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.

May 27

Free Freedom From Smoking Classes are offered beginning from 2-3 p.m. at the Pinon Project on Elm Street in Cortez and every Tuesday for 7 weeks. Program designed by the American Lung Association to support you in becoming tobacco-free. Information and enrollment: Call the Montezuma County Public Health Department at 970-565-3056 x245.

May 29

“What is Spirit” is the topic at 6:30 p.m. for the “How You Can Be Part of a Christian Community with Integrity and Not Believe All Those Things You Thought You Had to Believe” conversation at St. Barnabas Church (North and Elm). Wine and cheese. Call 565-7865.

Mancos’ Farmers Market informational meeting at 9 am at Colorado Ranch and Home Realty 145 Grand in Mancos. Call Carrie Baikie, 970-759-2540.

The Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo Committee hosts Rodeo Days at 10 a.m. at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., Cortez. Stories, crafts, roping and a life-size manikin horse. Dress Western. Children receive a free rodeo and carnival ticket. Email Sue McWilliams at aspengoldconsulting@yahoo.com.

Southwest Open School’s graduation will be at 7 p.m., 103 N. Chestnut, Cortez. Public is invited. Call 565-1150.

May 30

Rock ’n’ roll with The Burnouts at Blondies, 9 p.m., 45 E. Main St., Cortez Ages 21 plus.

May 31

Annual Skate for Life Skateboard and BMX competition at Cortez Skate Park and pavillion. Registration starts at 9 a.m., competition at 10:30 a.m. Participants must wear helmets; anyone under age 18 must have a permission form signed by parent or guardian. Concert in the pavilion after the competition, with Nightquarium, The Burnouts, Iceman, Nu3tron, DJ Pookie, GLife. Call 505-320-8910.

The Live Dangerous Tour in downtown Cortez at 9 p.m. Hip hop with GLIfe & DJ Pookie, Nu3tron, Iceman, P.A. Jackson and more. Ages 21 plus. Call 970-739-4944

The Mt. Lookout Grange is hosting a Soil Building Workshop,11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Mancos Public Library. Learn simple, low-cost, do-it-yourself techniques to create healthier soil. Be prepared to be outside and get dirty. Contact Gretchen at 509-830-4380 or CHOmontezuma@gmail.com for more info.

Through May

Animal welfare exhibit at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. The exhibit, centered on the book “We Animals,” includes fliers, brochures, library books and a computer. View videos and photos of animals and lesson plans for teachers. Information: 970-565-8117.

Currently on display at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St.: Kim McDonnell is the Southwest Artists League artist of the month for May. Photography by Marc Meyer and Chuck Haspels. All proceeds from the sale of the photos benefit the library. This display will run through the end of June. Information: 970-565-8117.

“Fizz! Boom! Read!” is the theme of Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. Held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. for preschool-age children. Older children may join the craft at 11:15 a.m. “Rodeo Days” on May 29. On May 29, Storytime starts at 10 a.m., sponsored by the Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo Committee, featuring stories, songs, crafts, roping, a photo op and more. Call the library at 970-565-8117.

June 1

The next Cortez Community Meal will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join your neighbors for a free brunch at The Farm Bistro 34 West Main St., Cortez. Bring your family and friends!

June 2

The Montelores Early Childhood Council will hold their next monthly luncheon meeting on Monday June 2, at 11:45 a.m., in the downstairs meeting Room 110, in the Johnson Building, 525 South Broadway, in Cortez. The public is invited to these meetings, especially parents. Lunch will be provided so please RSVP to Vangi McCoy by calling 970-749-7017.

Battle Rock Charter School will host a summer reading program during June at the Cortez Public Library. The program will be from 10 a.m. to noon, Monday through Thursday starting June 2. All elementary-age students are welcome free of charge. Information: 759-1816.

The Ute Mountain Roundup Rodeo Committee hosts Rodeo Days at 10 a.m. at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St., Cortez. Stories, crafts, roping and a life-size manikin horse. Dress Western. Children receive a free rodeo and carnival ticket. Email Sue McWilliams at aspengoldconsulting@yahoo.com.

June 3

The Hisatsinom Chapter of the Colorado Archaeology Society is pleased to present Dr. Randall H. McGuire 7 p.m. at the Methodist Church, 515 Park St., Cortez, to discuss Cerros de Trincheras and War in the Formative Period Trincheras Tradition. Call Kari Schleher, 505-269-4475.

June 4

Attorney Mike Green will be at the Cortez Senior Center, 107 N. Chestnut, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. to assist with living wills. Free.

June 5

Montelores Baptist Church hosts “Ernie Couch and Revival” on Thursday, 7 p.m. at 18735 CR 23.5 off Hwy 184 across from Narraguinnep Reservoir. Free concert followed by a pie and ice cream social. Call 882-2418.

