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.
Wednesday, Dec. 24
Christmas stories and carols at St. Paul's Christmas Eve Services, 6 p.m., Bauer Avenue and Oak Street in Mancos. Includes Children's Procession of the Nativity. Special music by Carolyn Smith and Patsy Smith. All are welcome. Call 970-533-7210.
Candlelight Christmas Eve service at St. Barnabas Church begins at 6:30 p.m. with carols, bell choir, and special music. Worship with Holy Communion begins at 7 p.m. All are invited. Corner of North and Elm. Info: 565-7865.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at Mountain View Baptist Church at 6 p.m., at Colorado 184 and County Road 30.5 in Dolores. Info: 882-7521 or Pastor Scott Hartle at (970) 739-4496.
Friday, Dec. 26
DJ P.A.'s annual Naughty or Nice costume party at Blondies, 9 p.m.
The Cortez Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Meet at Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St. at 8:30 a.m. The count is held rain or shine. Contact Carolyn Gunn for more information: 970-882-7742 or carolyn.gunn@state.co.us.
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.
Raising Readers Storytime's December theme is "Holiday Time!"At the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., Cortez. Preschool Storytime program is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Older children welcome for a craft at 11:15 a.m. "The Letter W for Winter," Dec. 4; "The Color Green for Evergreens," Dec. 11; "Who's Your Santa?" Dec. 18. No Storytime on Dec. 25 Info: 970-565-8117.
Lucy Hadley is the artist for December for the Southwest Artists League and is displaying her watercolors at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. Info: 970-565-8117.
Thursday, Jan. 8
Alphabet Soup Family Support Group for people who are interested in establishing a support system for families of local children with special needs, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Piñon Project Annex Conference Room, corner of N. Chestnut and Arbecam in Cortez. Info.: 564-1195 ext. 229.
The Four Corners Back Country Horsemen holds its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. at the La Plata County Fairgrounds in Durango. Guests are always encouraged to attend. To learn more, go to: www.4cbch.org or contact Cathy Roberts, chapter president, at 970-749-0316 or cathyroberts08@gmail.com.
"What Were All Those Things We Thought We Had To Believe?" will be the topic at 6:30 p.m. 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 held at St. Barnabas Church (corner of North and Elm). Questions required. No answers promised. Info: 565-7865.
Friday, Jan. 9
Food and Farm Forum Pre-Conference Workshop, 1-4:30 p.m. Seed Save the Rocky Mountains: Fundamentals of Regional Seed Production and explore how to re-engage with the ancient tradition of seed saving. Info and registration: www.foodfarmforum.org
Saturday, Jan. 10
The Western Colorado Food and Farm Forum, is back in Montrose for its third year. Info and registration at www.foodfarmforum.org.
The Montelores Early Childhood Council holds its next monthly luncheon meetin at 11:45 a.m., in the downstairs meeting Room 110, in the Johnson Building, 925 South Broadway, in Cortez. The public is invited to these meetings. Lunch will be provided so please RSVP to Vangi McCoy at 749-7017.
Saturday, Jan. 17
Square Dance Lessons at Kemper Elementary: A meet-and-greet at 6:30 p.m. Lessons begin Jan. 19, 7:15-8:45 p.m. Info: Judy Morris 565-9836 or Vonnie Robinson 749-9682.
Tuesday, Jan. 20
HÜMÜH Clear Mind Buddhism offers a short recorded Teaching on The Logic of Clear Communication, by Wisdom Master Maticintin, followed by discussion lead by a local student. Mancos Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Info: 800-336-6015 or www.HUMUH.org
Through January
Children's Kiva Montessori School, a free Colorado Public Charter School under the Montezuma Cortez RE-1 School District, will begin enrollment for the 2015-2016 school year soon. Visit www.kivacharter.org for detailed information and important dates.
"Midwinter Fun" is the January theme of Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., Cortez. Every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Older children are welcome to join us for a craft at 11:15 a.m. Info: 970-565-8117.
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 Monday
Southwest Center for Independence Second Chance Brain Injury group meets at noon at 2409 E. Empire, Cortez. Call Matthew, 570-8001.
First Tuesday
American Legion Ute Mountain Post 75 meets at 7 p.m. at the Legion Hall, 320 N. Harrison St. Call 565-8151.
