People are encouraged to submit announcements about upcoming events for the Community Calendar. Send announcements to news@cortezjournal.com. Items submitted less than two weeks in advance will be less likely to be published.

Friday, Jan. 17

Celebrate “Tombstone style casino night” with the Citizen of the year, Green Business of the year, Business of the year and with the special unsung Hero on Jan. 25 at 6 p.m. at Fiesta Mexicana Banquet Hall. Play Blackjack, Poker, Roulette or Craps for chances to win prizes! Tickets are $25 until Jan. 17 and then they go up to $30 a piece. Call 565-3414 for reservations and more information.

Saturday, Jan. 18

Jan. 18 from 10 to 12 a.m. Let It Grow will hold a Pruning Fruit Trees workshop. Wear winter outdoor & safety gear, bring water, snacks and pruners or handsaw if you have one. For more information call 565-3099.

Yoga for athletes workshop at Heart and Core Yoga Studio, 30 W. Main St. in Cortez on Jan. 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn to use yoga to enhance your performance while soothing aches and pains. All levels welcome, no yoga experience necessary. Cost is $20. Call 739-0547 for more information.

Join San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA) for a family exploration on Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon for some fun outside at Boggy Draw in Dolores. For ages 4 and up, accompanied by an adult. Snowshoes for children are provided. Snowshoes for adults can be provided if registered by Jan. 16. To sign up, contact Gabi at 759-1170 or email gabi@sjma.org. Program provided by SJMA, San Juan National Forest and BLM Tres Rios Field Office.

Pizza and Dance Party will take place at the Montezuma County Annex on Jan. 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. to benefit the Children’s Kiva Montessori Preschool and Kindergarten. Pizza will be from Sweetwater Gypsies wood-fired pizza and salad from Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery and the Farm Bistro. Enjoy a performance and learn some moves from Suzanne’s School of Dance High School Competitive Team. $10 per adult, $5 per child. For more information call 565-8586.

Hip Hop at Blondies in Cortez on Jan. 18 at 9 p.m. with Black Lion, Ezra Letra, Honey and more!

Sunday, Jan. 19

Jennifer Hope will present Literary Explorations on Jan. 19 at 6:30 p.m. Exploring all kinds of writings both fiction and non-fiction upstairs at the Cortez Cultural Center. Free, donations are welcome. The ongoing discussion group is the third Sunday of each month.

Monday, Jan. 20

Four Corners Dancers invite the public to come take square dance lessons starting Jan. 20 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. through May 19 at Kemper School. Fun for ages 9 – 90, single or family, great for the mind and physical body. There will be a meet and greet on Jan. 18 at 6:30 p.m. For more information call Judy or Don Morris at 565-9836 or Ronnie and Vonnie Robinson at 749-9682.

Wednesday, Jan. 22

The Children’s Kiva, 1204 E. Empire St. will hold a meeting and parent education night on Jan. 22. The community is invited for dinner at 5:30 p.m. The meeting is at 6:30 p.m. In addition, two parenting classes on early childhood behavior and nutrition will be offered. Childcare will be provided.

Thursday, Jan. 23

The Montezuma County Historical Society will sponsor a History Symposium about the Rio Grande Southern Railroad, on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. in Hampton Hall of the First United Methodist Church at 515 N. Park St. The presentation given by Mr. Lew Matis is titled Four Summits, Five Counties, Six Rivers. There is no charge and the public is invited.

“Are Christians More Likely to Lose Their Faith With Money and Education?” will be the topic on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m. for 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 held at St. Barnabas Church. Wine and cheese will be served. Call 565-7865 for information.

Saturday, Jan. 25

Jan. 25 from 10 to 12 a.m. Let It Grow will hold a Learn to Graft workshop. Free to observe or $2.50 per rootstock to graft your own heritage tree. For more information call 565-3099.

