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.
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.
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.
Cultural Center will host educational wine tasting benefit
Eric Allen of the Wine Merchant in Durango will again give an educational wine-tasting at the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market, on Thursday, Feb. 23 from 7 to 9 p.m. The cost is $20 per person; proceeds benefit the Cortez Cultural Center.
Space is limited; call 565-1151 to register.
Parks and Wildlife will discuss sunflower field wildlife damage
Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff will discuss ongoing research related to damage by wildlife to sunflower fields at a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at the Dolores County Courthouse, 409 Main St., Dove Creek.
The agency started work during the summer of 2011 to try to determine how to keep deer and elk from eating sunflowers in this area of southwestern Colorado. At the meeting, agency biologists will discuss the research design, field activities expected to occur during the next year, share preliminary information from the study and answer any questions. Parks and Wildlife is also looking for sunflower growers who are interested in participating in the research project this summer.
For more information, call Matt Hammond at 749-8804.
Vanishing of the Bees documentary will screen
Center of Light will present the film Vanishing of the Bees at Conscious Movie Night at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, at the Sophia Peace Center, 19581 Road 31, in Dolores. (In Dolores turn left at the Riverside Gas Station, go 1.8 miles to the Sophia Peace Center.)
Its a phenomenon with a name Colony Collapse Disorder but no explanation or solution exists. This documentary details the economic, political and ecological consequences of a dwindling world honeybee population. This event is free, and all are welcome. All donations will go to support American Beekeeping Association, a national organization working in the interest of all beekeepers and those associated with the industry to ensure the future of the honeybee.
To RSVP or find out more information, contact Rev. Meira Leonard at 882-2123 or RevMeira@CentersOfLight.org.
Community theater performs Tales of the Telling
Out of Pocket Community Theater will perform a theatrical telling of three tales in a production of Tales of the Telling at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 at the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 North Market St. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Don Kirk at 739-4064.
Heroes vs. Villains face off at costume birthday bash
KSJD and Dolores River Brewery invite you to celebrate our birthdays on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 8 p.m. at the Super Heroes vs. Super Villains party at the Brewery at 100 N. Fourth St., Dolores.
Access your super powers and enter the costume contest of Super Heroes vs. Super Villains! Groove to the positive reggae sounds of Salt Lake Citys Codi Jordan Band! Tickets are $10 at the door.
For more information, call 565-9727 or visit ksjd.org, doloresriverbrewery.com, or codijordan.com.
Mesa Verde will offer free winter ecology hike
Park Rangers will lead a second guided hike focusing on winter ecology at Mesa Verde National Park on Saturday, Feb. 25, beginning at 9 a.m. The guided hike is free, but advance sign-up is requested. 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.
Children are welcome and should be at least 7 years old to join the hike. Be prepared to be outdoors for two to three 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, call the Chapin Mesa Museum at 529-4631. For more information about Mesa Verde National Park, visit www.nps.gov/meve.
Horse club sets cutting practice
The Four Corners Cutting Horse Club will sponsor a cutting practice at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds Feb. 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The club is seeking new members and spectators are welcome.
Non club members are welcome to compete. The cost is $65 for two goes. A potluck lunch will be served.
To reserve cattle call Jay Springer at 564-9689 or Kristie Carriker at 565-1499.
New Community Garden planning group will meet
Community members interested in actively participating in creating a community garden are invited to come to a meeting Sunday, Feb. 26, at 6 p.m. in the Calvin Denton Room at Empire Electric, 801 N. Broadway, Cortez. We will discuss garden concepts, various models, fundraising and sharing ideas.
For more information, contact Bobbi at 529-0689 and leave a message, or at cortezcommunitygarden@gmail.com.
Dolores Rotary Club Bingo Night
The Dolores Rotary Club will sponsor a bingo night Tuesday, Feb. 28, at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave. Soup, corn bread and dessert will be served starting at 6:30 p.m. for $5 with bingo following at 7 p.m.
Cards are $1 per game or $10 for the evening. All proceeds will benefit the Dolores Senior Citizens Group.
For more information, contact Neal Stephens at 564-4440 or Dave Sanford at 882-7428.
Builders Association offers presentation on new roofs, repairs
Four Corners Builders Association invites the public to a free presentation and question time on the topic of roofs at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, in the side room at Benys restaurant, 640 S. Broadway, Cortez.
Steve Wilderson will be there to help give some insight on how to be well-prepared when it is time to deal with putting on a roof, or repairs to be concerned with. Admission is free.
For more information, call FCBA at 565-1771.
