Email announcements to news@cortezjournal.com and include "Community Calendar" in the subject field. Items submitted less than two weeks in advance will be less likely to be published. Entries and the calendar may be edited for length and content.
Thursday, Dec. 4
The staff of Mesa Verde National Park will host the 2014 Annual Holiday Open House from 4 to 9 p.m. in the Chapin Mesa headquarters area, a National Historic Landmark District. Everyone is invited to join the park staff in this holiday celebration featuring luminarias, musical entertainment, and refreshments. Ranger-guided tours of Spruce Tree House, the third largest cliff dwelling in the park, will be offered at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Spruce Tree House is available for self-guided tours from 4 to 9 p.m. Luminarias will glow along the pathways throughout the headquarters area and along the trail to Spruce Tree House.
Friday, Dec. 5
The Ancestral Homelands exhibit opens at the Anasazi Heritage Center with a reception at 5 p.m. The Anasazi Heritage Center is at 27501 Highway 184, Dolores, CO 81323. The exhibit will run through October 2015.
5th Annual Christmas Cookie Contest and free hot cocoa at the Columbine, 123 Grand Ave. in Mancos. Judging is at 6:30 p.m., prizes in 3 categories: best tasting; best decoration; best overall.
Saturday, Dec. 6
The 25th 4 Corners Board of Realtors Parade of Lights, 6 p.m. on Main Street, Cortez. This year's theme is "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree." Three float categories; commercial, nonprofit, and other, with three prizes awarded for each of the three categories. No entry fee, but an entry form must be submitted. Entry forms will be published in the Cortez Journal, picked up at Century 21 West Slope Realty, or call Terry McCabe at 970-565-8408 ext. 115, Or email terrymc@move2swcolo.com .
PorDia Preschool fundraiser, selling hot chocolate and baked goods in from of Mane Shipping during the Parade of Lights Parade, 4:40 to 7 p.m.
43rd annual Elks Hoop Shoot, Cortez Middle School gymnasium. Registration at noon, competition at 1 p.m. Categories for girls and boys ages 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13. Proof of birthdate is required. Winners advance to the district contest in Durango. Info: George Fish at 570-9446 or Gini Olson or Fred Dewitt at 882-4904.
Photos with Santa, 5-6 p.m. at the San Juan Coffee Shop before the Parade of Lights. Cost: $5 per photo, with proceeds going to the Cortez Rotary Club's literacy projects. First-come, first-served.
Dolores Christmas Bazaar, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Dolores Community Center. Door prizes. Proceeds go to the Dolores Community Center.
Coolzey & Belly Belt at Blondies in Cortez 45 E. Main St., 8 p.m. Call (970) 739 4944.
Catholic Daughter's Christmas Bazaar, St. Margaret Mary Church Hall, 28 E. Montezuma Ave., Cortez, Saturday 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sunday 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Lunch, gifts, wreaths, baked goods, music, floral arrangements, door prizes, holiday gift baskets, and more. Proceeds benefit CDA.
The Dolores River Brewery Holiday Arts and Crafts Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Brewery, 100 S. Fourth St., Dolores. Local artists will have pottery, jewelry, photography, fiber arts, handmade soaps and more. Live music, refreshments and good cheer. Info: Michele Martz, 562-4494.
Breakfast with Santa, 8-10 a.m. at the Elks Lodge, 2100 N. Dolores Road, Cortez. Free pancake/sausage breakfast and meet with Santa for a photo and gift. Presented by Kiwanis of Mesa Verde.
Medicine Horse Center Tack and Outdoor Gear Sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All proceeds go to Medicine Horse Center. To donate an item for sale, call 970-533-7403 or email info@medicinehorsecenter.org.
Frack Free Montezuma sponsors a free lecture by Pete Dronkers, the Southwest Circuit Rider for Earthworks and the Oil and Gas Accountability Project at the Mancos Public Library starting at 3 p.m. Public discussion and questions to follow the lecture. Info: Chip, 970-739-9989.
First Annual Tree Lighting on The Plaza, 5 p.m. Four Corners Community Band will play from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Cocoa, Baked Goods and Gypsy Wood-fired pizza for sale. Auction of trees benefits The Center and Children's Kiva Montessori.
Sunday, Dec. 7
The Third Annual Messiah Sing-in, 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church at 515 N. Park St., Cortez. Suggested arrival time for choral singers: 5:30 p.m. Please bring music. All are welcome. Info: Patricia Faulkner, 564-9458.
Korean War Veterans will be recognized on Pearl Harbor Day, 1-4 p.m. at Montezuma County Annex. Sponsored by Montezuma County VFW Post 5231 and its Ladies Auxiliary. Korean War Veterans, their families are invited to attend. Please call 970-739-6270 or 970-560-6375.
The Mancos Valley Chorus' free Home for the Holiday concert, 3:30 p.m., United Methodist Church, 470 W. Grand, Mancos. Arrive early - seating is limited. Info: mancosvalleychorus.org
Monday. Dec. 8
The Montelores Early Childhood Council's monthly luncheon meeting, 11:45 a.m., Meeting Room 110, in the Johnson Building, 925 South Broadway, in Cortez. The public is invited. Lunch provided. RSVP Vangi McCoy, 970-749-7017.