Sunday, Jan. 26

Heart and Core Yoga Studio, 30 W. Main Cortez, will have a Free Yoga for beginners Class on Jan. 26 from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. If you can breathe, you can do yoga. Class lead by certified yoga teacher, Sharon Englehart. For more information visit www.heartandcoreyoga.com

Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance will be playing three films for Sunday matinee at Empire Electric from 1 to 4 p.m. on Jan. 26. Pathway to the gods plays at 1:15 p.m.; NEMO, 1934 plays at 2:35 p.m. and Death Of Place plays at 3:35 p.m. Read full film descriptions at www.swcocanyons.org on the Jan. 4 newsletter.

Wednesday, Jan. 29

William Hendrickson will discuss the history of oil and gas in Montezuma County on Jan. 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the gallery at the Cortez Cultural Center. Free to members, $5 to others.

Through January

“Snuggle Up in January” is the January theme of Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library. Storytime is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. for preschool-aged children. Older children are welcome to join for the craft at 11:15 a.m. For more information, contact the library at 565-8117.

Current displays at the Cortez Public Library are: Jay Whitewolf, featured artist for January for the Southwest Artists’ League. Mary North, Huichol Indian beaded items (through February) Otter Lopez, acrylic on canvas and pencil drawings (through February) The library is located at 202 N. Park St., Cortez, CO. and may be reached by calling 565-8117.

Saturday, Feb. 1

The Cortez Cultural Center’s annual Sweetheart Ball fundraiser will be held Feb. 1 at the Cortez Elks. This year’s theme is “Abracadabra Sweetheart Ball” featuring dinner, auction, magic entertainment and dancing. Donations for the auction are being accepted Jan. 7 – 29 and can be taken to the center at 25 N. Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gift certificates faxed to 565-4075. For more information call 565-1151.

Monday, Feb. 3

The Jordan World Circus 2014 is coming to Cortez at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds on Monday, Feb. 3 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. For more information visit www.thejordanworldcircus.com or their facebook page TheJordanWorldCircus.

The Montelores Early Childhood Council (MECC) will hold their next monthly luncheon meeting is Monday Feb. 3 at 11:45 a.m. at the Johnson Building, 525 S. Broadway, in the downstairs meeting room 110, Cortez, CO. Lunch will be provided, please RSVP to MECC’s coordinator, Vangi McCoy, mecc.coordinator@gmail.com or vangim@monteloresecc.org, PO Box 1725, Cortez, CO 81321, phone 749-7017.

Friday, Feb. 7

The 28th Annual Chocolate Fantasia, a fundraiser benefiting the Volunteers of America Southwest Safehouse and the Durango Community Shelter, will be held on Friday, Feb. 7, at the La Plata County Fairgrounds (2500 Main Avenue), from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “Chocolat De Paris.” Tickets are available throughout the Durango community as well as at the door. For more information call Volunteers of America at 259-1021.

The Montezuma School to Farm Project is hosting a Talent Show at the Dolores River Brewery, 100 S. 4th St. in Dolores on Feb. 7! Family contest from 5 to 6:30 p.m., Cake Walk at 7 p.m., and adult contest from 8 to 10 p.m. Prizes will be awarded and a karaoke machine will be available. Email mstfpamericorps@gmail.com or call 303-918-3538 to enter. All proceeds will go to support school gardens in Montezuma County. $5 suggested donation at the door.

Sunday, Feb. 16

The Anasazi Heritage Center presents David Mattson, of Yale University, Feb. 16, at 1 p.m. for his presentation “Lions in Your Back Yard.” Free to the public. Contact the Center at 882-5600 for information on upcoming events or go to their website at http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/ahc.html

Through February

The PAAC Class Colorado Archeology will be held Jan. 31 at the Anasazi Heritage Center from 5 to 8 p.m. then continue on Feb. 1 from 9 to 5 p.m., Feb. 2 from 9 to 5 p.m. and Feb. 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. The cost is $12. Call 560-1318 or email Terrywoodrow@gmail.com to register.