June 6-7

Ute Mountain Rodeo Dance at 8 p.m., American Legion Post 75, 320 North Harrison, Cortez. Band: Vanishing Breed. Cost: $5 per person. 970-565-8151.

June 12

Music in the Mountains – Jazz in the Movies. The concert will be at 6:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Church, 419 San Juan Drive, featuring local musicians Chad MacCluskey, Elizabeth Riordan, Jack Maynes and Jonathan Latta. Tickets are $25 and include dinner prepared by the High Notes and wine/beer donated Tickets may be purchased online at www.musicinthemountains.com, in person at the Festival Office, 1063 Main Avenue in Durango or by calling (970) 385-6820.

June 12-13

Southwest football camp 9 a.m. to noon each day. Open to students in grades 2-8. Registration can be picked up at the Cortez Rec Center or fourcornersyafl.com. Registration fee is $50 per person if paid by May 28; $60 if paid May 29 through June. Call Ray Weir at (970) 882-4269 through June.

At the Cortez Public Library: Photography by Marc Meyer and Chuck Haspels. All proceeds from photo sales benefit the library. Address: 202 N. Park St., Cortez.

The Dolores Mountain Quilters have a new display at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. Call 970-565-8117.

June 14

Blues, swing, jazz and dancing with WE-3, featuring Tony Littlejohn, Herb Folsom, Cat Hill and special guest trumpeter Bob Newnan at 7-9 p.m. atthe Cortez Cultural Center’s opening summer season of music, downtown Cortez.

First Monday

Southwest Center for Independence Second Chance Brain Injury group meetings at noon at the Cortez office, 2409 E. Empire. Call Matthew at 570-8001.

Cortez Emblem Club No. 261 meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday (except in January and February). Call 565-2197.

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 10 a.m. at the Dolores Community Center, 400 Riverside Ave, Dolores. The May meeting will include a workshop for the Quilt Show, bring your sewing machine and possibles. Guests and visitors welcome. Information: Visit doloresmountainquilters.org or call Judith Swain at 970-560-4426.

First Wednesday

Diabetes support group meets from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. in the Diabetes Education Room at Southwest Memorial Hospital. Learn how to manage diabetes; share share ideas with others. Sessions are free and open to anyone with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Call Michael Dohn, 564-2352, for details.

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.

Bariatric surgery weight-loss support group meets from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Kiva room at Southwest Memorial Hospital. Share ideas and exchange information with others who have had weight loss surgery. Free. Call dietitian Laura White, at 564-2276.

First Friday

First Friday Leadership at First National Bank in Cortez, 8 to 9 a.m. Free. Coffee and doughnuts at 7:45 a.m. Call 565-3414.

First and Third Tuesdays

Mancos Masonic Lodge No. 100, 141 E. Montezuma Ave. meets at 7:30 p.m. A “7 Toast” dinner at the Lodge on Tuesday May 20. All Masons and Masonic Sojourners welcome. RSVP to Darrell Ellis at 970-533-7372 or dnrls@q.com.

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 Society holds meetings at 10 am. at the Mancos Episcopal Church, 479 Bauer St.

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. For information, to help out, or to make donations call Gretchen at 509-830-4380.

Second Thursday

The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours at various locations from 5 to 7 p.m. Call 565-3414.

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.

Third Sunday

Literary Explorations with Jennifer Hope meets at 6:30 p.m. at Cortez Cultural Center.

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.

Last Tuesday

Loss & Grief Support Group, 5:15 p.m. Hospice of Montezuma, 1345 S. Broadway, Cortez. Drop in – Discussion of any loss issue. Information: 565-4400.

Fourth Thursday

Monthly Civil Air Patrol Senior Squadron’s monthly meeting, 6:30 pm, First Baptist Church of Mancos, 150 N. Walnut St.

Last Thursday

Suicide Support Group, 6:15 p.m. Hospice of Montezuma, 1345 S. Broadway, Cortez. Information: 565-4400.

Last Saturday

Yoga Benefit for the Grange, Mt. Lookout Grange, 680 W. Grand, Mancos. Donation only. Bring towel or mat and water. Refrain from eating an hour before.

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

The Way Christian Church Bible Studies class at 6 p.m.

Every Thursday

Raising Readers Storytime offers songs, stories, crafts and silliness, using the Early Childhood Literacy Initiative program at the Cortez Public Library, 202 N. Park St. For preschoolers at 10:30 a.m. Older children may attend the craft at 11:15 a.m.

Free Community Dinner at 6 p.m. at the Cortez Family Worship Center Foursquare Church, 500 N. Washington. Donation appreciated. Call 565-3709.

Every Friday

Friendship Social Group, 1 p.m. at Beny’s Diner, 640 S. Broadway, Cortez. For those who are looking for support with finding new friends and social activities after a loss, or need a break from the role of a caregiver. Sponsored by Hospice of Montezuma.