The Dolores Star encourages people to submit announcements about upcoming events for the Community Calendar. Send announcements to news@doloresstar.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 Star at 882-4486.
Botanical tour to explore the wetlands of the San Juans
Explore Grindstone Lake in the San Juan National Forest, south of Rico, with Jim Wakeley and Al Schneider, San Juan/Four Corners Native Plant Society on Aug. 4.
Wetlands are characterized by their unique plant communities and soil conditions, brought about by periodic soil saturation or flooding with shallow water. Wetland plants exhibit a variety of adaptations to long periods of soil saturation and anoxia (lack of oxygen) in the root zone. On this trip, we will identify some common wetland plants, discuss their adaptations for life in wetlands, and examine changes in plant communities and soil conditions as we move from uplands into wetlands. And, as always, we will look for interesting wildflowers.
Jim Wakeley is a former Associate Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Chair of the Fish and Wildlife Program at the Pennsylvania State University. He recently retired after 25 years as a wildlife biologist and wetland scientist with the Environmental Laboratory of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He and his wife Lillian live in Dolores.
Contact Al at coloradowildflowers@yahoo.com or 970-882-4647 for information and reservations.
Volunteers needed for hot air balloon event
The Cortez Hot Air Balloon Rendezvous seeks volunteer crew members for the event that will take place at 6:30 a.m. Friday through Sunday, Aug. 3-5, at Parque de Vida. Participating hot air balloons will be in Cortez from New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. This event, known as small-town flying at its best, is a family event, so the public is invited to bring along the kids and become crew for a hot air balloon. Be sure to wear tennis shoes and bring gloves, then get ready for a great experience. When the Rendezvous organizer, Cookie See, asks for crew, those interested in crewing should just step forward, and will be assigned to a balloon. Balloon sponsors are also welcome; contact Cookie to learn how individuals or businesses can be a part of the Rendezvous. For more information or to be a balloon sponsor, call 505-977-2679.
Reed to discuss Salmon and Aztec ruins
The Hisatsinom Chapter of the Colorado Archaeological Society is pleased to present Paul Reed on Tuesday, Aug. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 North Market Street, Cortez, CO, to discuss Chaos or Order: Salmon and Aztec in the post-Chacoan Pueblo III Period. In his presentation, Paul will discuss how these two successors of the Chaco cultural traditions developed on different tracks: a continuation of the Chaco tradition at the Aztec community whereas Salmon forged ahead as a non-Chacoan, local community.
Paul Reed is a Preservation Archaeologist with Archaeology Southwest. For the past eleven years he has been the Chaco Scholar at Salmon Ruins. Paul has edited and authored numerous works on the Middle San Juan including the seminal works Chacos Northern Prodigies: Salmon, Aztec, and the Ascendancy of the Middle San Juan Region After AD 1100 and Thirty-five Years of Archaeological Research at Salmon Ruins, New Mexico. With a group of research partners, Paul recently investigated several research questions critical to the Chacoan presence in the Middle San Juan. Their findings were published in a dedicated issue of Kiva (Winter 2011). Pauls current research involves questions related to the complicated post-Chacoan, Pueblo III period in the Middle San Juan and exploring the origins of the Acoma Pueblo.
For questions about this or other lectures, please call Bob Bernhart at 970-739-6772.
Dolores Farmers Market to feature music
The Dolores Farmers Market will feature a variety of local musicians this year every Wednesday at Flanders Park from 5 to 7 p.m. The Farmers Market is every Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. On Aug. 8 Bret Pejsa will play again. Aug. 15 is Marilyn Kroeker. Aug. 22 Herb Folsom and Tony Littlejohn. Aug. 29 is Marilyn Kroeker.
Stray Birds trio will perform in Dolores
The Stray Birds will performing on Wednesday, Aug. 8, at the Dolores River Brewery, 100 S. 4th St., in Dolores. Drawing upon the richness of American folk music traditions, the signature power of The Stray Birds sound lies in outstanding songwriting that soars in three-part harmony. The Stray Birds are a trio with captivating chemistry and sensitive musicality. From bustling street corners to silent halls, their performances speak to an uncompromising reverence for songs. For more information, contact the brewery at 882-4677.
Attend Jesus, Mary, and You: Why it Matters above Dolores
On Thursday, Aug. 9, attend Jesus, Mary, and You: Why it Matters at the Center of Light at the Sophia Peace Center, 19581 CR 31, Dolores
The great beings, Jesus and Mary, gave and continue to give an enormous gift to our earth. They took on the karma accumulated by humanity over hundreds of years and paved a path of forgiveness through love and sacrifice. They taught a way through the demonstration of their very lives. Mary transformed everything feminine that had been distorted and Jesus everything masculine. Why, then, is there still so much controversy about why they matter so much and why they matter to you? During this seminar, led by Mother Clare Watts, Christian Master Teacher, author and peace activist, you will come to a new understanding of who Jesus and Mary truly are and why getting to know them will lighten up your life. Come! Open your heart and mind and be surprised at what you see.
In addition, on Aug. 10 will be a seminar titled World Peace: Practice of the Mystics that Help Bring Peace on Earth. And on Aug. 11, there will be a class titled Many are Called, but Few are Chosen.