“A Literary February” is the February theme of Raising Readers Storytime at the Cortez Public Library, located at 202 N. Park St., Cortez. Storytime is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. for preschool-aged children. Older children are welcome to join us for the craft at 11:15 a.m. For more information, contact the library at 970-565-8117.

First Monday

Southwest Center for Independence Second Chance Brain Injury group meetings will be the first Monday of every month at noon at the Cortez Office at 2409 E. Empire. For more information, call Matthew at 570-8001.

The Cortez Emblem Club No. 261 meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month (except January and February). For more information, call 565-2197.

First Tuesday

American Legion Ute Mountain Post 75 meets 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the American Legion Hall, 320 N. Harrison St. For more information, call the Legion at 565-8151.

First Wednesday

At noon the first Wednesday of each month, the Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its business lunch forum. For more information and locations, call 565-3414.

First Thursday

Montezuma County Republican Central Committee meets at noon the first Thursday of every month at Shilo’s Steakhouse. For more information, email Nicci Crowley, secretary, at nicci.crowley@gmail.com or call 570-9372.

First Friday

First Friday Leadership is held the first Friday of every month at First National Bank in Cortez from 8 to 9 a.m. Join the free event at 7:45 a.m. for coffee and doughnuts. For more information, call Dena at 565-3414. This months topic is The Law of Connection.

Second Wednesday

Southwest Inter-Tribal Voice and Montelores Human Rights Committee meets at 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month at the Community Meeting Room in First National Bank. Email Art Neskahi at taachinii@yahoo.com.

Second Thursday

The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce will hold Business After Hours at various locations from 5 to 7 p.m. the second Thursday of the month. For more information, call 565-3414.

Republican Women of Montezuma County invite the public to meet at noon every second Thursday at Shilo’s Steakhouse at 5 Veach St., in Cortez. For information, call Rosemarie Beall at 564-1576.

A Free legal self-help clinic for Montezuma County parties without an attorney will be held the second Thursday of every month from 2 to 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 basis.

Third Sunday

Jennifer Hope will host Literary Explorations, a free ongoing discussion group exploring all kinds of writings, both fiction and nonfiction, upstairs at the Cortez Cultural Center at 6:30 p.m. every third Sunday of the month.

Third Wednesday

The Cortez Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon will be held at noon the third Wednesday of the month at Shiloh Steakhouse. For more information, call 565-3414.

First and Third Thursday’s

Planning committee for the 10th Annual Ute Mountain-Mesa Verde Birding Festival meets at 10 a.m. on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month upstairs at the Cortez Cultural Center. Anyone interested in volunteering is welcome to attend. Call 565-1151 for details.

Fourth Tuesday

A new Republican woman’s club has been formed locally called 4 Corners Republican Women’s Club. Regular meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. at the Cortez Elk’s Lodge. For more information, please call 565-2197.

Every Sunday

First United Methodist Church has a Native American Worship Service at 2 p.m. every Sunday. For more information call 565-3002.

Every Monday

The public is invited to join the Southwest Singers as they begin rehearsals for the fall season. The choir practices at 6:30 p.m. Monday evenings at First United Methodist Church in Cortez, 515 N. Park. For more information, call Director Ruth Wilson Francisco at 872-3870.

Every Wednesday

The Way Christian Church has a Bible Studies class every Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Every Thursday

Every Thursday the Community Drum Circle will be held at Kaleidoscope Wellness, 233 Park St. in Mancos. For more information call 533-1100

Free Community Dinner every Thursday night at 6 p.m. at the Cortez Family Worship Center Foursquare Church, 500 N. Washington. Donation is always appreciated. Call 565-3709 for more information.

Every Friday

Every Friday at 6 p.m. the Tree of Life In Jesus Messianic Community (Etz-Chayim B’Yeshua) will begin a new Bible Study Series: “Survey of Messianic Judaism” at Baptist Chapel, 1509 Colorado Hwy 145. For more information, call 970-562-4217 or email info@byeshua.org