EVENTS

TUESDAY, FEB. 28

Free Film for Women's History Month presented by the Women's Resource Center. Salt of the Earth, 6:30 p.m., 130 Noble Hall, Fort Lewis College, Durango. For more info call 970/247-1242 or visit www.wrcdurango.org.

Ailey II – This highly-acclaimed dance company returns to Durango for a performance at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, 7 p.m. Tickets $25 for balcony and orchestra, and $35 for plaza, available at www.durangoconcerts.com, at the Concert Hall's Ticketing Services Office, or by calling, 970/247-7657.

Mardi Gras Mother of All Ascensions Uphill Race – The race starts at 7 a.m. sharp and climbs 1,741 feet from the bottom of Fanny Hill up to Gwyn's High Alpine restaurant, where over $10,000 in prizes will be awarded for categories including best time, worst time and best costume. Every competitor receives a long sleeve T-shirt, goody bag, and the chance to win such prizes as Atlas snowshoes, Teva running shoes, and Osprey backpacks. Festivities follow in the afternoon, including a parade. For additional info and a schedule of events, visit www.snowmassvillage.com or call 1-800-SNOWMASS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1

Spring Cleansing and Detoxification – A free lecture by Dr. Abigail Seaver, ND, and Hiroki Ide, L.Ac. Discover how to optimize your body's ability to rid itself of toxins. Ridgway Integrative Medicine, 160 S. Amelia, Ridgway, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 3

Opening Reception for Joan MacDonald, visual journal artist, at the Durango Arts Center, 5-7 p.m. The exhibit will be on display through April 29. For more info call 259-2606.

Lazer Vaudeville – A cast of fantastical characters, including the master of ceremonies – a seven-foot, fluorescent, fire-breathing dragon named Alfonzo – leads the audience on a journey through their imaginations. A wizard creates magical illusions with laser beams, a neon cowboy kicks up a luminescent rope-spinning display and an audience member escapes from a straitjacket. Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, Durango. Tickets are $18/adults, $12/children, available online at www.durangoconcerts.com, at the Concert Hall's Ticketing Services Office, 707 1/2 Main Ave., or by calling 970/247-7657.

FRIDAY, MARCH 3 AND SATURDAY, MARCH 4

Telluride's Mountain Film on Tour presented by the dZi Foundation at the Ouray Community Center. Different films each night, free New Belgium beer and silent auction both nights with outdoor clothing and gear, art and Himalayan textiles. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for silent auction, films 7-10 p.m., $10 per night. For more info call Garry Schalla, Associate Director dZi Foundation, 970/626-9765.

FRIDAY, MARCH 3 – MONDAY, MARCH 6

Intermediate Mono-Ski Camp III – Intermediate mono-skiers focus on techniques needed to ski in bumps, steeper terrain, and eventually the famous off-piste skiing of Mt. Crested Butte to advance to the next level of their sport. Cost of $350 includes individual instruction, video analysis, lifts passes, lunch, equipment, and local transportation. For more info about Crested Butte's Adaptive Sports Program call 970/349-2296 or visit www.adaptivesports.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 4

Montrose Memorial Hospital Health Fair – The total chemistry profile offered at the Health Fair, 6:30 a.m.-noon at the Montrose Pavilion, evaluates kidney function, electrolytes, triglycerides, HDL and LDL cholesterol levels and over 15 components in the blood. Cost is $40. Other tests, such as the PSA blood test for prostate cancer, complete blood count test, Hemoglobin A1c screening for diabetes, and more will be available at additional costs. In addition to blood testing, the fair will offer a number of health screenings, including hearing, blood tests, glaucoma, vision, blood pressure, height and weight, flexibility and grip strength testing. Call 240-7344 for more info.

Cabin Fever Fest 2006 – Hosted by the Sage Mountain School in Gunnison, this fundraiser will help you beat your cabin fever; Jorgensen Park 10 a.m. The "Woman of the Wilderness" competition draws women from across the Western Slope to demonstrate their wilderness skills through water-fetching, hay bale throwing, wood-stacking, elk bugling and more. Other events include a broomball tournament, tug-o-war, and chili cook-off. For more info contact the Sage Mountain School at 641-4110 or www.sagemountainschool.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 4 AND SUNDAY, MARCH 5

Aspen-Santa Fe Ballet – Tales of profound passion and youthful play. Violin solos from Bach. Love songs from Sinatra. Modern translations of Vaslay Nijinsky. This company is willing to take risks by including innovative works alongside classics; Crested Butte Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m. For more info, call 970/349-7487 or visit www.crestedbuttearts.org.

