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.
Thursday, July 24
The Mancos Friends of the Library are celebrating the library's 5-year anniversary with a community celebration from 6 to 8 p.m.. The event will include a book sale, live piano music by Lee Bartley, a reading by John Wright from La Grulla and storytelling by John Pfeiffer, aka Mancos John, from Fantastical Treasure Tales of the Colorado Rockies. There will also be cake and ice cream.
The Colorado Department of Human Services plans a town hall meeting at 8 a.m. at Montezuma County Annex, 107 N. Chestnut in Cortez to discuss its strategic planning for 2015. The public is encouraged to attend.
July 25, 26 and 27
Mancos Days events will be held in Boyle Park and around town during the three-day festival. Events will start at 9:30 a.m. on Friday with a kids parade and conclude with water fights Sunday afternoon. Find a full schedule at mancostimes.com
Friday, July 25
The Artisans of Mancos artist cooperative gallery at 101 Grand Ave. in Mancos hosts a new-artist reception for Bonnie Loving, horseshoe sculpture artist, at 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., in conjunction with Mancos Days. Refreshments will be provided.
Saturday, July 26
Annual Mancos Centennial Scholarship Spaghetti Dinner will be held at the Mancos school cafeteria, 5:30-7 p.m. Dinner will be $10 for adults. Children 10 and under eat free. The dinner benefits two scholarships for Mancos high school seniors each year.
Mancos Boy Scout Troop 518 and Cub Scouts' annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser, Mancos School Cafeteria, before the Mancos Days Parade, 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Cost: $5 per adult; $2.50 per child 10 years and younger; $12 per family of two adults and two children under 10 years. Advance tickets sold at the school cafeteria door the morning of the event.
For Pets' Sake Humane Society will hold its Summer Wine Festival from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cliffrose Gardens just east of Cortez on U.S. 160. The evening will include wines and beers, other cold beverages, appetizers, desserts, music by Redneck Synfuny, and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit local pets. Information: (970) 565-PETS/7387.
Meet Judy Marquez, candidate for Montezuma County clerk and recorder, at the home of Don and Ann Brown, 28829 U.S. 160, Cortez, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, jULY 29
The Montezuma County Fair Horticulture/Agriculture/Design Show, July 31 to Aug. 2. Classes include: Flowers, fruits and vegetables, foliage, herbs, houseplants, educational displays, and floral design. Entries accepted July 30 from 3-8 p.m. Floral design and educational entries require pre-registration by July 29. Call Dayna Herrick at 570-9048. For questions about the show, call Mary Ann Bruner 565-9158.
Thursday, July 31
The Tuesday Afternoon Women's Bowling League will hold a meeting at Lakeside Lanes at 1 p.m. There will be open bowling practice afterward. This will include 3 games for the price of 2. Information: Betsy at 882-1242.
Weigh in on the management of the San Juan Skyway, 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Mancos Grange, 680 Grand, Ave. RSVP by July 28 to Kathy Sherer: jksherer@q.comor or 970-884-2355
Aug. 1-2
Presbyterian women will have their back-to-school rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Montezuma Valley Presbyterian Church, 350 S. Washington St. Proceeds go toward mission projects. For info: 565-7024.
Aug. 1-3
The Cortez Hot Air Balloon Rally will start each day at 6:30 a.m. flying from Parque de Vida. KOA Kampgrounds will be the host for balloons flying from its park. Volunteers are needed. Call Cookie See: 505-977-2679.
Monday, Aug. 4
The Montelores Early Childhood Council will hold its next monthly luncheon meeting at 11:45 a.m., in the downstairs Meeting Room 110, in the Johnson Building, 525 South Broadway, in Cortez. The public is invited. Lunch will be provided so please RSVP to Vangi McCoy by calling 970-749-7017.
Tuesday, Aug. 5
First Tuesday Evening Market. Local produce, handmade goods, music. At City Park next to the Welcome Center on Main, 4-7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Support local economy, grow community! Information: Gretchen, 509-830-4380.
Friday Aug. 8
The 38th Annual Escalante Days celebration in Dolores, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Saturday. Mountain bike race, live music, food, parade, softball tournament, bike race, duck race, activities for kids and families. Venues include Flanders Park and Dolores River Brewery's indoor and outdoor stages. Information: 970-882-4018, or dolorechamber.com.
Saturday, Aug. 9
Escalante Days mountain bike race starts at 9:50 a.m. at Fifth and Central in Dolores. Register at www.active.com by Aug. 6 ($35)or on race day ($45) at 8 a.m. at the Dolores Medical Office. Information: www.clubrunner.ca/dolores. Volunteers needed: Contact Laurel Rematore at Lrematore@sti.net or 970-529-4642. Proceeds benefit various Dolores Rotary projects.
