Community Calendar: What’s happening in the Cortez area

Artists will create burro-inspired pieces at the Mancos Burro Fest on Saturday, June 15 in Mancos. The fifth annual Burro Fest is to be held from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Boyle Park, 150 W. Grand Ave. The event will feature the BurrOlympics, a Burro parade, a skill competition from artists, a makers market, food trucks, a beer garden, and activities for the whole family. (Courtesy photo)
CORTEZ
Wednesday, May 29

Cortez Adult Education Center Hosts GED Graduation Ceremony, 5-6 p.m. Turquoise Raven Art Gallery, 104 E. Main St. Free. Come celebrate our GED students as they graduate! Open to all community members and family. No RSVP is necessary. Details: (970) 564-7004 or email info@durangoadulted.org.

Wine Class w/ Casey – Rosé, 6 p.m. ZU Gallery, 48 W. Main St. $40. Tastings of 4 wines, light snacks, and a Rosé wine info postcard. Details: zugallery.com/workshops

Thursday, May 30

“My Refugee Story,” 6-7:30 p.m. Empire Electric, Calvin Denton Room, 801 N. Broadway. Free. Nyibol Bior, refugee from Sudan, will speak of her journey seasoned with suffering and courage. Details: Cortez Unity of Community, cuc125606@gmail.com.

Final day: Blue Birds Art Exhibit, 4–7 p.m. Turquoise Raven Art Gallery, 104 E. Main St. Blue birds of all kinds with many different artists participating. Details: Visit turquoiseravenartgallery.com, call (970) 529-3597 or turquoiseravenart@gmail.com.

Friday, May 31

Season finale: Listening Room w/ Throwback Swing, 6 p.m. ZU Gallery, 48 W. Main St. Free. 27th Listening Room! Details: zugallery.com.

Saturday, June 1

Montezuma County League of Women Voters: Let’s talk Elections, 10 a.m. Sunflower Theater, 8 W. Main St. Free. County Clerk Kim Percell explains why Colorado’s election system is considered the gold standard of elections. Details: Email Judy Schuenemeyer at judyswsc@gmail.com.

Wine Down Time, 6 p.m. ZU Gallery, 48 W. Main St. Free. Live music every Monday, Friday and Saturday from June through September. Details: zugallery.com.

Thursday, June 13

Rumpelstiltskin Puppet Show, 5 p.m. Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park Ave. Free. Adventure begins with the summer reading kickoff event featuring the Great Arizona Puppet Theater. Details: (970) 565-8117.

Saturday, June 15

75th Anniversary of Jackson Gulch Dam, 2 p.m. Outside at the Mancos State Park Pavilion, 42250 Road N. Free. Celebrating 75 years of water supply to the Mancos Valley, including presentations, BBQ and fireworks. Details: Please RSVP by calling (970) 533-7325 or email gary.mwcd@gmail.com or wescolemanmwcd@gmail.com.

Thursday, June 20

Third Thursdays Cortez Downtown Market, 5 p.m.- 8 p.m. Montezuma Park, 3 W. Montezuma Ave. Free. Join this community event featuring live music, vendors, food & drink, giveaways and family fun! Details: shopcortez.com/third-thursdays/.

Saturday, June 22

Galloping Goose’s Impact, 2–3 p.m. Montezuma Heritage Museum, 35 S. Chestnut St. Donations are encouraged. Joe Brecker will describe the importance of the Galloping Goose to Dolores.

Monday, June 24

Marcie Ryan's Tanzania Trip, 5-6 p.m. Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park Ave. Free. Marcie Ryan's presentation on her Tanzania trip. Summer 2024 Reading "Adventure Begins at Your Library". Details: hroe@cortezco.gov.

Saturday, July 27

From Sagebrush to Sweet corn, 2–3 p.m. Montezuma Heritage Museum, 35 S. Chestnut St. Donations are encouraged. Simon Martinez will inform the crowd on the operations and products of the Ute Farm.

Thursday, Aug. 22

Spaghetti Fundraiser/Annual Meeting, 6–8 p.m. Montezuma County Annex Building, 107 N. Chestnut St. $10 /plate, members $8/plate. Learn about the Heritage Museum.

