EVENTS

THURSDAY, DEC. 1

A Taste of the Seasons - Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery in partnership with West Slope Liquors, Lanmark, Montezuma Valley Publishing and KRTZ/KISS will be hosting the seventh annual wine tasting event, 5-9 p.m. It is a benefit for the Dolores Public Library. All of the profits raised from this event go directly to the children's programs at the library. Last year approximately $7,500 was raised and used to purchase 315 books and shelves for the youth sections of the library. Tickets are $20 per person or $35 per couple in advance and are available at Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery, West Slope Liquors in Cortez, the Dolores Library, and from committee members. For more information call Four Seasons Greenhouse at 565-8274.

Holiday Hors d' Oeuvres , taught by Sara Sharpe, 6:30-9 p.m. The emphasis of the class will be on do-ahead impressive-looking, but easy starters - so the hosts can enjoy their guests! The menu will consist of Indonesian saté with peanut sauce, Raspberry Brie Feuillettee (Brie wrapped in puff pastry), Spinach boursin pizzas (bite-sized), and Cold Bearnaise (a festive sauce for meat, chicken). Participants are welcome to bring a bottle of wine to enjoy while eating the appetizers. Tuition is $20 for OCAC members and $22 for non-members. All ingredients will be supplied. Registration is needed by Nov. 28 to assure that the class will be held. After that date, tuition will be 10 percent higher. Sharpe has been a professional caterer for 28 years, and was the first director of the Cuisinart Test Kitchen in 1977. She has also studied with 3-star French chefs: Guerard, Troisgros, and Verge. She recently opened a new business in Ouray, The Secret Garden B&B and Catering. Enroll online at www.OurayCountyArtsCenter.com or by calling 325-4005.

FRIDAY, DEC. 2 AND SATURDAY, DEC. 3

Norwood Lions Club Christmas Bazaar - Local artisans are encouraged to bring arts, crafts and baked goods for sale at the Norwood Community Center and The Log Cabin; Friday, 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Call Pat at 327-4892 for table prices and reservations.

FRIDAY, DEC. 2 - SUNDAY, DEC. 4

Gunnison's Night of Lights - Expect many bright moments, with competitions for best lighted individual/group, food vendor, stationary light sculpture, vehicle, and toy (e.g., snowmobile, kayak, luge, skis, snowboard, etc.) and several local entertainment groups on hand at various downtown venues, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Santa will arrive at 6:30 p.m. and escort the crowd to community tree lighting. For more info contact the Gunnison County Chamber of Commerce at 800/274-7580.

SATURDAY, DEC. 3

Good Spirits Holiday Bazaar , 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Abbey Theatre in Durango. 970/385-1711.

"A Taste of Holiday Art" - Centered around family fun, 10 a.m.-noon. This class is a sequel to the gingerbread house decorating class held last year. Families will participate in three activities. Heidi Arrizabalaga will teach the art of making original holiday cards; Lou Ann McCay will teach painting ceramic ornaments; the Arts Center Board of Directors will provide homemade gingerbread men/women for families to decorate and hang on a tree. There will be enough time to complete all three projects and each family will take home what they create. This event is underwritten by a large donation from John Lesnefsky of Lesnefsky Real Estate, and is free for the families. Co-sponsoring with the Arts Center this year are the Voyager Youth Program and Art Partners. Pre-registration is essential and enrollment will be cut off when the class is full. Enroll online at www.OurayCountyArtsCenter.com or by calling 325-4005.

Ute Indian Museum Open House - Join in on the fun with art vendors, a silent auction, gift shop specials, Christmas carolers and refreshments, Montrose, 4:30-9 p.m., free. Call 970/249-3098 for more info.

Porcupine Quill Class - Join C. J. Brafford, director of the Ute Indian Museum and an enrolled member of the Lakota Sioux tribe, for a slide program on the history of porcupine quill work. Then learn how to make a porcupine quill bracelet using rawhide and quills. Ute Indian Museum, a Colorado Historical Society property, 17253 Chipeta Drive, Montrose, 4:30-9 p.m. Cost: $12 ($10 for members). All materials are included with cost. Reservations are required, 970/249-3098.

Crested Butte Community School Holiday Bazaar - Featuring a wide array of carefully crafted items for everyone on your shopping list, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

SATURDAY, DEC. 3 AND SUNDAY, DEC. 4

Ten Friends Arts & Crafts Show - This event features all local artists and crafters. Saturday's show coincides with the Ute Museum's Open House (for more info on this contact C.J. Brafford at the museum). The show will be held in the Chipeta Room at the Ute Indian Museum, 17253 Chipeta Dr. (Highway 550 South) in Montrose. The show will include pottery, jewelry, batiks, watercolors, pressed flowers, gourds, beaded boxes, painted rocks, stained glass, leather goods and more. Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. For more information contact Janice Reynolds at 240-8377 or email at sorjrey@juno.com.