Tuesday, Dec. 9
The Mancos Valley Chorus' free Home for the Holiday concert, 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 515 N Park, Cortez.
Wednesday, Dec. 10
Bedtime Story Time with Santa at the Dolores Public Library from 6 to 7 p.m. Slip on your comfy Christmas pajamas and join Santa for stories and snacks. Info.: 882-4127.
Thursday, Dec. 11
Holiday toy and coat drive - last day to donate. Drop off coats, hats, gloves, movies, books, etc., at C&G Healthcare, at Mildred and Main. Cash donations also accepted. Call Brittny Weir, 970-560-0919.
Connect for Health Colorado information forum, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Mancos Public Library, 211 West First Street. Learn about health insurance. Free and open to the public.? Info: 533-7600 or visit www.mancoslibrary.org
Friday, Dec. 12
The Mancos Valley Chorus' free Home for the Holiday concert, 7 p.m., United Methodist Church, 470 W Grand, Mancos.
The Southwest Singers present their Christmas concert, Christmas Memories, at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park in Cortez. An informal reception follows. Info: Bonnie Kane, 565-6223.
"A Bluegrass Christmas" featuring swingin' band Last Nickel. No cover. Toe-tapping begins 8:30 p.m. at the Columbine, 123 Grand Ave., Mancos.
Saturday, Dec. 13
Santa at the Galloping Goose Historical Society Museum in Dolores at 5:30 p.m. Bonfire at Dolores Town Hall. Candy for the kids, cookies and hot cocoa for all and live music from the Dolores School's Choral Group.
The Mancos Valley Chorus' free Home for the Holiday concert, 3:30 p.m., United Methodist Church, 470 W. Grand, Mancos.
The Southwest Singers present their Christmas concert, Christmas Memories, at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park in Cortez. An informal reception follows. Info: Bonnie Kane, 565-6223.
The League of Women Voters of Montezuma County meets at 9 a.m. at Beny's Restaurant on South Broadway to learn about threats to TV service, with speakers from the Television Translator District. Open to the public. Information: Eleanor Kuhl, 970-564-0708.
Ute Mountain Tribal Park Special Winter Tour, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., starting at the Tribal Park Visitor Center/Museum, Junction 160/491. Tour of Anasazi Sun Calendars in Mancos Canyon conducted by Virginia Wolf, $29 per person. Call 970-565-9653.
Sunday, Dec. 14
Cortez Elks 20th Annual Christmas Craft Bazaar, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Pay for vendor space before Nov. 10 for $25; $30 after Nov. 10. Info: 970-739-0616.
"Bethlehem's Child," 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park St., Cortez. Choir presents a cantata of word and music about the Christmas story.
Tuesday, Dec. 16
"Morality: Its Origins" will be the topic at 6:30 for the next "How You Can Be Part of a Christian Community with Integrity and Not Believe All Those Things You Thought You Had to Believe" conversation at St. Barnabas Church (North and Elm). Questions required. No answers promised. Call 565-7865.
Saturday, Dec. 20
The Southwest Colorado Green Party's Winter Solstice celebration at Mr. Happy's at 6 p.m. 125 E. Main St., Cortez, Co. Music by Donny Johnson. All are welcome.
Friday, Dec. 26
DJ P.A.'s annual Naughty or Nice costume party at Blondies, 9 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 31
New Year's Eve Party featuring live music by Vanishing Breed; 9:00 pm at The Columbine, 123 Grand Ave. in Mancos. Five dollar cover includes munchies, complimentary champagne & party favors. For more info call 533-7397.
New Year's Eve party with JR Stafford at Blondies, 8 p.m.
Through December
M-CHS Coat Drive for the Renew Shelter through Dec. 12. Drop off coats and warm winter clothing at the M-CHS Library, sponsored by the National Honor Society.
MOndays and Fridays
Open riding hours at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds indoor arena have been extended until 9 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays, from Oct. 20 to the end of the year. User must have a Horseman card with the fairgrounds and are encouraged to call 565-1000 before arriving to confirm open riding hours.
First Tuesday
Dolores Mountain Quilters meets at 10 a.m. at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave, Dolores. Guests and visitors are welcome. Visit doloresmountainquilters.org or call Judith Swain, 970-560-4426.
The Mesa Verde Back Country Horsemen meet at the Elks Lodge in Cortez at 6:15 p.m. (except December). Buy a taco or hamburger and drink. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. Info: www.mesaverdehorsemen.com.
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.
First Friday
First Friday Leadership at First National Bank in Cortez, 8-9 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 Thursday
The Southwest Woodworkers Guild meets at 7 p.m. at various locations. Woodworkers welcome, beginner to expert. Call Rick, 533-7180.
Montezuma County Republican Women meet at noon at Shiloh's on Veach and Main St. All are welcome. Info: Call Rosemarie Beall at 564-1576.
Third Thursday
Dolores secondary PTO meets 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. Info: 565-2197.
Every Tuesday
The Dolores Public Library answers technology/software questions about Microsoft Word, email, digital pictures, etc. Free at 2-5 p.m. Call 882-4127.
Every Wednesday
Bible studies at Chapel on the Farm, 6 p.m. 19927 Road 26.2 Loop, Dolores. 903-6153.