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.



Native American families can sign up for financial literacy workshop

A five-week financial literacy workshop for Native American families will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday evenings beginning April 7, and will continue to meet on Thursdays until May 5, at The Piñon Project, 300 N. Elm St., Cortez.

This class is for Native Americans who are interested in learning about ways to handle their money, make the money they have go further, set up and track their own personal finances, open a checking account, apply for a loan, create a budget and create a spending and savings plan. This opportunity for Native American families will utilize a five-week, 10-hour financial literacy program called “Making Money Work For You” that will cover goal setting, loans, credit and debt, various types of insurance, stretching personal resources and spending choices.

There is no cost to interested individuals for this course. Child care and meals, starting at 5:30 p.m., will be provided each night of the class for participants and children who are pre-registered. Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a $100 savings bond.

For more information or to register, call The Piñon Project at 564-1195 and ask for Lara.



Poet Hershman John will read

from his book, teach workshop

Hershman John, published poet, fiction writer, comic book aficionado and teacher, will read from his debut book of poems, “I Swallow Turquoise for Courage,” at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park.

Hershman writes from a multicultural perspective influenced by his Navajo heritage. His vivid, descriptive language and sense of humor distinguish him from all others. A special treat: Hershman will translate from Navajo, an animated, very funny, short film called “Coyote and the Lizard.” Then, at 10 a.m. Friday, April 8, he will teach a workshop entitled Ekphrasis, a poetic term defined as “a reaction to an artistic impression like a photograph, painting or musical piece.” You will use your poetic voice to describe your impression. Both events are free and everyone is welcome.

For more information, call 565-8117.



Local river guide Maloy will present slideshow on Salmon River

Local river guide Michael Maloy will give a slideshow at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at the Mancos Public Library, 211 W. First St.

Maloy will show slides and discuss his solo winter raft trip down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho. This trip is the earliest known descent seasonally of this section of river. Maloy began river guiding in Idaho in 1970. He has also guided in New Zealand, Tasmania, New Guinea, Asia and South America. Additionally, he spent a year with the U.S. Geological Survey in Antarctica. He has made the first known solo descent of the Main Salmon River from headwaters to the confluence.

For more information, call the library at 533-7600 or visit us at www.mancoslibrary.org.



Dubin will speak about message that Jews for Jesus has

Larry Dubin of Jews for Jesus will speak at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at the First Baptist Church, 100 N. Market St., Cortez.

Pastor Vic Powell invites all to attend. Jews for Jesus uses creative methods and contemporary issues to present the message that Jesus is the messiah to Jewish people around the world.

Moishe Rosen founded Jews for Jesus in 1973 and revolutionized Jewish evangelism with his creative approach. To Dubin and other Jews for Jesus staff, the objective evidence of the Hebrew Bible the New Testament, and the transformation in their own lives provide ample evidence that Jesus was who he claimed to be — the Jewish messiah.

The event is free.

For more information, call 565-6555 for more information.



United Blood Services seeks donors for blood drive

United Blood Services will conduct a mobile Cortez Community blood drive from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at First United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park St., Cortez.

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



‘Flowers Abound’ is April theme for Cortez Public Library Storytime

“Flowers Abound!” is the April 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. Older children are welcome to join us for the craft at 11:15 a.m.

On Thursday, April 7, we’ll introduce “The ball’s up in the air!” “Blow those bubbles!” will be the focal point for Thursday, April 14. Next is “Be a good egg” on April 21. We’ll wrap up the month with “My favorite dinosaur” on April 28.

Storytime offers songs, stories, crafts and silliness and uses the Early Childhood Literacy Initiative program.

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



Reception will feature work

of photographer Patricia Burk

A reception for Mancos photographer Patricia Burk and her work will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at Spruce Tree Coffeehouse, 318 E. Main St., Cortez.

Burk’s art will be on display through April. Her photography features scenic landscapes of the Four Corners region and the people and culture of Oaxaca, Mexico.



EPA, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe will hold free blood testing for children

Free blood lead testing for children will be held from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 8, at the Towaoc Community Center.

