EVENTS

TUESDAY, OCT. 24

Business Financing Forum: Tools for Funding Business Development – Representatives from various government agencies will provide an overview of available financing tools and offer tips on tapping into those funds. The forum will end with a networking session. Registration is free; Holiday Inn Express Suites, Montrose, 3-7 p.m. RSVP by Monday, Oct. 23, 2006 at 303/892-3873 or by email at virginia.davis@state.co.us.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 25

An Evening with Clay Campbell presented by the Whole Life Network at the Montrose Library Conference Room, 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend free of charge. Clay is the manager of the Fox Theatre in Montrose. He will share his knowledge of Native American viewpoints; not only about living life in general, but about being open to experiencing the deeper aspects of the individual's place and purpose in the flow of all life.

FRIDAY, OCT. 27

Halloween Bash at the Sherbino Theater in Ridgway. Dance to Fractalia. Call 626-4414 for more info.

Black Tie Bingo – Montrose Pavilion, 249-5168.

FRIDAY, OCT. 27 AND SATURDAY, OCT. 28

Tis the Season Craft Show – National Guard Armory, Montrose, 249-0337.

FRIDAY, OCT. 27 AND SATURDAY, OCT. 28

A Stroll Through the Park – Join the Del-Rose Chorus for a musical walk through the seasons, Friday at the Performing Arts Center in the Delta Middle School and Saturday at the Montrose Pavilion. Both shows start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available in Delta at Hallmark Ryan's Finishing Touch and in Montrose at Blue Sky Music and Books, Wells Fargo Bank South and the Montrose Pavilion.

FRIDAY, OCT. 27 – SUNDAY, OCT. 29

Western Colorado House Church Conference – Milt Rodriguez, Chris Pridham and Charlie Dodrill will share the practical expression of Jesus Christ through His Church. Senior Citizen Center, 247 Meeker St., Delta. This conference is free, but seating is limited. Register by calling 970/856-6492 or visit www.therebuilders.org.

SATURDAY, OCT. 28

Halloween Party at the Sherbino Theater in Ridgway. Dance to Fall Baby. Call 626-4414 for more info.

Del-Rose Chorus Sweet Adelines/Barbershop presents "A Stroll in the Park" at the Montrose Pavilion, 7:30 p.m. Tickets $10 at the door, $9 in advance, available at Montrose Wells Fargo, Blue Sky Music and the Montrose Pavilion.

Baby Sign Language – For ages birth-18 months, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Call Montrose Rec District, 249-7705, for more info.

MONDAY, OCT. 30

Valley Symphony Orchestra – Montrose Pavilion, 249-3160.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 1

Uncompahgre Habitat Partnership Program Meeting – Held at the Montrose DOW office (2300 S. Townsend Ave., Montrose), 6:30 p.m. For more info, contact Kelly Crane, DOW Rep. 970/240-9575; Craig Grother, Chairman 970/327-4261; or Danielle Smith, Administrative Assistant 970/260-0147.

Grand Opening of New Dolores Public Lands Office – The public is invited to attend the Grand Opening at 29211 Colorado Highway 184. Guided tours of the facilities will be offered 1-5 p.m., with a VIP dedication ceremony at 2 p.m. The San Juan Mountains Association will host free refreshments, and Smokey Bear will be there for the kids. The new San Juan Mountains Bookstore will be open. For more info contact the Dolores Public Lands Office at 970/882-7296.

FRIDAY, NOV. 3

Natalie McMaster live at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, 7 p.m. Blond mane flying as she stepdances and furiously fiddles, McMaster presents the perfect mix of Celtic and bluegrass in an ever energetic, amazing and joy-filled show that is sure to once again have the audience on its feet, enthusiastically basking in her beauty and talent. For tickets and info, visit www.durangoconcerts.com or call 970/247-7657.

The Sound of Music – Presented by the Magic Circle Theatre in Montrose, 249-7838.

FRIDAY, NOV. 3 AND SATURDAY, NOV. 4

Women's Club Annual Hobby and Craft Show – Friendship Hall, Montrose. Fri., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

SATURDAY, NOV. 4

Eva Amsler and Leo Welch –Amsler, assistant professor of Flute at the Florida State University College of Music, and Welch, assistant dean of the Florida State University College of Music, will perform in Roshong Recital Hall at Ft. Lewis, 7 p.m. Tickets $5/$15.