Saturday, Aug. 24

Sweet Taste of Success, 2–3 p.m. Montezuma Heritage Museum, 35 S. Chestnut St. Donations encouraged. Jack and Jude Schuenemeyers will tell of operations and efforts of MORP.

Mondays

Square Dance lessons with Four Corners Dancers, 7–8:30 p.m. Cortez Senior Center, 117 N. Chestnut St. Enter through the western entrance. Make friends, laugh and exercise. No partner needed. Details: Duane Randol at 560-2137, Patty Randol at (970) 560-4709 or duaneandpatty.randol@gmail.com.

Mahjong, Noon – 3:30 p.m. Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. American and/or Hong Kong. The public is welcome.

Tuesdays

Southwest Art League, 10 a.m. Annex Building, Senior Center, 107 N. Chestnut St. Paint, share ideas, give demos and give unsolicited advice. All welcome. Details: (720) 448-0418.

Free Summer Meals for Kids, 10 – 11 a.m. Kemper Elementary School, 620 E. Montezuma. No cost or enrollment required. Open to all kids and tens 18 and under. Starting Monday June 3 through July 23, pick up 4 days of breakfast and lunch. Details: surveymonkey.com/r/YFNM33X or Sandi (970) 565-5157.

Family Storytime, 10:30–11 a.m. Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. For pre-K and younger.

Cellphone/Tablet Tech Help, 10–11 a.m. Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. For cellphone tech help at the Cortez Library schedule your time by contacting Heather Roe: hroe@cortezco.gov. Details: (970) 568-5380.

Bridge, 1:30–4 p.m. Montezuma Valley Presbyterian Church, 350 S. Washington St. Beginners, veteran players and experts. Coffee and snacks with light fellowship. Attendees should be vaccinated and/or masked. Details: (970) 565-7024 or (970) 565-6088.

Diabetes Support, 3–4:30 p.m. Southwest Memorial Hospital in the Kiva Room, 1311 N. Mildred Road. Group meets every Second Tuesday of the month. Details: (970) 564-2275.

Show Me the Money, 4:15–5:30 p.m. Montezuma County High School Library, 418 S. Sligo St. A program for high school students to learn about finances. Details: (602) 505-0308 or aadams@scyclistens.org.

Smart Recovery, 5 – 6 p.m. Cortez Integrated Healthcare, 691 E. Empire St. Free. Peer led support group, self-empowering abstinence based self help group. Details: Kevin Frazier (970) 335-2203.

Indigenous Wellbriety Talking Circles, 6–7 p.m. Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St. Wellbriety Peer Recovery meeting. All are welcome. Join our Talking Circles in person and online: ucdenver.zoom.us/j/94721296364. Details: Frankiana, 317-8037 or Imo Succo, (970) 564-3301.

Dance With Grace and Rhythm classes, 7 p.m. County Annex Building, 107 N. Chestnut. Salsa lessons for May and Two-Step lessons in June. Details: Jared Rogers (970) 560-7462 or dancewithgraceandrhythm@gmail.com.

Mesa Verde Back Country Horsemen monthly meeting, happy half-hour at 6:30 p.m. and meeting at 7 p.m. First National Bank Meeting Room, 2258 E. Main St. Group meets every Second Tuesday of the month. Details: mesaverdehorsemen.com

Wednesdays

Computer and Technology Help, 3:30–5 p.m. Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. www.cortezlibrary.com.

Montelores Catholic Community LIFT Religious Education classes, 5:45–6:45 p.m. Church Center, 20 S. Market St. Preschool through Grade 8. Love and praise Jesus, learn the Catholic tradition, grow in prayer and service. Details: (970) 565-7308, ext. 102.

Thursdays

Family Storytime, 11–1:30 a.m. Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. For pre-K and younger.

Drop-in Storytime, 3:50–4:45 p.m. Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. All ages welcome, first through fourth interest level.

Cortez Downtown Market, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Montezuma Park, 3 W. Montezuma Ave. Free. Join this third Thursday community event featuring live music, vendors, food & drink, giveaways and family fun! Details: shopcortez.com/third-thursdays/.

