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 may be edited for length and content.

Thursday, Sept. 11

Free Pottery-Making Program with artist in residence Michael Savage at 7:30 p.m., at Far View Lodge Library at Mesa Verde National Park. Learn about rarely shown aspects of pottery production that are rarely shown or demonstrated. Call 970-529-4445.

San Juan National Forest stakeholder panel workshop focusing on management of Rico-West Dolores roads and trails. This is the last in a series of three workshops which will take place at the Dolores Community Center at 6 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 12

A collection of short films by Coloradans on the effects of fracking, 7 p.m. at The Annex Building, 108 N. Chestnut, Cortez. The film is "Dear Governor Hickenlooper." Info: DearGovernorHickenlooper.com.

The Mancos Public Library offers its first Science Friday program from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Participants will study electricity, with hands-on experiments. The program is for kids kindergarten through 2nd grade. In the afternoon, the program is 1-2:30 p.m. and is geared for kids in grades 3 through 8. Call 533-7600.

Saturday, Sept. 13

The Montezuma VFW hosts its Annual End of Harvest Dinner for Veterans and their families, 5 p.m. in Post No. 5231 home in Mancos, 135 W. Grand Ave. Open to all veterans. Fellowship, roasted pig, corn and ice cream. Free, but donations are accepted. Call 533-7144.

The Galloping Goose Historical Society's annual meeting, lunch starts at noon, and its annual meeting at 1 p.m. Call 882-7082 for location and information.

Celebrate National Public Lands Day at Goodman Point Area and help clean up trash and tires and reclaim trails and ATV routes. Volunteers must register and wear long pants, sturdy shoes and gloves and bring water and snacks. Lunch will be provided by the San Juan Mountains Association. Call 970-385-1310 or email Kathe@sjma.org.

The Montezuma County Democratic Party hosts an FDR Fundraiser dinner at Cliffrose Garden Center and Gifts in Cortez from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 or $40 a couple. Local foods, libations and music by O.T.T.O & the Harpies. Guest speaker is Abel Tapia. Call Ric Plese at 970-739-4365.

4th Annual Western Slope Toy Run starts at VFW Post 4031, 1550 Main Ave., Durango and ends at the American Legion Post 75, 320 N. Harrison St., in Cortez. Entry fee is $15 or and equivalent toy. T-shirts cost $15. Sponsored by The Men Motorcycle Club: 970-799-3031 or 970-739-4869.

SaturdaY-Sunday, Sept. 13-14

Dressage and Hunter/Jumper Horse Show hosted by the Four Corners Dressage and Combined Training Association at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds. Info: www.4cdcta.org.

Sunday, Sept. 14

Meet Abel Tapia, Democratic candidate for representative of the 3rd Congressional District, at The Spruce Tree Espresso House, 9-10 a.m. Info: party co-chairman Ric Plese, 970-739-4365.

Monday, Sept. 15

Four Corners 9/12 will be meet at the Cortez Elks Lodge at 7 p.m., primarily to interview candidates for Montezuma County Clerk, Kim Purcell (R) and Judy Marquez (U). Open to the public; ask your questions.

Thursday, Sept. 18

The Mancos Tree Board conducts a workshop on pruning street trees, concentrating on the area of Montezuma Avenue to First Street and Main to Aztec streets. Meet at Main and First at 9:30 a.m.

Alive at 25 class held by the Colorado State Patrol at 4 p.m. at the Colorado Welcome Center in Cortez. This 4½-hour class is designed to give 15- to 24-year-olds the tools they need to stay out of crashes. Info: coloradosafedriver.com

Friday, Sept. 19

Local author Amy Cook holds a book-signing for her debut paranormal romance novel "Edge of Instinct" at the Cortez Public Library, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The novel is sold on amazon.com in ebook and paperback. Copies will be available for cash purchase at the signing.

Friday-Saturday, Sept. 19-20

For Pets' Sake Humane Society's fall yard sale on Sept. 19-20 and 26-27 at 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Cortez Industrial Park near the entrance on Road L. Look for the signs. Donations accepted at the building Sept. 18, 2-7 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 25, 3-6 p.m. Call 565-PETS/7387.(No computers or other electronics, no tires or TVs.)

Southwest Christian Writers Association 35th Annual Conference, Friday 2-8:30 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Vectra Bank, Community Room, 1201 Escalante Drive., Durango. Keynote Speaker: Beth K. Vogt. $100 for both days; Saturday-only rate available. Registration at the door. Info: www.southwestchristianwriters.org, lindafarmerharris@gmail.com.