Seed School in A Day will be taught at the Mt. Lookout Grange, 680 Grand Ave, Mancos, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. It will be taught by Bill and Belle of Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance. Register online at www.RockyMountainSeeds.org.
K-9 Search and Rescue Team Inc. hosts its annual pancake breakfast at the "Doghouse" located at 35 Railroad Avenue in Dolores. Doors open at 6 a.m. Cost: $5
League of Women Voters of Montezuma County will hold our monthly meeting at 9 a.m. at the Ponderosa Restaurant in Dolores. As part of our series "Know Your Community", our speaker will be Terri Wheeler of the Montezuma Housing Authority. For info: 533-1051.
Saturday, Aug. 16
Dirt Riot 4x4 Endurance Racing at BattleRock Offroad Park, 5740 County Road G, Gates open at 9 a.m. Full-day action, with food vendors. More than 40 competitors. Tickets: $15/adult; $5 ages 8-16; free for ages 7 and under.
Sunday, Aug. 17
All Terrain Hero Race, Run, Walk at BattleRock Offroad Park, 5740 County Road G, Registration online at www.allterrainhero.com or 6:30-7:10 a.m. day of the race. First flight for timed racers at 7:15 a.m. All funds from the All Terrain Hero raise money for The Gwendolyn Strong Foundation. The run is 4.5 miles on rough terrain, with altitude changes. Information: shelley@werocklive.com
Thursday, Sept. 18
The Mancos Tree Board will be conducting a pruning workshop on T to prune street trees. We will be concentrating on the general area of Montezuma Avenue to 1st Street and Foch Street. and Main to Aztec Streets. Meet at Main and First streets at 9:30 am.
Saturday, Aug. 30
Josh Blue, winner of Last Comic Standing, will perform in Cortez at 6 p.m. at the Parque de Vida pavilion to benefit Special Olympics Cortez. Gates open at noon. Bring ID to purchase alcohol. Cost: $20 in advance $25 at the gate. Tickets available at Rocky Mountain One Stop or 565-9249
Through August
Indian Dancers and Sam Sandoval, Navajo Code Talker at The Cultural Center, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7-8 p.m. Every Wednesday at 8 p.m. in The Gallery: Sam Sandoval, WWII Navajo Code Talker. Note: Saturday, July 12 and Saturday, Aug. 9, there will be no Indian Dancers.
Saturday, Sept. 6
The Guardian Angel's Walk to End Alzheimer's is at Cortez City Park. Registration is at 9 a.m. and the Walk begins at 10 a.m. Country fair, with food, drinks, entertainment, games Free, but donations welcome. Information: Cindy Lichliter (749-2319)
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.
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.
The Montezuma County VFW Post 5231 meets at 7 p.m. at the Post home in Mancos.
First Friday
First Friday Leadership at First National Bank in Cortez, 8 to 9 a.m. Free. Coffee and doughnuts at 7:45 a.m. Call Dena, 565-3414.
First and Third Thursdays
Learn signs and nursery rhymes at the Mancos Public Library at 10 a.m. All ages welcome. Call 970-403-9237.
Second Saturday
The Mancos Valley Historical Saturday meets at the Mancos Public Library at 10 a.m. For info Bob Huffman: 406-249-7733
Second Tuesday
The Mancos Water Conservancy District board meetings are held at 7 p.m. at the district's office 42599 Road N, Mancos, For info: Gary Kennedy 533-7325.
The Montezuma County Historical Society Board of Directors meets at 11:30 at the Cortez Elks Club and include a no host lunch. Anyone interested in the history of Montezuma County and the Four Corners is very welcome.
Second Sunday
The Mancos Community Dinners each month at Mt. Lookout Grange in Mancos (680 Grand Ave). Pay-what-you-can dinner, bring a dish if you want. For information, to help out, or to make donations call Gretchen at 509-830-4380.
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 halvarez0722@gmail.com or call Tif at 903-8752.
Fourth Tuesday
4 Corners Republican Women's Club meets at 11:30 a.m. at the Cortez Elk's Lodge. Information: 565-2197.
Fourth Thursday
Monthly Civil Air Patrol Senior Squadron's monthly meeting, 6:30 pm, First Baptist Church of Mancos, 150 N. Walnut St.
Every Tuesday
The Mancos Public Library offers Little People Storytime on Tuesday's at 10:30 a.m. The program is geared toward children ages 2- 6, but all ages are welcome. Information: 533-7600.
Every Wednesday
Wednesday Morning Yoga will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Kaleidoscope, 233 Park St. in Mancos.
Every Thursday
Country music and dancing for senior residents at the Cortez Senior Center, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Every Saturday
The Mancos Indoor Flea Market is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the old hardware store in Mancos, 192 S. Main St. To become a vendor, call Queenie Barz at 749-9320. The booth fee is $15 per weekend, along with insurance and vendor license charges.