The Cortez Journal encourages people to submit announcements about upcoming events for the Community Calendar. Send announcements to news@cortezjournal.com. Items submitted at least two weeks in advance will have a better chance of getting published; items submitted several days before the event might not get published. For more information, call the Journal at 565-8527.
Children can learn about Magic of Books at puppet show, library event
The Montelores Early Childhood Council in partnership with the Cortez Public Library is proud to announce an upcoming family night, The Magic of Books! Join for a puppet show and library orientation to discover a magical resource from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, at the Cortez Library, 202 N. Park.
There will be door prizes.
To register, email mecc.coordinator@gmail.com with RSVP in the subject line, or leave a message for Vangi McCoy at 749-7017.
Dolores Rotary Club begin annual Bingo Night program
The Dolores Rotary Club will start the annual bingo program beginning Tuesday, Nov. 29, with chili and dessert served at 6:30 p.m. for $5, with bingo following at 7 p.m. at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Dr.
Bingo cards are $1 per game or $10 for the evening. All proceeds will benefit the Dolores Community Center.
For more information, contact Neal Stephens at 564-4440 or Dave Sanford at 882-7428.
American Whitewater rep will discuss McPhee dam releases
Everyone who rafts, kayaks and canoes on the lower Dolores River is invited to a presentation by Nathan Fey from American Whitewater at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, at the Dolores River Brewery, 100 S. Fourth St.
Fey will lead a discussion about the ongoing negotiations with water managers about releases from McPhee dam. All whitewater boating enthusiasts are encouraged to attend to learn more about possible changes for the Dolores River. The event is sponsored by the Lower Dolores Boating Advocates.
For more information, contact Jay Loschert at 799-1475.
Everfound will perform Rock the Halls Christmas Concert
Reach Out Agency presents the Rock the Halls Christmas Concert, featuring Everfound. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, at Rock Springs Church, 32233 U.S. Highway 160, Cortez.
The Rock the Halls Christmas Tour is a full production show that features some of Everfounds hottest originals and a new mix on some classic Christmas songs. Each year Everfound brings this tour to select cities to help collect canned goods during this Christmas season. People can join Reach Out Agency and Everfound as they collect can goods for the Good Samaritan Center. Bring two cans and get in for $5, or enter for $10 without cans. Tickets are limited and are only sold at the door of the event.
For more information, contact Tim Robinson at 403-5860, or go to reachoutagency.com or rockthehallstour.com.
Try out innovative technologies at librarys Technology Petting Zoo
The Mancos Public Librarys second annual Technology Petting Zoo will bring some of the hottest electronic devices on the market to Mancos from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30. This open-house type event will be held in the Community Meeting Room of the library, 211 W. First St., Mancos.
Come explore and play with innovative technologies and find out more about their uses in the home, workplace and at school. Technologies on display at the zoo will include E-Book Readers (Nook, Kindle, Sony), Netbooks, MacBooks, iPad, Smart Board, iPods, Tablets and more. The purpose of this Tech Petting Zoo is to help individuals, families, teachers and small businesses see what kind of technologies are available today, and how to use them effectively. This will have a mixture of scheduled demonstrations and one-on-one conversations. There is no charge to attend and reservations are not required.
For more information, call the library at 533-7600.
Deadline approaches for NAP coverage of crops
Montezuma County Farm Service Agency is currently accepting applications for 2012 Non-insured Assistance Program (NAP) coverage for non-insurable fall seeded crops. The Sales Closing date for Alfalfa (forage and seed), Grass (forage, seed, grazing), Honey (table), Mixed Forage (two or more varieties/forage, grazing) and Native Grass (grazing) is Thursday, Dec. 1. If producers intend to plant fall seeded crops and wish to insure the commodity through NAP, producers will pay a non-refundable coverage fee of $250 per crop per administrative county, $750 per producer per administrative county, or not more than a total of $2,250 per producer for all counties. Payment for coverage and signature requirements must be received by the sales closing date. Late filed applications for coverage will not be accepted. Producers may visit the office at 628 West 5th St. in Cortez to apply for coverage.
