People are encouraged to submit announcements about upcoming events for the Community Calendar. Send announcements to news@cortezjournal.com. Items submitted less than two weeks in advance will be less likely to be published.

September

"Slide into September" is the September theme of Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, located at 202 N. Park St., Cortez.

Storytime is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at the library and every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Cortez Farmers Market on the corner of Elm and Main streets (weather permitting) for preschool-aged children.

For more information, contact the library at 565-8117.

Sept. 12

On Sept. 12, Mesa Verde artist in residence Sue King from Lancaster, Ohio, will speak about her work as an art quilter and demonstrate the use of silk screening as a form of surface design.

The free event begins at 5:30 p.m. at the library downstairs at Far View Lodge, Mesa Verde National Park, and is open to all. Supplies will be provided but participants must bring their own item of clothing, such as a T-shirt, to screen if desired.

Habitat for Humanity will host this month's Business After Hours from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 12 in the bright blue building, next to Belt Salvage at 6786 Hwy 491/160 just past the intersection with Road G. Call the Chamber at 565-3414 with questions.

The Four Corners Back Country Horsemen will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. at the La Plata County Fairgrounds in Durango. Guests are always encouraged to attend. For more information, call Bob at 883-4004 or email him at bobvolger@gmail.com

The Republican Women of Montezuma County will hold its next meeting on Thursday, Sept. 12 at noon at Shiloh's Steak House. There will be a presentation by J. Paul Brown. For more info call Rosemarie Beall at 564-1576.

Sept. 13

For Pets' Sake Humane Society will hold its fall yard sale on two weekends: Friday and Saturday, Sept. 13 and 14 AND Sept. 20 and 21. It will be at the Cortez Christian Church from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Donations can be brought to the building on Thursday, Sept. 12 from 2 to 7 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 19 from 4 to 6 p.m., or call For Pets' Sake at 565-7387. (Please, no computers or accessories, tires or televisions.)

The first "Science Friday" at the Mancos Public Library will be on Friday, Sept. 13 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The Durango Discovery Museum will give a presentation titled "We Didn't Start The Fire." Free! For grades K-8. For more information, call MPL at 533-7600.

Sept. 14

The Class of 1948 is celebrating its 65th class reunion at the Elks Club on Sept. 14. Visit from 1 to 5:30 p.m., the banquet starts at 5:30 p.m. and dance at 6:30 p.m. To make reservations please call Cheryl McCutcheon at (970) 394-4929. For more information, call Jean Belden at 565-7915 or Mary Alexander at 882-7317.

The public is invited to join San Juan Mountains Association on a hike in Sand Canyon, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument on Sept. 14. Registration is required. Contact SJMA to register and for more information at 385-1256 or gabi@sjma.org.

The public is invited to a Teacher Appreciation Party held on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 12 p.m. at the Elks Lodge. $14.50 / person, includes: cordon bleu lunch, drink and dessert. For more info or to make reservations call Cindy at 560-0395. Reservations required by Monday, Sept. 9.

Sept. 15

On Sept. 15, at 4 p.m., St. Barnabas Church, 110 W. North St., will host a showing of "Love Free or Die," a documentary about Episcopal Bishop Eugene Robinson. The event will be preceded by wine and cheese. A discussion will follow for those who wish to stay.

On Sunday, Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. at the Anasazi Heritage Center in Dolores the Hisatsinom Chapter of the Colorado Archaeological Society will present the documentary "Death of Place" by local filmmaker Larry Ruiz. For questions please call Bob Bernhart at 970-739-6772.

Sept. 16

The Cortez Cultural Center will hold an Agriculture Exhibit Sept. 16 - Oct. 5. The opening reception will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 20. For more information call 565-1151 or email annebeach@cortezculturalcenter.org.

Southwest Colorado Community College is hosting the 2nd Annual Montelores Career Fair on Monday, Sept. 16 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided. For more information call Rocky Moss at 564-6211 or Ed Rice at 565-3722 ext. 2200.

Sept. 17

"What Should the Christian Response be to (chemical) warfare?" will be the topic on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 6:30 for the next "How You Can Be Part of a Christian Community with Integrity and Not Believe All Those Things You Thought You Had to Believe" conversation. St. Barnabas Church (corner of North and Elm) Call 565-7865 for information.

