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.

Thursday, Nov. 28

The Four Corners Board of Realtors 24th annual Parade Of Lights will begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 7. This year’s theme is “Bringing Life to Christmas.” Participants must complete and sign an entry form by 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 28.

For Pets’ Sake Humane Society will hold its 10th annual Cortez Turkey Trot at 9 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, at the Parque de Vida Pavilion near the Cortez Recreation Center. The 1-mile run/walk starts at 10 a.m., regardless of the weather. $20 entry fee includes a commemorative T-shirt. For more information, call 565-7387.

The St. Barnabas Church will host the 2013 Community Thanksgiving Dinner at 11:30 a.m. and again at 12:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28. To make donations or volunteer, call St. Barnabas Church at 565-7865.

Friday, Nov. 29

The Dolores River Brewery will host Cassie Taylor and her band starting at 8:30 p.m. Nov. 29. Tickets are $10 and are available at the door. Cassie is a veteran musician who spent a decade playing bass and singing with her father, a modern-day blues innovator, Otis Taylor.

The Cortez Cultural Center’s gift shop will offer jewelry, pottery, Christmas cards and unique gifts and will have hot cider and cookies Nov. 29 with extended hours form 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 565-1151.

“Crooked Sky” will make a holiday appearance at the Columbine, 123 Grand Ave. in Mancos, Friday, Nov. 29. Music begins at 5 pm with no cover. The duo comes from California via Pagosa Springs bringing a fusion of folk, country, rock and blues. For more information, call 533-7397.

Saturday, Nov. 30

Susan Matthews, MS, ND, presents a free Chronic Pain Clinic from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 30. Learn biomechanics and mind practices of tai chi and qigong. Shanti School is at the Millennium Center, 20 W. Main, Cortez. For more information, call 903-5723 of visit www.susanamatthews.com.

The public is invited to the 40th Annual Fireman’s Dance from 8 p.m. to midnight Nov. 30 at the Beulah Fire Department in Lewis-Arriola, (County Road N and Highway 491). $5 for adults, children 12 and younger are free. Ralph Dinosaur will perform. For more information, call 882-4957 or 529-3173.

Through November

“Sweep into November” is the monthly theme of Raising Readers Storytime at Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., Cortez. There will be no Storytime on Nov. 28. For more information, call 565-8117.

Mancos watercolor artist Jan Wright exhibits paintings of Mesa Verde at The Farm Bistro, 34 W. Main in Cortez, through Jan. 1, 2014.

The Mask and Mysteries show will remain available for viewing at the Visitor Center through November. Visitor Center hours are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Friday; closed Saturday.

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

Larry Condon and Carol Rhan are displaying their Veterans Day/military collection in the cases at Cortez Public Library. Hanging on the wall is a mixed media collection by Sharon Englehart, Deb Harriman and Darnell Bane available for viewing through December. The featured artist of the month of November for the Southwest Artists League is Lucy Hadley. For more information, call 565-8117.

The family of Ron Lacy has set up a donations account for Monica Lacy who has medical conditions that require surgery. Any help is appreciated and can be donated at the Dolores State Bank (Cortez Branch) for the Monica Lacy Medical Account.

The public is invited to Join Blue Star Moms Southwest Chapter 2 in sending boxes to the troops. There are boxes located around Montezuma County: in Cortez at Susie’s Hallmark, Carquest, Big O Tires, Jack & Janelle’s Country Kitchen and The Good Life; in Dolores at The Ponderosa Restaurant; and in Mancos at Cellar Cuts. There are lists of items wanted in or near the boxes. Accepting items until the end of November. For more information, email smvzorro@aol.com.

Sunday, Dec. 1

The annual Citizen of the Year award nomination deadline is Dec. 1. The nomination form is available online at chamber@mancosvalley.com or call the Visitor Center or send an email to receive the nomination form. The winning candidate will be honored at the Chamber of Commerce’s annual social in February.

The local chapter of the Disabled American Veterans is holding its annual Christmas Bazaar (Arts and Crafts Fair) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 1 at the American Legion Hall in Cortez. Door prizes and food will be available for sale. All proceeds will go to the DAV Van Fund to provide transportation for local veterans to and from medical appointments in the Four Corners area. For questions or vendor information, call Darla Sanders at 560-2793.

