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.

September

Call for artists and vendors for Mancos Valley Balloon & Artfest, which runs Sept. 26-27. Details: 970-533-7434 or www.chamber@mancosvalley.com.

The Unlimited Learning Center is enrolling students through September to earn a GED, 9 a.m. -4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 640 E. Second St., Cortez. Details: 970-565-1601.

Thursday, Sept. 17

Navajo Taco Dinner Fundraiser for Grace's Kitchen, 6-8 p.m., at St. Barnabas Church, 110 W. North St. (North and Elm). Dinner includes a Navajo Taco, a beverage and a dessert. Cost: $12/person or $25/family of four.

The Southwest Center for Independence's low-vision expo, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Durango Library. Open to seniors or anyone with vision loss to learn practical strategies, funding sources and supports. Topics include TBI Vision Training, glaucoma, eye diseases, and a DVR training. Lunch provided. Details: Angela Kyle at 970-570-8001 or email oib@swilc.org.

Montezuma Dems present a free film, "Watershed," at 7 p.m. at the Dolores Library. Produced and narrated by Robert Redford and directed by Mark Decena, "Watershed" tells of threats to the Colorado River and offers solutions for the West.

Friday, Sept. 18

Ranger Paul Morey discusses the history of elk and their management within and around Mesa Verde, 7 p.m., at Far View Lodge in Mesa Verde National Park. The program begins at 7 p.m. and is free to the public. A field trip the next morning gives participants a chance to see and hear elk inside the park.

Saturday, Sept. 19

The Kiva Montessori School Yard Sale, 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. Donations accepted Sept. 14 to 18 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Children's House, 1204 E. Empire St. Cortez. Funds used to buy items for class; remaining items donated to the For Pet's Sake yard sale. Preferred drop-off for larger loads or larger items is Friday, Sept. 18. Details: Becca at 882-3425.

Lee Bartley and Terry Wells, with special guest Helen Looman, appear at the Mancos Brewing Company in Mancos, 6-8 p.m., playing a blend of jazz, pop and Broadway tunes.

The CSU Extension's apple "U-Pick" harvest is 9-11 a.m. at the CSU Southwestern Colorado Research Station, 18 miles north of Cortez. (Take U.S. 491 to Road Z and turn west. It's on the left after you cross Road 17.) "U-Pick" offers fruit at 50 cents a pound on a first-come, first-serve basis. Details: Montezuma County Extension Office at 565-3123.

Friday-Saturday, SEPT. 18-19

For Pets' Sake Humane Society's Fall Yard Sale fundraiser, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cortez Plaza Shopping Center, 2200 block of E. Main St. Donations accepted at the building Sept. 17, 2-7 p.m. and Thursday Sept. 24, 3-6 p.m. Call for early drop-offs and large pickups: 970-565-PETS/7387.

Saturday, Sept. 19

Community Swap Meet, sponsored by Cortez Civitan, 8 a.m. to noon 20620 U.S. 491, 12 miles north of Cortez at mile marker 39.. Space rental: $10. To RSVP, call Gayle 970-529-3747.

Square dance lessons at Kemper Elementary: A meet-and-greet at Kemper at 6:30 p.m.; lessons beginning Sept. 21, 7:15-8:45 p.m. Info: Judy Morris 565-9836 or Vonnie Robinson 749-9682.

The ASCA-sanctioned dog show is at the Joe Rowell Park in Dolores. Conformation shows are open to all ASCA Australian Shepherds and the 2 Rally Trials are open to All Breeds. Details: www.4-casa.org.

"Creating Moonshot Moments" workshop, 10 a.m. to noon, 130 Noble Hall, Fort Lewis College. Free, for teachers and parents. Learn how to assist youths develop systems for organizing the environment and the mind while restoring order and confidence. Sponsored by The Liberty School and San Juan BOCES. Details: 970-385-4834.

Family Discovery Day, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., LDS Chapel, 1700 E. Empire St., Cortez. Learn how to strengthen family ties across all generations. Free, all ages welcome. Sign up at www.lds.org/familydiscoveryday.

The Cortez Public Library sponsors a SPELL (Supporting Parents in Early Literacy through Libraries) event at 1:30 p.m. at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. The program targets families with Montezuma County kids under age 4. No cost to participants. The program helps parents establish a daily reading habit. Details: 970-565-8117; ask for Eric or Laura.

