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.
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. 28. The Elks Lodge is at 2100 N. Dolores Rd.
Prizes will be paid for first three places, along with other prizes. Anyone interested in competing in the contest is encouraged sign up.
For more information or to sign up for the contest, call 565-3557.
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 or 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 today
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, and Nellie Belle. 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).
Beautiful Loser Society to play in Dolores
The Beautiful Loser Society will play their first gig in almost a year and a half at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Hollywood Bar in Dolores, 417 Central Ave.
The Beautiful Losers are a four piece band two guitars, bass, and drums that plays mostly original country and country rock music. There will be a $5 cover charge for the show.
For more information, call the Hollywood at 882-9998. Samples of the bands music can be heard at www.myspace.com/beautifullosersforever.
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 Saturday night
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 $30.
For more information, call Dena Guttridge at 565-3414.
Pee Wee Cheer Camp for ages 4 to 5th grade starts Monday
The Dolores High School Cheerleaders will be hosting a PeeWee Cheer Camp starting Monday, Jan. 30 through Friday, Feb. 3 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Dolores High School commons/cafeteria area. Registration is Monday, Jan. 30 at 3:45 p.m.
Pee Wee Cheer Camp is for ages 4 years old up to the 5th grade level. Skills learned will be performed during half time at the varsity basketball game against Mancos on Saturday, Feb. 4 at approximately 3:30 p.m. in Dolores. The cost is $30 and includes a T-shirt.
For more information, call Michelle at 759-3799.
Recreation and Conservation in the Lower Dolores Canyon
Lower Dolores Boating Advocates invites all area boaters to a presentation, Recreation and Conservation in the Lower Dolores Canyon a collaborative effort to improve ecological and whitewater recreation conditions below McPhee Reservoir. from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 30 at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave.
Representatives from San Juan Citizens Alliance, Trout Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy and American Whitewater will make short presentations, followed by small group discussions and a social hour.
For more information, contact Jay Loschert at 799-1475.
Group will analyze Great Decisions 2012
The Mancos Public Library, located at 211 W. First St., will offer Great Decisions 2012 starting on Monday, Jan. 30 at 10:30 a.m. at the library.
Join us for impartial, thought-provoking analyses on eight issues of concern to U.S. policymakers. This group meets once a month for 8 months. Discussion books are available. This discussion group is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Montezuma County.
Please call the library at 533-7600 to sign up and for more information.
Community open house celebration at Madison House
The community is invited to visit and see the new Madison House at its Community open house celebration be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at Madison House, 120 S. Madison in Cortez.
There will be entertainment and refreshments. This event is to show off the new Madison House and thank the community for its years of support. Madison House has undergone major renovations to upgrade the facility. A new roof, gutters, sidewalk and painting make the residence even more safe and secure. But even more fun is the interior. New, green lighting in the dining room and hallways is warm and inviting. Contemporary paint, architectural details and new artwork move Madison House into the 21st Century. Residents are thrilled with new furniture, a welcoming welcome desk and other amenities.
For more information, call Ann Brown at 565-2047.
Fire Chief Vandevoorde will speak at meeting
The Democratic Women will host guest speaker Jeff Vandevoorde, Chief of the Cortez Fire Protection District at their meeting at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at Jack & Janelles Country Kitchen, 801 E. Main St. in Cortez.
The public is invited to come hear Chief Vandevoorde speak about fire protection, the history of the company, their budget, and other items.
For more information, contact Marcia Boon at 565-7668.
Yoga Nidra Deep Guided Meditation
The Amrit method of Yoga Nidra Deep Guided Meditation is open to everyone for personal growth and healing at The Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St. The first in the Spring series of classes will be held at from noon to 12:50 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2, led by certified Amrit Yoga Nidra Facilitators Mimi Scott and Karen Mischke, who will lead these sessions on Thursdays, March 1, April 26, and May 17.
These sessions are suitable for people who work and are able to come on their lunch hour, as well as those who simply want to experience the benefits without time constraints. Bring a pad, pillow and blanket. No prior experience in meditation or yoga is necessary. A $10 donation is suggested, however whatever one can afford is gratefully appreciated.
For further information and to reserve a place, call Mimi Scott at 564-0100 or Karen Mischke at 565-4061.
Presentation on Navajo expeditions will review research, history
Fred Blackburn and Chuck Haspells will provide an illustrated talk on collaborative work with students and staff from the Jefferson County Open School in northeastern Arizona. The Navajo Expeditions in Northeastern Arizona: Reliving History through Graffiti will be presented at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2 at the First National Bank of Cortez, 2258 East Main St.