Grounding Emotion in Image – A workshop led by noted Colorado poet and translator Mary Crow, open to writers of all levels. Anyone interested in taking the workshop with Mary may register through Weehawken Creative Arts at www.WeehawkenArts.org or by phoning 325-4005. The cost is $36 for members and $40 for nonmembers. Scholarships for area students are available by phoning 626-2970.

Fort Lewis College Open House Events for Prospective Students – The event will take place 9 a.m.-noon on the Fort Lewis campus in Durango and will provide prospective students an opportunity to learn more about the educational opportunities available at FLC. The event will give students a chance to interact with FLC faculty, students and staff. To RSVP, contact Liz Witte at 970/247-7176.

SUNDAY, NOV. 5

Ouray County Performing Arts Guild Salon – Featuring noted Colorado poet and translator Mary Crow, 3-5 p.m. Crow will discuss her efforts as Colorado Poet Laureate to make poetry more accessible to the public and in school classrooms, and will read some of her own work. Tickets for the afternoon salon, which includes a high tea buffet, are $35, and the event is limited to 35 people. For reservations, call 626-2970.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 8

Authentic German Dinner, a Culinary Workshop – Chef Heidi McDuffie will lead students in cooking a complete dinner of potato dumplings, Rouladen (meat), red cabbage and Kirschkuchen (cherry cake with whipped cream) at the Secret Garden B&B, 101 6th Ave., in Ouray. All levels welcome. Call Weehawken Creative Arts at 970/325-4005 or visit www.ouraycountyartscenter.com to register. Registration is $33 for nonmembers, $30 for members.

THURSDAY, NOV. 9

Linda Louise Ashley Reads How Much, Woodchuck? – Climbing Tree Children's Museum, Montrose, 10:30 a.m., 240-8733.

FRIDAY, NOV. 10

Sherman Alexie – Native American author and speaker presents Without Reservations: An Urban Indian's Comic, Poetic & Highly Irreverent Look at the World, at Fort Lewis Community College. Call 970/247-7657 for more info.

SATURDAY, NOV. 11

Telluride Mountainfilm Tour – Montrose Pavilion, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, NOV. 11

Down Home Country Bazaar – 8 a.m.-3 p.m., United Methodist Church, Montrose, 249-9486.

Martin Sexton live at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, 7 p.m. One of the most talked-about recent arrivals to the "new folk" acoustic music scene, singer-songwriter and guitarist Sexton returns to Durango. For tickets and info, visit www.durangoconcerts.com or call 970/247-7657.

SUNDAY, NOV. 12

San Juan Symphony's Opera Mundo – What's more Italian than spaghetti? As potent as a double espresso? Witness the best and worst of human nature played out on the stage before you. The San Juan Symphony is joined by guest vocalists Gemma Kavanaugh, soprano, Israel Lozano, tenor, and the Durango Choral Society for arias and choruses from the wonderful world of opera. Fort Lewis College Community Concert Hall. Tickets $31-$57. Call 970/247-7657 for more info.

THURSDAY, NOV. 16

Spyro Gyra live at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College, 7 p.m. Not a band to be so easily labeled, Spyro Gyra creatively blends jazz, R&B, pop and world rhythms such as Caribbean, African and Brazilian, to form a trademark sound all their own. For tickets and info, visit www.durangoconcerts.com or call 970/247-7657.

FRIDAY, NOV. 17

Altrusa's 6th Annual Holiday Festival & Gifts – Wells Fargo Bank, 6-8 p.m., Downtown Montrose.

SATURDAY, NOV. 18

San Juan Weaver's Guild Show & Sale – 9-5 p.m., Holiday Inn, Montrose, 249-4904.

THURSDAY, NOV. 23

Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, 4.3 mile/2 mile prediction run/walk, Oak Grove Elementary School, 9 a.m. Club Contact Joan Snaders, 249-0595, srednas82@msn.com, www.sjmr.org.

Annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner – Friendship Hall, Montrose, 249-5000.

FRIDAY, NOV. 24

Santa Arrives & Community Tree Lighting – Downtown Montrose, 249-6360.

THURSDAY, NOV. 30

A Taste of the Seasons – Sponsored by Four Seasons Greenhouse in Cortez, a wine tasting benefit for United Way, 5-9 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person or $40 per couple in advance and are available at Four Seasons Greenhouse and Nursery, West Slope Liquors in Cortez, the Cortez Welcome Center, and from committee members. For more information call Four Seasons Greenhouse at 565-8274 or Bruce Johnson from United Way at 882-2635.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Beginning Tango Lessons – With Eric Wright, Fridays, 6:30 p.m., Sherbino Theater in Ridgway. Bring appetizer to share. Call 626-4414 for more info.

