Send announcements to news@cortezjournal.com. Items submitted less than two weeks in advance will be less likely to be published. Entries may be edited for length and content.

April 9

Kindergarten registration for the 2013-2014 school year at Dolores Elementary School is noon to 6 p.m. at the Dolores Elementary Office. Bring a birth certificate, immunization records and proof of residence. Children must be 5 years old before Sept. 1, 2013.

Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Support Group meets 5-6:30 p.m. at the SWMH Annex Building, 20 South Market St. in Cortez. Share ideas and information with others who have had weight-loss surgery at this free meeting. Information: SWMH dietitian Laura White, 564-2276.

April 10

Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., Cortez. "Signing with Lillian Orbke." For preschoolers at 10:30 a.m. Older children welcome for the craft at 11:15 a.m.

Dolores High School 2014 Operation Graduation Committee meets at 6:30 p.m. at the Dolores School Commons/Lunchroom. DHS senior parents are encouraged to attend. (Operation Graduation is an all-night "lock-down" celebration to keep seniors safe on graduation night.) Call Wendy Moore at 970-799-4815 or Michelle Whatcott at 970-759-3799.

April 11

The Mancos Opera House Restoration and Preservation Society will host a Poet's Riot at 6 p.m. at 136 Grand Avenue in Mancos. All ages invited. Open to the public in celebration of National Poetry Month. Information: Sandi at 560-2572.

Herb Folsom and Tony Littlejohn play acoustic blues and swing at the Kennebec Cafe in Hesperus 6-8 p.m. 533-7943

April 11 and 12

The Mancos Public Library and the Girl Scouts of Montezuma County will hold a Literacy Fair and Scholastic Book Fair at the Mancos Public Library. Interactive displays based on popular books will be available. Information: 533-7600.

April 11

San Juan Mountains Association and San Juan National Forest will plant Ponderosa pines with Dolores fourth- and fifth-graders. Adult volunteers needed in Haycamp Mesa area. Contact Kathe Hayes, Kathe@sjma.org, or 385-1310. Background check may be required.

April 12

The League of Women Voters of Montezuma County will hear from Chris Burkett about the work of the Montezuma Community Economic Development Association at their breakfast meeting at 9 a.m. at the Ponderosa Restaurant in Dolores. Anyone interested in economic development and MCEDA may attend. Information: Eleanor at 564-0708.

Spring Hoe Down Fundraiser at the Mancos Opera House on 5-11 p.m. Carute Roma Gypsy Band, Sand Sheff and the Desert Mongers and Carla Roberts Square and Line Dancing. Silent auction, local taco bar, beer and wine. Adults $15; kids 17 and under free. Fundraiser for the Montezuma School to Farm Project, Mt. Lookout Grange and Mancos Valley Resources. Tickets at FB Organics, Zuma and Dolores Food Store. Call 903-8831.

For Pets' Sake Humane Society dog and cat vaccination clinic 9 a.m. to noon at the IFA Country Store, 10501 Highway 491 in Cortez. Dog and cat vaccine includes rabies, distemper (dogs), leukemia (cats), and more for $41; or $15 for rabies only. Packages without rabies are $32. A portion of each package purchased will be donated to For Pets' Sake. Call the Humane Society at 565-PETS (7387).

Dance to the band Country Fix and local musician/songwriter Linda Lee Filener at The American Legion, 320 N. Harrison, Cortez, at 7 p.m. Cover charge: $5.

Southwest Open School presents Edible Book Festival. The Cortez library will host the festival from 1 to 3 p.m.

April 14

The Tree of Life In Jesus Messianic Community (Etz-Chayim B'Yeshua) Passover Seder, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Shiloh's Restaurant, at Main and Sligo. Adults $25, children $15. Call 562-4217.

The Dolores River Anglers Chapter of Trout Unlimited will meet at 6 p.m. for meet-and-greet at Fiesta Mexicana. Our program will start a 6:30 PM when local guide Ben Hahn presents "How to Fish Streamers" at 6:30 p.m. Matt Clark updates on "settling ponds" above Rico. Information: Marc Meyer at 970-560-4956 or Dale Smith at 970-759-3020.

April 16

Birding with a Camera Birding Festival, with Chuck Haspels, 6:30 p.m. in the Gallery of the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St., Cortez. Free to members, $5 others. Call 970-565-1151.

Southwest Colorado Green Party meets 6:60-8:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Wilson Building, 16 W. Main St., Cortez. All welcome. Information: southwestcoloradogreens.org.

