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.
Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock film
The Mancos Public Library, located at 211 W. First St., will show the film Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock, as part of the ongoing Community Cinema series on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m. The showing is free.
Daisy Bates was a complex, unconventional, and largely forgotten heroine of the civil rights movement who led the charge to desegregate the all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957. A panel-led discussion will follow the film.
For more information, call the library at 533-7600 or visit www.mancoslibrary.org.
Reception for Art in the Heart graphics exhibit
A reception celebrating the exhibit, Art in the Heart, a compilation of color graphics by Mary Gay Bahlinger, will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, at Spruce Tree Coffeehouse, 318 East Main St., Cortez.
Meet the artist and see her many depictions all in the shape of a heart. The exhibit will be on display through February.
For more information, call Mary Gay Bahlinger at 739-3422.
Workforce to offer Job Corp program information session
There will be a Job Corps information session open to all interested parties at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19 in the conference room at the Workforce Center, 2208 E. Main St., Cortez.
Job Corps is an all expenses paid two-year residential educational and vocational training program for 16 to 24 year olds who meet the eligibility and income guidelines. A student is expected to earn either a high school diploma or GED while at Job Corps if they dont already have one, in addition to learning a vocational trade. Some of the trade choices offered include the building trades, medical field trades, production and mechanics, business and computer technology, culinary arts and natural resources.
For more information, call Babette Kimble, Job Corps Admissions Counselor, at 565-9523.
Donate blood at two area drives
United Blood Services will hold two area blood drives on Friday, Jan. 20. The first will be from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Bingo Hall of the Ute Mountain Casino, 3 Weeminuche Drive; the second will be from 2:30 to 6 p.m. when the Bloodmobile will be set up at the Pleasant View Fire Department, 15529 CR CC.
To set up an appointment or for more information, call 385-4601, or sign up online at www.bloodhero.com.
Big Money and the Corporate Citizens play rock and roll
Big Money and the Corporate Citizens will Occupy the Mancos Valley Distillery with socially-conscious rock and roll for its third anniversary bash at 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 20. The Distillery is at 116 N. Main St. in Mancos.
The Brothers Wray will open. There will be a $4 cover.
For more information, contact the Distillery at 946-0229.
Writers Open Mike Night
The Cortez Cultural Center will host a Writers Open Mike Night at 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 20, in the main gallery, 25 N. Market Street.
Bring your poetry or short story to read, or just stop by to enjoy work by our talented local writers.
Call 565-1151 for information.
January Storytime is announced for Cortez Library
Winter activities is the January theme of Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. 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.
Lets Visit the Library! will be the focal point on Friday, Jan. 20. Storytime will wrap up the month with Exercise With Me! on Friday, Jan. 27. Storytime offers songs, stories, crafts and silliness and uses the Early Childhood Literacy Initiative program.
For more information, contact the library at 565-8117.
Elks Karaoke Contest will offer paid prizes for winners
The Cortez Elks Club will host a Karaoke Contest at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21 and Saturday, Jan. 28. The Elks Lodge is at 2100 N. Dolores Rd.
Prizes will be paid for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places, along with other prizes. Anyone in the community interested in competing in the contest is encouraged sign up.
For more information or to sign up for the contest, call 565-3557.
Family Farming and Ranching webinar
Register now to attend a workshop via Breeze Technology to continue Colorados legacy of family farming and ranching. This workshop will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Montezuma County Courthouse, Room 102, 109 W. Main St. in Cortez. The workshop fee is $30 per person and includes workshop materials and lunch.
Planning to transfer ownership of a family farm or ranch from one generation to the next can be overwhelming. This webinar will outline steps for a successful succession plan that is reasonable and doesnt disturb daily farm operations and well share ideas for working through emotional and stressful issues. Dr. Ronald Hanson, professor of agricultural economics at the University of Nebraska will be the presenter. Hanson brings 30 years of experience to share on the importance of family and personal relationships when farming/ranching and working together in a family-owned business operation.