The Mancos Valley Distillery presents Deb Hilton, Flying Solo. Doors open at 5 p.m. Music starts at 8 p.m. Cover charge: $3. Deb is one-half of the duo The Porchlights. "Tastes Like Friday" cocktail specials will be served.

Tuesday, Sept. 22

The Hisatsinom Chapter of the Colorado Archaeology Society presents David Lee on Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Sunflower Theatre, 8 E. Main St., Cortez, to discuss "Closer than we Know: Comparing the Rock Art of Australia and Western North America." Details: Kari Schleher, 505-269-4475.

Wednesday, Sept. 23

PEAK Parent Center will be at Cortez High School on Sept. 23 from noon to 2:30 p.m. to present a workshop on "The Road to a Good Life: and how to get what you need for parents and young people with disabilities ages 14-26. Free. Sign up at www.peakparent.org/events/road-good-life-how-get-what-youneed or call 719-531-9400 or 800-284-0251. Register before Sept. 16.

Thursday, Sept. 24

For Pets' Sake Humane Society holds its monthly board meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. Discussion will include the group's finances, pet assistance programs, Fall Yard Sale, vaccination clinic and other fundraisers. All are welcome to attend. Details: (970) 565-PETS/7387.

"Religious Liberty" is 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. Details: 565-7865.

Acoustic Old Timey Open Jam Session at the Mt. Lookout Grange in Mancos, at 6 p.m. Jam session open to listeners and players. Free, but donations are appreciated.

Friday, Sept. 25

Mancos Valley Distillery presents The Porchlights. Doors open at 5 p.m.; music starts at 8 p.m. The Porchlights have released five CDs, and the sixth is currently in production. Check them out at: http://porchlights.20m.com/index.html. "Tastes Like Friday" cocktail specials will be served.

"Courage To Be You," the seventh annual celebration of women, at the Shiprock Youth Complex, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Free on-site registration and lunch for registered participants. Details: 505-215-0814

Friday-Saturday, SEPT. 25-26

For Pets' Sake Humane Society's Fall Yard Sale fundraiser, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cortez Plaza Shopping Center, 2200 block of E. Main St. Donations accepted at the building, Sept. 24, 3-6 p.m. Call for early drop-offs and large item pick-ups: (970) 565-PETS/7387.

Friday-Sunday, Sept. 25-27

Mancos Valley Balloon Festival & Street Fair, downtown Mancos, Colo. Balloon rides, live music, carriage rides, our "Pilots & Heroes" BBQ dinner, and more. Proceeds benefit: Operation Second Chance and Medicine Horse Center. To schedule a balloon ride, contact Bobbi at 970-560-0203 or bobbib203@gmail.com. Vendor spaces available. Details: Marie, 970-533-7434 or chamber@mancosvalley.com

Saturday, Sept. 26

National Public Lands Day, held this year at Phil's World, hosts a "Trasher Hunt." Adults, motorized/non-motorized and youth volunteers are encouraged to sign up. Lunch, T-shirt, trash bags, buckets and any tools will be provided. Wear long pants, sturdy shoes, eye protection such as sunglasses and gloves. Register by Sept. 24. Details: Kathe Hayes, kathe@sjma.org or 385-1310.

Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance presents a lecture Dr. Steve Lekson at 7 p.m., at the Sunflower Theatre in Cortez. Lekson will discuss Chaco, Cahokia, and Postclassic North America. The lecture is free and part of the Four Corners Lecture Series.

Thursday, Oct. 8

Tryouts for solos in the annual Messiah Sing-In are from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 512 North Park, Cortez. The Sing-In will be performed on Sunday, Dec. 6. Details: 970-564-9458.

Sunday, Oct. 11

Ride of the Ancients, Parque de Vida, 400 N. Mildred, Cortez. Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance (SCCA) and Southwest Memorial Foundation (SWMF) launch the first area century ride. Individuals and teams of up to 4 riders may enter. Register at www.rideoftheanicents.com. Proceeds benefit SCCA's mission Montelores Cancer Care Fund. Volunteers needed. Contact Diane McBride at diane.mcbride@swcocanyons.org or 970-560-1643.

Thursday, Oct. 15

Love on a Hanger's 5th Annual Pretty in Pink Fashion Show, at Four Seasons Greenhouse. Show starts at 7 p.m.; doors open at 6 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Women's Cancer Coalition. General Admission $15 VIP Seating $30. Tickets available at Love on a Hanger or at bitly.com/LoveHanger. Details: 970-565-9075.

