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 15

State Board of Education meeting. Turnaround/priority improvement presentation of Montezuma-Cortez School District, 9 a.m., Colorado Mesa University, University Center Room 213, Grand Junction.

May 16-17

The Southwest Singers present their spring program "Spring Zings!" at the First United Methodist Church, 515 N Park, Cortez. Concerts begin at 7 p.m., followed by an informal reception. Under the direction of Ruth Wilson Francisco, 872-3870.

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.

Medicine Horse Center will hold a volunteer training, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at our Mancos Center, 40700 Road J. We are in search of people who have time to volunteer during weekdays and are capable of leading or walking next to horses during lessons. We need volunteers in Mancos and at our Durango facility. Please RSVP by calling 970-570-9611, or emailing us from our website at www.medicinehorsecenter.org.

The Bureau of Land Management's Southwest Resource Advisory Council will meet Friday, May 16 at the Gunnison County Fairgrounds and Multi-Purpose Building (275 S. Spruce St.) in Gunnison, Colorado.

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. Food, info about the summer reading program, prizes, and prizes and a drawing for a Osprey Kestrel 28 backpack. Free! 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 22

The San Juan Basin Farm Bureau's Meet the Candidates Night, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Montezuma County Annex Building, 103 N Chestnut, Cortez. Forum for 2014 primary candidates. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. A second forum planned for the Annex on Oct. 6 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

May 23

Mental Health Awareness walk, noon to 1 p.m., Hawkins Preserve. Theme is Anxiety. Information: Shannon Jones at the Piñon Project, 970-564-1195 ext.130

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 p.m. 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.

"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. "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.

Through June

At the Cortez Public Library: Photography by Marc Meyer and Chuck Haspels. All proceeds from photo sales benefit the library. Address: 202 N. Park St., Cortez.

The Dolores Mountain Quilters have a new display at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. Call 970-565-8117.

Kim McDonnell is the Southwest Artists League artist of the month for May.

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.

FIRST WEDNESDAY

Diabetes support group meets from 3:30 - 5 p.m. in the Diabetes Education Room at Southwest Memorial Hospital. Learn how to manage diabetes; 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 TUESDAYS

Mancos Masonic Lodge No. 100, 141 E. Montezuma Ave. meets at 7:30 p.m. A "7 Toast" dinner at the Lodge on Tuesday, May 20. All Masons and Masonic Sojourners welcome. RSVP to Darrell Ellis at 970-533-7372 or dnrls@q.com.

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 meets at 6:30 p.m. at Cortez Cultural Center.

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 Montezuma Agility Dog Club's Basic Obedience classes for dogs 5½ 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Every Saturday

The Mancos Valley Historical Society holds meetings at 10 am. at the Mancos Episcopal Church, 479 Bauer St.

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.