To register, send a check for $30 to Montezuma County Extension, c/o Farm and Ranch Webinar, 109 W. Main, Room 102, Cortez, CO 81321. Or contact the Montezuma County Extension Office at 565-3123 to register and learn more about the workshop.
Four Corners Square Dancers invite all to meet and greet, lessons
Four Corners Square Dancers are starting new square dance lessons with a Meet and Greet session on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Kemper Elementary School, 620 E. Montezuma Ave., Cortez. The mainstream lessons will begin on Monday, Jan. 23, and will continue every Monday night until mid-March.
You dont need a partner or dancing skills to square dance.
For more information call Vonnie Robinson at 749-9682, or Don and Judy Morris at 565-9836.
Day of rallies for Montezuma Moves-to-Amend
A Montezuma Moves-to-Amend Cavalcade will be held Saturday, Jan. 21, starting with a rally at Boyle Park, E. Bauer Ave., in Mancos at 10 a.m. The Cavalcade then proceeds to Dolores at the Galloping Goose Visitor Center at 421 Railroad Ave., and on to Cortez for a final rally at 1 p.m. at City Park, at Main St. between Mildred and Park.
The purpose of the Cavalcade is to educate Montezuma County citizens about the nationwide movement to amend the Constitution to rescue our democracy from corporate control.
For more information, call Maddy Williams at 603-465-2004.
Catholic Church March for Life Walk
Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church will sponsor its annual March for Life Walk at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 22. Meet at the parish hall at the church, 28 Montezuma Avenue, Cortez.
All are invited. Signs will be provided to carry if desired. Cookies and cocoa will be served afterward.
Call Linda Moore 564-4211 or Mary Sparks 882-1440 for more information.
Pinon Project begins free Eating Smart, Being Active class
The Pinon Project will offer an Eating Smart Being Active class beginning on Monday, Jan. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. The class will continue each Monday evening for eight weeks, and will be held at The Pinon Project, 300 N. Elm, Cortez.
These classes are for anyone who wants to learn about preparing healthier meals and living an active lifestyle. Karen Silliman, MS, will lead the group through eight lessons designed to help you shop, cook and exercise your way to a healthier life for you and your family. You will work as a team to develop healthy and tasty recipes. You will create (and devour) delicious snacks and light meals in the class while developing friendships along with new and useful skills. There is no charge for this program. Class size is limited, so grab a friend to come with you or just sign up yourself by calling Lara at The Pinon Project at 564-1195.
Celtic guitarist Barlow will perform music of British Isles
Jerry Barlow, Celtic fingerstyle guitarist, returns for a concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St.
His repertoire is the traditional music of the British Isles and his own Celtic-inspired compositions. Dont miss this exquisite musician.
For more information, call the library at 565-8117.
Free budgeting workshop will teach how to make money work
The Pinon Project of Cortez is pleased to announce an offering of a free five week, ten hour workshop called Making Money Work For You. Classes will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. beginning on Thursday, Jan. 26 at The Pinon Project, 300 N. Elm, Cortez, and will meet on subsequent Thursday evenings. A meal is provided starting at 5:30 p.m.
This basic budgeting program is designed for people who are concerned about their money, whether just starting out or struggling to make it paycheck to paycheck, looking for ways to manage their debt or starting a savings plan. The workshop will cover goal setting, credit and debt, various types of insurance, stretching personal resources, spending choices and creating a spending and savings plan. This workshop is open to TANF eligible families who live in Montezuma County. Participants who successfully complete all five sessions will receive a $50 gift card. There is no cost to interested individuals for this course. Licensed child care and meals will be provided free each night of the class for participants and children who are pre-registered.
For information about eligibility requirements and to register, call The Pinon Project at 564-1195 and ask for Lara.
Wine tasting will raise funds for Cultural Center
The Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market Street, will host a series of monthly wine tasting fundraisers starting with Thursday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m.
