Email announcements to news@cortezjournal.com and include "Community Calendar" in the subject field. Items submitted less than two weeks in advance will be less likely to be published. Entries and the calendar may be edited for length and content.

Monday, Oct. 6

The Montelores Early Childhood Council will hold its next monthly luncheon meeting at 11:45 a.m., in the downstairs Room 110, in the Johnson Building, 925 South Broadway, in Cortez. The public is invited. Lunch will be provided so RSVP to Vangi McCoy at 970-749-7017.

Tuesday, Oct. 7

Mancos crochet group, 6 p.m. at the Mancos Public Library. This new group meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m. at the Mancos Public Library. Sessions planned Oct. 7, Oct. 21, Nov. 4, Nov. 18, Dec. 2, and Dec. 16. Free. Bring your own crochet hooks and yarn. Info: Kathy Graf at 970-565-7600 ext. 206 or email kgraf@mancoslibrary.org

Riding Safety During Hunting Season is the topic at the October meeting of the Mesa Verde Back Country Horsemen, at the Elks Club on Colorado 145, Cortez. Social hour at 6:15 p.m. (tacos and hamburgers available for purchase); meeting starts at 7 p.m. Presented by Scott Elder of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Everyone is welcome.

Autumn meeting of MSPERA at 11:15 a.m. at the Elks Club. Members and newly retired school and public employees may attend. An annual health report for PERA and speaker Steve Nowlin will be highlighted. Lunch is available. RSVP to 565-7964.

"Ready for Wildfires" includes presentations and dialogue with regional fire officials. Hosted by FireWise of Southwest Colorado. Located in the gazebo northwest of the Colorado Welcome Center in Cortez City Park, 5-6:30 p.m.

The Hisatsinom Chapter of the Colorado Archaeology Society presents Erica Olsen at 7 p.m. at the Methodist Church, 515 Park St., Cortez, to discuss "Cultural Material: Writing About Archaeology." She'll read from her "Recapture" and discuss archaeology's role in her work. Info: Kari Schleher at 505-269-4475.

Thursday, Oct. 9

Chuck Haspels presents "Bird Watching with a Camera" from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mancos Public Library, 211 West First St. Digital photography comes alive as Haspels shares with you his bird-watching adventures.

Saturday, Oct. 11

Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project Orchard Social from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Let It Grow!, 90 N. Mildred Road, Cortez. Music, activities, a heritage presentation, apple contests and apple tastings are expected. Info. 565-3099.

Cortez Elks 1789 Oktoberfest celebration. Open to the public and includes a golf tournament, autographed sports items silent auction, German food and more. Proceeds benefit Elks projects. Info: event chairman Lynn Gann at 970-565-7423 or club manager at 970-565-3557.

4 Corners for Animals, animal welfare conference, at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Many local speakers and organizations represented. Lunch provided by The Farm Bistro. Film presentation at the Cortez Library, 7 p.m. of "The Ghosts in Our Machine," a documentary about the use of animals in our society. Pick up a registration at the Cortez Library or call Mary at (970) 394-0387. Please preregister.

Etz Chayim B' Yeshua (Tree of Life in Jesus) Sukkot Celebration, 9 a.m. at 1509 Highway 145, Cortez. Call 970-562-4217.

The League of Women Voters meet at 9 a.m. at the Ponderosa Restaurant in Dolores. The guest will be commissioner Larry Don Suckla. Info: Eleanor Kuhl, 970-564-0708.

Join Maggie Fox, Mark Udall's wife, for a Women for Udall lunch, 12:30-1:30 p.m. at The Farm Bistro, 34 W. Main St., Cortez.

Sunday, Oct. 12

Mancos Fall Harvest Community Potluck, 5:30 to 7:30 along Grand Avenue between Main Street and Mesa Street. Bring a table, chairs and dinnerware. Best centerpiece wins a prize. Entries must arrive by 5 p.m. and be labeled with name and contact info. Sponsored by The Mancos Creative District, Mancos Public Library and Mt. Lookout Grange.

Monday, Oct. 13

Meet Republican candidates. Speak with Rep. Scott Tipton and other local and state candidates at the Cortez Conference Center (2121 E. Main), 5:30-7:30 p.m. Candidates will address Montezuma County Republicans and answer questions. Cash bar. Info: Facebook.com/montezumagop.

Montezuma County Democratic Party Central Committee, 6:30 p.m. meeting, 7 p.m. social hour. 100 E. Main, Cortez. Info: co-chair Ric Plese, 970-739-4365.

Wednesday, Oct. 15

The Southwest Colorado Green Party will hold a regular meeting from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Wilson Building, 16 W. Main, Cortez. All are welcome.

Thursday, Oct. 16

Mancos Public Library presents a screening of "MAKERS: Women in Comedy" at 6 p.m. Appetizers from the Millwood Junction Restaurant. A discussion will follow. "Women in Comedy" is one of six episodes in the "MAKERS Series" that profiles the impact of women in the past 50 years.