US 550 Road Work on Red Mountain Pass will cause delays of up to 30 minutes, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. (some Saturdays possible). Check other scheduled lane closures in the southwest area by logging on to: www.dot.state.co.us/TravelInfo/currentcond/ClosuresNWSW.htm.

Silverton Local Appreciation Train Tickets – The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is offering its Silverton Local's Appreciation fare to ride the train round-trip for $10 on Sunday, Oct. 29. The train will depart Silverton at 8:15 a.m. and travel to Durango for a two-hour layover, leaving for Silverton at 2 p.m. Tickets will be sold to residents of Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Ridgway, available at the Silverton Depot or by calling 970/387-5416, or at the Durango Depot or by calling 970/247-2733. Tickets must be paid for at the time of booking and proof of residence required.

Costumes, Costumes, Costumes! The Sherbino Theater is thinning out its costume rooms; its corner store has costumes for sale, rent or trade. Recycle your old costumes here as well.

Beginning Belly Dance with Phyllis and Shannon, Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Sherbino Theatre, Ridgway, 626-4414.

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.

Anasazi Heritage Center – Winter hours will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. beginning Nov. 1 through the month of February.

ONGOING

Montrose Farmers Market – Saturdays through October, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Centennial Plaza, 323-5756.

Family Fun Night – Fridays, Montrose Aquatic Center, 6:30-8:45 p.m., 249-7705.

Rent the Sherbino Theatre in Ridgway – Available for private parties, wedding receptions, etc. Call 626-4414 for more info.

Chi Gung & T'ai Chi with Elisabeth Roscoe in Montrose, Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., 249-0397.

Mending Hearts Support Group in Montrose – An adult support group for those grieving the loss of a loved one. In the safety of a group and in an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding members talk about their feelings and concerns. Join at any time in the series meets weekly on Thursdays through Dec. 14, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Hillcrest Congregational United Church of Christ in Montrose located at 611 Hillcrest Drive. For more info contact Don Barr at 240-7734.

Women's Resource Center located at 723 E. Second Ave. in Durango: Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and by appt. 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 the community.

Chick Flick Night at the Abbey Theatre, the third Monday of every month. For more info, call 970/247-1242, or visit 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.

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.

Montrose Recreation District – For a full calendar of events, activities and classes call 252-4884 or email 50plus@Montrose.net.

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. Call 626-4373 for more info, or visit www.ridgwayrailroadmuseum.org.

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. $8 per class. Reservations required. Museum hours are 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Call 249-3098 for a complete schedule.

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. Laurel Ann Browne, Visionary Counseling, laurelann@bresnan.net; Rev. Arlyn Macdonald, Community for Spiritual Awareness, huna@bresnan.net.

Heirlooms for Hospice Needs Volunteers and Donations of furniture, gently worn clothing, household and children's items. Donations are tax deductible and free pickup service is available; consignment of furniture and decorative items accepted. All proceeds from the sale of your donations help Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado, 435 E. Main in Montrose. Call Carla at 252-3648 for more info or to volunteer.

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.

Children Support Group – Alternative solutions to challenges for both children and adults through an empowerment program offering guidance and recognition. Every second Wednesday, 7-8 p.m., 137 North Mesa Ave (corner of North 2nd and Mesa), Montrose. For more info contact Laurel Ann Browne, Visionary Counseling, laurelann@bresnan.net or 970/249-1345; or Rev. Arlyn Macdonald, Community for Spiritual Awareness, huna@bresnan.net or 970/252-0908.

Eating Disorder Group – Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m., 715 S. First St., Montrose. Get support to improve your self-esteem and maintain a healthy weight, led by Sharon Sward. Call 970/626-5187 for info.

St. Mary's Blood Center 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. 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 www.visitmesaverde.com.

Aztec Ruins National Monument – (Aztec, N.M.) Fall/Winter schedule: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except holidays. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. The entrance fee is $5 per adult 16 years and over. Children 15 and under are free. National Park Pass, Golden Age, Golden Eagle and Golden Access Passports as well as the newly created Aztec Ruins Passport are honored. For info call 505/334-6174 ext 30.

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.

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. Thursday the week before publication. You may also send your information to P.O. Box 2042, Telluride, CO, 81435. No phone calls, please.