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.
Tuesday, April 21
For National Poetry Month, Maria’s Bookshop hosts poet and author Pam Uschuk and 13 of her FLC students for an event on April 21 at 6:30 p.m. At Maria’s Bookshop 960 Main Ave., Durango. Info: (970) 247-1438 or www.mariasbookshop.com
Wednesday, April 22
The Southwest Colorado Green Party will hold a special meeting on April 22 in the Wilson Building at 10 W. Main St., Cortez, at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome.
Dolores Elementary Kindergarten Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. We welcome you to discover your child’s school and classroom and have an in-depth discussion with their teacher about what to expect in the coming year. Participate in a Blues Clues style scavenger hunt, teacher Q & A and raffle for a fabulous door prize. Information: 882-4688.
Thursday, April 23
U.S. 160 Corridor Public Input Session with CDOT and Town of Mancos, 6–8 p.m. at Mancos Community Center, 130 Grand Ave. Give feedback on new access points for the highway corridor, including bike and pedestrian safety.
Friday, April 24
The Telluride Mountain Film Fest and Great Outdoors Silent Auction at the Dolores Community Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and films start at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $10. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Information: doloresriverfestival.com.
Live music with Rob Webster at Blondies in Cortez, 8 p.m. More info at www.robwebstermusic.com.
Mysto the Magi will appear at the Montezuma-Cortez High School Auditorium at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $5. The show is presented by the Cortez Lions Club. All proceeds from this event will go to provide eye exams, eye care and glasses for children and other individuals in Cortez and the surrounding area who need these services and are not covered by other programs.
Mancos Valley Distillery, 116 N. Main St., will present Secondhand Strings Friday, April 24. Doors open at 5 p.m. and music at 8 p.m. with a $3 cover.
Saturday, April 25
For Pets’ Sake Humane Society hosts a low-cost dog and cat vaccination clinic, 9 a.m. to noon at the IFA Country Store, 10501 Highway 491 in Cortez. Dog and cat vaccine packages include rabies, distemper (dogs), leukemia (cats), and more for $45; or $15 for rabies only. A portion will be donated to For Pets’ Sake. Info: 970-565-7387.
Dinner & A Movie with The Permaculture Provision Project, 6 p.m., Hananiah’s Rest Ranch, 10501 Road 20, Cortez. Enjoy a Curry dinner and Spicebox Homes Spicecake. Films include excerpts of John D. Liu’s “Hope in a Changing Climate.” Suggested donation: $10 per person. Reserve a spot at 970-759-2724. More info: www.permacultureprovisionproject.org.
Children’s Festival, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cortez Recreation Center. Vision, hearing, dental and developmental screenings plus family fun and preschool activities. Free.
The Pueblo to Pueblo Run and Bike Event, a 5K run, ½ Marathon, or 50-mile bike ride, begins at the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St. All proceeds benefit the cultural center. Register at www.cortezculturalcenter.org. More info or to volunteer: Sensa at (970) 565-1151 ext. 11 or admin@cortezculturalcenter.org.
Monday, April 27
Free Storm Spotter and Weather Safety Training by the National Weather Service, 6 p.m. at Cortez Journal Community Room, 123 N. Roger Smith Ave. Includes 2-hour basic class; optional training will follow. No RSVP. Info: www.crh.noaa.gov/gjt/?n=spotter
Tuesday, April 28
A Colorado Cottage Food Producer Training will be held 1–5:30 p.m. at the Montezuma County Extension Office, 109 W. Main, Room 102, Cortez. Learn basic food safety, foods permissible in the Colorado Cottage Food Act and ingredient labeling and disclaimer. Cost: $32.40 per person. Pre-register by April 23. Info: Call 565-3123.
“The Raising of America” documentary shows at the Sunflower Theatre, 6:30-7:30 p.m., 8 E. Main St., Cortez. The “Early Childhood and the Future of Our Nation” episode covers initiatives conducted by Nobel laureate James Heckman, Arthur Rolnick and others. Participate in a local panel. Info: 375-5807.
Thursday, April 30
“Death – The Ultimate Fear?” will be the topic at 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. Meet at St. Barnabas Church, at 6:30. Questions required. No answers promised. Call 565-7865 for more information.
Deadline to pay the 2014 property taxes if you are paying in full. Postmarks through April 30 will be accepted. If you have any questions concerning your taxes, please call 970-565-7550.