The 4th Annual Pretty in Pink Fashion Show by Love on a Hanger, 7 p.m. at Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery. Desserts, cash bar and silent auction, supporting the Women's Cancer Coalition. Tickets at Love on a Hanger, 34 E. Main St., or online at bit.ly/1poI2o6. General admission $15; VIP seats $30. Info: 565-9075.

Friday, Oct. 17

Farewell to Mancos Chamber administrator Marianne Griffin and husband Bill Griffin at the Columbine Bar on W Grand in Mancos,5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Everyone is invited, cash bar, live band, bring a Mexican dish for pot luck.

Saturday, Oct. 18

Michael Martin Murphey, the "singing cowboy poet" will perform at 7 p.m. at the Cortez Elks Lodge to benefit Hospice of Montezuma. General admission tickets cost $35. Seating is limited, doors open at 6 p.m. Call 565-4400 for tickets.

Down Memory Lane presented by Christian Women's Celebrations. This is a love story told in words and song featuring The Southwest Singers directed by Ruth Wilson Francisco. Brunch starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Cortez Elks Lodge. Make reservations by Oct. 13, by calling 560-6273. Just for fun, bring a childhood picture of yourself.

Low-cost dog and cat vaccination clinic, 9 a.m. to noon at the IFA Country Store, 10501 Highway 491 in Cortez. Hosted by For Pets' Sake Humane Society. Packages include rabies, distemper,leukemia, and more for $41; or $15 for rabies only. A portion will be donated to For Pets' Sake. Call the Humane Society at 565-PETS/7387.

Halloween Dance at 7 p.m. at the American Legion, Cortez, with the Tim Sullivan Band. Costume prizes. Info: 565-8151.

Monday, Oct. 20

M-CHS Marching Panther Band performs its annual "Community Appreciation Concert" at 6 p.m. at the Panther Stadium, Cortez.

Questions/Contact: Cathy Allen-Lewis, Band Boosters, President - 970-739-9002

Tuesday, Oct. 21

Clint Simmons, of Rocky Mountain Bounty Hunters, and write-in sheriff's candidate Mike Steele will be at Blondies Trophy Room, 45 E. Main St., Cortez, at 5 p.m. to answer questions.

The annual meeting of RENEW, Inc. Board of Directors will be held at noon at the Cortez Police Department, 608 N. Park Ave. RENEW is an organization dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence and manages the local safe house. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Board or a volunteer advocate, call 565-4886.

Mancos crochet group, 6 p.m. at the Mancos Public Library. This new group meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m. at the Mancos Public Library. Sessions planned Nov. 4, Nov. 18, Dec. 2, and Dec. 16. Free. Bring your own crochet hooks and yarn. Info: Kathy Graf at 970-565-7600 ext. 206 or email kgraf@mancoslibrary.org

Wednesday, Oct. 22

"What's the result of Hope?" at 6:30 p.m. 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 at St. Barnabas Church (corner of North and Elm). Questions required. No answers promised. Info: 565-7865.

Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 22-23

Messiah sing-in. Solo auditions 7-8:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Cortez at 515 N. Park. The sing-in will be on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Cortez. Questions? Call Patricia Faulkner at 564-9458.

Thursday, Oct. 23

The Mancos Public Library to presents the film, "GMO OMG" at 6 p.m. A community discussion will follow the film and information ?about the Mancos Seed Library, Right to Know Colorado, and Prop 105?, will be available. Snacks from Zuma Natural Foods will be provided.

Friday, Oct. 24

Cortez FFA & FCCLA hosts a food drive to benefit the Good Samaritan Center food bank on at 7 p.m. at Panther Field. Bring canned goods to the M-CHS football game and get up to a $2 discount to the game.

Friday, Oct. 31

Dolores Middle School/High School PTO present Halloween Carnival from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the Dolores School District Office Courtyard and Professional Development Room, 100 N. 6th St., Dolores. Please join us for some ghoulish games, freaky fun and frightening food. Prizes/candy given to all participating. Bring your own trick or treat bag, tickets cost .25 cents each. All ages welcome. Info.: 560-1144 or 882-3477.

Through October

Shirley Diederich is the artist for October for the Southwest Artists League. She is displaying a watercolor and oils at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. Call 970-565-8117.

Thursday, Nov. 6

Free small claims clinic, at 5:30 p.m., Justice Building, 601 N. Mildred Road, Cortez. More info: 564-5029 8 a.m.-noon or 564-5073 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 7

Annual Pancake Supper, hosted by the Hospice of Montezuma, at Montezuma County Annex, 103 N. Chestnut, Cortez. Serving starts at 5 p.m., ends at 7 p.m. Three raffle drawings at 6:30 p.m. for hometown gift baskets worth $1,500, $750 and $500. A wonderful supper, fun, and a worthy cause. Supper tickets are $7.50 adult, $3.50 children under 12, and $20.00 family. Call 565-4400.

Saturday, Nov. 15

Dance to the Tim Sullivan Band, 7 p.m. at the American Legion, Cortez. Info: 565-8151.