MONDAY, MARCH 6 – SATURDAY, MARCH 11

Ski with Kim Trips in Mt. Crested Butte, offered by Kim Reichhelm, for the woman who is already an advanced skier, able to ski black diamonds comfortably, but is looking for a little something extra to maximize her ski vacation. Local guides will help participants make sure they find those powder stashes and secret lines and explore the black and double black terrain of Crested Butte Mountain safely and confidently. After a full day of charging hard, a girls' après ski will extend the day of fun into the evening. Reservations may include lodging at Grand Lodge, if desired. For more info about Kim Reichhelm's ski clinics, please call 888/444-8151 or visit www.skiwithkim.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 10

Friends of Crow Canyon Archaeological Center's Distinguished Lecturers Series presents Dr. Larry Crumpler, the Research Curator of Volcanology and Space Sciences for the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science who recently had a land formation on Mars named after him; 6:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Gates Building on Crow Canyon's campus with wine and appetizers. Presentation at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds from The Friends of Crow Canyon activities provide underwriting for over 900 local students attending Crow Canyon programs. Contact Susan Giannone at 564-4341 for reservations.

FRIDAY, MARCH 10 – SUNDAY, MARCH 12

Frozen Dead Guy Days – A festival to celebrate Nederland's only frozen resident. Complete details of all scheduled events, contest rules/regulation forms, and sponsorship opportunities are available on the official website of Frozen Dead Guy Days at www.NederlandChamber.org or call the event line at 720/374-6742.

SUNDAY, MARCH 12

The Subdudes take the stage at the Community Concert Hall at Ft. Lewis College. Tickets $20 for balcony and orchestra, $25 for plaza, available online at www.durangoconcerts.com, at the Concert Hall's Ticketing Services Office 707 1/2 Main Ave., or by calling 970/247-7657.

Armed Forces Support Coalition Organizational Meeting – A local group is planning the AFSC to pool the efforts and resources of individuals, businesses, organizations, service groups, governments and their agencies to comfort, support and assist all U.S. Armed Forces personnel and their families in time of peace, war or armed conflict. The primary focus will be on active duty personnel in combat operations or extended deployments, with special emphasis on the children. The community is invited to a organizational meeting, 1 p.m., at the Extension Building, La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Avenue, Durango. Find out what needs to be done, and offer to do what you can. For more info call Don Baker at 884-0413 or Susan Hamilton at 259-7688.

TUESDAY, MARCH 14

Judy Collins' clear, crystalline voice sings of the whirlwind excitement of being in love as well as of sorrow and loss; Crested Butte Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m. For more info, call 970/349-7487 or visit www.crestedbuttearts.org.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15

The Blue Candlelight Series – Revel in music by Piazolla, Strauss and Schubert during The Blue Candlelight Series at Union Congregational Church in Crested Butte. The evening will feature vocal performances, four hands on the piano, and more…with a Spanish flare. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 6-18; 7:30 p.m. For more info and to purchase tickets, call 970/349-0619 or visit www.crestedbuttemusicfestival.com.

Exercise and Fitness Lecture – A preventative health care presentation by Richard Holmes, M.D.; Montrose Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion Dr., 1-2 p.m. Call 540-4200 for more info.

SATURDAY, MARCH 18

Progressive Bonfire Dinner Offers Taste of Crested Butte – Hosted by the Crested Butte Nordic Council, this four-star, four-course, four-fire meal begins at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are required, with seatings between 5:30 and 7 p.m. Tickets cost $30 for adults and $15 for children under age 12. For reservations, call the Crested Butte Nordic Center at 970/349-1707.

