreshments will be served after the performance. For more information, call Patricia Faulkner at 564-9458.
Through December
This year's theme for the Mancos Valley Chorus concert is "Countdown to Christmas." There will be a medley from the classic movie "White Christmas" at these dates and times: 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8; 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10; 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13; and 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. All concerts are free to the public. For locations and more information, call Carol West at 882-0120 or visit mancosvalleychorus.org.
Santa and his elves will be visiting Artisans of Mancos from 5 to 8 p.m. every Friday in December. Everyone is welcome.