The Cortez Journal encourages people to submit announcements about upcoming events for the Community Calendar. Send announcements to news@cortezjournal.com. Items submitted at least two weeks in advance will have a better chance of getting published; items submitted several days before the event might not get published. For more information, call the Journal at 565-8527.



Cortez Library announces July Storytime programs for kids

“How We Live” is the July theme of Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. Storytime is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. for pre-school aged children and every Saturday at the Farmers Market beginning at 10:30 a.m., weather permitting. The Farmers Market is located on the corner of South Elm and Main streets. Older children are welcome to join us for the craft at 11:15 a.m. Thursdays. The Saturday Storytime will follow the same theme as the preceding Thursday.

This is part of the library’s Summer Reading Program. This year’s theme is “One World, Many Stories.” Reading logs for the summer are available at the library.

Next is “Hooray for the Day You Were Born!” on Thursday, July 21 and Saturday, July 23. We’ll wrap up the month with “Let’s Eat!” on Thursday, July 28, and Saturday, July 30. Storytime offers songs, stories, crafts and silliness and uses the Early Childhood Literacy Initiative program.

For more information, contact the library at 565-8117.



Historical Society will have annual meeting, presentation for public

The yearly general all-membership meeting of the Montezuma County Historical Society will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 21, in Hampton Hall of the United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park St., Cortez.

Following the general meeting, the July symposium will take place at 7:30 p.m. Gary Tanner will give a PowerPoint presentation on the history of the Cortez Milling Co. and Blue Bird Flour. The society’s history symposiums are free, and the public is welcome to attend.

All members are urged to attend this important meeting for current business reports, goals, and information on proposed activities, and to participate with program opportunities and share ideas. Discussion and suggestions are sought from members. Please attend so members can get acquainted with each other and move forward in the endeavor to create the historical society’s much-needed museum and learning center.

For more information, contact the Montezuma County Historical Society’s president Kelly Wilson at 565-9242, or Vivienne Kenyon at 565-7714.



Cortez Public Library presents computer class on the basics

The Cortez Public Library will present an “Incredibly Basic Computer Class” at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 21, at 202 N. Park St.

Topics covered will include turning the computer on and off, using the mouse or mouse pad, opening, closing and moving a window, finding a website using the address bar, and finding a website using Google.

Space is limited. Contact the library at 565-8117 to sign up.



United Blood Services will hold two Cortez mobile blood drives

United Blood Services will conduct Cortez Mobile Blood Drives from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, July 21, in the Calvin Denton Room at Empire Electric Association, 801 N. Broadway, Cortez, and from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 23, in conjunction with the Cortez Animal Shelter’s Adopt-a-Thon at Walmart parking lot, 1835 E. Main St.

Find the hero in you; give blood three times a year!

Any donor that wishes to donate at the Colorado blood drives can call to set an appointment or get more information at 385-4601, or sign-up online at www.bloodhero.com.



Artists Stapf-Harrist, Grist step up with ‘feet in ART’ photo exhibit

An opening night artist reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 21, at Spruce Tree Coffeehouse, 318 E. Main St., Cortez.

Retired art educators Karen Stapf-Harris and Barbara Grist are collaborating on a show featuring self portraits of their feet in various locations around the world through photography and painting. Bring your favorite foot photo to the show to hang on an interactive board featuring “feet in ART,” a theme that’s been used for hundreds of years. The show runs through August.

For more information, contact Barbara at 560-2767.



Four Corners Lecture Series will look at Mesa Verde society

The Four Corners Lecture Series will present Fumi Arakawa’s “Voting with Your Feet: The Response to Increasing Social Hierarchy in the Central Mesa Verde Region” at 7 p.m. Friday, July 22, at the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, 23390 County Road K west of Cortez.

The presentation is free and open to the public. The lecture series will continue into the fall with various cultural performances and presentations.

For more information, contact Mitch Davis at 247-7401.



Preview performance at Cultural Center will fund students’ Scotland trip

StageDweller Productions presents a preview performance of “Standing On My Knees” at a fundraising event at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 22 at the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St.