FRIDAY, MARCH 24 – MONDAY, MARCH 27

Ladies with Abilities Winter Adventure & Ski Camp – This ladies-specific camp will focus on skills, techniques and overall life wellness of the participants. Programming will be largely influenced by group and individual goals and will take place in the Elk Mountains, one of the most beautiful settings in the Rockies. The cost will be announced in the near future. For more info about Crested Butte's Adaptive Sports Program call 970/349-2296 or visit www.adaptivesports.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25

Coyote Cutoff and Beach Run – 5 mile trail run presented by the San Juan Mountain Runners. Meet at Tabeguache Trailhead off Kiowa Rd via 5875 Rd at 8:30 a.m. Short drive to start at 9 a.m. Trail single track/sandy wash. Race directors: Lyle and Jo Clugg, 249-5253, mjforest@starband.net, www.sjmr.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25 AND SATURDAY, APRIL 1

4th Annual Bibbidee Bobbidee Boo Event hosted by the Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado. This year's high school prom is rapidly approaching, and this project assists girls for whom buying a formal dress and other items for prom would be a financial hardship. At Heirlooms for Hospice in Montrose 435 East Main, noon-3 p.m. Contact Cathy DiPaola at 263-2193 for more info.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Durango Arts Center Members Exhibit – March 3-30, with an opening reception on March 3, 5-7 p.m.

3rd Annual Main Avenue Arts Festival Design Contest – Application forms for the 2006 poster design are available at the Durango Arts Center and online at www.durangoarts.org. The winning designer will receive $150. Deadline for submission is April 15. For more info contact Susan Anderson or Susan Belshe, 970/259-2606, or email susan@durangoarts.org or susanb@durangoarts.org.

Call for Entries for artists in the Four Corners area to submit slides of work to be juried and selected to sell on a consignment basis at the Durango Arts Center Gallery Shop. Submission deadline March 1. Call Susan Andersen at 259-2606 for more info.

8th Annual State-Fish Art Contest – Entries must be postmarked by March 31. To enter, Colorado students will create an illustration of the Greenback Cutthroat Trout and a written composition on its behavior, habitat, and efforts to conserve it. Complete details including a free lesson plan can be found on the State-Fish Art Contest web site: www.statefishart.com. Winners will be announced Earth Day, April 22. All entrants win a Rapala lure.

Call for Entries – Organizers of the 18th Annual Wells Fargo Art & Jazz Festival, May 12-14 in downtown Grand Junction, are seeking artists for a juried show. Check out www.downtowngj.org or call 970/245-9697 for more info, including booth fees, cash prizes and general event information.

Spring Into Art – Don't miss the opportunity to view and/or buy paintings from local artists at the Montrose Visual Arts Guild building at 34 South Selig; 2-6 p.m., Thurs.-Sat. through March 25, and 2:30-5 p.m., Sundays, March 12 and 26. Call Carol at 252-7218 or Lael at 323-6639 for more info.

Dennis Reynolds, one of the Delta muralists, will be giving a workshop called "Master Class in Oils." Reynolds will show you how to combine painting from life and imagination and will address how to market paintings and get them into galleries. Sponsored by the Montrose Visual Arts League. March 28, 29, 30 at Creation Images Studio, $200. For more info call Penny Richardson 240-1111.

Colorado Trout Unlimited seeks students, age 14 to 18, for River Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp, June 18-23. The camp at the Ouray Ranch in Granby, Colo., is designed to educate students on the importance of coldwater conservation and provide hands-on fly-fishing instruction. The River Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp is limited to 16 qualified students who will be selected based on their qualifications and a written essay on why they would like to attend the camp. To qualify, students must have been born between June 23, 1987, and June 18, 1992. The cost to attend the six-day camp is $350. For more info or to download an application, visit www.cotrout.org or contact Larry Quilling at 303/543-0939. Applications are due by March 30.

The Women's Resource Center's Chick Flick Night at the Abbey Theatre the third Monday of every month.

Women's Resource Center located at 723 East Second Ave. in Durango: Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and by appointment. WRC is often the first stop or call people make when they are new in town, in a crisis, facing a new challenge, needing information or wishing to get involved and volunteer in our community. For more info, call 970/247-1242, or log onto www.wrcdurango.org.