Second Tuesday

The Ute Mountain High School Rodeo Team meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the outdoor arena at the fairgrounds. Contact Karen for information at 970-560-2657.

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. Bring your own needles and yarn if possible. To sign up or for info, ?visit www.mancoslibrary.org or ?call Kathy Graf at 970-565-7600 ext. 206 or email kgraf@mancoslibrary.org.

First Thursday

Montezuma County Republican Central Committee meets at noon at Shiloh 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 Saturday

Teen Movie Nights at the Mancos Public Library, 7-10 p.m. in the Mancos Public Library Community Meeting Room. View a movie on the library's big screen. Details and schedule: 533-7600. Snacks provided!

Second Tuesday

The Ute Mountain High School Rodeo Team meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the outdoor arena at the fairgrounds. Contact Karen for information at 970-560-2657.

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 Wednesday

Montezuma County Hospital District monthly board of directors meeting in the Kiva Room at Southwest Memorial hospital from 6 to 8 p.m. The public is welcome. Information: 564-2146.

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

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.

Third Friday

Teen Nights at the Mancos Public Library, every third Friday from 7-10 p.m. during the school year. Games on Wii, PS4, Xbox One and snacks too.

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.

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 Thursday

The Mancos Public Library Board of Trustees meets at 5 p.m. in the library meeting room, 211 W. First St. Info: 533-7600.

The Mancos Historical Society meets at the Mancos Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 470 W. Grand Ave., at 5 p.m. - a time change.

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

"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.

Every Wednesday

GOAL Academy/Rocky Mountain Digital Academy, a free, accredited online high school, is enrolling for upcoming school year (now through Sept. 10th) and informational sessions every Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at its new location at 215 N. Linden St. Suite D. Details: 970-213-0923 or www.goalac.org.

Yoga Flow with Lily, 9:30-11 a.m. at the Grange. Call 847-819-2039.

At the Mancos Public Library

Adults

Thursday, Sept. 17

Fall Star Party with astronomer.John Buting at 8 p.m. at the Mancos High School football field. Telescopes will be set up for viewing of stars, the moon, and perhaps Saturn. Buting shares his knowledge of the moon, constellations, and planets. Buting is a member of the Four Corners Stargazers group, an astronomy and star-gazing group in Southwest Colorado and the surrounding region. This is a free program open to the public, all ages are welcome.

Mondays, Sept. 21, Oct. 5, Oct. 19

Basic Computer Classes, 6:30-8 p.m. Sign up at the circulation desk. Bring your own laptop (Mac or PC) or borrow one of the library laptops to use during the class.

Sept. 21: How to set up a free email account, manage email attachments, and use basic search techniques to find information on the Internet.

Oct. 5: Basic word processing using Microsoft Word 2013. Information about free word processing programs will also be presented.

Oct. 19: All about cloud storage. Learn about the differences between Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, and Apple iCloud and privacy implications when using these free and paid services.

Book Sale: Stop by the Friends of the Library booth during the Mancos Valley Balloon & Art Festival, Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Tuesdays

Knit or Crochet at the Library: Tuesdays, 6 -7 p.m. Join skilled knitting enthusiast, Kathy Graf, to knit or crochet. Teens and adults are welcome. This is a free program. Limited supplies of knitting needles, crochet hooks, and yarn are available or bring your own if possible. To sign-up or for more information please visit ? ?www.mancoslibrary.org or ?c?ontact? Kathy Graf at 970-565-7600 ext. 206 or email kgraf@mancoslibrary.org

Wednesdays

Spanish speakers: A free class for Spanish speakers trying to improve their English skills, 10-11:30 a.m.

Free legal clinic: Every second Thursday, 2-4 p.m. First-come, first-served or call the day of the clinic to make an appointment.

Teens

Every third Friday: Teen Game Night. Hang out, munch some foods, and play video games, board games, chess, and more. (Every third Friday.)

Every first Saturday: Movie night.

Kids

Every Tuesday

Kids storytime. A bilingual, seasonal story time for ages birth through 6 years old, 10:30-11:30 a.m. -

Mondays

Free movies targeted at elementary-age kids, 4-5:30 p.m.

Every third Wednesday

Play video games at the library until 5 p.m.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting Sept. 17

Outdoor Adventures for students ages 9-12, at 3:45-5:30 p.m. Must pre-register!