Monday, Dec. 2

The Montelores Early Childhood Council will hold its next monthly luncheon meeting on Monday, Dec. 2 at 11:45 a.m., at the Johnson Building, 525 S. Broadway, in the downstairs meeting room 110, Cortez. Lunch will be provided, please RSVP to MECC’s coordinator, Vangi McCoy, mecc.coordinator@gmail.com or vangim@monteloresecc.org, PO Box 1725, Cortez, CO 81321. For more information call, 749-7017.

The next District Accountability Meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2 in the Board Room at the Administration Building, 400 N. Elm St.

Wednesday, Dec. 4

On Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. Marla Sitton will bring her MCHS Choir to the Cultural Center to perform music of the season. Admission is free for students and Cultural Center members, $5 for non-members.

Thursday, Dec. 5

The 15th annual A Taste of the Seasons wine-tasting event, hosted by Four Season’s Greenhouse and Nursery, in partnership with West Slope Liquors, the Cortez Journal and KRTZ 98.7 FM/KISS 97.9 FM, will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 5. For more information, call Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery at 565-8274 or Bruce Johnson of United Way at 882-2635.

The Four Corners Community Band will play a Christmas concert from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at the Chapin Mesa Museum Auditorium, Mesa Verde National Park. For more information, visit www.fourcornerscommunityband.com or call 564-1245.

Cortez Special Olympics basketball staff will be holding an informational meeting about the 2013-14 basketball season at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Cortez Journal. Athletes of all abilities, guardians and potential volunteers are welcome to attend. For more information call, Brandon Eubanks at 749-5096.

Friday, Dec. 6

Sweetwater String Band will perform at 8 p.m. Dec. 6, at Dolores River Brewery.

The Dolores Conservation District will hold its annual meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6, at the First National Bank Community Room, 2258 East Main St. Dinner will be served. RSVP to doloresconservation@gmail.com or call 565-9045, ext. 118.

Enjoy live blues, swing and variety music in an old fashioned Christmas setting with WE-4 at the Columbine in downtown Mancos from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Dec. 6. Free hot cocoa and cookies for all.

Dec. 6 and 7

The public is invited to the Mancos Library from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 6 and/or to the Cortez Library from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 7. DonnaLee Wheeler, author of Who’s The You In The Mirror, will explain how to research family history. Charles Wheeler, an experienced researcher, will share ideas and answer questions. For more information, call (505) 327-3235 or email ccwdlw@comcast.net.

Dec. 6 and 8

The public is invited to join the Southwest Singers for their presentation of Christmas Classics at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. at First United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park St.

Saturday, Dec. 7

The Dolores Community Center, will host a Christmas Bazaar from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. For more information, call Ruby at 882-7717. Proceeds go to the Dolores Community Center.

Dolores River Brewery Holiday Arts and Crafts Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7, at the Brewery, 100 S. Fourth St., Dolores. For more information, call Michele Martz at 562-4494.

The Cortez Middle School will host its first Holiday Bazaar Craft Fair from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at the CMS during the Middle School League Basketball Tournament. Booths are $50 with chairs and a table for an additional $10. For more information, email Justine Bayles at jubayles@cortez.k12.co.us or call her at 560-6026.

The 24th annual Four Corners Board of Realtors Parade of Lights will be held Dec. 7 on Main St. in Cortez. This year’s theme is “Bringing Life To Christmas” There is no entry fee but an entry form is required. The floats are judged based upon lights, music, theme and originality. Three prizes will be awarded to each of three different entry categories. For more information or for an entry form, call Terry at 565-8408 or email terrymc@move2swcolo.com.

While enjoying the Parade Of Lights on Dec. 7, warm up and support the education of local preschoolers. Por Dia Preschool will have a fundraiser selling hot cocoa, fresh popcorn and sweets from 4 to 8 p.m. in front of Slaven’s True Value.

The next USDA Commodity Distribution will be from 8 to 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7., in Cortez at the Fairgrounds, 30100 U.S. Highway 160. Distributions also will be held in Dolores from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Fire Hall, 45 Railroad Ave., and in Mancos from 7:30 to 8 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, 470 Grand Ave. Recipients must bring a box large enough for their commodities. For more information or to help with the distribution, call Judy at 564-2772.

For Pets’ Sake Humane Society will hold a Bake Sale to benefit local pets from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 7 at the north entrance to City Market in Cortez. For more information, call Janet at 533-7402.

Claudia Sanderson O’Hara will host Creative Kids Arts and Crafts from 10 a.m. to noon for ages 7-12 at the Cortez Cultural Center. The cost is $50 for six-week session or $12 for drop-ins. The class will be held Dec. 7 and 14.