The Jeep King of the Mountain Series hosts an all-comers National Open Qualifier at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, where area ski and snowboard racers will have the opportunity to earn a spot in the Professional Skiing and Snowboarding World Championships. The National Open Qualifier will take place on Saturday, with the top two qualifying skiers and snowboarders advancing to the World Professional Championships on Sunday, where qualifiers will compete head-to-head with the world's finest professional racers for a share of the richest prize purse in the industry. Also on Saturday, a DJ will play music outdoors on the deck of Butte 66, with Motet and Friends playing their first set in Rafters, 4:45-5:45 p.m. Opening ceremonies, a torchlight parade and fireworks, 5:45-6:30 p.m., will unleash an evening of fun. For more information on the National Open Qualifier, or to register, visit www.jeepsports.com.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Second Chance Humane Society Volunteer Opportunities - SCHS in Ridgway has various volunteer opportunities, working directly with animals or the public, at both the animal shelter and the thrift shop. Hours are flexible and volunteers earn Thriftbucks that are redeemable at the thrift shop. Volunteering as a Foster Care Provider is also available. Please contact Kelly at 626-2273, mailbox 4, for more information.

Heirlooms for Hospice Is Seeking Volunteers - Must enjoy working in a fun environment. Volunteers are needed for cashiering, merchandise sorting, cleaning and display, and special events at the stores. Volunteer hours are flexible; please call Heirlooms for Hospice at 252-3648 for more information.

Ouray County Arts Center Scholarships are now available for partial tuition, made possible by their Board of Directors. Scholarships will be for 50 percent of the tuition, not to exceed $100. Applications are available on the website (OurayCountyArtsCenter.com) along with the schedule of classes and workshops, or by calling 325-4005. OCAC instruction includes topics within creative writing, photography, fine arts, culinary arts, children's art, fiber arts, craftsman arts, horticulture and cultural lectures.

Silverton Avalanche School is now taking applications for its 2006 season. The longest continually running avalanche school in the nation, it offers Level I and II courses in the fields of snow science, avalanche education and mountain rescue, adhering to American Avalanche Assn. educational guidelines. Level I classes Jan. 20-22 or 27-29; Level II Feb. 4-5. For information, visit silvertonavalancheschool.com, or call 970/759-8691.

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.

Gunnison Arts Center will have a Christmas shop featuring one-of-a-kind creations by multiple artists, open Nov. 28-Dec. 16. There will be an opening reception for the Holiday Market show on Dec. 2 during Gunnison's Night of Lights, 5-8 p.m. Come into GAC during this fun downtown event for some warm drinks, treats and great gift ideas.

Heirlooms for Hospice of Montrose Extended Hours - Open every Sunday beginning Dec. 11. All proceeds from Heirlooms for Hospice will support the programs of Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado. Visit www.hospicewco.com for more info.

Crested Butte Mountain Theatre presents "Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge" by Christopher Durang. In Durang's version of the beloved holiday classic "Scrooge," the characters consistently find themselves transported to the wrong time and place. Mrs. Bob Cratchit, a minor character in the Dickens version, takes center stage. No longer loving and long suffering, Mrs. Bob is in a rage: she's sick of Tiny Tim, hates her 20 other children (most of them confined to the root cellar), and wants to get drunk and jump off London Bridge. As the Ghost loses more control, the plot morphs into parodies of "Oliver Twist," "The Gift of the Magi" and "It's a Wonderful Life." And to make matters worse, Scrooge and Mrs. Bob seem to be kindred souls falling in love. Dec. 15-18, 21-23, 28-31. For ticket information and prices, call 970/349-0366 or visit www.cbmountaintheatre.org.

Spirit, Mind & Body Winter Well-Being Series - The Winter Well-Being Series in January will offer several weekly classes and workshops such as learning yoga basics or fine tuning practice to experience the benefits of increased balance and flexibility in a winter sport of choice; stretching for the slopes with Pilates; promoting well being in a free neuromuscular integrative action class; and healing injuries quickly with Ortho-Bionomy. Other topics will include using natural ways to deal with a woman's cycle through massage, herbs, meditation and nutrition; using shamanic ways to create health; discovering your own healing powers; disentangling from grief, loss or trauma in a family constellation workshop; becoming a deliberate creator; interpreting dreams; and reading auras. On Monday evenings, Spirit, Mind & Body hosts a potluck and spiritual discussion and meditation gathering. For class schedules, call 970/349-5094, visit www.cbspiritmindbody.com or email info@cbspiritmindbody.com.