Second Chance Humane Society Volunteers needed in Ridgway, working directly with animals or the public, at both the animal shelter and the thrift shop. Hours are flexible and volunteers earn Thriftbucks. Volunteering as a Foster Care Provider is also available. Call Kelly at 626-2273, mailbox 4, for more info.

Aztec Ruins National Monument Annual Pass will be on sale at the visitor center for $20, good for one year from date of purchase. It covers the entrance fee for the cardholder and immediate family. The single entrance fee for 2006 is $5 per person. Winter hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Memorial Day to Labor Day: 8 a.m.-6 p.m., 7 days a week. For more info, call 505/334-6174 x 27.

Montrose Community Band Rehearsals – Anyone is welcome to join the band, rehearsals are Monday evenings in the Montrose High School band room. It's never too late to pick up a horn or a drumstick that you may have laid down long ago. For more info call Carl Bivins at 240-1191.

Durango Arts Center Docents Call for Volunteers – Docents are guides to art appreciation and education in the gallery, in local elementary schools and in community facilities. DAC offers training. Call Jeannie at 259-2606 or email jeannie@durangoarts.org for info about volunteering.

Veteran's Business Classes – The Small Business Development Center is offering a new class designed for veterans, taught by veterans. The SBDC has received a grant for this program for veterans on the Western Slope. Call 240-1109 for more info; if there is enough interest classes will be scheduled in your area.

Ridgway Arts and Crafts Show is looking for artists, craftspeople, food concessionaires and entertainers for the 22nd annual show. Dates are August 12 and 13. For an application, write PO Box 483, Ridgway, CO 81432 or call 970/325-4724.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park Visitor Center – The cultural sites, park trails and campground at Chaco, 65 miles south of Aztec Ruins National Monument, will be open from sunrise to sunset with rangers on duty. This is an uncrowded time for visitors to enjoy the cultural sites and setting of Chaco.

Western State College Music Programs – March 7: Western Slope Choral Festival (Directors' Choir, Women's Honor Choir, Mixed Honor Choir), Taylor Auditorium, 7 p.m.; March 9: WSC Symphony Band, Taylor Auditorium, 7 p.m.; March 11: WSC All-Colorado Honor Band and WSC-Colorado Brass Band concert, Taylor Auditorium, 2 p.m. The concerts are free and open to the public, with donations requested but not required for the Gunnison Valley Fire Department at the March events. For more info, call 970/943-3093.

17th Annual Sonofagunn Theatre Production – A humorous musical theatre production featuring an original community-written spoof about the Gunnison Valley. Gunnison Arts Center Theatre, March 2-4 and 9-11, 8 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 per person. For tickets and more info, call 970/641-4029 or visit www.visitgunnison.com/gunnisonarts.

"Scapin" by Bill Irwin and Mark O'Donnell as adapted from Moliere, features two young men, Octave and Léandre, who have fallen in love with two women, Hyacinthe and Zerbinette, while their fathers are away. Upon the fathers' unexpected return, the men beg Scapin – Léandre's servant and a consummate con artist – to help them. His efforts scramble the situation into a worse mess. Enjoy the show at Mallardi Cabaret, located in the historic 1880s city hall building that now houses Crested Butte Mountain Theatre and an artists' cooperative. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $7 for students. March 15-18, 22-25, 29, and April 1, 8 p.m. For ticket info and prices call 970/349-0366 or visit www.cbmountaintheatre.org.

ONGOING

Therapeutic Horseback Riding for All Ages – The mission of the San Juan Riding Program is to promote equine facilitated therapy and activities for people with disabilities. SJRP provides quality recreational experiences and makes the outdoors accessible by utilizing adaptive teaching techniques. These interactions with horses promote opportunities for beneficial improvement of physical, emotional and cognitive well-being to improve quality of life. Servicing the Ouray, Montrose and San Miguel County areas. Visit www.sanjuanridingprogram.com or call 626-3018 for more info.

Ridgway Railroad Museum – Saturdays, 12:30-4:30 p.m., located at the north end of the Ouray County Fairgrounds in the Ridgway Chamber Bldg. Visit www.ridgwayrailroadmuseum.org or call 626-4373 for more info.

