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.

Thursday, July 4

The Cortez Burst Triathlon will take starts at 7 a.m. in City Park; and the kids’ race, at 8:30 a.m. Information: Sensa Wolcott at (970)903-9882 or at www.corteztri.com

The Mancos fire district will be putting on the annual Fourth of July fireworks display in Boyle Park at dusk.

Saturday, July 5

For Pets’ Sake Humane Society seeks help for its Pennies For Pets fundraiser at the Cortez Farmers Market in the Montezuma County Courthouse parking lot, 109 W. Main Street. All donations assist cats and dogs of Montezuma and Dolores counties. Information: For Pets’ Sake. 565-PETS (7387).

HerStory (Teri Helm and Midge Kirk) women’s history with a retrospective of Betty Pellettand Ann Bassett, 7 p.m. in Rico at the Community Church. Donations accepted. Information: Midge Kirk, 970-560-2284.

Sunday, July 6

The Cortez Community Meal will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 2100 N. Dolores Road in Cortez. Free for everyone. Information: Saskia at 565-9808 or e-mail saskiam@thebridgeshelter.org.

Monday, July 7

The Montelores Early Childhood Council holds its monthly luncheon at 11:45 a.m., in the downstairs meeting Room 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.

Sky Vision Art & Music camp at the Towaoc Community Center continues through July 11 from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Camp is open and free for ages 8-18 years old. A lunch and snack will be provided. Please contact: Chris Morales 970-946-3024. May also register at the Towaoc Libray or at the first day of camp at the Towaoc Community Center.

Saturday, July 12

Freshly made Navajo Tacos will be available 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Dolores United Methodist Chuch, 105 N 8th Street, Dolores. Cost is $7 per person or $5 for kids under 12. Also available are homemade baked goods and pies, and crafts. See the stone church that was ordered from the Sears catalog.

Montezuma Acoustic Trust at Mancos Valley Distillery. Doors open at 6 p.m.; music starts at 8 p.m. Glenn Smith on guitar, Hutchinson with vocals and banjo, Jack Tallmadge on stand-up bass. A live performance on KSJD on July 9 at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 13

The Compassionate Friends hosts its annual Walk to Remember at 9 a.m. at the Centennial Park, Cortez. Registration at 8:30 a.m. Compassionate Friends is a national organization for families who have lost a child. Donations accepted. Call Cherie McAndrew at 565-6480 or Debbie Snead at 565-4732.

Tuesday, July 15

The Mesa Verde Gardeners hosts Design Workshop in advance of the Montezuma County Fair and Flower Show. Receive instruction on Fresh and Dried Floral Arrangements. The class will be held at 9:30 a.m. at 29204 County Road M. Call Dayna at 570-9048 by 5 p.m. July 13 to reserve a seat or for information.

Wednesday, July 16

Southwest Colorado Green Party quarterly meeting. Second floor of the Wilson Building, 16 W. Main Street, Cortez, CO at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome.

Saturday, July 19

Watch “Open Sesame – The Story of Seeds,” a new documentary about the importance of seeds, at 7 p.m. at Mt. Lookout Grange in Mancos (680 Grand Ave). Suggested donation of $5, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Call 509-830-4380.

Thursday, July 24

“Wildlife Conservation and Zooarchaeology,” presented by Steve Wolverton at 7 p.m., Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, 23390 Road K, Cortez. It’s part of the 2014 Four Corners Lecture Series. Admission is free. Call 970-564-4362.

Saturday, July 26

Annual Mancos Centennial Scholarship Spaghetti Dinner will be held at the Mancos school cafeteria, 5:30-7 p.m. Dinner will be $10 for adults. Children 10 and under eat free.

The dinner benefits two scholarships for Mancos high school seniors each year.

Thursday, July 31

“Does Theology Evolve?” will be the topic on Thursday, July 31st at 6:30 for the next “How You Can Be Part of a Christian Community with Integrity and Not Believe All Those Things You Thought You Had to Believe” conversation held at St. Barnabas Church (corner of North and Elm). Questions required. No answers promised. Call 565-7865 for information.

Tuesday, Aug. 5

First Tuesday Evening Market. Local produce, handmade goods, music. At City Park next to the Welcome Center on Main, 4-7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Support local economy, grow community! Information: Gretchen, 509-830-4380.

Friday Aug. 8

The 38th Annual Escalante Days celebration in Dolores, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Saturday. Mountain bike race, live music, food, parade, softball tournament, bike race, duck race, activities for kids and families. Venues include Flanders Park and Dolores River Brewery’s indoor and outdoor stages. Information: 970-882-4018, or dolorechamber.com.

Escalante Days: Free Children’s Bicycle Rodeo after the Children’s Parade behind the Dolores Medical Center. Learn safety skills. Participants receive free helmets and chance to win a bike.

Saturday, Aug. 9

Escalante Days mountain bike race starts at 9:50 a.m.­ at Fifth and Central in Dolores. Register at www.active.com by Aug. 6 ($35)or on race day ($45) at 8 a.m. at the Dolores Medical Office. Information: www.clubrunner.ca/dolores. Volunteers needed: Contact Laurel Rematore at Lrematore@sti.net or 970-529-4642. Proceeds benefit various Dolores Rotary projects.

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 at 10 a.m. at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave, Dolores. The July meeting includes two demonstrations by Gail Braunn: easy half-square triangles, and disappearing 4 patch with variations. Information: doloresmountainquilters.org or 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. Contact Laura White, RD, at 564-2276 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 at 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 at this free meeting. Contact Registered Dietitian Laura White, at 564-2276.

The Montezuma County VFW Post 5231 meets at 7 p.m. at the Post home in Mancos.

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 Saturday meets at the Mancos Public Library at 10 a.m. For info Bob Huffman: 406-249-7733

Second Tuesday

The Mancos Water Conservancy District board meetings are held at 7 p.m. at the district’s office 42599 Road N, Mancos, For info: Gary Kennedy 533-7325.

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 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 halvarez0722@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.

Fourth Thursday

Monthly Civil Air Patrol Senior Squadron’s monthly meeting, 6:30 pm, First Baptist Church of Mancos, 150 N. Walnut St.

Last Thursday

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

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 5 1/2 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.