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 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, 562-4476.

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.

The Cortez Cultural Center will host David Mason, Colorado Poet Laureate from 5–7 p.m. to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act. Mr. Mason will recite the poem he wrote for the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act celebration at the State Capitol.

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 970-564-4400.

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 24

The Mesa Verde Gardeners’ annual plant sale in the Front Row Seats parking lot (next to City Market). Lots of member grown tomato plants, perennials, pepper plants, herbs and annuals. Sale 9 a.m. to noon. Call 565-9158 or 565-2598.

Searching for Sasquatch North American tour stops in Cortez at Blondies Trophy Room, 45 E. Main St. Hip-hop and reggae vibes from Black Lion, Coolzey, Apoc, MC Pigpen, and more 9 p.m. Ages 21 and older. No cover. Call 970-739-4944

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 30

Rock ’n’ roll with The Burnouts at Blondies, 9 p.m., 45 E. Main St., Cortez Ages 21 and older.

May 31

Annual Skate for Life Skateboard and BMX competition at Cortez Skate Park and pavillion. Registration starts at 9 a.m., competition at 10:30 a.m. Participants must wear helmets; anyone under age 18 must have a permission form signed by parent or guardian. Concert in the pavilion after the competition, with Nightquarium, The Burnouts, Iceman, Nu3tron, DJ Pookie, GLife. Call 505-320-8910.

The Live Dangerous tour in downtown Cortez at 9 p.m. Hip-hop with GLIfe & DJ Pookie, Nu3tron, Iceman, P.A. Jackson and more. Ages 21 and older. Call 970-739-4944

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. Older children may join the craft at 11:15 a.m. “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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.