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 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.

Medicine Horse Center is holding a volunteer training at its Mancos Center from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Medicine Horse needs people who are interested in leading or side-walking next to riders of all ages with disabilities. If interested, please call 570-9611 and go on our website www.medicinehorsecenter.org to fill out our Volunteer Application.

The town of Mancos is holding a free golf clinic in Boyle Park from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. for kids 7 to 17 years old. Preregistration is required by July 18. Register at 533-7725 and leave your child's name, age and phone number on the voicemail.

Baptist Chapel Vacation Bible School, July 21-24, 9 a.m. to noon, 1509 W. Dolores Road, Cortez. For kids ages 4 years through sixth grade.

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.

July 25-27

Mancos Days events will be held in Boyle Park and around town during the three-day festival. Events will start at 9:30 a.m. on Friday with a kids parade and conclude with water fights Sunday afternoon. Find a full schedule at mancostimes.com.

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.

The San Juan Mountains Association will host a program for toddles and preschool student a Denny Lake from 10 - 11 a.m. Kids will learn about local critters, explore the natural world, read related books and have fun. The progam is free. Contact SJMA: gabi@sjma.org or 759-1170.

Saturday, July 26

Mancos Boy Scout Troop 518 and Cub Scouts' annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser, Mancos School Cafeteria, before the Mancos Days Parade, 6:30 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.

San Juan Mountain Association volunteers plan to rebuild and repair the boardwalk at the Calico Trail above Dolores. Meet at the trailhead at 8 am. Wear long pants, sturdy shoes, a hat, and bring gloves, water and eye protection. To help call Chris Bouton, 882-6831.

For Pets' Sake Humane Society will hold its Summer Wine Festival from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cliffrose Gardens just east of Cortez on U.S. 160. The evening will include wines and beers, other cold beverages, appetizers, desserts, music by Redneck Synfuny, and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit local pets. Information: (970) 565-PETS/7387.

Thursday, 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.

Aug. 1 and 2

Presbyterian women will have their back-to-school rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Montezuma Valley Presbyterian Church, 350 S. Washington Street. The proceeds go toward our mission projects. For info: 565-7074.

Aug. 1-3

The Cortez Hot Air Balloon Rally will start each day at 6:30 a .m. flying from Parque de Vida. KOA Kampgrounds will be the host for balloons flying from its park. Volunteers are needed. Call Cookie See: 505-977-2679.

Monday, Aug. 4

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

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.

Saturday, Aug. 16

Dirt Riot 4x4 Endurance Racing at BattleRock Offroad Park, 5740 County Road G, Gates open at 9 a.m. Full-day action, with food vendors. More than 40 competitors. Tickets: $15/adult; $5 ages 8-16; free for ages 7 and under.

Sunday, Aug. 17

All Terrain Hero Race.Run.Walk at BattleRock Offroad Park, 5740 County Road G, Registration online at www.allterrainhero.com or 6:30-7:10 a.m. day of the race. First flight for timed racers at 7:15 a.m. All funds from the All Terrain Hero raise money for The Gwendolyn Strong Foundation. The run is b 4.5 miles on rough terrain, with altitude changes. Information: shelley@werocklive.com.

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.

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 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.

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

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

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 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 Thursday

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

Every Tuesday

The Dolores Public Library answers technology/software questions about Microsoft Word, email, digital pictures, etc. free at 2-5 p.m. Information: 882-4127.