The Dolores Public Library's special story time at 9 a.m. as part of the One Book 4 Colorado project. All 4-year-olds in Dolores may visit the library at 9 a.m. and receive a free copy of "Grumpy Bird," by Jeremy Tankard.

The Southwest Center for Independence, a nonprofit that helps people with disabilities, hosts Low Vision Expo in the Calvin Denton Room, 801 N Broadway, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Guest speakers, demonstration and lunch.

April 17

Everyone is invited to the Twin Topics conversation at Lewis-Arriola Elementary from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Topics will be John Hattie research on what educational tactics work for students and building the RE-1 2014-15 budget. The last Twin Topics session for this school year.

Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., Cortez. Featuring "Mudge Redux." For preschoolers at 10:30 a.m. Older children may attend the craft at 11:15 a.m.

The Mancos Public Library and Durango Nature Studies will give away books to 4-year-olds at the One Book 4 Colorado initiative at 10:30 a.m., at the Mancos Library, 211 W. First St. Free copies of "Grumpy Bird," by Jeremy Tankard, and a short talk on bird adaptations.

April 18

Deadline for the 2014 Montezuma County Fair book cover and poster. Theme: "Rural Roots." Turn in designs today by 4 p.m. at the Montezuma County Extension Office, 109 W. Main, Room 102, Cortez. Information: Montezuma County Extension Office, 565-3123.

Colorado Poet Laureate David Mason, reception and readings. Youth Poetry contest readers. At 5-7 p.m., in the Gallery at the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St., Cortez, 970-565-1151. Free to members, $5 for others.

April 21

Four Corners 9/12 meets at 7 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Cortez. First in a series to vet local candidates for county offices in the June primary election. Open to the public.

Paths to Mesa Verde, an effort to develop a nonmotorized connection between Mancos and Cortez, has an open house at the Mancos Library from 7-9 p.m. Seeking support, feedback and vision. Learn more/take a survey at motrail.com.

April 22

Mancos students from kindergarten through third grade will present Storybook Theater at the Mancos Opera House starting at 6:30 p.m.

April 22 and 23

Paths to Mesa Verde, an effort to develop a nonmotorized connection between Mancos and Cortez, has an open house April 23 at the Cortez Recreation Center from 7-9 p.m. Seeking community support, feedback, and your vision. Learn more/take a survey at motrail.com.

April 23

A Story to Tell and a Song to Sing, with novelist John Wright and Singer/songwriter Marilyn Kroeker. Music and reading, at 6:30 p.m. in the Gallery at the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St., Cortez, 970-565-1151. Free to members, $5 for others.

The Master Steward Program's 9-week course helps you design a blueprint and management plan for your farm. At the 1st National Bank of Cortez from 6-8:30 p.m. through June 18. Register at www.ext.colostate.edu/sam/ms or call the Dolores Conservation District at 970-565-9045 ext 118.

Paths to Mesa Verde, an effort to develop a nonmotorized connection between Mancos and Cortez, has an informal open house at the Cortez Recreation Center from 7-9 p.m. Seeking community support, feedback, andvision. Learn more/take a survey at motrail.com

The Southwest Center for Independence, a non-profit that helps people with disabilities, hosts an open house at 2409 East Empire St. from 2-6 p.m. Meet ombudsman Rick Jarvis, coordinators Matthew Baskin and Rose Romero, Refreshments provided.

April 24

Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., Cortez. Featuring "Fairies." For preschoolers at 10:30 a.m. Older children may attend the craft at 11:15 a.m.

Mancos students in fourth and fifth grade will present Musical Proverbs at the Mancos Opera House at 6:30 p.m.

Second Annual Spring Craft bazaar: Deadline to register is April 24. Vendors needed ($30 per table, table provided inside-outside, weather permitting. Event is May 10. Call Sally to reserve space, get information, at 970-739-0616.

Montezuma County Senior Services, Navajo Taco Dinner, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 107 N. Chestnut, Senior Center (West End). Price: $7 includes dessert and a drink. Proceeds go to Senior Services Programs.

Basic and Advanced Storm Spotter Training, 6-9 p.m., Cortez Fire Station No. 1, Training Room, 30 N. Ash Street

Cortez. Presented by National Weather Service.

April 26

20th Annual Pueblo to Pueblo Run/Bike event - a half-marathon, 5K run/walk and 50-mile bike event. Registration information on the Cortez Cultural Center's website, cortezculturalcenter.org.

April 27

The Dolores State Bank invites Dee Fosnot's friends and customers to a retirement party 2-4 p.m. at the Dolores Community Center. Your presence is her requested gift. Call Shawna Valdez at 882-1024.