Pinon Project will offer free basic budgeting class
The Pinon Project of Cortez will offer a free five-week, ten-hour Thursday evening workshop called Making Money Work For You that begins on Thursday, March 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pinon Project offices, 300 N. Elm, Cortez. A meal is provided at 5:30 p.m.
The workshop is open to TANF eligible families who live in Montezuma County. 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 covers goal setting, credit and debt, various types of insurance, stretching personal resources, spending choices and creating a spending and savings plan. 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 564-1195 and ask for Lara.
Extension offers fruit tree pruning workshop
With proper training and correct pruning techniques, a fruit tree will maintain its overall health for years. A fruit tree pruning workshop will be held on Thursday, March 1 from at 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Southwest Colorado Research station, approximately 17 miles north on Hwy. 491 and west 1/4 mile on Road Z.
The cost is $15 per person, payable the day of the workshop. Attendees must bring their own chair, water, snacks, lunch and dress in warm clothing. If instruction is wanted on hands-on pruning, bring loppers or hand pruners. Extension staff will demonstrate pruning apple, pear, peach and plum trees in the orchard. Please leave pets at home.
Participants should register by phoning either Montezuma County Extension at 565-3123 or Dolores County Extension at 677-2283.
Buddhism Trilogy Seminar weekend
The Center of Light in Dolores presents a Seminar Weekend: a Buddhism Trilogy with Mother Clare Watts. The first will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 1 at 30705 Road V.6 in Dolores. The second is at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 2 at the Durango Dharma Center, 2530 Colorado Ave. The third part will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (lunch is included) on Saturday, March 3 at the Dolores location.
The evening sessions have a requested donation of $25 and the daytime session is a $40 requested donation (bring a friend to any for free).
For more details and to RSVP please contact Rev. Meira Leonard at 882-2123 or RevMeira@CentersOfLight.org.
Presbyterian Womens Spring Rummage Sale
The Presbyterian Women will have their Spring Rummage Sale Friday and Saturday, March 2 and 3, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall of the Presbyterian Church, 350 S. Washington, Cortez.
This will be an open sale and there will be lots of treasures.
For more information, call 565-7024 or 565-8927.
Experts will present Soil Health Workshop
The Dolores Conservation District and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will sponsor The Soil Health (Wealth) Workshop from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (registration at 8:30 a.m.) on Saturday, March 3 at the Lewis-Arriola Community Center at 21615 Road S. There will be a $10 charge per family or farm with lunch provided (please pre-register).
Sponsors will put tools in the hands of farmers to help them improve soil health and increase profitability. Speakers include: Mike Collins, NRCS Soil Scientist What makes a soil healthy?; Dick Sparks, NRCS Agronomist Why does it matter?; Ron Godin, CSU Agronomist PhD How do I create and maintain a healthy soil? and Brendon Rockey, local ag producer How does it affect the bottom line? All topics will focus on the relationship between soil structure and soil health. The panel of experts will end the workshop to answer questions: On the Road to Improve Soil Health and Increase Profits.
For more information about the workshop or how to register, please contact Judy at the Dolores Conservation District at 565-9045 ext. 3.
Millwood Follies benefit theme is Mission ImPossible
The Millwood Junction Restaurant presents the 29th Annual Millwood Follies on Saturday, March 3 at the restaurant, 101 Railroad Ave., right next to the only stop light in Mancos. Doors open for the silent auction at 4 p.m. and entertainment starts at 7 p.m.
This years theme is Mission ImPossible so come dressed in your best spy-wear! We are anticipating an exciting evening with dinner, silent auction, and (of course) a great line-up of entertainment Mancos style. Proceeds from the event will help support the Mancos Public Library. Seating is limited; there is a special menu for this evening and no reservations can be made.
For more information or to provide a donation for this event, call the Mancos Public Library at 533-7600.
Planning meeting for Day Labor Center garden
Cortez Day Labor Center will host a planning meeting for our 2nd year garden on Saturday, March 3 at 11 a.m. at the Day Labor Center at 2405 East Empire.
This garden project provides opportunities for clients to develop skills related to agriculture; they learn how to work for others in their gardens. Our garden provides fresh local produce for the soup kitchens, for the shelter, and for those needing food in the community. Be part of this hands-on and productive activity.
Call the shelter office at 565-9808 for more information.
Bottom Line Duo to perform eclectic bass, cello
SouthWest Colorado Concerts welcomes Bottom Line Duo to Cortez on Sunday, March 4 at 3 p.m. at the M-CHS auditorium.
The Duo promises an eclectic bass and cello program featuring works from Mozart to Ozzy Ozbourne. Tickets will be available at the door and are $20 for adults, and $5 for youth under 18.
For more information, call Paul Bostrom at 565-9127 or Joyce Stevenson at 565-4757.