Dolores Mountain Quilters meets 10 a.m. at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave, Dolores. The Jan. 6 meeting includes a "Show and Tell" of UFOs ( Unfinished Objects). On Thursday, Jan. 8, Virginia gives a class on the color wheel. Guests and visitors always welcome. Info: doloresmountainquilters.org or 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 Wednesday
Diabetes support group meets 3:30-5 p.m. in the Kiva Room at Southwest Memorial Hospital. Learn how to manage diabetes; share ideas with others. Sessions are free and open to anyone with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Contact Laura White, RD, at 564-2276 for details.
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, 8-9 a.m. Free. Coffee and doughnuts at 7:45 a.m. Call Dena, 565-3414.
Caregiver/Advocate support group for caregivers of any person with Alzheimer's, dementia or any chronic illness at noon at Vista Mesa Assisted Living, 1206 N. Mildred, Cortez. Discuss options with other caregivers. Lunch provided. Info: Elaine at the Alzheimer's Assoc., 259-0122
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 Tuesday
The Mancos Water Conservancy District board meets at 7 p.m. at the district's office 42599 Road N, Mancos. Info: Gary Kennedy, 533-7325.
The Montezuma County Historical Society Board of Directors meets at 11:30 a.m. at the Cortez Elks Club and includes a no-host lunch. Anyone interested in area history is 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. To help out or make donations, call Gretchen, 509-830-4380.
Second Thursday
The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce's Business After Hours at various locations, 5-7 p.m. Call 565-3414.
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.
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 - Cortez Chapter holds its 8 a.m. breakfast, 9 a.m. chapter meeting and 10 a.m. ride (weather permitting). At Jack & Janelle's, 801 E. Main St., Cortez. Call chapter president Steve Reed at 970-565-7233. No motorcycle required.
Third Wednesday
Caregiver/advocate support group for caregivers of any person with Alzheimer's, dementia or any chronic illness at 6 p.m. at the Methodist Church, 515 North Park Street, Cortez. Discuss options with other caregivers.
Third Thursday
Adult Computer Classes, 1:30-3 p.m. at the Mancos Public Library, Community Meeting Room 211, W. First St., Mancos. Call 970-533-7600 to enroll. No charge.
Fourth Monday
The Southwest Center for Independence Potluck Lunch Group meets the fourth Monday at noon, 2409 E. Empire St., Cortez. Call Matthew, 570-8001.
Fourth Tuesday
4 Corners Republican Women's Club meets at 11:30 a.m. at the Cortez Elk's Lodge. Info: 565-2197.
Last Tuesday
Loss & Grief Support Group, 5:15 p.m. Hospice of Montezuma, 1345 S. Broadway, Cortez. Drop in; discussion of any loss issue. Info: 565-4400.
Fourth Thursday
Monthly Civil Air Patrol Senior Squadron's monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., First Baptist Church of Mancos, 150 N. Walnut St. Call 970-759-7012.
Last Thursday
Suicide Support Group, 6:15 p.m. Hospice of Montezuma, 1345 S. Broadway, Cortez. Info: 565-4400.
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.
Free medical care, Tuesday from 1 to 1:30 p.m., St. Barnabas Church, 110 W. North St., Cortez. Call 565-4436 to schedule or show up. Limited primary and pediatric care.
The Mancos Public Library, 211 W. First St., continues the Little People Seasonal Storytime, at 10:30 a.m. The program follows the Mancos Re-6 schedule; runs through May. Children ages 2-6 will be taught songs, verses and stories. A craft is offered. Free. Call the library at 533-7600 or visit www.mancoslibrary.org.
Every Wednesday
Yoga Flow with Lily, Wednesdays 9:30-11 a.m. at the Grange. Call 847-819-2039.
Every Thursday
Country music and dancing for senior residents at the Cortez Senior Center, 7-10 p.m.
Every Friday
Friendship Social Group, 1 p.m. at Beny's Diner, 640 S. Broadway, Cortez. For those looking for support with finding friends and social activities after a loss, or need a break as a caregiver. Sponsored by Hospice of Montezuma.
TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) meets at 11:30 a.m. in the Community Room at the Cortez Public Library.
Every Saturday
Santa will be at the Artisans of Mancos every Saturday until Christmas from 1 - 4 p.m.