Medical personnel from the Indian Health Service will conduct the free, private blood-lead testing. Parents will be informed of test results immediately and will learn how to take steps to reduce exposure.

IHS medical personnel will administer a finger prick to produce one drop of blood, which will be analyzed within three minutes, followed by private, immediate feedback to parents. The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe’s Environmental Programs Department and IHS will provide follow up as needed.

For more information about lead, visit www.epa.gov/lead.

For information, contact Lisa McClain-Vanderpool, EPA, 303-312-6077; Teri Bahrych, EPA, 303-312-6788; or Scott Clow, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, 564-5432.



Community Passover seder ceremonial meal will be held

The annual remembrance ceremony of Passover seder will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, April 18, at Shiloh Steakhouse, 5 S. Veach, Cortez.

Passover welcomes in the spring and occurs around the time that believers in Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus the messiah) celebrate his death, burial and resurrection. Participants will commemorate this event at the ceremonial meal (seder), which will last about three hours as participants read, sing, pray and eat their way through the traditional Haggadah (printed order of the seder).

Tickets are $25 per adult and $20 for children under 12. The deadline for all reservations and payment is Friday, April 8. Seating is limited to 40 people this year. Tickets can be picked up with payment from Mike G. (560-9853) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Slaven’s True Value Hardware, 237 W. Main St., Cortez.

For more information or to make reservations, call 560-5963.



Southwest Colorado Community College will host open house

The community is invited to an open house from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 8, at Pueblo Community College’s Southwest Colorado Community College, east of Cortez at 33057 U.S. Highway 160.

Registration for summer classes begins April 4. All are invited to take a tour, learn about college programs, get a beauty treatment, have your car inspected, or enroll for the summer and fall semesters.

Also available during the open house are student-led automotive pre-inspections and beauty services. By appointment, auto students will diagnose and make recommendations to correct your vehicle’s issues. Call 564-6215 to schedule an appointment. By appointment, cosmetology students can perform a wide variety of low-cost services for hair, skin, or nails. Call 564-6200 to schedule an appointment.

For more information, call 564-6200 or visit www.EnrollSouthwest.org.



Four Corners Friends of NRA will hold annual banquet

The Four Corners Friends of National Rifle Association will hold the group’s annual banquet beginning at 5 p.m. for social hour and 6:30 p.m. for dinner Saturday, April 9, at the Cortez Elks Lodge, 2100 N. Dolores Road.

Games, silent and live auctions and two raffles are just part of the activities planned for the evening. The raffles include a 23 gun Liberty gun safe, six guns, and a 72- by 64-inch flannel applique quilt. With people’s support, the group has been able to return several thousand dollars yearly to local youth shooting sports and to the promotion of gun safety.

Dinner tickets are $50 per couple or $30 for single. Two hundred dinner tickets will be sold.

For more information or to buy a ticket, contact Dick or Dixie Lee at 562-4347 or 739-0048.



U.S. Department of Agriculture will hold commodity distribution

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will hold a commodity distribution from 8 to 8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 9, at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds, 30100 U.S. Highway 160, Cortez, and from 8 to 9 a.m. at the Dolores Fire Hall, 85 Central Ave., Dolores.

Due to extenuating circumstances, Mancos clients will have to go to Cortez to pick up commodities. If Mancos clients are not able to go to Cortez, they can give their card and a note of authorization to someone else to pick up commodities for them. Participants are reminded that they must bring their own box for their commodities. The agriculture department cannot supply enough boxes for everyone.

For more information or if you would like to help with distribution, call Judy at 564-2772.



Dolores Chamber Spring Banquet will raise funds for scholarships

The Dolores Chamber of Commerce Spring Banquet will be held Saturday, April 9, with a cash bar at 6 p.m., and dinner at 7 p.m. at the Dolores Community Center.

