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.

May 8

Local candidates on the "Hot Seat." Bring your questions to the next Meeting of Republican Women of Montezuma County at noon at Shiloh's. A drawing for the recently held Gun-Raffle. (Tickets at the Home & Garden show and at the meeting). Call Rosemarie Beall at 564-1576.

Birding lecture at the Cortez Cultural Center at 25 N. Market St. "Spirit Birding' 4-5 p.m.

May 9

12th Annual Four Corners Walking Together for Healthier Nations. Registration 6 a.m.; start 7 a.m. Walk 3 miles, get a free T-shirt. Start at one of following three points and walk to the Four Corners Monument. Information: Brian Sandoval, (505) 368-6300 at Ute Mountain Visitor Center; Regina Blueeyes, (928) 656-5388 at Four Corners Regional Health Center; Calandra Hollie, (928) 656-5329 at Montezuma Creek.

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 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 (U.S. 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 970-570-5036 or go to mesaverdehorsemen.com.

Summit Ridge Women's Club's annual yard sale, bake sale, original art and photography sale 8 a.m. to noon, Summit Lake Community Church, 36501 Hwy. 184, Mancos. Proceeds benefit scholarships for local youth, Thanksgiving and Christmas donations.

Live swing, blues and more with WE-4 at Mr. Happy's in downtown Cortez, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

May 11

The Dolores River Anglers Chapter of Trout Unlimited hosts its 5th Annual Spring Fling cookout and fly-casting clinic at 6 p.m. at Denny Lake Park. Free hot dogs and hamburgers; bring side dishes and drinks. Call Brad Waltman at (970) 759-0175 or Marc Meyer at (970) 560-4956.

The Mt. Lookout Grange will be hosting a Spring Festival at 2 p.m. followed by the Mancos community dinner at 6 p.m. Both events held at 680 Grand Ave.

May 12

Cortez Animal Shelter starts summer hours: Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit petango.com to view adoptable animals. Call 970-565-4910.

May 13

The Mancos Water Conservancy District will hold its monthly board meeting at 7 p.m. at the district offices 42599 Road N, Mancos. The board will vote on whether or not to pursue taking ownership of Jackson Reservoir from the Bureau of Reclamation.

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.

May 17

Historic Preservation Day: 9 a.m. at the Cortez Cultural Center for presentations by Dale Davidson, and Chuck and Marilyn Wilson Haley; at 10:30 a.m., self-guided walking tours of the 4 buildings celebrating "birthdays." Information: Tune into KSJD's "Zine," 90.5 FM, on, May 15 at 8:30 a.m. for a discussion with author Dale Davidson and Linda Towle.

Hospice of Montezuma 13th Annual Golf Tournament, Conquistador Golf Course, Cortez, Colo., 18-hole scramble, 5-person teams (must have one lady). Entry fee $40 per player (green fees and cart extra.) Registration at 11 a.m. Call Hospice at 970-565-4400.

The League of Women Voters of Montezuma County welcomes the public to attend a meeting at 9 a.m. at the Ponderosa Restaurant in Dolores. Kellie Willis of the Piñon Project will talk about the Montezuma Economic Assistance Coalition and the work that nonprofit organizations do for underserved citizens. Call 565-0708.

The Mancos Project is planning the Mancos Cowboy Half Marathon for May 17. They are looking for runners and volunteers to help with the event. For Info: cowboyhalfmarathon.com

May 18

The Mt. Lookout Grange is hosting a Cultured Veggies Workshop 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at 680 Grand Ave, Mancos. Join Janneli Miller to learn the health benefits of cultured veggies, like sauerkraut and kim chee, and how to make them.

May 19

The Colorado Small Hydro Association is hosting an agricultural hydropower workshop from 6:30-9 p.m. at Nobel Hall on the Fort Lewis College Campus.

Four Corners 9/12 will be hosting question and answer session with County Sheriff Candidates Dennis Spruell and Steve Nowlin. The group will also host David Cox, a candidate for the congressional seat held by Scott Tipton. The meeting will be held in the Cortez Elks Lodge at 7 p.m.

The Mancos Public Library hosts Teen Movie Night at 6:30, featuring "Maidentrip" a documentary about Laura Dekker, the 14-year-old who sailed around the world alone. There will be food, information about the summer reading program, prizes, and prizes and a drawing for a Osprey Kestrel 28 backpack. Free! For more information please call MPL at 533-7600.

A blood drive will be held from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Mancos Community Center, 130 Grand Ave.

May 29

"What is Spirit" is the topic at 6:30 p.m. for the "How You Can Be Part of a Christian Community with Integrity and Not Believe All Those Things You Thought You Had to Believe" conversation at St. Barnabas Church (North and Elm). Wine and cheese. Call 565-7865.

May 31

The Mt. Lookout Grange is hosting a Soil Building Workshop,11 a.m.-1 pm at the Mancos Public Library. Learn simple, low-cost, do-it-yourself techniques to create healthier soil. Be prepared to be outside and get dirty!

Through May

Animal welfare exhibit at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. The exhibit, centered on the book "We Animals," includes fliers, brochures, library books and a computer. View videos and photos of animals and lesson plans for teachers. Information: 970-565-8117.

Currently on display at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St.: Kim McDonnell is the Southwest Artists League artist of the month for May. Photography by Marc Meyer and Chuck Haspels. All proceeds from the sale of the photos benefit the library. This display will run through the end of June. Information: 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.

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 meets 10 a.m. at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave, Dolores. The May meeting will include a workshop for the Quilt Show, bring your sewing machine and possibles. Guests and visitors welcome. Information: Visit doloresmountainquilters.org or call Judith Swain at 970-560-4426.

FIRST WEDNESDAY

Diabetes support group meets from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. in the Diabetes Education Room at Southwest Memorial Hospital. Learn how to manage diabetes; share share ideas with others. Sessions are free and open to anyone with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Call Michael Dohn, 564-2352, for details.

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.

Bariatric surgery weight-loss support group meets from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Kiva room at Southwest Memorial Hospital. Share ideas and exchange information with others who have had weight loss surgery. Free. Call dietitian Laura White, at 564-2276.

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 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 meets 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.

Fourth Tuesday

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

Last Tuesday

Loss & Grief Support Group, 5:15 p.m. Hospice of Montezuma, 1345 S. Broadway, Cortez. Drop in - Discussion of any loss issue. Information: 565-4400.

Last Thursday

Suicide Support Group, 6:15 p.m. Hospice of Montezuma, 1345 S. Broadway, Cortez. Information: 565-4400.

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 Tuesday

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

Every Friday

Friendship Social Group, 1 p.m. at Beny's Diner, 640 S. Broadway, Cortez. For those who are looking for support with finding new friends and social activities after a loss, or need a break from the role of a caregiver. Sponsored by Hospice of Montezuma.