Friday-Saturday, Sept. 19-21

The town of Mancos will accept scrap metal, old furniture, and old household items excluding electronics at the public workshop, 300 S. Monte. Friday, the workshop will be open 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, it will be open 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Standard-size tires will be accepted for a $3 fee.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 20

Colorado State University Extension Apple U-Pick harvest, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the CSU Southwestern Colorado Research Station. The station is about 18 miles north of Cortez. Take U.S. 491 to Road Z and turn left or west - it's the first place on the left after crossing Road 17. Info: 970-562-4255.

Meeting about Montessori-based religious information for kids 3-6 at St. Barnabas Church at 3 p.m. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd uses the stories of faith to give expression to their connection to God. Information: 303-883-5679 or 565-7865.

Dolores Secondary Parent/Teacher Organization for the middle and high schools will dance to raise funds for the PTO from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Elk's Lodge in Cortez. DJ, $5 charge and cash bar. The dance is open to anyone 18 and over. ID required at the door.

Tim Sullivan Band plays at a dance at the American Legion, 320 N. Harrison St., in Cortez at 7 p.m. Info: 565-8151.

Local cowboy poet and singer Slim McWilliams will be perform at the Presbyterian Church, 350 S. Washington St., Cortez. A dinner of pulled pork will be served at 5:30. Donations of salad or dessert would be appreciated. Slim will begin his program at 6:30.

Tuesday, SEPT. 23

The Red Arrow Mill cleanup will be discussed at a public meeting 6-8 p.m. at Mancos Town Hall. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry will share its findings; other government agencies will be present too.

Friday-Sunday, Sept. 27-29

Mancos Valley/Mesa Verde Country Balloon Festival. Art Festival and Street Fair to coincide with balloon festival on Sept. 27 in Mancos from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Food, art, music, dancing, entertainment and kid activities. Info: 533-7434.

Saturday, Sept. 27

The Dolores Chamber of Commerce Fall Festival at Flander's Park, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. No charge for setup, but vendors must call 882-7717 or 882-4018 to register. Music, activities, local produce, baked goods, crafts, jams and jellies.

Attitudinal Dynamics of Driving class hosted by the Colorado State Patrol at 8:30 a.m. in the Colorado Welcome Center in Cortez, taught by certified law enforcement instructors and designed for drivers of all ages. Info: coloradosafedriver.com.

Monday, Sept. 30

United Blood Services Mobile Blood Drive, 3-7 p.m. at the Mancos Community Center, 130 E. Grand Ave., Mancos.

Through September

The Cortez Library Storytime offers "A Little Bit of Everything" through September. The preschool Storytime program is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at the library and every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Cortez Farmers Market, weather permitting. Info: 565-8117.

Saturday, Oct. 4

Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance's geologic tour of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument with Dr. Kim Gerhardt. In the morning, hike in the lower Sand Canyon area; in the afternoon, an indoor presentation at t Battle Rock School. You must be a current member of Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance. Contact Diane McBride at diane.mcbride@swcocanyons.org or 970-560-1643, by Thursday, Sept. 25, 5 p.m., to join the tour.

Sunday, Oct. 5

The San Juan Symphony opens the season for SouthWest Colorado Concerts with modern and classical music at 3 p.m. at M-CHS. The orchestra will perform Slam, a new composition by young composer Paul Haas, a selection of romantic showpieces and Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. Season tickets will be on sale at the door at 2 p.m. Season tickets for the 4-concert 2014-2015 season are $45 for adults and $10 for youth 18 and younger. Sale of single-concert tickets available at 2:40 p.m. $20 for adults and $5 for youth. Info: Lindsay Havran at 565-7676 or Joyce Stevenson at 565-4757.

Saturday, Oct. 11

Cortez Elks 1789 Oktoberfest celebration. Open to the public and includes a golf tournament, autographed sports items silent auction, German food and more. Proceeds benefit Elks projects. Info: event chairman Lynn Gann at 970-565-7423 or club manager at 970-565-3557.

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 Saturday

The Mancos Valley Historical Saturday meets at the Mancos Public Library at 10 a.m. Info: Bob Huffman, 406-249-7733

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 Thursday

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

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 to make donations, call Gretchen, 509-830-4380.

Second Thursday

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 Beny's restaurant in 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

Consider your every-day language is a prayer. A short recorded teaching by Wisdom Master Maticintin and discussion. Facilitated by a local student of HÜMÜH Clear Mind Buddhism at Mancos Public Library Meeting Room, 6:30-7:30 p.m., third Tuesday of each month. Info: 800-336-6015 or www.HUMUH.org

Every Tuesday

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

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

Every Thursday

Weekly weigh-ins available with the Waist Management Group, 4:40 to 5:30 p.m., 343 E. Main St., Suite 300, Cortez. Free. Info: Berta at 565-9515 or 739-6014 after 4:30 p.m.

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.

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