Strengthening Families Class, 5:30–8 p.m. The Piñon Project, 210 E. Main St. Come out to learn skills for the whole family to support bonding and communications. Meets on Thursdays through May 30. Details: Asialynn Hager (970) 529-3305.

Alphabet Soup Support Group meeting, 6 p.m. Piñon Project, 210 E. Main St. First and Third Thursday Support group for parents, caregivers or guardians of children with special needs or behavioral challenges. Child care available with advanced arrangements. Details: Maggie at mtevault@pinonproject.org or (970) 564-1195.

Youth Leadership Council, 6–8:30 p.m. Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St. Open to Montezuma County high school students.

55+ Senior Dance Club, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Montezuma County Senior Center, 107 N. Chestnut St. Details: (970) 560-2137.

Bingo, 6:45 p.m. Cortez Elks Lodge, 2100 N. Dolores Road. Begins Sept. 2. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Food and beverages available. Details: (970) 565-3557.

Indigenous Wellbriety Talking Circles, 1–2:30 p.m. Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St. Wellbriety Peer Recovery meeting. All are welcome. Join our Talking Circles in person and online: ucdenver.zoom.us/j/94721296364. Details: Frankiana, (970) 317-8037 or Imo Succo, (970) 564-3301.

In-person dementia support group, Beehive Homes at the Cortez Homestead, 694 Cottonwood St. Group meets every third Thursday. Details: (970) 529-2050.

Fridays

TOPS weight-loss meeting, weigh-in at 10:45 a.m. Meeting at 11:30 a.m. City Hall (when open), 123 Roger Smith Ave. Everyone welcome. Details: kkamminga17@yahoo.com.

Chapter 44 Disabled American Veterans. Lunch at noon. Lindsay-Geer monthly meeting at 12:30 p.m. Veterans Outreach Center, 432 N. Broadway. Group meets every first Friday of the month. Details: (970) 565-4310.

Men's Support Group, 2–3 p.m. Hospice of Montezuma, 512 N. Broadway, Cortez. Details: (970) 565-4400.

Game Night with Piñon Project, 6 p.m. Free. Virtual. Ages 7-17. Details: Landon, (970) 529-3305 or lcook@pinonproject.org.

Saturdays

Red Dress Awareness and Action events, Noon – 2 p.m. Corner of Main St. and Mildred Road. Details: (612) 422-0791.

Second Saturdays: Four Corners Dance, 7–9 p.m. Montezuma County Senior Center, 117 N. Chestnut St. First dance is free, cover is $15 general admission or $10 per member. DJ plays dance music for all ballroom and 2 step dances, all ages welcome. Details: (970) 759-0980 or janheylart@yahoo.com.

Sundays

Farmers & Artisans Market, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Warehouse, 30 N. Beech St. Free admission. Local produce, meat, plants, herbs, products, handmade goods. Third Sundays through April. Details: (970) 565-6424 or fourcornersfoodcoalition@gmail.com

DOLORES
Saturday, June 1

Dolores Riverfest, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Joe Rowell Park, 100 Railroad Ave. $25 – $95. Enjoy a full day of family fun! Overnight camping allowed with fee. Details: doloresriverfest.org.

Easy Jim presents Music of the Grateful Dead, 8:50 p.m. Dolores River Festival Main Stage. $30. Celebrate the live Grateful Dead experience with Easy Jim at the the Dolores River Festival. Details: easyjiband.net.

Mondays

Wobblers & Walkers, 11 a.m. Dolores Public Library, 1002 Railroad Ave. Free. Come out to enjoy an hour of free play, reading, and a surprise activity! Details: (970) 882-4127.

Afterschool Theatre & Improv, 4:30–6 p.m. LBP Productions, 400 Riverside Ave. $135. Join the LBP staff for a fun & empowering after-school musical theater program for children ages 6-11. Details: https://bit.ly/489Y9zu or (307) 829-0262.

Tuesdays

Dolores Rotary Club Meetings, 7:30 a.m. Dolores Public Library, 1002 Railroad Ave. First meeting is free, annual membership $155. Details: Susan Lisak, doloresrotary3256@gmail.com or (970) 426-9902.

