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.
Wednesday, march 4
"Geology and Resources of the Four Corners," presented by Jon Callender, of Mancos, 6:30-7:30 p.m. in The Gallery at The Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St. Callender was educated at Caltech and Harvard and taught geology at the University of New Mexico for many years.
Thursday, March 5
Mark Varien, Ph.D., of the Crow Canyon Research Institute, presents a Life-Long Learning Series lecture at Fort Lewis College at 7 p.m. in Noble Hall, Room 130. Varien will talk about the interaction between Puebloans and their environment, and where they went after leaving the area.
Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Southwest Colorado Research station, 17 miles north on U.S. 491 and west one-quarter mile on Road Z. Register at the Montezuma extension at 565-3123 or the Dolores County extension at 677-2283. Cost: $15 per person the day of the workshop. Bring your chair, water, snacks and lunch, loppers or hand pruners, and dress warmly. Leave pets at home.
Friday, March 6
Mancos Valley Historical Society variety show presents the play "The Cowboy Kidnapping Mystery" at Mancos Opera House as part of the Mancos Melt celebration. Benefits historical society youth projects, renovation and a museum fund. Tickets on sale at the Mancos Visitors Center.
Live music by Last Nickel at the Columbine, AKA "The Avenger Bar," at 9 p.m. 123 W. Grand Ave. Mancos. Special snacks and superhero/heroine costume contest.
Saturday, March 7
Mancos Melt golf tournament registration starts at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at the Columbine. Pick up score cards and position assignments for the 1 p.m. shotgun start. Bring putter and ball for each two-man team. Fee is $20 per team. Info: 533-7397.
Winter Plant Identification Hike at Mesa Verde National Park, 9 a.m. to noon. Join the San Juan/Four Corners Native Plant Society to learn how to identify plants in winter. Recommended for high school ages to adult. Call 970-882-4647 for reservations. Fee: $10 per vehicle.
The annual Millwood Follies at the Millwood Junction Restaurant, 101 Railroad Ave., Mancos. Doors open at 4 p.m. The acts start at 7 p.m. Dinner will be served until 10:30 p.m. Benefits Mancos Valley Pay It Forward.
Sunday, March 8
J Fargos Grill & Bar hosts a meet-and-greet with bounty hunters Clint Simmons and Dayson Goetz of the Animal Planet show "Rocky Mountain Bounty Hunters." Get autographed pictures, food and selfies and watch a new episode, 6-9 p.m.
Tuesday, March 10
Speciality Crop Symposium at the Lewis-Arriola Community Center, 8:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. Held by CSU Extension, with LaPlata County Extension, Fort Lewis College and New Mexico State University. Cost: $20, including handouts, snacks and lunch. RSVP now with Darrin Parmenter at 970-382-6464.
Mancos Public Library screens "Mother Nature's Child" at 6 p.m. This hour-long film explores nature's role in children's health and development and marks a moment when a living generation can still recall childhoods of free play outdoors. A community discussion will follow. Free. Chile and cornbread will be provided. Info: 533-7600.
Wednesday, March 11
San Juan/Four Corners Native Plant Society presents "Climbing with the Wildflowers in Ecuador" by John Bregar. At Lyceum Room, Center of Southwest Studies, Fort Lewis College, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 12
A free legal self-help clinic for Montezuma County parties without an attorney are 2-4 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.
The Four Corners Back Country Horsemen hold their monthly meeting at 7 p.m. at the La Plata County Fairgrounds in Durango. Guests are encouraged to attend. TJ Holmes will discuss information on the Spring Creek Basin herd, including photos of the horses, use of PZP for birth control, and bait trapping vs. helicopters for gatherings. Info: 970-749-0316.
"2nd attempt for understanding Islam" is the topic at 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. Meet at St. Barnabas Church at 6:30 p.m. Questions required. No answers promised. Info: 565-7865.
Friday, march 13
Willson & McKee Concert, 7 p.m., Wright Opera House, 472 Main Street, Ouray. Adults $15, Children (12 and under) $5, Family $30. Tickets available online at www.ocpag.org or at the door.
Saturday, March 14
St. Patrick's day bake sale to benefit For Pets Sake humane society, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at City Market north entrance. Baked goods can be dropped off at Saturday at 9:30 a.m. or Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Let It Grow. Call Catherine, 739-9854.
The League of Women Voters of Montezuma County host a breakfast meeting at 9 a.m. at the Ponderosa Restaurant in Dolores. Mike Preston, general manager of the Dolores Water Conservancy District, will discuss state water planning and give an update on the 2015 water supply forecast.
Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour. Two hours of outdoor films, raffle giveaways and a silent auction (Osprey, Silverton Mountain vouchers, rescue courses, etc.). Doors open at 6 p.m., Smiley Theater, 1309 East 3rd Ave. Tickets at http://rockymountainwild.org/banff-mountain-film-festival
Monday, March 16
Habitat For Humanity of Montezuma County holds free information session for low-income households interested in applying to partner with Habitat to become homeowners. Applicants must be residents of Montezuma County for at a year and stay for full meeting to receive application. Session is at 6 p.m., at Dolores Public Library. Info: 970-565-8312 or office@habitatmontezuma.org.
Tuesday, March 17
The San Juan National Forest hosts the discussion "Meet the Beetles," to learn about the spruce beetle and its impact in San Juan forests. In the Vallecito Room in the Fort Lewis College Student Union Building, 6-8 p.m. Forest Service staff will be on hand at 5:30 p.m.
Habitat For Humanity of Montezuma County holds free information session for low-income households interested in applying to partner with Habitat to become homeowners. Applicants must be residents of Montezuma County for at a year and stay for full meeting to receive application. Session is at 6 p.m., at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Cortez. Info: 970-565-8312 or office@habitatmontezuma.org.
Wednesday, March 18
Battle Rock Charter School hosts a family night for parents and children at 7 p.m., geared to prospective students. Presentation by teachers Justine Bayles and Tegan Lewis and students. Topics include Battle Rock enrollment and curriculum, the 4H club, and the horse program. Refreshments. At 11247 Road G, Cortez.
Thursday, March 19
Mancos Public Library screens "The Homestretch" at 6 p.m. The film follows three homeless teens as they fight to stay in school. It is part of American Graduate: Let's Make It Happen, an initiative to help communities address dropout crisis. A community discussion will follow. The film premieres on April 13 on PBS (check local listings). Info: www.pbs.org/independentlens/homestretch/
Saturday, March 21
The Cortez Farmers Market invites vendors to its spring meeting at 2 p.m. at SW Memorial Hospital's Physician Bldg., at 20 S. Market St. The meeting begins at 2 p.m. Topics include a financial and manager's report, a review of 2014 and rules and regulations, and instructions and timelines for vendor applications. Info: Theresa at theresaincortez@gmail.com or (970)565-3123.
MONDAY, March 23
Habitat For Humanity of Montezuma County holds free information session for low-income households interested in applying to partner with Habitat to become homeowners. Applicants must be residents of Montezuma County for at a year and stay for full meeting to receive application. Session is at 6 p.m., at Mancos Public Library. Info: 970-565-8312 or office@habitatmontezuma.org.
First Tuesday
Dolores Mountain Quilters meets 10 a.m. at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave. The March 3 meeting demonstrate two-step binding and disappearing pinwheels. Guests and visitors are welcome. Info: doloresmountainquilters.org or Judith Swain 970-560-4426.
The Mesa Verde Back Country Horsemen meet at the Elks Lodge in Cortez at 6:15 p.m. (except December). Buy a taco or hamburger and drink. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. Info: www.mesaverdehorsemen.com.
Second and Fourth Tuesdays
Knitting Club at the Mancos Public Library. Learn to knit, 6-7 p.m. Come to any or all sessions. Free. Teens and adults welcome. Limited knitting needles and yarn are available, so bring your own if possible. To sign up or for information, ?visit www.mancoslibrary.org or ?call Kathy Graf at 970-565-7600 ext. 206 or email kgraf@mancoslibrary.org.
Second Tuesday
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 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: Rosemarie Beall at 564-1576.
Third Thursday
Adult Computer Classes, 1:30-3 p.m. at 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.
Third Sunday
The Cortez Fire Protection District holds CPR and First-Aid certification classes at 9 a.m., Station 1, 30 N. Ash St., Cortez. Courses are six to eight hours and include CPR/AED, CPR/AED and First-Aid, Healthcare Provider CPR. Minimum class size is four students. Call 970-565-3157 to register.
Fourth Monday
The Southwest Center for Independence Potluck Lunch Group meets at noon, 2409 E. Empire St., Cortez. Call Matthew, 570-8001.
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.
Every Wednesday
Bible studies at Chapel on the Farm, 6 p.m. 19927 Road 26.2 Loop, Dolores. 903-6153
Every Thursday
Elks Bingo. New hours, beginning at 7 p.m. Come eat, play and visit.
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.