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.
Thursday, Jan. 8
Alphabet Soup Family Support Group for people who are interested in establishing a support system for families of local children with special needs, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Piñon Project Annex Conference Room, corner of N. Chestnut and Arbecam in Cortez. Info.: 564-1195 ext. 229.
The Four Corners Back Country Horsemen holds its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. at the La Plata County Fairgrounds in Durango. Guests are always encouraged to attend. To learn more, go to: www.4cbch.org or contact Cathy Roberts, chapter president, at 970-749-0316 or cathyroberts08@gmail.com.
"What Were All Those Things We Thought We Had To Believe?" will be the topic at 6:30 p.m. for 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 held at St. Barnabas Church (corner of North and Elm). Questions required. No answers promised. Info: 565-7865.
Saturday, Jan. 3
Mancos Valley Distillery is kicking off the new year with a jam night. On board will be Cody Kaufman, Dewarren Neskahi Marshall?, and A.j. Costen?. Bring your instruments and dancing shoes. Doors open at 5 p.m. and music around 7. Hot drinks to warm you up along with our "Taste Like Friday" cocktail specials.
Friday, Jan. 9
Food and Farm Forum Pre-Conference Workshop, 1-4:30 p.m. Seed Save the Rocky Mountains: Fundamentals of Regional Seed Production and explore how to re-engage with the ancient tradition of seed saving. Info and registration: www.foodfarmforum.org
Saturday, Jan. 10
The Western Colorado Food and Farm Forum, is back in Montrose for its third year. Info and registration at www.foodfarmforum.org.
The Montelores Early Childhood Council holds its next monthly luncheon meetin at 11:45 a.m., in the downstairs meeting Room 110, in the Johnson Building, 925 South Broadway, in Cortez. The public is invited to these meetings. Lunch will be provided so please RSVP to Vangi McCoy at 749-7017.
The bluegrass band La La Bones plays at 7 p.m. at the Mancos Distillery. Doors open at 5 p.m. Cover is $5. Tommy Frederico on banjo, Jimi Giles on bass, Kathy Hilimire on fiddle, Deb Moses on dobro, Scott Roberts on mandolin, and Kyle Siesser on guitar.
Join the League of Women Voters of Montezuma County at a breakfast meeting at 9 a.m. at the Ponderosa Restaurant in Dolores. The program will be presented by a representative of Hospice of Montezuma County who will explain the importance of final directives.
Animal Tracks and Signs at Mesa Verde National Park, 9 a.m. to noon. Learn to ID tracks and sign around Morefield Campground. Ages 7 to adult. Call 970-529-4631 for reservations. Fee: $10 vehicle.
Friday, Jan. 16
Annual Permit Party at the Dolores Community Center, 6-10 p.m. River permit info and applications will be available. Enjoy live music, the "Warm Springs" film, and a silent auction, including a trip for two on the Yampa River from O.A.R.S. Info: 970-560-5486, or info@doloresriverboating.org.
Saturday, Jan. 17
Square Dance Lessons at Kemper Elementary: A meet-and-greet at 6:30 p.m. Lessons begin Jan. 19, 7:15-8:45 p.m. Info: Judy Morris 565-9836 or Vonnie Robinson 749-9682.
Roscoe performs acoustic blues and swing at the Mancos Brewery at 7 p.m. No cover.
Ancestral Pueblo Adaptations to Winter at Mesa Verde National Park, 2-4 p.m. Discover survival strategies used by Puebloans. Meet at Chapin Mesa Museum. Ages 7 to adult. Call 970-529-4631 for reservations. Fee: $10 per vehicle.
Tuesday, Jan. 20
HÜMÜH Clear Mind Buddhism offers a short recorded Teaching on The Logic of Clear Communication, by Wisdom Master Maticintin, followed by discussion lead by a local student. Mancos Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Info: 800-336-6015 or www.HUMUH.org.
The Southwest Colorado Green Party will hold its first quarterly meeting of 2015 on the second floor of the Wilson Building, 10 W. Main Street, Cortez, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. All are welcome.
Through January
Children's Kiva Montessori School, a free Colorado Public Charter School under the Montezuma Cortez RE-1 School District, will begin enrollment for the 2015-2016 school year soon. Visit www.kivacharter.org for detailed information and important dates.
"Midwinter Fun" is the January theme of Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., Cortez. Every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Older children are welcome to join us for a craft at 11:15 a.m. Info: 970-565-8117.
Saturday, Feb. 28
Plant and Animal Adaptations at Mesa Verde National Park, 9 a.m. to noon. Explore how animals and plants survive in the winter. Ages 7 to adult. Call 970-529-4631 for reservations. Fee: $10 per vehicle.
Saturday, March 7
Winter Plant Identification Hike at Mesa Verde National Park, 9 a.m. to noon. Join the San Juan/Four Corners Native Plant Society on a hike to learn how to identify plants in winter. Recommended for high school age to adult. Call 970-882-4647 for reservations. Fee: $10 per vehicle.
MOndays and Fridays
Open riding hours at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds indoor arena have been extended until 9 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays, from Oct. 20 to the end of the year. User must have a Horseman card with the fairgrounds and are encouraged to call 565-1000 before arriving to confirm open riding hours.
Cortez Public Library is offering one-on-one computer and tech tutoring. Call 970-565-8117 or visit the library, 202 N. Park in Cortez, 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, Dolores. The Jan. 6 meeting includes a "Show and Tell" of UFOs ( Unfinished Objects). On Thursday, Jan. 8, Virginia gives a class on the color wheel. Guests and visitors always 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.
First Wednesday
Diabetes support group meets 3:30-5 p.m. in the Kiva Room at Southwest Memorial Hospital. Learn how to manage diabetes; share ideas with others. Sessions are free and open to anyone with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Contact Laura White, RD, at 564-2276.
First Thursday
Montezuma County Republican Central Committee meets at noon at Shiloh's Steakhouse. Email Nicci Crowley at montezumagop@gmail.com or call 570-9372.
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
First and Third Thursdays
Learn signs and nursery rhymes at the Mancos Public Library at 10 a.m. All ages welcome. Call 970-403-9237.
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 out or make donations, call Gretchen, 509-830-4380.
Second Thursday
Montezuma County Republican Women meet at noon at Shiloh's on Veach and Main St. All are welcome. Info: Call Rosemarie Beall at 564-1576.
A free legal self-help clinic for Montezuma County parties without an attorney are 2-5 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.
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., Cortez. Call chapter president Steve Reed at 970-565-7233. No motorcycle required.
Third Wednesday
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 Street, Cortez. Discuss options with other caregivers.
Third Thursday
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.
Fourth Monday
The Southwest Center for Independence Potluck Lunch Group meets the fourth Monday 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.
Last Tuesday
Loss & Grief Support Group, 5:15 p.m. Hospice of Montezuma, 1345 S. Broadway, Cortez. Drop in; discussion of any loss issue. Info: 565-4400.
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 Thursday
Suicide Support Group, 6:15 p.m. Hospice of Montezuma, 1345 S. Broadway, Cortez. Info: 565-4400.
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 from 1 to 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.
Every Wednesday
Bible studies at Chapel on the Farm, 6 p.m. 19927 Road 26.2 Loop, Dolores. 903-6153
Every Thursday
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
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.