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.
Friday, Feb. 7
The 28th Annual Chocolate Fantasia, a fundraiser benefiting the Volunteers of America Southwest Safehouse and the Durango Community Shelter, will be held on Friday, Feb. 7, at the La Plata County Fairgrounds (2500 Main Avenue), from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “Chocolat De Paris.” Tickets are available throughout the Durango community as well as at the door. For more information call Volunteers of America at 259-1021.
The Montezuma School to Farm Project is hosting a Talent Show at the Dolores River Brewery, 100 S. 4th St. in Dolores on Feb. 7! Family contest from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Cake Walk at 7 p.m., and adult contest from 8 to 10 p.m. Prizes will be awarded and a karaoke machine will be available. Email mstfpamericorps@gmail.com or call 303-918-3538 to enter. All proceeds will go to school gardens in Montezuma County. $5 suggested donation at the door.
Christian Women’s Celebrations invite everyone to a mother and daughter Royal Teatime Banquet on Feb. 15 at 12 noon at the Elks. Favorite Party Dresses will be modeled by princesses under 18. Beautiful songs will be presented by Jewel Most, singing princess. Speaker Princess, Paula Podgornoff will present a royal story, “Once Upon A Time”. $14.50 per person included room fee, program, meal, drink, dessert, and tip. Please make reservations by Feb. 7 by contacting Cindy Bennets at cwcfunevents@gmail.com or 560-0395. Complimentary tickets for first timers and princesses under 18. Let us know if your daughter would like to be a model.
The Colorado Workforce Center will present a workshop on how to fill out a paper application and how to create a resume at the Dolores Public Library on Friday, Feb.7 from 1 to 3 p.m. To sign up for this class please contact the library at 882-4127.
Saturday, Feb. 8
Lu Nettleton of the Colorado Plateau Growers Association will present a workshop on the local production of marijuana at the Dolores Public Library 1004 Railroad on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 12:30 p.m. Several topics will be discussed including the difference between marijuana and hemp, GMO/patented seed vs. organic seed, farmers’ rights vs. monopoly rights, and the potential for profit. For further information please call the Dolores Public Library at 882-4127.
Four Corners Beekeepers Assoc, “The Buzz Club” is sponsoring beginning beekeeping classes at Let It Grow Nursery in Cortez. The class will be in two sessions, Feb. 8 and 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will cost $40 for both sessions. Both top-bar and Langstroth hives will be shown. For more info or to reserve a space, contact Tina at (970) 884-8190
Southwestern Colorado Livestock Association’s annual meeting will be held at the Cortez Elks Lodge on Saturday, Feb. 8. The morning session will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed with a potluck at noon provided by Southwestern Cowbelles. The Business meeting and election of Directors will be at 1 p.m., Steak Dinner and the presentation of awards for Southwestern Cowbelle of the Year and Stockman of the Year will be at 7 p.m. Dance to the music of “Vanishing Breed” will begin at 8 p.m. From 3 to 10 p.m. there will be a silent auction to benefit the Scholarship Fund. For more information about the event or the Scholarship fund call 565-1972.
The next USDA Commodity Distribution will be Feb. 8 in Cortez at the Fairgrounds (30100 Hwy 160) from 8 to 8:30 a.m., in Dolores at the Fire Hall (45 Railroad Ave.) from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., and in Mancos at the United Methodist Church (470 Grand Ave.) from 7:30 to 8 a.m. Must bring a box large enough for your commodities.
Monday, Feb. 10
The Four Corners Community Band will begin practice Feb. 10, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 100 North Market, Cortez. Prospective members are invited to attend. Visitors are welcome. For more information see www.fourcornerscommunityband.com or call 564-1245.
Tuesday, Feb. 11
The Cortez Public Library is holding a free Online Dating Workshop on Feb.11 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Learn how to find sites that are right for you, how to create your profile and about online communication safety. For more information call 565-8117.
Thursday, Feb. 13
The Four Corners Back Country Horsemen will hold their monthly meeting on Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Pine River Senior Center in Bayfield. Guests are encouraged to attend. This month’s topic is Horse Anatomy by Dr. Ben Hufnagel. For more information visit www.4cbch.org or contact Pat Amthor, chapter president, at 970-382-0980 or puzzlergoldmine@gmail.com
The Cortez High School will hold a blood drive on Feb. 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Gym. Drink plenty of water and eat before donating. Bring photo ID and donor card. 16 & 17 year old students must have a Minor Permit signed by a parent/guardian before they will be able to donate. To schedule an appointment call 565-3722 ext. 133 or visit online at www.UnitedBloodServices.org. sponsor code: cortezhs
Friday, Feb 14
Get your fix of country music On Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, at 7 p.m. Dance with “Country Fix”, at The American Legion, 320 N. Harrison, Cortez. $5 cover charge
Surprise your Valentine with a Bavarian Cream Puff. Beautiful large puffs in a decorated box; $6 each or 2 for $10. Pre-order at Madison House, 120 S. Madison St. Cortez 565-2047 for pick-up on Feb. 14. Or they can deliver to Cortez Businesses for a $2 additional fee.
Saturday, Feb. 15
Cheri Valle presents a Victorian Fashions and Dressmaking Techniques workshop at the Cortez Cultural Center, Feb. 15 at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch on your own. Members free, $5 all others. Pre-registration requested by calling the Center 565-1151.