Through April
“Here Cometh April Again” is the April theme of the Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, at 202 N. Park St., Cortez. Preschool program is every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Older children may join for a craft at 11:15 a.m. The schedule: “Gardening,” April 9; “Shrek and Friends,” April 16; “Clouds,” April 23; “Berries,” April 30. Info: 970-565-8117.
Cortez Artist Gallery Exhibit, Keith Campbell’s Wild Landscapes of the American Southwest Photography, featuring 2D images of 3D natural wonders. Reception, April 9, 5:30-6:30 Cortez Artists Gallery 25 N. Market St., Cortez.
Friday, May 1
Deadline for $1,000 M-CHS Alumni Scholarship, awarded to a graduating MCHS senior attending a post-secondary institution. Info: www.onwardfoundation.org, or an M-CHS counselor. Application deadline is May 1.
Friday and Saturday, May 1-2
The Southwest Singers will perform their “Summer Is In the Air” concerts at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Cortez. Informal reception to follow. Info: 562-4476.
Saturday, May 2
Faces of Folk, an event for the Bridge Emergency Shelter, 7–9:30 p.m. Art by Bronwyn Strickland, with visual and verbal stories of Bridge guests. Live folk music and finger food. Tickets $50, available at Town and Country Furnishings, The Bridge and at the door. Info: 565-9808.
Christian Women’s Celebrations’ “A Tribute to Heroes,” 6 p.m., Lewis Arriola Community Center, featuring The Bar-D Wranglers and a chuckwagon dinner catered by Seas’nings. Cost: $25/person includes room fee, program, meal, drink, dessert and tip. Speaker: Sam Jarrett. Reservations/tickets required by April 25. Contact Cindy Bennetts @cwcfunevents@gmail.com or call 560-6273.
The Recovery Center Yard Sale, 7 a.m. top noon, 35 N. Ash, Cortez. Drop off donations 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday–Friday until April 24. No electronics please. Info: 970-565-4109.
Monday, May 4
The M-CHS Band Boosters raffle takes place at the All-District Band Festival at MCHS at 7 p.m. Grand prize is a home theater system including a 55-inch HDTV, and BlueRay/DVD player valued at $2,250. Second prize is a Specialized mountain bike from Kokopelli Bike & Board valued at over $860. Tickets: 1 for $10 or 3 for $20. Information and tickets: Jacque Cook, 970-560-0108.
The Mt. Lookout Grange (680 Grange Ave, Mancos) hosts a presentation at 7 p.m. by the Montezuma School to Farm Project about the program’s work to connect our farming heritage with our growing future. All are welcome to this free event.
RE-1 All-District Band Concert, 7 p.m., in the MCHS main gym, featuring the music of the middle school band, high school symphonic band, and the CMS and MCHS Jazz Bands. The concert ends with two combined numbers featuring every band student in the district. Free.
The Montelores Early Childhood Council will hold its next monthly luncheon meeting on the first at 11:45 a.m., in downstairs meeting room 110, in the Johnson Building, 925 S. Broadway, in Cortez. The public is invited, especially parents. Lunch will be provided. RSVP to Vangi McCoy at 970-749-7017.
Tuesday, May 5
Cortez Middle School Spring Concert, 7 p.m., in the CMS main gym, featuring the music of the sixth- seventh- and eighth-grade bad, CMS Jazz Band and a combined number. Free. Everyone is welcome.
Wednesday, MAY 6
Mancos Kindergarten Open House, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Enrolling families receive an information packet, and may meet other parents and students. Call 533-7744 to provide your child’s name to the school. Students need to be 5 years old on or before Sept. 15, 2015 to enroll
Thursday, May 7
SouthWest Colorado Concerts presents The Alliance Brass Quintet. This last concert for the season features one of the world’s finest brass ensembles. M-CHS Auditorium, 7 p.m. Tickets: $20/adult, $5/youth. More info: Lindsay Havran 565-7676 or Joyce Stevenson 565-4757.
Friday, May 8
The Ute Mountain-Mesa Verde Birding Festival tour visits lakes and reservoirs in the Cortez area. Meet at Cortez Cultural Center and travel with expert Jim Beatty to observe species. Lunch, snacks, and water provided. Info: www.utemountainmesaverdebirdingfestival.com or (970) 565-1151. Reserve a spot.
Saturday, May 9
Baby-sitting Course, 9 a.m. to noon at Southwest Memorial Hospital Kiva Room. Meet in the cafeteria. Designed for age 11 to 15 to learn Basic First Aid, Basic Child and infant CPR and baby-sitting skills. Cost: $30, with all proceeds going to the Montelores Cancer Fund.
