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.

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.

Join Jim Jackson (Art Guffaw) of the Millibo Art Theater for the last Family Entertainment Program performance of the 2014 season, 2 p.m. at the Cortez Public Library. Jim presents an hour of circus silliness and gigantic bubbles. Part of the fizz of our Fizz! Boom! Read! theme. Free, by Golden Dreams through Onward! A Legacy Foundation. The library is at 202 N. Park St., Cortez, CO. Call 970-565-8117.

Thursday, July 17

Cortez GOAL Academy Open House about our free, blended high school at the Cortez GOAL Academy site at 19 N. Maple St., 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. We’re an online schooling option, with drop-in centers, providing an accredited high school diploma to youths ages 14 through 21. Contact Kimberley Bradshaw at (970) 576-8076 or Liz Starks at (970) 213-0923 or ea.starks@goalac.org.

Printmaking with artist Bryan Kyle, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Mancos Public Library, 211 West First Street in Mancos. Free. All ages 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.

Monday, July 21

The Four Corners 9/12 group will meet at the Cortez Elks Lodge at 7 p.m. Public is invited. This meeting will interview Michael Steele, a write-in a candidate for Montezuma County sheriff.

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.

The Mancos Friends of the Library is celebrating its five year anniversary from 6 to 8 p.m. The event will include a book sale, live piano music by Lee Bartley, a reading by John Wright from La Grulla and storytelling by John Pfeiffer, aka Mancos John, from Fantastical Treasure Tales of the Colorado Rockies. There will also be cake and ice cream.

Friday, July 25

The Artisans of Mancos artist cooperative gallery at 101 Grand Ave. in Mancos hosts a new-artist reception for Bonnie Loving, horseshoe sculpture artist, at 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., in conjunction with Mancos Days. Refreshments will be provided.

Saint Barnabas of the Valley Episcopal Church in Cortez will celebrate the 40th anniversary of its Bozeman-Gibson pipe organ with a recital by one of its builders, George Bozeman at 6:30 p.m. the public is invited. A reception will follow.

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.

Mancos Boy Scout Troop 518 and Cub Scouts’ annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser, Mancos School Cafeteria, before the Mancos Days Parade, 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Cost: $5 per adult; $2.50 per child 10 years and younger; $12 per family of two adults and two children under 10 years. Advance tickets sold at the school cafeteria door the morning of the event.

July 28

The Piñon Project will hold a 12-week Strengthening Families parenting class beginning weekly on Monday, July 28, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., at The Piñon Project Annex Campus, 300 N. Elm St., Cortez. For families with children 12 to 17 years old. Dinner and childcare for children under 12 years. Free for participants. Enrollment is limited. Call Lara at 564-1195.

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.

Seed School in A Day will be taught at the Mt. Lookout Grange, 680 Grand Ave, Mancos, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. It will be taught by Bill and Belle of Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance. Register online at www.RockyMountainSeeds.org.

K-9 Search and Rescue Team Inc will be hosting their annual pancake breakfast at the “Doghouse” located at 35 Railroad Avenue in Dolores. Doors open at 6:00 a.m. Cost: $5

Through August

Indian Dancers and Sam Sandoval, Navajo Code Talker at The Cultural Center, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7-8 p.m. Every Wednesday at 8 p.m. in The Gallery: Sam Sandoval, WWII Navajo Code Talker. Note: Saturday, July 12 and Saturday, Aug. 9, there will be no Indian Dancers.

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 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.

The Montezuma County Historical Society Board of Directors meets at 11:30 at the Cortez Elks Club and include a no host lunch. Anyone interested in the history of Montezuma County and the Four Corners is very welcome.

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

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 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

Wednesday Morning Yoga will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Kaleidoscope, 233 Park St. in Mancos.

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.