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 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 19

The Annual Dolores Easter Egg Hunt will be held at 10 a.m. in Joe Rowell Park. All ages are invited.

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.

There will be a special meeting of Southwest Open School’s Charter Board scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at Hunan’s Restaurant, 2561 E. Main Street. Information: 565-1150.

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 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.

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.

April 25

On Friday April 25th from 2-6 p.m., Cooking Matters Colorado will empower shoppers with skills to stretch their food dollar and serve healthy meals. At the Cortez City Market, 2-6 p.m. Participants receive a $10 gift card, a reusable shopping bag and a booklet of tips and recipes.

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.

Out of Pocket Community Theatre will present a puppet show at 10 a.m. at St. Barnabus Episcopal Church. Information: 739-4064.

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 26 and April 27

Out of Pocket Community Theatre will present three one act plays at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church at 2 p.m. on April 26 and April 27. Information: 739-4064.

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.

The Mancos high school and middle school band concert is set for April 29 at 7 p.m. in the Mancos Opera House.

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. Complimentary admission for veterans and first-timers. “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.

Through May

“Fizz! Boom! Read!” is the theme of Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. Held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. for preschool-age children. Older children may join the craft at 11:15 a.m. “Dragons” is May 1; “Birds” (featuring “Grumpy Bird”) on May 8; “National Smile Month” on May 15; “Water a Flower Day” on May 22; and “Rodeo Days” on May 29. On May 29, Storytime starts at 10 a.m., sponsored by the Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo Committee, featuring stories, songs, crafts, roping, a photo op and more. Call the library at 970-565-8117.

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.