The League of Women Voters of Montezuma County will hold a breakfast meeting at 9 a.m. on Feb. 15 at the Ponderosa in Dolores. Mike Preston, General Manager of the Dolores Water Conservancy District will discuss “Snowpack’s, kayaks, water taps and seepage facts” For more information call 564-0708.
A Business Planning Course is being offered by Small Business Development Center, for beginning or experienced business owners. The course starts on Sat., Feb. 15 in Cortez and continues on each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through March 22 at the Cortez Welcome Center. Tuition is $280 for two people. Scholarships are available. To register, call 247-7009. For more details call Cindy at 882-4222.
Sunday, Feb. 16
The Anasazi Heritage Center presents David Mattson, of Yale University, Feb. 16, at 1 p.m. for his presentation “Lions in Your Back Yard.” Free to the public. Contact the Center at 882-5600 for information on upcoming events or go to their website at http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/ahc.html
Wednesday, Feb. 19
Jim and Karen Mischke present the Cheetah Conservation fund, a non- profit in Namibia that is engaged in saving the cheetah on Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. in the Gallery at the Cortez Cultural Center. Educational videos highlight the successful program and are a good fit for children and families. Free to members, $5 all others. Call 565-1151 for more information or visit www.cortezculturalcenter.org
Thursday, Feb. 20
Free Home Buyer Class will be held on Feb. 20 at 4 Corners Properties in Cortez. Learn the basic information you need to start buying a home. Register now, space is limited. Call or email Terry Woodrow at 560-1318, Terrywoodrow@gmail.com to sign up.
Thursday, Feb. 27
The public is invited to the Cortez Public Library Storytime on Feb. 27 to join children’s author Melanie Milburn while she reads her book “Imagination, It’s Up To You.” The library is at 202 N. Park St. in Cortez and can be reached at 565-8117.
Friday, Feb. 28
The 9th Annual Lewis Arriola Community Center “Warm Up” chili and cornbread supper will be Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. at 21176 MC Road S. (1/2 mile west of US 491). This is the primary fundraiser for the center. Funds raised help offset operating and maintenance expenses. There will be homemade chili and cornbread and an old-fashioned pie auction. Tickets are available at the door for $5 each or for $20 or can by purchased in advance from Chan 882-7318 or Carlo 882-7816.
Monday, March 31
Cortez Cultural Center in collaboration with Conservation Colorado announces, “What does wilderness mean to you?” Youth Poetry Contest. Submission deadline is March 31. Email submissions to Emily@conservationco.org or Anne at annebeach@cortezculturalcenter.org. Poetry reading and awards ceremony with Dave Mason will be April 18 at the Cortez Cultural Center, details to follow. For submission guidelines or more information call 565-1151.
First Friday
First Friday Leadership is held the first Friday of every month at First National Bank in Cortez from 8 to 9 a.m. Join the free event at 7:45 a.m. for coffee and doughnuts. For more information, call Dena at 565-3414.
Second Wednesday
Southwest Inter-Tribal Voice and Montelores Human Rights Committee meets at 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month at the Community Meeting Room in First National Bank. Email Art Neskahi at taachinii@yahoo.com.
Second Thursday
The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce will hold Business After Hours at various locations from 5 to 7 p.m. the second Thursday of the month. For more information, call 565-3414.
Republican Women of Montezuma County invite the public to meet at noon every second Thursday at Shilo’s Steakhouse at 5 Veach St., in Cortez. For information, call Rosemarie Beall at 564-1576.
A Free legal self-help clinic for Montezuma County parties without an attorney will be held the second Thursday of every month from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Mancos Public Library, 211 W. First St. Volunteer attorneys will assist one-on-one, via computer link. First come first-served basis.
Third Sunday
Jennifer Hope will host Literary Explorations, a free ongoing discussion group exploring all kinds of writings, both fiction and nonfiction, upstairs at the Cortez Cultural Center at 6:30 p.m. every third Sunday of the month.
Third Wednesday
The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon will be held at noon the third Wednesday of the month at Shiloh Steakhouse. For more information, call 565-3414.
First and Third Thursdays
Planning committee for the 10th Annual Ute Mountain-Mesa Verde Birding Festival meets at 10 a.m. on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month upstairs at the Cortez Cultural Center. Anyone interested in volunteering is welcome to attend. Call 565-1151 for details.
Fourth Tuesday
A new Republican woman’s club has been formed locally called 4 Corners Republican Women’s Club. Regular meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. at the Cortez Elk’s Lodge. For more information, please call 565-2197.
Every Sunday
First United Methodist Church has a Native American Worship Service at 2 p.m. every Sunday. For more information call 565-3002.
Every Monday
The public is invited to join the Southwest Singers as they begin rehearsals for the fall season. The choir practices at 6:30 p.m. Monday evenings at First United Methodist Church in Cortez, 515 N. Park. For more information, call Director Ruth Wilson Francisco at 872-3870.
Every Wednesday
The Way Christian Church has a Bible Studies class every Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Every Friday
Every Friday at 6 p.m. the Tree of Life In Jesus Messianic Community (Etz-Chayim B’Yeshua) will begin a new Bible Study Series: “Survey of Messianic Judaism” at Baptist Chapel, 1509 Colorado Hwy 145. For more information, call 970-562-4217 or email info@byeshua.org