This months educational event features five wines presented by Durango Wine Merchant Eric Allen. Admission is $20 per person. The event is limited to 30 participants; preregistration is recommended.
To preregister, or for more information, call 565-1151.
Conscious Movie Night will present I Am documentary
The Center of Light will presents the documentary I Am at Conscious Movie Night, at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27 at the Sophia Peace Center, 19581 Road 31, Dolores.
Hollywood comedy director Tom Shadyac (Ace Ventura: Pet Detective) gets contemplative in this documentary, which finds him conversing with prominent philosophers and spiritual leaders about what ails our world and how we can improve it. This event is free, and all are welcome. All donations will go to support the Institute of HeartMath, an internationally recognized nonprofit research and education organization dedicated to helping people reduce stress, self-regulate emotions and build energy and resilience for healthy, happy lives.
To RSVP or for more information, contact Rev Meira Leonard at 882-2123 or RevMeira@CentersOfLight.org.
Land Conservancy will host Wild & Scenic Film Festival
The Montezuma Land Conservancy will host the Wild and Scenic Film Festival On Tour at 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27 at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside.
Featured at the festival will be The Greatest Migration, a 20 minute film that explores the migration of the Snake River salmon. The Snake River salmon swim more than 900 miles inland and climb almost 7,000 feet to reach their spawning grounds. These iconic fish travel farther and higher than any other salmon on Earth, but a gauntlet of dams blocks their great migration and is pushing these high-altitude salmon to extinction. Also to be featured is, Bag It, a fascinating film investigating the world of plastic. The film follows Jeb Berrier as he embarks on a global tour to unravel the complexities of our plastic world. What starts as a film about plastic bags evolves into a wholesale investigation into plastic and its effect on our waterways, oceans, and even our own bodies.The debut of MLCs own film showcasing the regions rural and ranching heritage and the importance of conserving open space will also be screened. Tickets are $12 for non-members, $10 for current MLC members, and $5 for kids, age 12 and under. To join MLC, a new membership plus admission to the event is $40.
For more information, call Amber at 565-1664.
Reader discussion will focus on most recent Estes book
The Mancos Public Library will host a book discussion led by Midge Kirk on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 10 a.m. to noon. The library is at 211 W. First St.
The discussion will be based on the newest book by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, titled Untie the Strong Woman: Blessed Mothers Immaculate Love for the Wild Soul. This is a free event and all are welcome.
For more information call the library at 533-7600.
Mesa Verde will offer free guided winter ecology hike
Park Rangers will lead a guided hike focusing on winter ecology at Mesa Verde National Park on Saturday, Jan. 28, beginning at 9 a.m. Participants will meet at the Morefield Village gas station, and then explore the hillsides around the Morefield Campground, looking for signs of wildlife and observing adaptations of plants and animals in the winter months.
The guided hike is free, but advance sign-up is requested. Children should be at least 7 years old to join the hike. Be prepared to be outdoors for 2 to 3 hours with extra layers of clothing, water, and snacks. There is a limit of 20 adults and children. If needed, snowshoes will be provided, or you may bring your own. Park entrance fees are waived during the months of January and February.
To sign up, for weather conditions, and for more information on the hike, please call the Chapin Mesa Museum at 529-4631. For more information about Mesa Verde National Park, please visit our website at www.nps.gov/meve.
For Pets Sake will hold Cat Adopt-a-thon
For Pets Sake Humane Society welcomes the New Year with their first Cat Adopt-a-thon of the year from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28 at Cliffrose Nursery just east of Cortez at 27885 Hwy. 160.
There will be lots of friendly cats there to greet you. Meet Duffy, Lovey Dovey, Little Smokey, Owlie, Lil Sis, Sammie, Rosie, Nellie Belle, and Lilly (aka Little Foot). They are all spayed or neutered and have up-to-date shots. Start your new year with a new member of the family. Photos and descriptions can be seen at www.forpetssakehs.org and at the Cortez library.
For more information, call 565-PETS (565-7387).
