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 22

The San Juan Basin Farm Bureau's Meet the Candidates Night, 7 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 to 9 p.m.

The Mobile Seed Story Broadcasting Station (MSSBS) will be at the Mancos Public Library from 9 to 11 am.

The Mancos Public Library Trustees will hold their board meeting at 5 p.m. in the library.

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 and May 25

The Cortez Cultural Center will be holding the Indian Art and Culture Festival on Memorial Day weekend. Traditional Native American Dances will be held both Saturday and Sunday in the Cultural Center plaza at 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The event will also feature 30 vendors Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and May 25 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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 plus. No cover. Call 970-739-4944.

Durango Nature Center Tracking and Wilderness Skills Workshop, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., free for members, $10 for non-members. To register, email sally@durangonaturestudies.org, call 769-1800 or register at www.durangonaturestudies.org/wildwords.htm

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 plus.

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 and DJ Pookie, Nu3tron, Iceman, P.A. Jackson and more. Ages 21 plus. 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.

June 1

The next Cortez Community Meal will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join your neighbors for a free brunch at The Farm Bistro, 34 West Main St., Cortez. Bring your family and friends!

June 2

The Montelores Early Childhood Council will hold its next monthly luncheon meeting on Monday, June 2, at 11:45 a.m. in the downstairs meeting room, rm. 110, in the Johnson Building, 525 South Broadway, in Cortez. The public is invited to these meetings, especially parents. Lunch will be provided, so please RSVP to Vangi McCoy by calling 970-749-7017.

Battle Rock Charter School will host a summer reading program during June at the Cortez Public Library. The program will be from 10 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday starting June 2. All elementary-age students are welcome free of charge. Information: 759-1816

June 5

Montelores Baptist Church hosts "Ernie Couch and Revival" on Thursday, 7 p.m. at 18735 CR 23.5 off Hwy. 184 across from Narraguinnep Reservoir. Free concert followed by a pie and ice cream social. Call 882-2418.

June 12-13

Southwest football camp 9 a.m. to noon each day. Open to students in grades two through eight. Registration can be picked up at the Cortez Rec Center or fourcornersyafl.com. Registration fee is $50 per person if paid by May 28; $60 if paid May 29 through June. Call Ray Weir at (970) 882-4269 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, Colo. The June meeting will be a trunk show by Pat Walker, award ribbon design and fabrication. Guests and visitors are welcome. Information: Visit doloresmountainquilters.org or call Judith Swain at 970-560-4426.

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.

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 Saturday

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

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.

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 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 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.

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 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.