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, Sept. 10

Join the Chamber of Commerce for food, drinks and community at our Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m. at 31 W. Main St. Meet our new manager, connect with local professionals and sign up to host a BAH.

Landscape artist J. Milton Beens offers a free plein air painting demonstration from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on the back porch of the chief ranger's office, next door to the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum in No reservation needed.

The Four Corners Back Country Horsemen hold their monthly meeting at 7 p.m. at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Guests are welcome. This month: a demonstration of hoof boots and composite shoes by Kevin Myers, of EasyCare Inc. in the pavilion at 7:30. Learn more: www.4cbch.org, call 970-749-0316 or email cathyroberts08@gmail.com.

The San Juan Basin Archaeological Society meets at 7 p.m. at the Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College. Tim Riley, Curator of Archaeology at the Utah State University Eastern Prehistoric Museum in Price, Utah, will present a program on "Coprolites and their Value in Archaeological Research". The public is invited.

Friday, Sept. 11

Live music with Rob Webster at Blondies in Cortez, 8 p.m. More info at www.robwebstermusic.com.

Life Is An Adventure at Mancos Public Library with "Discovering the Inka, " a slideshow and presentation by Michael Williams at 7 p.m. Details: Visit www.mancoslibrary.org or call the library at 970-533-7600.

Night and Day, an exhibit of new Giclee prints by Janet E. Chanay, opens at 6-8 p.m. at the Raven House Gallery, 120 W. Grande Ave., Mancos.

Saturday, Sept. 12

Walk to End Alzheimer's at Cortez City Park. Registration begins at 8:45 a.m., walk begins at 9:30 a.m., and all-day festivities including the Blue Moon Ramblers, Donny Johnson, Dawni Stiegelmeyer, Linda Carter, Anthony Maes, and the M-CHS Honors Choir begin at 10:45 a.m. There will be silent and live auctions, games, booths and a bouncy house. at 10:45 a.m. Details: Elaine at 970-799-2328, or Sheila at 970-560-2228.

The local League of Women Voters gets an overview of behavioral health care in Colorado and with federal legislation at 9 a.m. at the Ponderosa Restaurant in Dolores. The presenter will be retired District Judge Sharon Hansen. Information: Eleanor Kuhl at 970-564-0708.

Sunday, Sept. 13

Mancos Fall Harvest potluck, 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Grand Avenue from Main to Mesa street. Setup begins at 4:30 p.m., and bring your own table. Pie judging at 5 p.m.; dinner, at 5:30 p.m. Bring a pie in one or all categories: fruit, savory, creme, nut. Pies must arrive and be labeled by 5 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 14

The Southwest Singers' Chamber Choir begins rehearsals, meeting in the choir room of the First United Methodist Church in Cortez (515 N. Park). All parts welcome but especially needed this season are bass/baritone. Concert dates: Oct 10, Nov 22, Dec 4-5. Questions: 979-562-4476.

The Montelores Early Childhood Council holds its monthly luncheon at 11:45 a.m., in downstairs meeting room 110, in the Johnson Building, 925 South Broadway, in Cortez. The public and parents are invited. Lunch provided; RSVP to Vangi McCoy, 970-749-7017.

Mancos Public Library hosts a Fall Star Party with astronomer John Buting at 8 p.m. View the sky with an expert,from the Four Corners Stargazers group. Open to the public, all ages are welcome. Details: 970-533-7600.

South African Horticulturist Speaks About Rare Plants and Succulents and Southwest Garden Similarities, 1:30 p.m. at the BLM Anasazi Heritage Center on Colo. 184 in Dolores. Free and open to the public, followed by a tour of the Heritage Center Plaza and Plant Select Demonstration gardens.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Montelores Baptist Church Chili Fest and Cook-off, 5-7:30 p.m., 18375 CR 23.5 off Colo. 184. Concert by the Gospel cowboy band Mountain Saddle Band. Donations accepted for concert and dinner. Prizes be awarded for chili; no entry fee. information and registration: Pastor Paul at 970-882-2418 or monteloresbc@hotmail.com.

Lighthouse Christian Academy hosts 2015 LCA Market, including new and used items and fresh foods, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. at 11502 Colo. 145, Cortez. Vendor spaces: $20. Details: Ruth at 970-570-9332.

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.

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.

November

Southwest Art League member Saralynn Risenhoover is a featured artist at the Cortez Recreation Center and lynn Risenhoover is a featured artist at the Cortez Library.

Monday-Friday

Free nondenominational silent meditation in the Johnson Building at 7 p.m., at 925 Broadway, No. 184. Call (970) 560-2822.

Mondays And Fridays

Cortez Public Library offers one-on-one computer and tech tutoring. Call 970-565-8117 or visit the library, 202 N. Park, to schedule an appointment.

