Send announcements to news@cortezjournal.com. Items submitted less than two weeks in advance will be less likely to be published. Entries may be edited for length and content.

Thursday, July 24

"Wildlife Conservation and Zooarchaeology," presented by Steve Wolverton at 7 p.m., Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, 23390 Road K, Cortez. It's part of the 2014 Four Corners Lecture Series. Admission is free. Call 970-564-4362.

The Colorado Department of Human Services plans a town hall meeting at 8 a.m. at Montezuma County Annex, 107 N. Chestnut in Cortez to discuss its strategic planning for 2015. The public is encouraged to attend.

July 25-27

Mancos Days events will be held in Boyle Park and around town during the three-day festival. Events will start at 9:30 a.m. Friday with a kids parade and conclude with water fights Sunday afternoon. Find a full schedule at mancostimes.com

Friday, July 25

The Artisans of Mancos artist cooperative gallery at 101 Grand Ave. in Mancos hosts a new-artist reception for Bonnie Loving, horseshoe sculpture artist, at 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., in conjunction with Mancos Days. Refreshments will be provided.

The San Juan Mountains Association will host a program for toddlers and preschool student at Denny Lake from 10-11 a.m. Kids will learn about local critters, explore the natural world, read related books and have fun. Free. Contact SJMA: gabi@sjma.org or 759-1170.

Saturday, July 26

San Juan Mountain Association volunteers plan to rebuild and repair the boardwalk at the Calico Trail above Dolores. Meet at the trailhead at 8 am. Wear long pants, sturdy shoes, a hat, and bring gloves, water and eye protection. To help call Chris Bouton, 882-6831.

For Pets' Sake Humane Society will hold its Summer Wine Festival from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cliffrose Gardens east of Cortez on U.S. 160. The evening will include wines and beers, other cold beverages, appetizers, desserts, music by Redneck Synfuny, and a silent auction. Proceeds benefit local pets. Information: (970) 565-PETS/7387.

Meet Judy Marquez, candidate for Montezuma County clerk and recorder, at the home of Don and Ann Brown, 28829 U.S. 160, Cortez, 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Tim Sullivan, world-renown singer-songwriter is coming to Cortez. Tim will play at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post 75, 320 N. Harrison, 565-8151. More information at timsullivanmusic.com.

July 28

The Piñon Project will hold a 12-week Strengthening Families parenting class beginning weekly on Monday, July 28, 5:30-8 p.m., at The Piñon Project Annex Campus, 300 N. Elm St., Cortez. For families with children 12 to 17 years old. Dinner and childcare for children under 12 years. Free for participants. Enrollment is limited. Call Lara at 564-1195.

Wednesday, July 29

The Montezuma County Fair Horticulture/Agriculture/Design Show, July 31 to Aug. 2. Classes include: Flowers, fruits and vegetables, foliage, herbs, houseplants, educational displays, and floral design. Entries accepted July 30 from 3-8 p.m. Floral design and educational entries require pre-registration by July 29. Call Dayna Herrick at 570-9048. For questions about the show, call Mary Ann Bruner 565-9158.

The Tuesday Afternoon Women's Bowling League will hold a meeting at Lakeside Lanes at 1 p.m. There will be open bowling practice afterward. This will include 3 games for the price of 2. Information: Betsy at 882-1242.

There will be a meeting for citizens to weigh in on the management of the San Juan Skyway, 6-8:30 p.m., Mancos Grange, 680 Grand Ave. RSVP by July 28 to Kathy Sherer: jksherer@q.comor or 970-884-2355

Aug. 1-2

Presbyterian women will have their back-to-school rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Montezuma Valley Presbyterian Church, 350 S. Washington St. Proceeds go toward mission projects. For info: 565-7024.

Aug. 1-3

The Cortez Hot Air Balloon Rally will start each day at 6:30 a.m. flying from Parque de Vida. KOA Kampgrounds will be the host for balloons flying from its park. Volunteers are needed. Call Cookie See: 505-977-2679.

Monday, Aug. 4

The Montelores Early Childhood Council will hold its next monthly luncheon meeting at 11:45 a.m., in downstairs Meeting Room 110, in the Johnson Building, 525 South Broadway, in Cortez. The public is invited. Lunch will be provided so please RSVP to Vangi McCoy by calling 970-749-7017.

Tuesday, Aug. 5

First Tuesday Evening Market. Local produce, handmade goods, music. At City Park next to the Welcome Center on Main, 4-7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Information: Gretchen, 509-830-4380.