April 29

The Montezuma Agility Dog Club offers Basic Obedience classes for dogs 5 1/2 months and older. Classes are on Tuesdays at 7 p.m., last one hour, and begin on April 29 and continue for six weeks. Class size is limited. Registration is first-come, first-served. Information: 970-882-5404.

Through April

On display at the Cortez Public Library: through mid-April, Dolores Mountain Quilters works in the atrium; through April, Addie Dodson's Easter collection and Laura McHenry's vintage tie collection. At 202 N. Park St. Call 565-8117.

May 2

Tribute to Heroes: "Celebrating America," 6 p.m. at Lewis-Arriola Community Center. Chuckwagon Dinner by Seas'nings, featuring The Bar-D-Wranglers and speaker Andy Carter, an Air Force Veteran of Desert Storm. Reservations required: 560-0395. Tickets at Cortez Flooring, 1211 E. Main, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Cost $25. Cutoff date April 25. "A Christian Women's Celebration Event."

May 3

SouthWest Colorado Concerts presents the famous Golden Dragon Acrobats at 7 p.m. at the Cortez Middle School Auditorium. This 26-member company of Chinese acrobats perform astounding acrobatics and traditional dance. Tickets at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. Information: Lindsay Havran at 565-7676 or Paul Bostrom at 565-9127.

Christian Motorcyclist Association's Run For the SON ride. Open to all motorcycle riders. Staging at the Maverick on N. Broadway in Cortez, at 9 a.m.; ride at 9:30 a.m. to Moab. Benefits go to Christian Outreach. Call Steve Reed at 565-7233

May 4-9

The Mancos Valley Chorus' Spring 2014 Concert, "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," with songs from "The Lion King," and lead song "Seasons of Love," from the show "Rent." Free. Refreshments. May 4 at 3:30 p.m., Mancos United Methodist Church, 470 W. Grand Ave. May 6, 7 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park St., Cortez. May 7, 7 p.m. Christ the King Lutheran Church, 495 Florida Rd., Durango. May 9, 7 p.m. Mancos United Methodist Church, 470 W. Grand Ave. Information: 970-946-1267.

May 10

Fourth Annual Dairy Goat Information Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 23161 Road G.2 in Cortez. Presented by Four Corners Dairy Goat Breeders. See animals and get advice on care. Multiple breeds; goats, equipment may be for sale. Call Jeanette at 565-9065 and leave a message.

Mesa Verde Back Country Horsemen sponsors a Poker Ride at Sage Hen Day Use Area (Hwy 184). Start selling hands, 8 a.m.; riders on trail, 10 a.m.; first hand, $20; additional hands, $5. Prizes for 5 highest hands. Lunch available. Call 970-570-5035 or go to mesaverdehorsemen.com

May 16

Biker pot-luck dinner, 6 p.m., the Calvin Denton Room, Empire Electric, 801 N. Broadway, Cortez. No registration required. Call Sharon, 970-570-1630

First Monday

Southwest Center for Independence Second Chance Brain Injury group meetings at noon at the Cortez office, 2409 E. Empire. Call Matthew at 570-8001.

Cortez Emblem Club No. 261 meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday (except in January and February). Call 565-2197.

First Tuesday

American Legion Ute Mountain Post 75 meets at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 320 N. Harrison St. Call 565-8151.

Dolores Mountain Quilters meet 10 a.m. at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave, Dolores. Guests and visitors are welcome. Information: doloresmountainquilters.org or Judith Swain, 970-560-4426

First Thursday

Montezuma County Republican Central Committee meets at noon at Shiloh's Steakhouse. Email Nicci Crowley at montezumagop@gmail.com or call 570-9372.

The First Thursday Art Walk, downtown Telluride at 5-8 p.m. Listen to Open Art Radio on KOTO noon to 1 p.m. on first Thursdays for interviews with artists. Maps available at participating venues and at the Telluride Arts offices in the Stronghouse Studios + Gallery at 283 S. Fir St. Information: tellurideinside.com.

First Friday

First Friday Leadership at First National Bank in Cortez, 8 to 9 a.m. Free. Coffee and doughnuts at 7:45 a.m. Call Dena, 565-3414.

First and Third Thursdays

Learn signs and nursery rhymes at the Mancos Public Library at 10 a.m. All ages welcome. Call 970-403-9237.

Second Sunday

The Mancos Community Dinners each month at Mt. Lookout Grange in Mancos (680 Grand Ave). Pay-what-you-can dinner, bring a dish if you want. For information, to help out, or to make donations call Gretchen at 509-830-4380.

