Send announcements to news@cortezjournal.com. Items submitted less than two weeks in advance will be less likely to be published. Entries may be edited for length and content.
April 17
Everyone is invited to the Twin Topics conversation at Lewis-Arriola Elementary from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Topics will be John Hattie research on what educational tactics work for students and building the RE-1 2014-15 budget. The last Twin Topics session for this school year.
April 18
Deadline for the 2014 Montezuma County Fair book cover and poster. Theme: "Rural Roots." Turn in designs today by 4 p.m. at the Montezuma County Extension Office, 109 W. Main, Room 102, Cortez. Information: Montezuma County Extension Office, 565-3123.
April 19
The Annual Dolores Easter Egg Hunt will be held at 10 a.m. in Joe Rowell Park. All ages are invited.
April 21
Four Corners 9/12 meets at 7 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Cortez. First in a series to vet local candidates for county offices in the June primary election. Open to the public.
April 22 and 23
Paths to Mesa Verde, an effort to develop a nonmotorized connection between Mancos and Cortez, has an open house April 23 at the Cortez Recreation Center from 7-9 p.m. Seeking community support, feedback, and your vision. Learn more/take a survey at motrail.com.
April 23
The Master Steward Program's 9-week course helps you design a blueprint and management plan for your farm. At First National Bank of Cortez from 6-8:30 p.m. through June 18. Register at www.ext.colostate.edu/sam/ms or call the Dolores Conservation District at 970-565-9045, ext 118.
April 24
Second Annual Spring Craft bazaar: Deadline to register is April 24. Vendors needed ($30 per table, table provided inside-outside, weather permitting. Event is May 10. Call Sally to reserve space, get information, at 970-739-0616.
Montezuma County Senior Services, Navajo Taco Dinner, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 107 N. Chestnut, Senior Center (West End). Price: $7 includes dessert and a drink. Proceeds go to Senior Services Programs.
April 26
20th Annual Pueblo to Pueblo Run/Bike event - a half-marathon, 5K run/walk and 50-mile bike event. Registration information on the Cortez Cultural Center's website, cortezculturalcenter.org.
April 27
The Dolores State Bank invites Dee Fosnot's friends and customers to a retirement party 2-4 p.m. at the Dolores Community Center. Your presence is her requested gift. Call Shawna Valdez at 882-1024.
April 29
The Montezuma Agility Dog Club offers Basic Obedience classes for dogs 5½ months and older. Classes are on Tuesdays at 7 p.m., last one hour, and begin on April 29 and continue for six weeks. Class size is limited. Registration is first-come, first-served. Information: 970-882-5404.
May 2
Tribute to Heroes: "Celebrating America," 6 p.m. at Lewis-Arriola Community Center. Chuckwagon Dinner by Seas'nings, featuring The Bar-D-Wranglers and speaker Andy Carter, an Air Force veteran of Desert Storm. Reservations required: 560-0395. Tickets at Cortez Flooring, 1211 E. Main, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Cost $25. Cutoff date April 25. "A Christian Women's Celebration Event."
May 3
SouthWest Colorado Concerts presents the famous Golden Dragon Acrobats at 7 p.m. at the Cortez Middle School Auditorium. This 26-member company of Chinese acrobats perform astounding acrobatics and traditional dance. Tickets at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. Information: Lindsay Havran at 565-7676 or Paul Bostrom at 565-9127.
May 4-9
The Mancos Valley Chorus' Spring 2014 Concert, "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," with songs from "The Lion King," and lead song "Seasons of Love," from the show "Rent." Free. Refreshments. May 4 at 3:30 p.m., Mancos United Methodist Church, 470 W. Grand Ave. May 6, 7 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park St., Cortez. May 7, 7 p.m. Christ the King Lutheran Church, 495 Florida Rd., Durango. May 9, 7 p.m. Mancos United Methodist Church, 470 W. Grand Ave. Information: 970-946-1267.
May 10
Fourth Annual Dairy Goat Information Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 23161 Road G.2 in Cortez. Presented by Four Corners Dairy Goat Breeders. See animals and get advice on care. Multiple breeds; goats, equipment may be for sale. Call Jeanette at 565-9065 and leave a message.
Mesa Verde Back Country Horsemen sponsors a Poker Ride at Sage Hen Day Use Area (Hwy. 184). Start selling hands, 8 a.m.; riders on trail, 10 a.m.; first hand, $20; additional hands, $5. Prizes for 5 highest hands. Lunch available. Call 970-570-5035 or go to mesaverdehorsemen.com.
First Monday
Southwest Center for Independence Second Chance Brain Injury group meetings at noon at the Cortez office, 2409 E. Empire. Call Matthew at 570-8001.
Cortez Emblem Club No. 261 meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday (except in January and February). Call 565-2197.
First Tuesday
American Legion Ute Mountain Post 75 meets at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 320 N. Harrison St. Call 565-8151.
Dolores Mountain Quilters meet 10 a.m. at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave, Dolores. Guests and visitors are welcome. Information: doloresmountainquilters.org or Judith Swain, 970-560-4426.
First Thursday
Montezuma County Republican Central Committee meets at noon at Shiloh's Steakhouse. Email Nicci Crowley at montezumagop@gmail.com or call 570-9372.
Second Thursday
Republican Women of Montezuma County invite the public to meet at noon at Shiloh's Steakhouse at 5 Veach St., Cortez. Call Rosemarie Beall at 564-1576.
A free legal self-help clinic for Montezuma County parties without an attorney are 2-5 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.
Third Saturday
Christian Motorcycle Association, CMA - Cortez Chapter holds its 8 a.m. breakfast, 9 a.m. chapter meeting and 10 a.m. ride (weather permitting). At Beny's restaurant in Cortez. Call Chapter President Steve Reed at 970-565-7233. No motorcycle required.
Third Wednesday
The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon is held at noon at Shiloh Steakhouse. Call 565-3414.
Third Thursday
Dolores secondary PTO meets the third Thursday of every month at 3:45 p.m. in Mr. Thurston's office. Email Heather Alvarez at halvarez 0722@gmail.com or call Tif at 903-8752.
First and Third Thursdays
Planning committee for the 10th Annual Ute Mountain-Mesa Verde Birding Festival meets at 10 a.m. upstairs at the Cortez Cultural Center. Potential volunteers welcome. Call 565-1151.
Fourth Tuesday
4 Corners Republican Women's Club meets at 11:30 a.m. at the Cortez Elk's Lodge. Information: 565-2197.
Every Monday
Southwest Singers for fall-season rehearsals. Public invited. Practice at 6:30 p.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church in Cortez. Information: director Ruth Wilson Francisco at 872-3870.
Every Tuesday
The Dolores Public Library answers technology/software questions about Microsoft Word, email, digital pictures, etc. free at 2-5 p.m. Information: 882-4127.