Healing Circle – Tues., 5:30-6:30 p.m., 609 Clinton, Ridgway. Call 626-4130 for more info.

Zen Meditation – Wednesdays, Chipeta Sun Lodge & Kiva, 304 S. Lena, Ridgway, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Call 626-9711 for more info.

Montrose Ute Indian Museum Classes – Programs for children (ages 6 and up) and adults. Cost is $8 per class. Reservations are required. Museum hours are 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Call 249-3098 for a complete schedule.

Devil's Thumb Golf Club – Rated #2 best new affordable course in the nation by Golf Digest, 968-1560 Rd., Delta, call 970/874-6262 or visit www.deltagolf.org for more info.

Exceptional Teen and Student Support Group – Young people looking for answers. Fourth Wed. of every month, 7-8 p.m. 137 North Mesa Ave (corner of N. 2nd and Mesa), Montrose. Facilitators: Laurel Ann Browne, Visionary Counseling, laurelann@bresnan.net; Rev. Arlyn Macdonald, Community for Spiritual Awareness, huna@bresnan.net. 970/249-1345, 970/252-0908.

Tai Chi with John Schofield – Tuesday and Thursday, 5-6:30 p.m., $8 per class. Pomona Elementary School, Montrose; call 729-1115 for info.

Mending Hearts of Montrose is an adult grief support group for those grieving the death of a loved one. The group meets every Thursday, 6:30-8 p.m., at Church of the Nazarene, 705 South 12th. For more info, call Don Barr 252-2520.

Mending Hearts of Delta – The group meets weekly on Tuesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. Pre-registration not required. New participants can start at any time. Hotchkiss Community United Methodist Church, 285 North 2nd St. For more info call 874-6823.

Eating Disorder Group – Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m., 715 S. 1st Street, Montrose. Get support to improve your self-esteem and maintain a healthy weight. Find out what is behind your eating habits and how to change them. The group is led by Sharon Sward, author of You Are More Than What You Weigh. Call 970/626-5187 for info.

St. Mary's Blood Center Now Open Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon, in addition to regular weekday hours, Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. No appointment necessary, all blood types needed. St. Mary's is the only blood center serving the Western Slope and depends on community support to keep blood supplies at a safe level all year long. For more info or to learn how to become a donor or organize a blood drive, call 244-2555. The Blood Center is located in The Pavilion at 750 Wellington Ave. in Grand Junction.

Mesa Verde National Park Artists-in-Residence Program – For fans and collectors of American Indian arts and crafts. For exhibits by other artists, times and dates, call 800/449-2288 or visit visitmesaverde.com.

Free Professional Clothing – Women's Resource Center, 723 E. 2nd Ave., Durango, Mon.-Thurs., 1-4 p.m., for women who need clothing for employment but cannot afford to purchase new stuff. There is no fee, but an appointment is necessary; various sizes and styles are available. Donations of professional clothing are also being accepted. Call 970/247-1242 for more info.

Durango Nature Center – Customized group programs, 2-3 hours, for 10-75 children or adults, for naturalist led, interactive nature walks. DNC is located on the corner of US Hwy 550 and CR 310/318, 17 miles south of Durango. Call 970/382-9244 or visit www.durangonativestudies.org for more info.

Ready-Set-Go! Informational Meeting – Second Tuesday of every month, this program helps women in their pursuit of economic self-sufficiency, at the Women's Resource Center, 723 E. 2nd Ave., Durango, noon-1 p.m. There is no fee for this meeting. Call 970/247-1242 for more info.

Pro-Se Divorce Seminar – Second Monday of every month, for those who need info on doing their own divorces, at Colorado Legal Services, 1474 Main Ave., Suite 200, Durango, no fee. Call 970/247-1242 for more info.

Women's Reading Circle – Second Wednesday of every month, 5:30 p.m., at the Durango Public Library. Email pcramblers@bigfoot.com to join the circle or for more info.

TO HAVE YOUR EVENT LISTED…If you would like your event included in our Regional calendar, please fax your information to 728-9066 or email to calendar@telluridewatch.com no later than 5 p.m. Friday the week before publication. You may also send your information to P.O. Box 2042, Telluride, CO, 81435. No phone calls, please.