Through November

The students of Lighthouse Christian Academy will be doing fall yard cleanups for a fundraiser. Cleanups include raking, shrub trimming, and mowing. Call Randy Davis at 739-9490.

The annual Messiah Sing-in will be on Dec. 7. Tryouts for soloists will be Oct. 1-2 at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Cortez at 515 N. Park, Cortez. Info: Patricia Faulkner, 564-9458.

First Monday

Southwest Center for Independence Second Chance Brain Injury group meets at noon at 2409 E. Empire, Cortez. Call Matthew, 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 10:00 a.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave, Dolores. The Oct. 7 meeting includes a demonstration by Corrina Gray of creating one seam Flying Geese. Guests and visitors are welcome. Visit doloresmountainquilters.org or call Judith Swain, 970-560-4426.

First Wednesday

Diabetes support group meets 3:30-5 p.m. in the Kiva 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.

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. Free. Call 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, 8-9 a.m. Free. Coffee and doughnuts at 7:45 a.m. Call Dena, 565-3414.

Caregiver/Advocate support group for caregivers of any person with Alzheimer's, dementia or any chronic illness at noon at Vista Mesa Assisted Living, 1206 N. Mildred, Cortez. Discuss options with other caregivers. Lunch provided. Info: Elaine at the Alzheimer's Assoc., 259-0122

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 meets at the Mancos Public Library at 10 a.m. Info: Bob Huffman, 406-249-7733

Second Tuesday

The Mancos Water Conservancy District board meets at 7 p.m. at the district's office 42599 Road N, Mancos. Info: Gary Kennedy, 533-7325.

The Montezuma County Historical Society Board of Directors meets at 11:30 a.m. at the Cortez Elks Club and includes a no-host lunch. Anyone interested in area history is 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. To help out or make donations, call Gretchen, 509-830-4380.

Second Thursday

The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce's Business After Hours at various locations, 5-7 p.m. Call 565-3414.

The Southwest Woodworkers Guild meets at 7 p.m. at various locations. Woodworkers welcome, beginner to expert. Call Rick, 533-7180.

Montezuma County Republican Women meet at noon at Shiloh's on Veach and Main St. All are welcome. Info: 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 - Cortez Chapter holds its 8 a.m. breakfast, 9 a.m. chapter meeting and 10 a.m. ride (weather permitting). At Jack & Janelle's, 801 E. Main St., Cortez. Call chapter president Steve Reed at 970-565-7233. No motorcycle required.

Third Wednesday

The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon is noon at Shiloh Steakhouse. Call 565-3414.

Caregiver/advocate support group for caregivers of any person with Alzheimer's, dementia or any chronic illness at 6 p.m. at the Methodist Church, 515 North Park Street, Cortez. Discuss options with other caregivers.

Third Thursday

Adult Computer Classes, 1:30-3 p.m. at the Mancos Public Library, Community Meeting Room 211, W. First St., Mancos. Call 970-533-7600 to enroll. No charge.

Dolores secondary PTO meets at 3:45 p.m. in Mr. Thurston's office. Email Heather Alvarez at halvarez0722@gmail.com or call Tif at 903-8752.

Consider your every-day language is a prayer. A short recorded teaching by Wisdom Master Maticintin and discussion. At Mancos Public Library Meeting Room, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Info: 800-336-6015 or www.HUMUH.org

Fourth Tuesday

4 Corners Republican Women's Club meets at 11:30 a.m. at the Cortez Elk's Lodge. Info: 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. Info: 565-4400.

Fourth Thursday

Monthly Civil Air Patrol Senior Squadron's monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m., First Baptist Church of Mancos, 150 N. Walnut St. Call 970-759-7012.

Last Thursday

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

Every Tuesday

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

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.

The Mancos Public Library, 211 W. First St., continues the Little People Seasonal Storytime, at 10:30 a.m. The program follows the Mancos Re-6 schedule; runs through May. Children ages 2-6 will be taught songs, verses and stories. A craft is offered. Free. Call the library at 533-7600 or visit www.mancoslibrary.org

Every Wednesday

Yoga Flow with Lily, Wednesdays 9:30-11 a.m. at the Grange. Call 847-819-2039.

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.

Weekly weigh-ins available with the Waist Management Group, 4:40 to 5:30 p.m., 343 E. Main St., Suite 300, Cortez. Free. Info: Berta at 565-9515 or 739-6014 after 4:30 p.m.

Country music and dancing for senior residents at the Cortez Senior Center, 7-10 p.m.

Overcomers Outreach bridges the gap between 12-Step recovery groups and churches of all denominations. Christ-centered and Bible-based. Evangel Assembly of God, 209 W. 5th St., Cortez. 6:30 p.m.. Call James, 303-519-7523

Every Friday

Friendship Social Group, 1 p.m. at Beny's Diner, 640 S. Broadway, Cortez. For those looking for support with finding friends and social activities after a loss, or need a break as a caregiver. Sponsored by Hospice of Montezuma.

TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) meets at 11:30 a.m. in the Community Room at the Cortez Public Library.