Don Kirk to hold free story time
Family Story Teller Don Kirk will be performing Tales to Warm the Winter Doldrums from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St.
The show is free and appropriate for all ages.
For more information, call Don at 739-4064.
Chamber hosts Denim and Diamonds community awards evening
The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce will host the Denim and Diamonds Community Awards Evening at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Main Street Brewery, 21 E. Main St., Cortez.
Tickets are $25, or $30 if purchased after Saturday, Jan. 14.
For more information, call Dena Guttridge at 565-3414.
Lewis-Arriola Community Center annual fundraiser
Everyone is invited to attend the 7th annual Lewis-Arriola Community Center chili and cornbread supper, including a pie auction, at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3 at the Center, 21176 Road S.
This fundraising event will help support the Lewis-Arriola Community Center, a non-profit organization. Tickets are $5 each, or five tickets for $20.
For more information, contact Carol at 882-7816.
Annual Sweethearts Ball fundraiser
Enjoy dinner, dancing, live music, and a show at the Cortez Cultural Centers Sweetheart Ball at the Cortez Elks Lodge on Saturday, Feb. 4. Doors open at 5 p.m., dinner is at 6 p.m., and the silent auction and show begins at 7 p.m.
The Elks Lodge is at 2100 N. Dolores Rd., Cortez.
Tickets are $40 per person; ticket sales and auction proceeds benefit the Cortez Cultural Center, promoting art, culture, education, and science for our community.
Call 565-1151 for tickets or for more information.
Ag Energy Workshop will teach how to save costs
Colorado State Universitys (CSU) Southwestern Colorado Research Center, in collaboration with Dolores and Montezuma County Extension will hold an Ag Energy Workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 6 at the Lewis-Arriola Community Center at 21176 Road S.
Participants will learn about how to save energy costs through energy audits, efficient solar power installations, and small hydropower generation, and how to make biodiesel for home or farm use. Speakers will include Kurt Jones, leader of the solar energy work team for CSU Extension; Mike Kostrzewa, Assistant Director of the U.S. Department of Energys (DOE) Industrial Assessment Center at CSU; Lindsay George, Water Resources Engineer and lead of Applegate Groups hydropower program in Glenwood Springs; and John (JP) Funk, the chief engineer at Dove Creeks JP&G Engineering Inc., a company that specializes in renewable energy. This workshop is part of a series of workshops sponsored by the Center for Agricultural Energy (www.cae.colostate.edu). Lunch will be provided. Registration is $10 a person before or on Friday, Feb. 3, or $20 at the door.
For more information or to register for the workshop, call 562-4255 or email abdel.berrada@colostate.edu.
Valentine Blues theme of Family Comedy Club fundraiser
The Pinon Project is planning its sixth annual Family Comedy Club fundraiser event on Friday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Montezuma-Cortez High School. The theme for this year will be Valentine Blues.
All proceeds will be used to support family and early childhood services at The Pinon Project. If you missed the show last year, please take this opportunity to join us in a hilarious event that will showcase some of our most talented citizens singing, dancing and doing their best to entertain. Some of the talent for this years show includes The Back Alley Boys versus the Spicey Girls, The Pinon Players, and an extremely talented banking group who will be doing their Village People routine. Tickets can be purchased at The Pinon Project located at 300 North Elm, or at the door the night of the event for $15 per person or $20 for a family.
For more information, contact The Pinon Project at 564-1195.
Relay for Life Mardi Gras Kick-off event
This years Relay For Life committee would like to invite interested community members, returning RFL teams, and new teams to join in the fun, food, and information sharing at this years Relay For Life Mardi Gras Kick-Off event at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at the Trinity Lutheran Church Hall, 208 North Dolores Road, Cortez.
The kick-off event is to start the Relay season by getting folks together to sign up teams, and to organize volunteers to help at this years Relay For Life. Get involved in saving lives by participating in this years Relay For Life on July 20. Hope to see you there!
For more information, contact Lucy Gasaway at 564-1468.