Blood drive takes place at First United Methodist Church
United Blood Services will hold a Cortez Community mobile blood drive from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, at First United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park, Cortez.
To set up an appointment or for more information, call 385-4601 or sign up online at www.bloodhero.com.
Deadline approaches Christmas for Kids program
The Pinon Projects Christmas for Kids Program now has applications available for families that need assistance during the Christmas holiday. All applications need to be received no later than 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1.
Businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring a family can also sign up.
To find out more about this program, visit The Pinon Project Family Resource Center at 300 N. Elm St., Cortez, or call 564-1195.
Call for artists for Merry Miniatures art show
The Cortez Cultural Center is issuing a call for artists to contribute to the Centers Many Merry Miniatures show. Work should be submitted by noon on Thursday, Dec. 1 to our art gallery at 25 N. Market St. The miniatures need to be 9 by 12 inches or smaller, framed, and will need to adhere to basic gallery hanging requirements.
Call 565-1151 for more information.
Four Seasons hosts fundraiser for United Way
Four Seasons Greenhouse & Nursery will host A Taste of the Seasons wine tasting evening from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, at their location at 26650 County Road P, Dolores.
This annual fundraiser will benefit United Way, and features free beer, food, wine, a silent auction, and door prizes in a festive setting. Tickets cost $25 per person and can be purchased at the Cortez Journal, Four Seasons, United Way Agencies and West Slope Liquors.
For more information, call Four Seasons at 565-8274.
Rural Philanthropy Days will provide training for nonprofits
Rural Philanthropy Days of Southwest Colorado presents Lemons to Lemonade: strategies for managing nonprofit challenges from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Dec. 1, at First National Bank of Cortez, 2258 E. Main St.
Facilitator Beth Lamberson Warren will present conflict management tools for working with boards of directors, staff, volunteers and the public. The cost is $30. The course is recommended for executive directors, program managers and volunteer coordinators. Lamberson Warren is a 25 year nonprofit professional with 18 years at KSUT Public Radio, board seats with Colorado Nonprofit Association, area nonprofits and a masters degree in skills based leadership from University of Colorado at Denver. She owns Lamberson Capital, a grant writing, fundraising and marketing firm with nonprofit clients in Southwest Colorado.
For more information, or to register, call Deanna at 749-2017.
Mancos Library will screen Gasland film on fracking
The Mancos Public Library will have a free screening of the film Gasland, a film about fracking, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, at the library, 211 E. First St.
The largest domestic natural gas drilling boom in history has swept across the United States. The Halliburton-developed drilling technology of fracking or hydraulic fracturing has unlocked a Saudia Arabia of natural gas just beneath us. But is fracking safe? When filmmaker Josh Fox is asked to lease his land for drilling, he embarks on a cross-country odyssey uncovering a trail of secrets, lies and contamination. A recently drilled nearby Pennsylvania town reports that residents are able to light their drinking water on fire. This is just one of the many absurd and astonishing revelations of a new country called Gasland. The film is part verite travelogue, part expose, part mystery, part bluegrass banjo meltdown, and part showdown. Members of the San Juan Citizens Alliance, and the BLM will be on hand to answer questions after the film.
For more information, call Mancos Public Library at 533-7600.
Cortez Library announces December Storytime theme
Tis the Holiday Season! is the December theme of Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park Street. Storytime is held every Friday at 10:30 a.m. for preschool-aged children. Older children are welcome to join in for the craft at 11:15 a.m.
What to Do On a Snowy Day? is the subject of Friday, Dec. 2. Meet Jack Frost will be discussed on Friday, Dec. 9. Storytime will wrap up the month with The Giving Season on Friday, Dec. 16. There will be no Storytime on Dec. 23 and Dec. 30 in observance of the Christmas and New Years holidays.
Storytime offers songs, stories, crafts and silliness and uses the Early Childhood Literacy Initiative program.
For more information, contact the library at 565-8117.
Cultural Center will hold book signing, artists reception
Local author Sharon Crites will talk about and sign her new book Somethin Warm for Christmas at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2 at the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St., with a reception featuring the artists of the Many Merry Miniatures Art Show to follow at 5 p.m.