Friday Aug. 8

The 38th Annual Escalante Days celebration in Dolores, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Saturday. Mountain bike race, live music, food, parade, softball tournament, bike race, duck race, activities for kids and families. Venues include Flanders Park and Dolores River Brewery's indoor and outdoor stages. Information: 970-882-4018, or dolorechamber.com.

Escalante Days: Free Children's Bicycle Rodeo after the Children's Parade behind the Dolores Medical Center. Learn safety skills. Participants receive free helmets and chance to win a bike.

Saturday, Aug. 9

Escalante Days mountain bike race starts at 9:50 a.m.­ at Fifth and Central in Dolores. Register at www.active.com by Aug. 6 ($35)or on race day ($45) at 8 a.m. at the Dolores Medical Office. Information: www.clubrunner.ca/dolores. Volunteers needed: Contact Laurel Rematore at Lrematore@sti.net or 970-529-4642. Proceeds benefit various Dolores Rotary projects.

Seed School in A Day will be taught at the Mt. Lookout Grange, 680 Grand Ave, Mancos, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. It will be taught by Bill and Belle of Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance. Register online at www.RockyMountainSeeds.org.

K-9 Search and Rescue Team Inc will host its annual pancake breakfast at the "Doghouse," 35 Railroad Avenue in Dolores. Doors open at 6 a.m. Cost: $5

League of Women Voters of Montezuma County holds its monthly meeting at 9 a.m. at the Ponderosa Restaurant in Dolores. As part of the series "Know Your Community," the speaker will be Terri Wheeler of the Montezuma Housing Authority. Info: 533-1051.

Saturday, Aug. 16

Dirt Riot 4x4 Endurance Racing at BattleRock Offroad Park, 5740 County Road G. Gates open at 9 a.m. Full-day action, with food vendors. More than 40 competitors. Tickets: $15/adult; $5 ages 8-16; free for ages 7 and under.

Sunday, Aug. 17

All Terrain Hero Race.Run.Walk at BattleRock Offroad Park, 5740 County Road G, Registration online at www.allterrainhero.com or 6:30-7:10 a.m. day of the race. First flight for timed racers at 7:15 a.m. All funds from the All Terrain Hero raise money for The Gwendolyn Strong Foundation. Information: shelley@werocklive.com

Saturday, Aug. 30

Josh Blue, winner of Last Comic Standing, will perform in Cortez at 6 p.m. at the Parque de Vida pavilion to benefit Special Olympics Cortez. Gates open at noon. Bring ID to purchase alcohol. Cost: $20 in advance $25 at the gate. Tickets at Rocky Mountain One Stop or 565-9249.

Through August

Tri-County Head Start/Early Head Start is taking enrollments for the 2014-2015 school year in Montezuma County. To see if your child qualifies to receive a head start, call Toni Gilge, 970-565-6040 ext. 11 (for 3-5-year-olds) or Nancy Daves 970-565-8850 (for infants and toddlers).

Saturday, Sept. 6

The Guardian Angel's Walk to End Alzheimer's is at Cortez City Park. Registration is at 9 a.m., and the Walk begins at 10 a.m. Country fair, with food, drinks, entertainment, games Free, but donations welcome. Information: Cindy Lichliter (749-2319).

First Tuesday

American Legion Ute Mountain Post 75 meets at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 320 N. Harrison St. Call 565-8151.

Dolores Mountain Quilters meets at 10 a.m. at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave, Dolores. The July meeting includes two demonstrations by Gail Braunn: easy half-square triangles, and disappearing 4 patch with variations. Information: doloresmountainquilters.org or Judith Swain at 970-560-4426.

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.

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 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 the history of Montezuma County and the Four Corners is welcome.

Second Thursday

Republican Women of Montezuma County invite the public to meet at noon at Shiloh's Steakhouse at 5 Veach St., Cortez. Call Rosemarie Beall at 564-1576.

Third Saturday

Christian Motorcycle Association, CMA - Cortez Chapter holds its 8 a.m. breakfast, 9 a.m. chapter meeting and 10 a.m. ride (weather permitting). At Beny's restaurant in Cortez. Call Chapter President Steve Reed at 970-565-7233. No motorcycle required.

Third Wednesday

The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon is held at noon at Shiloh Steakhouse. Call 565-3414.

Third Thursday

Dolores secondary PTO meets the third Thursday of every month at 3:45 p.m. in Mr. Thurston's office. Email Heather Alvarez at halvarez0722@gmail.com or call Tif at 903-8752.

Fourth Tuesday

4 Corners Republican Women's Club meets at 11:30 a.m. at the Cortez Elk's Lodge. Information: 565-2197.

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.