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.

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.

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.

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.

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 by 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. 4

SouthWest Colorado Concerts presents its first concert of the season - The San Juan Symphony with a guest conductor and an international cello soloist, at the new M-CHS auditorium. Season tickets are on sale at 2 p.m. Details: Joyce Stevenson, 565-4757 or Lindsay Havran, 565-7676.

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.

Wednesday, Oct. 14

Do you like to read, crochet, or visit? Consider becoming a volunteer. Hospice of Montezuma is hosting a Volunteer Orientation from 6-7:30 p.m.and Specialized Training on Oct. 17 from 9 a.m.-noon. Light meals will be served. Details: 970-565-4400.

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.

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 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.

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.

Third Wednesday

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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

TOPS (Take off Pounds Sensibly) meets at 11:30 a.m. in the Community Room at the Cortez Public Library. Details: 970-882-4369.