Mothers Day bake sale to benefit For Pets Sake humane society, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at City Market North entrance. Drop off baked goods at 9:30 at City Market or May 8 at Netforce PC 1630 E. Main ,next to Safeway, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: Catherine at 739-9854.
Wednesday, May 13
First meeting of the local CWGA is at 6 p.m. at the Pro shop Door prize is a Range Pass donated by Pro Micah Rudoski. All women interested in golf are encouraged to attend.
Saturday, May 23
Fifth Annual Dairy Goat Information Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 20198 County Road P in Cortez. Get advice and demonstrations on care and maintenance. Multiple breeds will be represented, some for sale. Info: Jeanette at 565-9065 and leave a message.
Through May
“Mary Poppins,” by the Durango Merely Players May 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 at 7 p.m., with matinees on May 2 and 9 at 1 p.m. Tickets: $24 at The Ticket Office in the Durango Welcome Center or at 970-247-7657, or www.durangoconcerts.com. All performances at the Durango Arts Center, 802 E 2nd Ave, Durango.
“Spring Possibilities” is the heme of the Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., Cortez, every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Older children may join for a craft at 11:15 a.m. May 7, “It’s All About You Mom!”; May 14, “Clowns”; May 21, “National Bike Month”; May 28, “Bears Galore.” Info: 970-565-8117.
Monday, June 1
The Mt. Lookout Grange (680 Grange Ave, Mancos) hosts a presentation at 7 p.m. about the biology of bees and their importance in Montezuma County. All are welcome to this free event.
Mondays And Fridays
Cortez Public Library offers one-on-one computer and tech tutoring. Call 970-565-8117 or visit the library, 202 N. Park, to schedule an appointment.
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 Legion Hall, 320 N. Harrison St. Call 565-8151.
Dolores Mountain Quilters meets 10 a.m. at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave.On May 5, a tag sale for members who wish to sell their unwanted “stashes.” (Label and price your items.) Arrive at 9 a.m. to set up. 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.
First Wednesday
Diabetes support group meets 3:30–5 p.m. in the Kiva Room at Southwest Memorial Hospital. Learn to manage diabetes; share ideas. 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 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. 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
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 or donate, 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: Rosemarie Beall at 564-1576.
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.
Summit Ridge Women’s Club seeks members to promote the organization and service club efforts of providing High School scholarships, sponsoring families in need during holiday events. The club meets once a month. For information, call Marie Chiarizia 757-395-0915.
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. 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 St. Cortez. Discuss options with other caregivers.
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.
Fourth Tuesday
4 Corners Republican Women’s Club meets at 11:30 a.m. at the Cortez Elk’s Lodge. Info: 565-2197.
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 Wednesday
Bereavement Support Group for anyone dealing with a sudden, accidental, suicidal or traumatic death event at 5:15 p.m. Hospice of Montezuma, 1345 S. Broadway, Cortez. Info: 565-4400.
Last Thursday
The Mancos Public Library Board of Trustees meets at 5 p.m. in the library meeting room, 211 West First Street, Mancos. Info. 533-7600.
Every Monday
The Four Corners Community Band meets 7-9 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Cortez at the corner of Market and North Street. New members welcome. Call Fawn at 882-2522 or visit www.fourcornerscommunityband.com.
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 1 – 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.
“Joyful Noise” Children’s Choir starting in Mancos. Grades K-6, Homeschoolers welcome. Tuesdays, 4-4:45 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church, corner of Bauer and Oak in Mancos.
Life Drawing, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Cortez Cultural Center 25 N. Market St., Cortez. Bring your own drawing materials. Easels and models provided. Ages 18 and older. No instructor; $5 fee. Info: 970-565-1151, ext.10 and cortezculturalcenter.org.
Every Wednesday
GOAL Academy/Rocky Mountain Digital Academy, a free, accredited online high school, hosts informational sessions and wait-list applications every Wednesday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Education Zone, 19 N. Maple St. (next to Audio Box). Info: 970-213-0923 or www.goalac.org.
Yoga Flow with Lily, 9:30-11 a.m. at the Grange. Call 847-819-2039.
Bible studies at Chapel on the Farm, 6 p.m. 19927 Road 26.2 Loop, Dolores. 903-6153
Every Thursday
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 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.
Elks Bingo. New hours, beginning at 7 p.m. Come eat, play and visit.
Every Friday
TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) meets at 11:30 a.m. in the Community Room at the Cortez Public Library.
“Bereavement & Caregiver Support Group, 1 p.m. Hospice of Montezuma. Call Sunny for information and location. 565-4400.