Sept. 18

A local group of parents and educators are working to create a publicly funded, Montessori charter elementary school (Kindergarten-8th grade) in Cortez! The community is invited to learn more or to get involved at the following meetings: Sept. 18 - Mancos Public Library and Sept. 23- First National Bank of Cortez. All meetings begin at 6:30 PM. For more informtaion call 565-8586, visit www.kivacharter.org or email kivacharter@gmail.com

Chamber Luncheon will be held Wednesday, Sept. 18 at noon at Shiloh Steakhouse. Bill Thompson will discuss efforts by the Hospital to have the ability to write for and use grant money to help purchase diagnostic tools and technology.

Sept. 19

The public is invited to a free seminar at the Dolores Public Library on Thursday, Sept. 19, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Connect for Health Colorado and the Piñon Project will give an overview about the Affordable Care Act. For more information visit doloreslibrary.org or call the library at 970-882-4127.

The Mancos PTA will be having a Lil' Jay Homecoming Festival on Sept. 19 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Mancos School Cafeteria. Meet local heroes, Firemen, Policemen, and have a "Child Find" safety identification badge made for your student. There will be games and food. Tickets will be sold at the door.

Sept. 20 and 21

The M-CHS Class of 1978 is celebrating its 35-year class reunion on Sept. 20 and 21. For more information, join the class on Facebook: M-CHS Class of 1978 or email luthi2@live.com or renee_galyon@gmail.com. The committee is still searching for the following people: Pat Castle, Rick Chasten, Tammie Cook, Gary Coffman, Tom Cordova, Janice Garfield, Becky Sherborne Hill, Tara Horton, Vicki Maestas, Larry Martinez, Jed McClelland, Scott Milligan, Kassia Murray, Kelly Murray, Emma Northcott, Manuel Olivas, Shelly Ream, Monty Risenhover, Kelly Sanchez, Mario Segura, Tim Scarafiotti, Dave Snow, John Stone, Mark Ward, Charlotte Yazzie and Marie Yazzie.

Sept. 21

Cortez Cultural Center is calling for vendors for the annual Ladies Night Out, $25.00 per table. Event to be held Sept. 21 at the Cortez Elks Lodge from. 6 to 9 p.m., featuring vendors, wine bar, treasure hunt for Cortez cash and Fashion Show by Second Time Fashions

The public is invited to join a free trip to the San Juan Mountains Association, in partnership with the San Juan National Forest, for a seven-mile hike in the high country Sept. 21.The group will start early and be out most of the day. Contact MK to sign up and get more information: MK@sjma.org or (970) 759-9113

Four Corners Dancers invite the public to come check out the Meet & Greet of their Square Dance lessons; there will be an introduction to mainstream square dancing Sept. 21 and the lessons will start Sept. 23 at Kemper School throughout November from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday. For more information, call Don and Judy Morris at 565-9836 or Ronnie and Vonnie Robinson at 749-9682.

The League of Women Voters of Montezuma County will have a breakfast meeting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Ponderosa Restaurant in Dolores. Judge Walker will be discussing the plans for relocating courts within the District. Open to the public. For additional information, please call Eleanor at 564-0708.

Heart and Core Yoga Studio located at 30 W. Main in Cortez is holding their first annual Open House on Saturday, Sept. 21. Workshops are held throughout the day. Reception is from 5 to 7 p.m. Concert begins at 7 p.m. For more information please call Jill Lawson at 739-0547 or visit www.yogaincortez.com.

Colorado State University Extension has scheduled its annual apple "U-Pick" harvest for Saturday, Sept. 21 starting at 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the CSU Southwestern Colorado Research Station. The "U-Pick" will offer forty+ different varieties of fruit at $.75 cents per pound on a first come first serve basis. After Sept. 22 fruit will still be available; however, you must contact Abdel Berrada, Research Center Manager, 970-562-4255.

For directions or more information, call the Montezuma County Extension Office at 565-3123.

Sept. 22?

The Mancos Public Library will present the first annual Harvest Heritage Festival in Mancos at Boyle Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 22. The festival features: demonstrations, music, children's activities and more. For more information, call Lee Hallberg at 533-7600 or email info@mancoslibrary.org or visit www.mancoslibrary.org

Sept. 24

Representatives from Connect for Health Colorado will have a community presentation that can help answer questions in preparation for the opening of the Colorado Health Insurance Exchange happening on Oct. 1. The presentation will be on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. at the M-CHS Auditorium. For more information visit the website at www.swhealth.org or visit their Facebook/Twitter updates. #SWHealthOrg.