The lecture will review research on early cavalry expeditions; Hollywood filmmaking in Monument Valley; traders; miners; Navajo, Ute, Puebloan peoples, and The Long Walk; Excavation discovery of Alfred Vincent Kidder, Samuel Guernsey and the Rainbow Bridge Monument Valley Expedition; Mitchell and Merrick Silver Mine (PishLaKai) and the mineral rush that ensued as well are also part of this exploration.
There is a suggested donation of $10 to $20. This event is a benefit for the Scholarship and Tuition Assistance programs at The Childrens Kiva Montessori School in Cortez. Larger donations are gratefully accepted! All donations are tax deductible as outlined by IRS regulation.
For more information, call 739-1963.
Cortez Library announces February Storytime themes
Baby, Its Cold Outside! is the February theme of Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. Storytime is held every Thursday and Friday at 10:30 a.m. for preschool-aged children. Both days will follow the same theme. On Thursday there will be no craft. Older children are welcome to join in for the craft at 11:15 a.m. on Fridays.
Is it spring? Did you see the groundhog? is the subject on Thursday, Feb. 2 and Friday, Feb. 3. Valentines Day will be discussed on Thursday, Feb. 9, and Valentines Day with Durango author Melanie Milburn will be presented on Friday, Feb. 10. Presidents Day will be the focal point on Thursday, Feb. 16 and Friday, Feb. 17. Storytime will wrap up the month with 100th Day of School on Thursday, Feb. 23 and Friday, Feb. 24. Storytime offers songs, stories, crafts and silliness and uses the Early Childhood Literacy Initiative program.
For more information, contact the library at 565-8117.
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.
Meet and Greet for DA candidate Furse
Will Furse is a candidate for District Attorney and will be hosting a Morning Coffee Meet and Greet on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The event will take place at the historic Bauer House Bed & Breakfast located at 100 Bauer Avenue, Mancos.
Information about the upcoming Republican Caucus and County Assembly will also be provided.
For more information, contact Will Furse at 903-8183 or furse4da@gmail.com.
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.
Energy Workshop will teach how to save costs
Colorado State University (CSU) will hold an Energy Workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 6 at the Lewis-Arriola Community Center, approximately one mile west of Basin Co-op on Montezuma County Road S.
Participants will learn about energy audits, solar power applications and feasibility, small hydropower generation, and the feasibility of biodiesel generators for home or farm use. Speakers 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, lead engineer at Dove Creeks JP&G Engineering Inc., a company that specializes in renewable energy. Lunch will be provided. The workshop is sponsored by Empire Electric.
For more information or to sign up for the workshop, call 562-4255 or email abdel.berrada@colostate.edu.
Albert Porter Pueblo Research Project to be dicussed
The Hisatsinom Chapter of the Colorado Archaeological Society is pleased to present Susan Ryan to discuss The Albert Porter Pueblo Research Project: What Have We Learned? on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market Street.
In her presentation, Ryan will discuss the research effort at the Albert Porter Pueblo great house and its surrounding community with a focus on social differentiation and how the great house fits into the Chaco regional system. Ryan is the Project Director for Crow Canyons excavation at the Albert Porter Pueblo. In addition to a variety of authored and co-authored publications, Ryan is a frequent presenter at various conferences and symposia. Susan is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Arizona.
For questions about this or other lectures, contact Bob Bernhart at 739-6772.
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.
Hoof Beats 4-H Club sponsors Valentines Day Ball
The Hoof Beats 4-H Club will sponsor a Valentines Day Ball, with music by DJ P.A. Jackson, from 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Lewis-Arriola Community Center, 21176 Road S.
Besides dancing, refreshments and snacks will be offered. Admission is $5 per person, or $8 per couple, pay at the door. Proceeds raised will help members of the Hoof Beats 4-H Club attend a horse clinic.
For more information, call Maniesha Buck at 799-4060.
Free education series on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Renew will offer a free community education series about Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, to begin Monday, Feb. 13. This group will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8 p.m. for four weeks. For those who want to be a volunteer advocate, the training will continue on the same schedule for two additional weeks.
You will learn why these two crimes are the only ones that the victim is regularly blamed for. You will learn how the community can and does help. You will learn what Renew does, who Renew is and why we are needed in our community. You are invited to bring a brown bag meal for yourself. Beverages and small snacks will be provided. Space is limited to 25 people.
Call Renew at 565-4886 to reserve your space and get the location.
Parenting classes at Pinon Project
The Pinon Project will offer two 14-week Incredible Years parenting classes from 5:30 to 8 p.m. One class will be held on Tuesdays, beginning Feb. 21, at The Pinon Project, 300 N. Elm St., Cortez; and one class on Thursdays, to begin on Feb. 16 at the Ute Mountain Child Development Center in Towaoc, at 514 Sunset Blvd.
Dinner and childcare will be provided. There is no cost to participants. Enrollment is limited, so call soon.
For more information and registration, contact Lara 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.