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, 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.

WE-4 swing band hits the stage running Dec. 6 at the Columbine in downtown Mancos. Live music, dancing and festivities begin at 7:30 p.m. following the town's Christmas tree lighting celebration. Free hot cocoa and cookies for all. Questions? Call Tony at 533-1053.

Goodnight Trail Gallery invites the public to the 5th Annual Christmas On The Trail on Dec. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. Chili Dinner by the Rockin' W Chuck Wagon. Great Christmas Presents and the 3rd Annual Night of The Cowboy Western Gear Show and Sale. For more information call Jamie at 533-1177.

The 2013 Rudolph Run will start and finish at Pioneer plaza, Grand & Mesa on Dec. 6. Registration is at 6 and the run starts at 6:30 p.m. Fee: $3 before race night, $5 on race night. Questions? Call Annette at 533-7649.

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. 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". 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, also 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.

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."

Local World War II Veterans will be honored and recognized at a reception on Pearl Harbor Day, Saturday, Dec. 7. All Veterans, their families and the public are invited to join the Montezuma County VFW Post #5231 & Ladies Auxiliary in honoring these Veterans. The reception & short program will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Montezuma County Annex, 106 N. Chestnut in Cortez.

The second hike for Kids and Families Nature Club will take place Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Sand Canyon, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Bring water, food, and appropriate hiking shoes and clothing. The hike is open to all, but geared for kids ages 5 - 10 and their families. Contact Gabi for more information or to signup at gabi@sjma.org or 759-1170.

On Dec. 7 at the Mancos Valley Distillery the Moetones, a Montezuma County band, will play a wide variety of music including but not limited to country, rock and blues. Music starts at 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 9

The Best Brass of Christmas will be Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. at Saint Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 28 E. Montezuma, Cortez. Tickets: $10/adults and $5/children. For more information call 565-7308

Tuesday, Dec. 10

The public is 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.

The Mancos School Bands present "A Warm Breeze in the Cool Pines" on Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Performance Center on the Mancos Schools Campus. The concert is free, but the band will gladly accept donations to help fund the spring trip to Salt Lake City.

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.

Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce will hold the annual Holiday Business after Hours on Dec. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Citizens State Branch (Bank), 77 W. Main St. This event is a festive tradition with appetizers, drinks and entertainment.

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.

The Mancos Public Library will offer another "Science Friday" session on Friday, Dec. 13, at the library. The morning class from 10 to 11:30 a.m. is for grades K-3rd. The afternoon class is from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and is geared towards grades 4-8. This session will focus on light. Students will create their own rainbow, just the way nature does. Free. For more information please call MPL at 533-7600.

Beech Street Preschool is having a Pajama Drive Nov. 11 - Dec. 13. Please bring in new pajamas to be donated to local children in need. All donations stay in Montezuma County. P.J.'s can be dropped off at Beech Street Preschool or the District Administration office.

The annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Bon-Fire with Santa will be in Dolores on Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m. Also will be the annual Dolores Yule Log Fire and tree Lighting Celebration. Free hot chocolate provided by the Ponderosa, free candy bought by the Dolores Rotary and free cookies supplied by the Chamber Board. Santa will also be in the Goose Museum at 2:30 p.m. The Newcome High School Jazz band will go around to businesses and play.

Saturday, Dec. 14

Cortez Knowledge Bowl will host its annual tournament on 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.

8th Annual FREE Coffee Tasting, Sat Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Try fine coffees from around the world roasted on-site at Let It Grow. 90 N. Mildred Road, Cortez. 565-3099

The Cortez Middle School's theatre group, JAG/DAC, would like to cordially invite the public to their winter production of "A Christmas Carol". They will perform on Dec. 13 & 14 at 7 p.m. and on Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. Tickets; Pre-K - 5th grade/$5 and 6th grade - adult/$7.

Christmas Arts and Crafts Bazaar at the Ute Mountain Casino in the Bingo Hall on Dec. 14 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information call Jeannie at 560-5741

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.

Lighthouse Baptist Church invites the public to celebrate the coming of Jesus, "the Light of the World." Please join on Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. at 11502 Hwy. 145, Cortez. Call the church office at 565-9302 for further information.

Monday, Dec. 16

The Angel Tree at Once Upon A Sandwich, 9 W. Main St, has wish lists from kids of all ages that hope Santa will not overlook them this year. Typically the teenage kids get left until last or don't get taken at all, but last year the community stepped up to the plate and joyfully fulfilled each list. Please stop by and take a tag or make a monetary donation to Social Services, Child Protection division located at 35 S. Chestnut. Please return all gifts to Once Upon A Sandwich by Dec. 16 so they can be delivered on time. For more information contact Brenda Jarmon, Case Aide, Social Services at 564-4114.

The Mancos School music students present "A Frosty Festival - Community Sing-along" on Dec. 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Performance Center on the Mancos Schools Campus. Starting with performances from the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. The concert is free, but the band will gladly accept donations to help fund the spring trip to Salt Lake City.

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. on 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

Saturday, Dec. 21

A candle-lit labyrinth walk will be held on the Winter Solstice (Dec. 21) from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at St. Barnabas Church. There is no charge and it is open to the public. Call 565-7865 for more information.

Dec. 21 and 31

The public is welcome to two Holiday Yoga Gatherings Saturday, Dec. 21, Winter Solstice, and Tuesday, Dec. 31 New Year's Intention: 3 to 6 p.m. Stretching and yoga from 3 to 4 p.m.; meditation, discussion, and refreshments follow at 40594 Road G. White Wind Ranch, Mancos. Suggested donation $15-20, call (970) 946-1267 for more information.

Tuesday, Dec. 24

Every Christmas Eve at Lighthouse Baptist Church is a special and unique time. They celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Please plan to come and enjoy a night of celebration on Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. at 11502 Hwy. 145. Call the church office at 565-9302 for further information.

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.

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

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.

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 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.