There will be a raffle of a .17 Savage Rifle, a saddle and saddle blanket, and a hand-made wooden pool cue at the preview event; raffle tickets are available from the Cortez Cultural Center, or from Gayle Alexander at the Colorado Welcome Center. A silent auction of camping gear, jewelry, fine art, and gift certificates will occur during the event. Proceeds from the raffle and auction benefit the student performers. The play contains mature content and language, and is free to the public; donations to the group are welcome.

Contact the Cultural Center 565-1151 to reserve seating.



Youths can learn Navajo crafts, other activities at Cultural Camp

The deadline for registration for the Cortez Cultural Center’s popular Ancient Days/Ancient Ways Cultural Camp is Saturday, July 23. This popular four-day experience will be offered from Tuesday, July 26, through Friday, July 29, and will accept youth ages 10 to 14. The Cultural Center is located at 25 N. Market St.

The purpose of the camp is to help older kids and teens appreciate the land and diverse cultures of the Four Corners, while having fun and educational experiences. This year’s camp activities will include games, Navajo culture and crafts, improvisational drama taught by Montezuma-Cortez High School drama students, lake swimming, a service project re-mudding the Cultural Center’s hogan, making ice cream, archaeology, panning for gold, roping and riding at East Pines Ranch, and camping.

The cost of camp is $75, with some financial aid from Kiwanis of Cortez available if needed. Individual or business sponsors willing to help a camper, contact the Cortez Cultural Center. Campers may register by coming by the Center, which is open Monday through Saturday.

For more information, call Linda at 565-1151.



For Pets’ Sake will hold Summer Wine Festival fundraiser

For Pets’ Sake will hold its fourth annual Summer Wine Festival from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, at Cliffrose High Desert Gardens just east of Cortez on Highway 160.

This fun evening will include yummy appetizers, wines provided by Smitty’s Liquors and beer provided by T. Box Liquors, solo piano music by Lee Bartley featuring his classic originals, and a silent auction featuring food and travel items – including lots of gift certificates. Tickets are $25 each or two for $40, and are available before the event at Cliffrose Gardens and at the door. All proceeds benefit the cats and dogs of Montezuma and Dolores Counties.

For more information, call 565-PETS.



Sideshow to host photography show with opening night reception

Internationally known photographer Cole Thompson opens a show of his new series The Fountainhead with an opening night reception from 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, at Sideshow Emporium & Gallery. Meet the photographer and enjoy refreshments. Sideshow is located at 411 Central in Dolores.

The work of award-winning black and white photographer Cole Thompson has been shown internationally and has appeared in The Sun and other publications. Thompson’s first two artistic loves, architecture and photography, are used to express concepts of personal liberty in these black and white images on canvas. This is Cole’s fourth show at Sideshow and his first in our newly expanded and renovated gallery space. We are proud to bring the work of this talented Colorado photographer to our Four Corners region. The Fountainhead will hang at Sideshow through September 17.

For more information, contact Heather at 739-4646.



Ute Mountain Tribal Park will offer special inaccessible dwelling tour

Ute Mountain Tribal Park will offer an inaccessible dwelling tour on Saturday, July 23, with transportation provided (or you can drive your own vehicle). Tour participant pick up locations and times are 7:45 a.m. at Ute Mountain Pottery at 156 Hwy. 160/491, 8:15 a.m. at the Cortez Chamber of Commerce at 928 E. Main St., and 8:30 a.m. before the Mesa Verde National Park entrance area.

The inaccessible Casa Colorado and Casa Blanca Cliff Dwelling will be visited during this one-time special tour. The tour is $60 per person, and transportation can be provided at $12 per person. Visitors must be physically active for the tour and must provide their own backpack, drinking water, lunch, and must wear comfortable, appropriate gear.

For reservations and information, contact Jacob Dance Jr. or Veronica Cuthair at 565-9653 or 565-3751 ext. 330, or by email at utepark@fone.net.



Noah’s Ark shelter will offer 1-day dog adoption event

Noah’s Ark animal shelter will offer a one-day pet Adoption Viewing Clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at The Pet Pad, 24 N. Madison St., next to Burger Boy.

Come see all the dogs. The age range that will be available for adoption is 3 months to 10 years old. Noah’s Ark will have orphans available; all are older or adult dogs that were adopted out but were returned to the shelter when their owners passed away. All have had their shots and are spayed or neutered, and Noah’s Ark hopes they get a second chance. Seniors will receive a 50 percent discount on adoption of a senior pet. Spaying and neutering are free if adopting a puppy.