Both events are free and open to the public.
Call 565-1151 for more information.
Heart to Heart will present annual Christmas Concert
Heart to Heart, the Montezuma Crisis Pregnancy Center, invites you to our annual Christmas Concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at Lifeway Baptist Church, 601 N. Dolores Road.
The concert will feature Christmas music by area Christian musicians and childrens choirs. A collection will be made to help support the different ministries and outreaches of Heart to Heart. It is a wonderful evening to start off your Christmas season in the celebration of the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ.
Contact Cynthia Slyter at 565-0979 if you have any questions.
Christmas Ornament Sale to benefit animals
For Pets Sake Humane Society will hold its annual Christmas Ornament Sale from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the north entrance of Cortez City Market, 508 E. Main St.
Come and see our fun selection of ornaments, including several handmade ones. And remember, all of the proceeds go to help the cats and dogs in Montezuma and Dolores Counties!
If you would like to donate ornaments or other small Christmas items, please drop them off starting at 8:30 a.m. that morning, or call Marian at 565-9327.
Cancer survivors wanted for Parade of Lights
Cortez Relay for Life is looking for cancer survivors who would like to walk in the Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 3. Line up for the parade starts at 5 p.m. and the parade starts at 6 p.m. The Cortez Relay for Life will meet at Pippos at 4:30 p.m. for cookies and hot chocolate or coffee before the parade.
All those interested, contact Monica Dibsie at 560-2679 for more information or to RSVP.
Catholic Daughters will hold Christmas Craft Bazaar, Bake Sale
Catholic Daughters Court 1606 invites the community to the annual Christmas Bazaar and Bake sale on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 4, from 1:30 to 7 p.m. at the St. Margaret Mary Church Hall at 28 E. Montezuma Ave., Cortez.
On Saturday, we will serve breakfast burritos, juice, coffee, and pastries from 8 to 11 a.m., and from noon to 3 p.m. will serve Navajo tacos, quesadillas, coffee, juice, and dessert for lunch. There will be lots of baked goods, craft items, holiday gift baskets, floral arrangements and wreaths. There will even be a Kids Corner with gifts that kids can afford along with stocking stuffers. The event will include door prizes and holiday music.
For more information, call Elva Norte at 565-8741.
CWC will hold Christmas Mother and Daughter Teatime
Christian Womens Celebrations invites the public to a Christmas Mother and Daughter Teatime at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Elks Lodge, 2100 N. Dolores Road. Reservations are requested by Monday, Nov. 28.
Start off the holiday season by inviting a daughter, mother or friend for Christmas Teatime; $14.50 per person includes program, meal, drink, dessert and tip. Tickets are complimentary for first-timers and daughters under the age of 18. A special feature will be favorite party fashions modeled by the young ladies. Holiday musical entertainment will be by the Montezuma-Cortez High School Choir ensembles, with Marla Sitton. Speaker Susan Durall will share The Wonder of Hope.
To make your reservations, contact Cindy Bennetts at 560-3328 or cwcfunevents@gmail.com. For more information, call Mozelle Schafer at 565-3689.
Holiday Arts, Crafts Show will include range of goods, food
The Dolores River Brewery Holiday Arts and Crafts Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Brewery, 100 S. Fourth St., Dolores.
Local artists will have pottery, jewelry, photography, fiber arts, fine chocolates, handmade soaps and more for sale. There will also be live music, chair massages, refreshments and good cheer!
For more information, contact Michele Martz at 562-4494.
Dolores Christmas Bazaar will benefit Community Center
The Annual Dolores Community Center Christmas Bazaar will be held this year from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave.
This year 46 vendors have already signed up to display such crafts as Christmas wreaths, scarves, homemade breads and candies, pies and Christmas pumpkin rolls. There will also be homemade ornaments, quilts and afghans, leather items, toys for children, artwork of all kinds and jewelry. Come and do your special Christmas shopping; refreshments will be provided by the Girl Scouts Troop 27. All proceeds go to the Dolores Community Center.