Blue Heron Pottery and Sculpture will have a Holiday Open House from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 7 at 12200 Road 32 in Mancos. Look for signs.

The Mancos Public Library invites the public to a holiday craft party from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 7 at the library. Participants of all ages can make window stars, ornaments, cards and popcorn and cranberry garlands. For more information, call the library at 533-7600.

Monday, Dec. 9

“The Best Brass of Christmas” musical will be presented by an 11-member orchestra at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9 at St. Margaret Mary Church, 28 E. Montezuma. Tickets are $10 per adult and $5 per child 13 and younger. For more information, call 565-7308. Tickets may be purchased at the church office. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door.

Tuesday, Dec. 10

The public invited to the Mancos Conservation District to review and adopt its annual 2014 budget at 4 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Mancos Rural Water Co., 604 Bauer Ave. Call Lea Cody, district manager, at 739-6797 for a copy of the budget for review.

Thursday, Dec. 12

“Christmas and Culture” will be the topic at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12 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 held at St. Barnabas Church. For more information, call 565-7865.

Friday, Dec. 13

The Piñon Project’s Christmas for Kids Program has applications available to help support families during the Christmas holiday. Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. Dec. 13. For more information, visit the Piñon Project Resource Center at 300 N. Elm, call 564-1195 or visit www.pinonproject.org.

The Cortez Cultural Center will sell tickets from Nov. 23 to Dec. 13 for the Twelve Trees of Christmas. Tickets are a $1 each. The Twelve Trees of Christmas – fully decorated – will be given away in a festive celebration between 5 and 7 p.m. Dec. 13.

Saturday, Dec. 14

Cortez Knowledge Bowl will host its annual tournament Dec. 14, beginning at 8 a.m. and ending around 3 p.m. Organizers are seeking volunteers from the district and professional community. For more information or to complete a form, email dmcvicker@cortez.k12.co.us or fax 565-5118.

Kiwani’s Club of Mesa Verde presents free Breakfast with Santa from 8 to 10 a.m. Dec. 14, at the Montezuma County Annex, corner of Montezuma and Chestnut in Cortez.

Let It Grow will hold its 8th annual Free Coffee Tasting from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 14. Coffees from around the world will be roasted at Let It Grow. Let it Grow will be closed Nov. 28 and Nov. 29.

Sunday, Dec. 15

Cortez Elks will be holding a Christmas Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 15. Santa will arrive at 3:30 p.m. Vendors are needed, $30/table. For more information, call Sally at 739-0616.

The second annual MESSIAH Sing-In will be at 6 p.m. Dec. 15 at the First United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park St. Choral singers should arrive at 5:30 p.m. Baby sitting will be provided and refreshments will be served after the performance. For more information, call Patricia Faulkner at 564-9458.

Tuesday, Dec. 17

Cortez Lions Club is selling raffle tickets for a Surface RT for their annual fundraiser. Tickets can be purchased from Lions Club members or at Four Corners Hearing, 1740 E. Main St No. 8. The drawing will be held Dec. 17. Funds raised from the raffle are for community Eyeglasses Assistant Grants.

The M-CHS Instrumental Music Department is raffling off an Apple i-Pad valued at $500 at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17. All proceeds will go toward the band. Tickets are 1 for $5, 3 for $10, and 7 for $20. If interested, contact Mr. Ritthaler at 565-3722, ext. 2158, or rritthaler@cortez.k12.co.us

Through December

This year’s theme for the Mancos Valley Chorus concert is “Countdown to Christmas.” There will be a medley from the classic movie “White Christmas” at these dates and times: 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8; 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10; 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13; and 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. All concerts are free to the public. For locations and more information, call Carol West at 882-0120 or visit mancosvalleychorus.org.

“Dance into December” is the December theme of Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, located at 202 N. Park St. Storytime is held at 10:30 a.m. every Thursday for preschool-aged children. For more information, call the library at 565-8117.

Santa and his elves will be visiting Artisans of Mancos from 5 to 8 p.m. every Friday in December. Everyone is welcome.

First Monday

Southwest Center for Independence Second Chance Brain Injury group meetings will be rescheduled the first Monday of every month at noon at the Cortez Office at 2409 E. Empire. For more information, call Rose at 759-2347.

The Cortez Emblem Club No. 261 meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month (except January and February). For more information, call 565-2197.

First Tuesday

American Legion Ute Mountain Post 75 meets 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the American Legion Hall, 320 N. Harrison Street, Cortez. For more information, call the Legion at 565-8151.