Saturdays

The Cortez Farmers Market runs 7:30 a.m. until sellout through October in the County Courthouse parking lot at the of Main and Elm streets. Fruits and vegetables, baked goods, food and beverages, plants, crafts, story time and live music - all produced in Montezuma and Dolores counties.

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 every month at the Cortez Elks Lodge. More info: 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. The program for Aug. 4 will be information to increase your knowledge of various "fancy" feet for your sewing machines. Guests and visitors welcome. Info: doloresmountainquilters.org or Sine Skags at 719-850-0923.

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 and Third Tuesday

Children Wanted! St. Paul's Joyful Noise Children's Choir meets 4 to -4:45 p.m. at Oak and Bauer. Learn traditional, upbeat songs children usually learn in Sunday school with piano, dulcimer, hand percussion, a few Orff instruments and some acting and dance moves. Free. All welcome, Ages K-5.

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 Wednesday

Diabetes support group meets 3:30-5 p.m. in the Kiva Room at Southwest Memorial Hospital. Learn to manage diabetes; share ideas. Sessions are free and open to anyone with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Contact Laura White, RD, at 564-2276 for details.

First Thursday

Montezuma County Republican Central Committee meets at noon at Shiloh Steakhouse. Email Nicci Crowley at montezumagop@gmail.com or call 570-9372.

Bariatric Surgery Weight Loss Support Group meets at 5-6:30 p.m. in the Kiva room at Southwest Memorial Hospital. Share ideas and exchange information with others. Free. Call Registered Dietitian Laura White, at 564-2276.

The Montezuma County VFW Post 5231 meets at 7 p.m. at the Post home in Mancos.

First Friday

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.

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 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.

The Southwest Art League meets the second Tuesday of every month. For information and summer locations, call 970-882-4770.

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 Thursday

The Southwest Woodworkers Guild meets at 7 p.m. at various locations. Woodworkers welcome, beginner to expert. Call Rick, 533-7180.

Montezuma County Republican Women meet at noon at Shiloh Steakhouse at Veach and Main streets. All are welcome. Info: Rosemarie Beall at 564-1576.

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.

Summit Ridge Women's Club seeks members to promote the organization and service club efforts of providing High School scholarships, sponsoring families in need during holiday events. The club meets once a month. For information, call Marie Chiarizia 757-395-0915.

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 St. 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.

Third Sunday

The Cortez Fire Protection District holds CPR and First-Aid certification classes at 9 a.m., Station 1, 30 N. Ash St., Cortez. Courses are six to eight hours and include CPR/AED, CPR/AED and First-Aid, Healthcare Provider CPR. Minimum class size is four students. Call 970-565-3157 to register.

Fourth Monday

The Southwest Center for Independence Potluck Lunch Group meets 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.

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.

FOURTH SUNDAY

KIRTAN in Cortez (Bhakti Yoga practice) 6-8 p.m., at Heart and Core Yoga Studio, 30 W. Main, Cortez. All are welcome. $10 donation suggested. Info: Jennie Nuriya 801-671-6275.

Last Wednesday

Bereavement Support Group for anyone dealing with a sudden, accidental, suicidal or traumatic death event at 5:15 p.m. Hospice of Montezuma, 1345 S. Broadway, Cortez. Info: 565-4400.

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

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 1 - 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.

Civil Air Patrol Mesa Verde Cadet Squadron meets from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at K9 Search & Rescue in Dolores. Details: Maj. Debrah Archer, 970-759-5669.

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.

Sitting in the quiet, meditation, contemplation, centering prayer - 12:15 - 12:45 p.m., St. Barnabas Church, 110 W. North St. Details: 565-7865.

The High Desert Conservation District offers a 9-week course on sustainable and profitable farming, 6-8:30 p.m., Sept. 9 through Nov. 4, at the First National Bank of Cortez. Details: www.dolorescd.org or Judy at 970-565-9045 x118. Space is limited so register soon.

Bible studies at Chapel on the Farm, 6 p.m. 19927 Road 26.2 Loop, Dolores. 903-6153.

Every Thursday

"Still Learning" is the September theme of the Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., Cortez. Story at 10:30 a.m. Older children are welcome to join in for a craft at 11:15 a.m. Details: 970-565-8117.

Country music and dancing for residents at the Cortez Senior Center, 7-10 p.m.

Elks Bingo. New hours, beginning at 7 p.m. Come eat, play and visit.

Every Friday

Little Legs Adventures, for toddlers and preschoolers, at Denny Lake in Cortez at 10-11 a.m. on July 24, 31 and Aug. 7. Kids will learn about local critters, explore the natural world, read related books and have fun with friends. Pre-registration is encouraged. Details: Email gabi@sjma.org or call 759-1170.

TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) meets at 11:30 a.m. in the Community Room at the Cortez Public Library.

"Bereavement & Caregiver Support Group, 1 p.m. Hospice of Montezuma. Call Sunny for information and location. 565-4400.