Sept. 28

Kiwanis Club of Mesa Verde is hosting their annual charity night on Sept. 28 at the Cortez Elk's lodge. Tickets are $250; includes dinner for two and a chance to win a 2014 Ford Mustang. For tickets and information call Marie at 564-9770 or Edith at 565-8491.

On Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Cortez Farmers' Market there will be a used book sale to benefit Grace's Soup Kitchen at St Barnabas Episcopal Church. Grace's Kitchen provides a hot lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays and a sack lunch on Saturdays for those in need of a nutritious meal. For more information contact Judy Schuenemeyer: judyswsc@q.com.

Through September

Every Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. through September, there will be a community garage sale at Pleasant View Mercantile parking lot. Participation is free. Open to the public.

For more information, call 562-6372.

Book a librarian for up to two hours for free at the Dolores Public Library to help with research, a job search (résumé), your computer or software. To schedule please come in, call 882-4127 or visit our web page at www.doloreslibrary.org

October

The Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., Cortez will offer computer classes in October.

Thursday, Oct. 3, at 1 p.m., the library will be holding a computer class on Internet Shopping.

On Friday, Oct. 11, at 1 p.m. staff from the Workforce Center will be holding a class at the Cortez Public Library on finding a job. The class will be focus on various aspects of finding a job on the Internet and using the Workforce Center.

On Thursday, Oct. 17, at 1 p.m., the Cortez Public Library will be holding a computer class on Word.

Sign up by stopping by or calling the library at 565-8117.

Oct. 1

The second annual MESSIAH SING-IN will be presented this year on Dec. 15. Try-outs for solo parts will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 1 and Thursday, Oct. 3 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 515 North Park. Please be prepared to sing a traditional Christian musical selection for the audition. Contact Patricia Faulkner at 564-9458 for more information.

Oct. 2

The public is invited to a Medicare 101 training on Oct. 2 at the Cortez Senior Center - 107 N. Chestnut St. Presentation will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served. RSVP 564-2772.

Oct. 6

SouthWest Colorado Concerts presents the San Juan Symphony, performing a program of modern and classical music at 3 p.m. Oct. 6 at the M-CHS Auditorium. Tickets will be on sale at the door beginning at 2 p.m. For more information, call Paul Bostrom at 565-9127 or Joyce Stevenson at 565-4757.

Oct. 11

The Cortez FFA Chapter and M-CHS Panther Football Team will be hosting a Food Drive to benefit the Good Samaritan Center on Friday, Oct. 11 at Panther Stadium. For each canned good donated, football fans will receive $0.50 off admission (up to $2 maximum off the admission price) to the M-CHS vs. Eagle Valley football game at 7 p.m. on Oct. 11. For more information, or to make a donation please contact the Cortez FFA Chapter at (970) 565-4314.

First Wednesday

The first Wednesday of each month at noon the Chamber will have its business lunch forum. For more information and locations, call 565-3414

First Thursday

Montezuma County Republican Central Committee meets the first Thursday of every month at noon at Shiloh's Steakhouse.

For more information, contact Nicci Crowley, secretary, nicci.crowley@gmail.com or call 570-9372 for more information.

First Friday

The first Friday of each month, the public is invited by the Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce to participate in a leadership development program at First National Bank, 2258 E. Main in Cortez.

For more information, call Dena at the Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce 565-3414.

Second Thursday

The second Thursday of each month Business After Hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at various locations. For more information, call 565-3414

Third Wednesday

The third Wednesday of every month the Chamber Luncheon will be held at noon at Shiloh Steakhouse. For more information, call 565-3414

Every Monday

The public is invited to join the Southwest Singers as they begin rehearsals for the fall season. The Choir practices on Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Cortez (515 N. Park). For more information, call Director Ruth Wilson Francisco at 872-3870.

Every Tuesday

The Kiwanis Club of Mesa Verde meets at noon every Tuesday at Shiloh's. Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time.

Contact sue@simmonssecondchanceranch.com for more information.

Every Tuesday The Dolores Public Library will answer technology/software questions for free from 3 to 5 p.m. 882-4127

Every Second Tuesday

The Mancos Water Conservancy District will hold their monthly meeting every second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the District Office.

Fall Semester

The Cultural Center is offering after-school programs for creative kids and adults for ages 6 and up. Classes slated for the fall semester are: Feel for Art, visual art program, Silent Storytelling the Art of Mime, Young Playwrights, Actor's Studio and Story Arts, storytelling. Registration and course descriptions can be found on the website. Partial Scholarships available.