Dolores Mountain Quilters meeting, 9:30 a.m. social, 10 a.m. meeting, Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave. Masks required. Limit 50 people. First Tuesdays of the month Details: Suzanne, (404) 374-6558 or sdbfield@aol.com; doloresmountainquilters.org.

Qi Gong w/ Andy Parks, 10:15 a.m. Dolores Public Library, 1002 Railroad Ave. Qi Gong is a mindful movement practice integrating exercise, posture, breathing awareness, and meditation. Space is limited, please register. Details: (970) 882-4127.

Wednesdays

Middle School Meet Up, 4 p.m. Dolores Public Library, 1002 Railroad Ave. Middle school after school program with games, movies and learning. Details: (970) 882-4127.

Community Yoga, 5:30–6:30 p.m. Dolores Public Library, 1002 Railroad Ave. Details: (970) 882-4127.

Thursdays

Book Club, 10–11 a.m. Dolores Public Library, 1002 Railroad Ave. Book club meets every second Thursday of the month. Details: (970) 882-4127.

Fridays

Mahjong, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Dolores Public Library, 1002 Railroad Ave. All skill levels welcome! Seasoned players/handbooks available to help you level up. Details: (970) 882-4127.

Lego Lab, 1-2 p.m. Dolores Public Library, 1002 Railroad Ave. Free. LEGO Lab activity for young builders, to explore their creativity and imagination through the colorful world of LEGO! Details: (970) 882-4127.

MANCOS
Saturday, June 15

Fifth Annual Burro Fest, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Boyle Park, 150 W. Grand Ave. BurrOlympics, featured artists, makers market, food trucks, beer, and lots of kids activities. Details: burrofest.com.

Thursday, July 11 through Sunday, July 14

Mesa Verde Writer’s Conference, Schedule TBA. Harmony Barn, 45262 Road J.8. $425. A generative conference and work created may become a finished story, personal essay, novel or poem. Details: mesaverdewritersconference.org

Mondays

Ballroom Dance Lessons, 3–8 p.m. Mancos Community Center, 130 W. Grand Ave.

Tuesdays

Montezuma County free legal clinic, 2–5 p.m. Mancos Public Library, 211 W. First St. Available every Second Tuesday of the month. Details: (970) 533-7600.

Thursdays

Brown’s Good Eats, Greek Gyros, Boyle Park, 150 Grand Ave.

Teen Lounge, 4–5:30 p.m. Mancos Public Library, 211 W. First St.

Durango
Friday, June 7

Written on the Landscape: Mysteries Beyond Chaco Canyon, 7 p.m. Fort Lewis College Community Concert Hall, 1000 Rim Drive. Free. San Juan Basin Archeological Society presents the Solstice Project's groundbreaking research showing the immense region of the Chaco World. Details: (970) 247-7657 or durangoconcerts.com.

Saturday, July 20

Christmas in July, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. La Plata County Fairgrounds & Event Center, 2500 Main Ave., Durango. $5. Join in for a festive day of holiday cheer in the heart of summer. Details: https://bit.ly/3vxCjbd or info@bci-events.com.

FARMINGTON
Friday, May 31

Drive, Chip & Putt, 8 a.m. Riverview Golf Course, 64 Road 6520. Free. Open to boys and girls ages 7-15. Boys and girls will compete in separate divisions in four age categories: 7-9 years old; 10-11 years old; 12-13 years old; and 14-15 years old. Details: https://bit.ly/3w6vHAT or (908) 234-2300 ext. 9.

Wednesdays

Toddler play date, 10 a.m. – noon. E3 Children's Museum and Science Center, 302 N. Orchard Ave. Free. Designed for families with young children to develop early motor skills and find new playmates. Details: (505) 599-1425.

Paonia
Thursday, June 13 through Sunday, June 16

Make Better Medicine: The Art & Science of Botanical Tincturing, Elderberry's Education and Retreat Center, 1978 Harding Road. $450. A 4-day course designed to help herbalists learn the art and science of crafting potent herbal tinctures. Details: https://bit.ly/48niGjo

The Journal