Contact Ruby Gonzales for more information at 882-7717.
Chorus will perform Christmas Soul at multiple area concerts
Mancos Valley Chorus invites everyone to share in the joy of this seasons choral concerts. The theme is Christmas Soul, featuring music from Africa and seasonal music to delight all ages. Concert performances will take place in Mancos at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4; at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9; and at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Mancos United Methodist Church, 470 W. Grand Ave. The same concert will be presented in Cortez at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, at the Cortez United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park St.
Come fill your soul with music, music, music. All concerts are free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Carol at 882-0120 or visit www.mancosvalleychorus.org.
Night of music at Cowboy Christmas
Come and share a holiday time with the Line Camp Riders for A Cowboy Christmas at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 5 at the Lewis Arriola Community Center, located about a mile west of Hwy. 491 on CR S.
Donny Johnson, Mark Bakers, Tim Krebs and Matt Palmer make up this exciting new western band, playing guitar, fiddle, bass, and occasionally a mandolin. A soup supper will be shared at 6 p.m. and everyone is encouraged to bring a salad or dessert. Come as you are and relax in an inviting atmosphere. Hear and join in during Christmas songs of the traditional and western kind. This event is presented by the newly-formed Southwest Cowboy Church, and is free of charge, with a voluntary love offering to be taken.
For more information, contact Mark at 882-1433.
Health department releases immunization clinic schedule
The Montezuma County Public Health Department will offer its immunization clinic on Mondays (except holidays), effective Monday, Dec. 5. The hours for the walk-in clinic are 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. only, and will be conducted on a first come, first served basis. Scheduled appointments may be made for the hours of noon to 5:30 p.m. The immunization clinic is at 106 W. North St.
To schedule an appointment or for additional information, call 565-3056.
Group will begin for pregnant and post-partum women with addiction
Cortez Addiction Recovery Services (CARS) will offer a new 12-week group for pregnant and post-partum women struggling with alcohol or drug addiction problems. The group will meet from 10 a.m. to noon for the first time on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 35 N. Ash in Cortez.
CARS is able to accept Medicaid and some grant funds available for this program.
For more information, or to make an intake appointment, call 565-4109.
Local author Blackburn will present on the Wetherills of Mesa Verde
The Montezuma County Historical Society will sponsor a symposium at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, featuring local author Fred Blackburn, who will give a PowerPoint presentation on the Wetherills of Mesa Verde. The event will take place at First Methodist Church, Hampton Hall, 515 N. Park St., Cortez.
The following books will be for sale: Volume 4, the new edition of Great Sage Plain along with Freds books The Friends of Mesa Verde, Cowboys and Cave Dwellers, and photo album, Sacred Places of the Southwest. Historical society programs are free to the public. Refreshments will be served.
For information, contact Vivienne Kenyon at 565-7714.
Deadline approaches to apply to Master Gardener training program
The deadline for turning in Colorado Master Gardener program applications is Friday, Dec. 9, for the program that will begin Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, and that will continue every Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., to April 5.
The Master Gardener program provides 11 weeks of training on lawn, plant, tree, and vegetable care; soils and fertilizers; water-management; insects and diseases of plants; pruning; as well as the opportunity to meet other gardeners and give volunteer time to the community.
To receive an application form, or for more information, call the Colorado State University Extension offices in Montezuma County at 565-3123, or Dolores County at 677-2283.
For Pets Sake Christmas Bake Sale will benefit local pets
For Pets Sake Society will hold its annual Christmas Bake Sale beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 at the north entrance to City Market in Cortez, 508 E. Main St.
As usual, there will be lots of cookies, cakes, pies, breads, and homemade dog treats! Proceeds from the fundraiser will aid the population of Montezuma and Dolores counties. In addition to running spay/neuter assistance programs, For Pets Sake provides foster homes for animals awaiting adoption and helps local people pay for emergency veterinary care for their pets. Donations of baked goods from the groups members and supporters can be dropped off at City Market starting at 8:30 a.m. the morning of the sale. Baked goods can also be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at Let It Grow Nursery on Mildred across from the Colorado Welcome Center.