Second Thursday

The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce's Business After Hours at various locations from 5 to 7 p.m. Call 565-3414.

Republican Women of Montezuma County invite the public to meet at noon at Shiloh's Steakhouse at 5 Veach St., Cortez. Call Rosemarie Beall at 564-1576.

A free legal self-help clinic for Montezuma County parties without an attorney are 2-5 p.m. at the Mancos Public Library, 211 W. First St. Volunteer attorneys will assist one-on-one, via computer link. First-come, first-served.

Third Saturday

Christian Motorcycle Association, CMA - Cortez Chapter holds its 8 a.m. breakfast, 9 a.m. chapter meeting and 10 a.m. ride (weather permitting). At Beny's restaurant in Cortez. Call Chapter President Steve Reed at 970-565-7233. No motorcycle required.

Third Sunday

Literary Explorations with Jennifer Hope won't meet in April. The next meeting will be May 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Cortez Cultural Center.

Third Wednesday

The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon is held at noon at Shiloh Steakhouse. 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. Email Heather Alvarez at halvarez 0722@gmail.com or call Tif at 903-8752.

First and Third Thursdays

Planning committee for the 10th Annual Ute Mountain-Mesa Verde Birding Festival meets at 10 a.m. upstairs at the Cortez Cultural Center. Potential volunteers welcome. Call 565-1151.

Fourth Tuesday

4 Corners Republican Women's Club meets at 11:30 a.m. at the Cortez Elk's Lodge. Information: 565-2197.

Last Saturday

Yoga Benefit for the Grange, Mt. Lookout Grange, 680 W. Grand, Mancos. Donation only. Bring towel or mat and water. Refrain from eating an hour before.

Every Sunday

First United Methodist Church has a Native American Worship Service at 2 p.m. Information: 565-3002.

Every Monday

Southwest Singers for fall-season rehearsals. Public invited. Practice at 6:30 p.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church in Cortez. Information: director Ruth Wilson Francisco at 872-3870.

Every Tuesday

The Montezuma Agility Dog Club's Basic Obedience classes for dogs 5 1/2 months and older. Classes are Tuesdays at 7 p.m., last one hour, and begin on April 29 and continue for six weeks. Class size is limited. Registration is first-come, first-served. Information: 970-882-5404.

The Kiwanis Club of Mesa Verde meets at noon at Shiloh's. Information, email sue@simmonssecondchanceranch.com.

The Dolores Public Library answers technology/software questions about Microsoft Word, email, digital pictures, etc. free at 2-5 p.m. Information: 882-4127.

The Mancos Public Library, offers Little People Storytime on Tuesday's at 10:30 a.m. The program is geared toward children ages 2- 6, but all ages are welcome. Information: 533-7600.

Free medical care, Tuesday from 1 to 1:30 p.m., St. Barnabas Church, 110 W. North St., Cortez. Call 565-4436 to schedule or show up. Limited primary and pediatric care.

Every Wednesday

The Way Christian Church Bible Studies class at 6 p.m.

Wednesday Morning Yoga will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Kaleidoscope, 233 Park St. in Mancos.

Wednesday community drum circle will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Kaleidoscope, 233 Park St. Mancos. Bring your drum (and an extra to share) and a folding chair.

Every Monday and Wednesday

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

Mancos Yoga/Meditation Monday and Wednesdays 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. (except first Monday of the month) Mt. Lookout Grange, 680 W. Grand, Mancos. Bring towel or mat and water. Refrain from eating an hour before.

Every Tuesday and Thursday

Karate "Ryukoku Seidokan" is at 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Mancos Community Center. Ages 5 to 10 at 5:30-6 p.m. for $5 per class. Ages 11 and older at 6-8 p.m., for $10 per class. Call Victor Pilcher at 533-7471.

Every Thursday

Raising Readers Storytime offers songs, stories, crafts and silliness, using the Early Childhood Literacy Initiative program at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. For preschoolers at 10:30 a.m. Older children may attend the craft at 11:15 a.m.

Free Community Dinner at 6 p.m. at the Cortez Family Worship Center Foursquare Church, 500 N. Washington. Donation appreciated. Call 565-3709.

The Mancos Grange's Spanish classes for all levels at 5:30-7 p.m. at 680 W. Grand Ave. Call Jason at 417-437-1747. A $5 donation is suggested.

Every Saturday

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

At 10 a.m., the Tree of Life In Jesus Messianic Community (Etz-Chayim B'Yeshua), holds services at 1509 Highway 145. Call 970-562-4217 or email info@byeshua.org.