There are suggested donations for each class and pre-registration is required. Call, 882-2123 by Aug. 6 to reserve your place for this transformative seminar.
K9 Search and Rescue Team hosts pancake breakfast
The K9 Search and Rescue Team is holding their Annual Pancake Breakfast during Escalante Days on Saturday, Aug. 11. The breakfast is the annual fundraiser for the Team and will feature pancakes, sausage, coffee or tea and juice. Tickets cost $5 per person. It will begin at 6 a.m. and ends at the start of the parade. It will be held at the Dog House, 35 Railroad Avenue (directly west of Dolores Fire Station # 1), with handicap parking at that address and regular parking off Central Avenue directly north of the building.
Based in Dolores with Divisions in Southern California, Northern Arizona & members in Eastern CO and NM, the K9 Search and Rescue Team Inc. is a non-profit, 100% volunteer organization with no tax base that depends solely on donations, grants, and fundraisers such as the Pancake Breakfast for support. Start your day with a great breakfast and support the K9 Search and Rescue Team at the same time!
For more information about the K9 Search and Rescue Team, visit their website at www.k9team.org.
Escalante Days to host two parades, bike rodeo
Registration for the Childrens Parade will be Friday, Aug. 10 at the Dolores General Store, 300 Central Ave. Line up starts at 5:30 p.m., the parade begins at 6 p.m. and ends at the Dolores State Bank. The parade is for children 11 and under. The Bike Rodeo and Safety Obstacle Course will be immediately following the childrens parade award ceremony behind the Dolores Medical Center.
The theme of the Escalante Days Parade is Dolores; A Little Town with a Big Heart. The parade starts Saturday, Aug. 11 at 10 a.m. Registration begins at the Dolores High School Parking Lot at 9:30 a.m.
Free Backpacking Trip with the San Juan Mountains AssociationThe San Juan Mountains Association is offering a free backpacking trip August 11 and 12 led by certified interpretive guide MK Thompson. Whether you are new to backpacking or want to share your experience with others, this trip will be a fun and educational adventure. The trip will travel around the Four Mile Lake loop, a 12.4 mile loop in the San Juan National Forest. Optional side trips will explore peaks and other lakes. An optional informational meeting will precede the trip. Space is limited so reserve your spot today by calling 970-759-9113 or e-mail MK@sjma.org.
County Democrats to host potluck/fundraiser
The Montezuma County Democrats will hold a Potluck/Fundraiser on Thursday, Aug. 16, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cliff Rose Nursery. There will be a meeting during the event to let everyone know what is going on and how they can help. A $10 per person donation is requested.
For the Pot Luck, please bring light dishes/finger food for 6 - 8 people. Put together your favorite crowd pleaser and join in the fun. Bring a friend so they can see that Montezuma County Democrats are alive and well. We always welcome new contacts.
If you have questions, please contact Larry Condon at montezumacountydems@yahoo.com or call 970 529 0082.
Mancos Library to screen Fambul Tok
The Mancos Public Library will host a screening of the award winning film Fambul Tok (Family Talk) on Thursday, Aug. 16 in the meeting room at the MPL, 211 W. First St., Mancos, CO. at 7 p.m. Victims and perpetrators of Sierra Leones brutal civil war come together for the first time in an unprecedented program of tradition-based truth-telling and forgiveness ceremonies. Through reviving their ancient practice of family talk, Sierra Leoneans are building sustainable peace at the grass-roots level succeeding where the international communitys post-conflict efforts failed. Filled with lessons for the West, this film explores the depths of a culture that believes that true justice lies in redemption and healing for individuals and that forgiveness is the surest path to restoring dignity and building strong communities. This program is free and open to the public. For more information call the Library at 533-7600.
Church to host talent show to raise money for after school program
The Dolores United Methodist Church is holding a Spaghetti Supper and Talent Show Friday, Aug. 17 beginning at 6 p.m. to raise funds to support a mission outreach to the Dolores Elementary Schools Wednesday afternoon program. Come enjoy great food followed by a fun evening of song, dance and comedy. Great for the entire family. Tickets are $10 per Adult, $5per child under 10, and a maximum of $25 for a family of three or more. Purchasing tickets early is recommended: call the church at 882-7780. A limited number of tickets may be available at the door.
Benefit to raise money for Springer
Join us for a benefit for Steve Springer Aug. 18 from 4 p.m. to midnight at the American Legion, 320 N. Harrison, Cortez. Steve Springer, of Dolores, was the victim of a motorcycle/car accident on May 2. All proceeds go to Steve to help him overcome life-changing challenges, such as wheelchair, home renovations, transportation and other daily expenses. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $5 for children. Dinner starts at 5 p.m. with an auction at 6 p.m. and bands to follow.
Quilt show coming to Dolores August 24
The Dolores Mountain Quilters will host their 2012 Dolores Quilt Show starting Friday, Aug. 24 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Dolores Community Center. For more information go to www.doloresmountainquilters.org.
Prayer group meets at Dolores Methodist Church
Do you need some quiet time with God ? Do you have something, or someone, in your life who needs our prayers?
Join us at 10 a.m. on Tuesday mornings at the Dolores United Methodist Church, 105 8th Street in Dolores. Call 882-9807 for more information.