For more information, contact Janet at 533-7402.
Area choirs will perform at annual Luminaria Night event
Its the most magical night of the year! Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery will host their Luminaria Night at the garden center on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 5 to 9 p.m.
This year, the Mesa Elementary School Honor Choir, The Howlers, the Lewis Arriola Church Choir, the Four Corners Community Band, and the Montezuma Cortez High School Choir and Band will be performing. Wander through more than 1,000 luminarias, enjoy the music of the season, visit with Santa, and enjoy refreshments as we continue this longtime Montezuma County family tradition in celebration of the season.
For more information, call Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery at 565-8274, or visit the website at fourseasonsgreenhouse.com.
Nest will have dining, dancing at 9th Annual Holiday Gala
The Nest will ring in the holidays with its 9th Annual Gala at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at Cortezs Holiday Inn Convention Center (Kokos Friendly Pub & Grill), 2121 E. Main St. There will be dinner, dancing and a silent auction.
Advance tickets are $60, or an eight-person table can be purchased for $420.
The gala is the Nests main fundraiser each year. Proceeds from the gala are used to assist child victims of abuse and their families. The Nest is a safe, nurturing, compassionate place that eases the emotional trauma children experience during the investigation and prosecution process of child abuse cases by providing the child and their families with support, education, and coordination of available community resources. This support helps the child and family begin the recovery process while facilitating the movement through the criminal justice system.
For more information, contact Rose at 565-8155.
Elks Lodge seeks vendors, craftsmen for annual Christmas Bazaar
It is time for the Cortez Elks Lodges annual Christmas Bazaar. The Elks are seeking craftsmen to sell their goods at this event that will take place on Sunday, Dec. 11. Vending tables are now available to those interested in renting a 6-foot-long table at $25 each. Doors will open at 10 a.m., and the bazaar will remain open until 5 p.m. The Cortez Elks Lodge is at 2100 N. Dolores Road.
All proceeds from the rental of the tables help with food baskets and gifts for the needy, and scholarships for the upcoming year. There will be entertainment to announce Santas arrival at 3 p.m. to talk with the children, and pictures will be available of kids with Santa. Lunch will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
To purchase a table for the event, and for all information regarding the bazaar, contact Sally at 739-0616.
Presbyterian Church will present cantata
The combined choir and praise team of the Montezuma Valley Presbyterian Church invites the community to an afternoon of music and fellowship at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. We will present the cantata, Mary Did You Know? at the church, 350 South Washington St. in Cortez.
Refreshments will be served following the cantata. A donation of a non-perishable food for The Good Samaritan Center would be greatly appreciated but not required as admission. Please join us.
For more information, call the church office at 565-7024.
Southwest Singers will present free Christmas concerts
The Southwest Singers will present a pair of free concerts this Christmas season on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 16 and 17, at 7 p.m. Both concerts will be held at the First United Methodist Church located at Park and Empire in Cortez.
The theme of the concerts will be Christmas, of course, and celebrates the birth of the Christ child songs will include some old, some new, and some sing-along. Refreshments will be served after the music.
For more information, contact Larry at 565-7804.
Annual Parade of Lights will illuminate downtown Cortez
The Four Corners Board of Realtors 22nd Annual Parade of Lights will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, on Main Street in Cortez. The parade begins at Maple Street and travels east on Main to Harrison Street. Participants in the parade should check in at the parking lot by Notah Dineh by 5 p.m.
This years theme is A Community Christmas Connection. The Grand Marshal for this years Parade is the Ertel Family, in honor of their longtime community connection. Float entries are still being accepted; forms are available at http://fourcornersboardofrealtors.com, or contact Terry McCabe at 565-8408 ext. 115, or terrymc@move2swcolo.com. Participants may also pick up entry forms at 2218 East Main in Cortez. There is no charge to enter the parade but an entry form must be completed. Floats will be judged by a panel stationed at Market and Main; cash prizes will be awarded in each of three categories: Commercial, Non-profit, or Other. Prizes awarded will be $250, $150, and $100 in each category.
For more information, call 565-8408 ext. 115.