Proceeds go for scholarships for graduating Dolores High School seniors. There will be entertainment, a silent auction, door prizes, and great food. Dinner will be provided by the Rio Grande Southern. Tickets are $30 each or $210 for a table of eight where you get one ticket free, and save $30. As another bonus this year you can get one free drink with every ticket. Dress will be semi-formal.

Tickets can be obtained from any chamber board member or by calling Stuart, the chamber director, at 882-4018.



9News Health Fair 20 will offer blood chemistry, other screenings

The 9News Health Fair 20 will conduct low-cost screenings from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 9, at the Cortez Recreation Center, 425 Roger Smith Ave. Use the north entrance by the tennis courts.

Blood chemistry tests will be $30, and PSA testing for men will be $25. Do not eat 12 hours before having blood drawn (but diabetics should not fast). Take prescribed medications as directed. You must be 18 to participate.

For information, call 303-698-3799 or 800-332-3078, or visit www.9healthfair.org.

All volunteers will be appreciated. Call 739-3844 after 6 p.m. if interested.



Pinon Project offers ‘Incredible Years’ parenting class

The Pinon Project will offer an Incredible Years parenting class, facilitated by Lindsay Havran, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning April 12, at the Pinon Project Annex, 300 N. Elm St., Cortez.

Dinner and childcare will be provided for each week of the free 12-week class.

For more information, contact Lara at 564-1195.



Ultralight backpacking seminar will benefit Hawkins Preserve

An Ultralight Backpacking Seminar will be offered from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14, at the Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St., Cortez.

Instructors Keith Hutcheson, Sherry Lombard and Linda Raczek are local backpackers who will offer their experience and tips to other backpackers of all levels, from beginner to experienced. The seminar’s goal is to help make backcountry travel and camping more enjoyable by incorporating tips and gear from the ultralight backpacking movement. There will be gear on display to help attendees compare newer, lighter options on the market now, older gear that serves well, and even some homemade items. Cooking tips will be offered, a wealth of personal experience, and suggestions for making a checklist.

This is a fundraiser for the Hawkins Pueblo, which is to be re-roofed and professionally stabilized for the public and schools.

The cost is $25, and attendees should RSVP to 565-1151 if possible.



Community Cinema will present free screening of ‘Bhutto’

Community Cinema will present “Bhutto” at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 14, at the Mancos Public Library, 211 W. First St.

“Bhutto” is the epic tale of the life and tragic death of Benazir Bhutto, who broke the Islamic glass ceiling as the first woman leader of a Muslim country. Beloved by the people of her native Pakistan, she was reviled by the nation’s military establishment and male-dominated ruling class. More than two years after her death from a suicide bomber, Benazir remains a divisive figure, a symbolic metaphor for the fight between terrorism and moderation. That struggle continues today in Pakistan, the world’s most strategically important country and the Muslim world’s sole nuclear power.

A panel-led discussion will follow the free screening.

For more information, call the Mancos Public Library at 533-7600 or visit www.mancoslibrary.org.



Camp Chameleon grief camp will allow youths to speak about losses

The Montezuma Hospice Camp Chameleon Youth Grief Camp, a free, one-day event for children 6 to 18 and their families who have experienced the death of someone they love, will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at the United Methodist Church Cortez, 515 N. Park St.

Registration and morning refreshments begin at 9:30 a.m. The day-long camp provides an opportunity for campers to speak openly about their losses, learn about the grieving process and find new meaning to their lives through group healing activities led by professional counselors and supportive caring adults. Lunch will be provided.

A working through play approach provides an intense experience that not only allows the participants to experience their grief, but also to learn tools to strengthen their coping processes, to learn about themselves and build self esteem, and to share with others who are going through similar situations.

For more information and to register, call Hospice at 565-4400.



McHenry will give presentation about historic McCabe Ranch

Come hear John McHenry’s “History of the McCabe Ranch” at the Montezuma County Historical Society’s symposium, at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 28, at the Methodist Church’s Hampton Hall, 515 Park St., Cortez.

McHenry is the grandson of Leona and Stanley McCabe, a rancher and coach for the Dolores school system.

For more information, contact Vivienne Kenyon at 565-7714.