Veteran's Business Classes - Veterans, would you like to expand your business knowledge? Are you thinking of starting a business, or would you like to improve your present business? 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 us today for information at 240-1109. If there is enough interest classes will be scheduled in your area. Please don't let this grant and opportunity go to waste!

Book Art Students Exhibit - Featuring work from Amy Wendland's class at Fort Lewis College. The exhibit will be in the Garner/Vega Conference Room at the Durango Arts Center, through Saturday, Dec. 24. Call DAC at 259-2606 for more info.

Academy of Yoga has begun a 52-week Beginners class, Fridays, 6:15-7:15 p.m., complimentary to all Mesa County adults for the entire year. Come experience the benefits of yoga in our new Steps to Live Well class and join Monica in beginning to make changes in physical activity that support greater health. Call 255-8029 for more info.

Aztec Ruins Hours - Aztec Ruins has changed back to its winter-season hours of operation. The park will be open daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m., except holidays (Sunday, Dec. 25 and Sunday, Jan. 1). Entrance fee is $4 per adult 17 years and over. Children 16 and under are free. An 800-yard self-guided trail winds through the West Ruin, an excavated Chacoan great house. The 25-minute video "Hisatsinom" is shown in the visitor center throughout the day. The National Park Pass, Golden Age, Golden Eagle and Golden Access Passports are honored. For more information, phone 505/334-6174 ext 30.

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 (closed Sunday, Dec. 25 and Sunday, Jan. 1) with rangers on duty. This is a wonderfully uncrowded time for visitors to enjoy the cultural sites and setting of Chaco.

Mesa Verde Travel Planner 2005 - Now available with comprehensive info on travel destinations in southwestern Colorado and the Four Corners area. Call 800/253-1616 or visit www.mesaverdecountry.com for more information.

The Archaeology, Culture and Arts of Michoacan, Mexico - Spend 10 days with Crow Canyon Archaeological Center this December, visiting the villages, viewing the petroglyphs and ruins, and enjoying the festivals and crafts of this exciting region in our upcoming exploration beginning and ending in Guadalajara, Mexico, Friday, Dec. 2 through Sunday, Dec. 11. Led by Dr. Phil Weigand, Dr. Hans Roskamp, Dr. Andrew Roth, and numerous Native Purépecha artists and traditional knowledge specialists, this exploration promises to be an adventure into the archaeology and the modern native way of life of this region. Today, arts and crafts are abundant in the region and each village is well known for its particular specialties - carved wooden furniture, elaborately carved masks, laquerware, hand-hammered copper, pottery, fine textiles, and guitars. The cost of the program is $4,495. The price includes Crow Canyon tuition, most meals, all admissions, gratuities and transportation after your arrival in Guadalajara. To register or for more information, phone 800/422-8975, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit www.crowcanyon.org.

ONGOING

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.

At the Sherbino Theater: Monday Night Big-Screen Football, happy hour 5-7 p.m. Bring munchies. Card games, board games available. Family friendly. Tuesday Night Beginning Belly-Dancing, Dec. 6, 13, 20. Costumes available; $10 per class. Wednesday Night Improv/Theater Fun! Nov. 30; Dec. 7, 14, 21. Teens, 4-5:30 p.m.; families, 6-7:30 p.m.; adults, 8-10 p.m. $5 per class. Thursday Night Open Mic, Dec. 1, 8, 14, 22, 29. Bring your instruments, voice, poems, dance and talent to share. 6-11 p.m.; $5 cover. Families welcome. Friday Night CD Dance Party, Dec. Happy hour, 5-7 p . m. $5 cover starts at 7 p.m. Saturday Children's Theater Playshops, preschool-K, 9:30-12:30; upper elem., preteen, 1:30-4:30 p.m.; Dec. 3, 10, 17. $20 per class.

In Montrose/Delta/Grand Junction:

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.

Heirlooms for Hospice Needs Donations - Heirlooms for Hospice, a unique upscale resale shop, is in need of your donations. We appreciate furniture, gently worn clothing, collectables, and house wares. Donations are accepted during the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The proceeds from the store help provide quality hospice care as well as emotional, spiritual and grief support to patients and their families. If you would like more information please contact Cindy in Montrose at 252-3648 or Anne in Grand Junction at 254-8556.

Montrose Community Band Rehearsals - The concert wind band rehearses every Monday, 7 p.m. in the band room of Montrose High School. New members welcome. Call 252-0918 for more information.

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.