First Wednesday

At noon the first Wednesday of each month, the Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its business lunch forum. For more information and locations, call 565-3414.

First Thursday

Montezuma County Republican Central Committee meets at noon the first Thursday of every month at Shilo’s Steakhouse. For more information, email Nicci Crowley, secretary, at nicci.crowley@gmail.com or call 570-9372.

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 565-3414.

Second Sunday

Mancos Community Dinners will be the Second Sunday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Mt. Lookout Grange, 680 Grand Ave, Mancos. This is a pay -what-you-can event. All ages are welcome. Main dishes will be provided. Participants are can bring a dish to share, ideas, a plate, silverware and instruments, too. For more information, call Gretchen at (509) 830-4380.

Second Wednesday

Southwest Inter-Tribal Voice and Montelores Human Rights Committee meets at 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month at the Community Meeting Room in First National Bank. Email Art Neskahi at taachinii@yahoo.com.

Second Thursday

The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce will hold Business After Hours at various locations from 5 to 7 p.m. the second Thursday of the month. For more information, call 565-3414.

Republican Women of Montezuma County invite the public to meet at noon every second Thursday at Shilo’s Steakhouse at 5 Veach St., in Cortez. For information, call Rosemarie Beall at 564-1576.

Third Sunday

Jennifer Hope will host Literary Explorations, a free ongoing discussion group exploring all kinds of writings, both fiction and nonfiction, upstairs at the Cortez Cultural Center at 6:30 p.m. every third Sunday of the month.

Third Wednesday

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

Third Thursday

Dolores Secondary PTO meets the third Thursday of every month at 3:45 p.m. in Mr. Thurston’s office. For more information, email Heather Alvarez at halvarez0722@gmail.com, call Heather at 903-8751; or email Tif Rodriguez at lrodri0202@gmail.com or call Tif at 903-8752.

Every Monday

The public is invited to join the Southwest Singers as they begin rehearsals for the fall season. The choir practices at 6:30 p.m. Monday evenings at 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 each Tuesday at Shiloh’s. For more information, email sue@simmonssecondchanceranch.com.

The Dolores Public Library will answer technology/software questions free from 3 to 5 p.m. every Tuesday. For more information, call 882-4127.

The Mancos Indoor Flea Market is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday at the old hardware store in Mancos, 192 S. Main St. To become a vendor, call Queenie Barz at 749-9320. Booth fee is $15 per weekend, along with insurance and vendor license charges.

Every Monday and Wednesday

Freestyle Defensive Arts is held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday at the Community Center in Mancos. Kids Freestyle Defensive Arts class, ages 8 to 15, will be held every Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m. For more information, call instructor Brian Williams at 903-5576.

Every Monday and Thursday

Kunadalini Yoga with Barbara Rousseau will be held from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. every Monday and Thursday at kaleidoscope Wellness, 233 Park St. in Mancos. $6/class. For more information, call 533-1100

Every Tuesday and Thursday

Early Bird Yoga is held 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday, Oct. 15 through Dec. 19 at the Community Center in Mancos. Eirin MacLaren is the instructor. For more information, contact Eirin at 739-8679 or eirinmaclarenyoga@qmail.com.

Karate “Ryukoku Seidokan” is held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at the Community Center in Mancos. Ages 5 to 10 is held from 5:30 to 6 p.m. and costs $5 each class. Ages 11 and older is from 6 to 8 p.m. and costs $10 each class. For more information, call Victor Pilcher at 533-7471.

Every Second Tuesday

The Mancos Water Conservancy District will hold its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. every second Tuesday of the month at the district’s office.

Every Thursday

The public is invited to have a free dinner at 6 p.m. every Thursday until Friday, Nov. 15, in Cortez at Cortez Family Worship Center Foursquare Church, 500 N. Washington. There will be a Holy Spirit Bible Study after the dinner. No one is obligated to attend. Call 749-9774 for more information

Every Thursday the Community Drum Circle will be held at Kaleidoscope Wellness, 233 Park St. in Mancos. For more information call 533-1100

Every Friday

Every Friday at 6 p.m. the Tree of Life In Jesus Messianic Community (Etz-Chayim B’Yeshua) will begin a new Bible Study Series: “Survey of Messianic Judaism” at Baptist Chapel, 1509 Colorado Highway 145. For more information, call 970-562-4217 or email info@byeshua.org

Fall Semester

The Cultural Center is offering after-school programs for creative kids and adults for ages 6 and older. 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 are available.