For more information, call Louise at 565-2751.



Methodist Church will hold Navajo taco lunch and bazaar

The Dolores United Methodist Church will hold a Navajo taco lunch and bazaar from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Avenue.

They will sell baked goods, White Elephant items, and crafts. Additionally, there will be a silent auction for a 1985 Ford Ranger pickup with a camper shell. The price is $7 for adults, $3 for children aged 10 and under.

For more information, contact Christine Chadwick at 882-7772 or Karen Tuttle at 882-2518.



House concert and potluck will celebrate National Day of the Cowboy

Join us for a House Concert at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 23 at 32229 Road P in Mancos, to celebrate the National Day of the Cowboy. Outstanding singer, songwriter, and picker Mike Hurwitz from Wyoming will perform outdoors (weather permitting – inside, if not) his brand of cowboy/prairie blues on a variety of guitars; the music will start between 7 and 8 p.m.

Bring a covered dish to share, and come ready to have a good time with family, friends, music, and fun! We will provide lemonade, tea, and coffee; please bring a chair, if you’ve got one. There will be games and a horseshoe pit, marshmallow roasting, and room to pitch a tent in our pasture for those that wish to, with a jam session later on. This is a kid-friendly event, and ages 12 and under are free. All funds raised go to the performer to cover travel expenses. Hope to see you here!

Contact Barb for more information, tickets or directions at 882-1413 or 739-8408.



Cortez Chamber will seek community input at planning event

The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking community input at a highly engaging, planning event at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, at the new First National Bank, 2258 E. Main St.

The focus of this meeting is to coordinate upcoming community events, such as a car show, wine festival, motorcycle rally, Verde Fest, Krazy Daze and autumn festival, while we discuss possibilities and generate new opportunities. Communitywide events are wonderful ways to connect local citizens while boosting our area’s image — and economy!

Community events have the ability to enhance visibility and image, develop relationships with existing and potential customers, showcase our area, develop community spirit and celebrate in memorable ways. Everyone is encouraged to participate in this collaborative discussion of how businesses, groups and individuals can benefit from or strengthen new and existing events. Come, be a part of the fun.

For more information, contact the Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce at 565-3414.



Public is invited to meet candidate for Mancos library director

The Friends of the Mancos Public Library invite members of the community to stop by the library at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 26, to meet a candidate for the director position, Lee Hallberg. This gathering will last one hour. The Mancos Library is located at 211 E. First St.

For more information, contact the library at 533-7600.



MCHS class of 1981 will hold

30-year reunion

The Montezuma-Cortez High School Class of 1981 will host its 30th class reunion beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 30, at the Cortez Elk’s Lodge, 2100 N. Dolores Road.

For more information or dinner reservations, contact Ellen (Kenyon) Black at 565-3287 or Don Haley at 565-4725.



County will hold public workshops for Wildfire Protection Plan

Montezuma County is undertaking an update of the countywide Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Five public workshops will be held throughout the county. Workshops scheduled are from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the following dates and locations:

Wednesday, Aug. 10, Pleasant View Fire Station, U.S. Highway 491 in Yellow Jacket.

Wednesday, Aug. 24, Towaoc Community Center, 85 Sunset Blvd.

These workshops will identify the values that people should strive to protect though the update of the Montezuma County Wildfire Protection Plan, review the high-risk area maps for accuracy, and help residents become more prepared for wildfires. Refreshments will be provided courtesy of the FireWise Council of Southwest Colorado.

For more information, contact James Dietrich with Montezuma County at 565-7402 or Rebecca Samulski with FireWise of Southwest Colorado at 882-2388.



K9 Search and Rescue Team will host Annual Pancake Breakfast

K9 Search and Rescue Team will host the Annual Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 7 a.m. until the Escalante Days parade starts. The breakfast is the annual fundraiser for the team and will include pancakes, sausage, coffee or tea and juice. It will be held at the “Dog House,” 35 Railroad Ave. (directly west of Dolores Fire Station 1), with handicap parking at that address and regular parking off Central Avenue directly north of the building.

As a nonprofit organization that is 100 percent volunteer-based, K9 Search and Rescue depends on events such as the breakfast to provide much needed funds for equipment, training and materials.

For more information, call 882-4746 or email k9@k9team.org.