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Ongoing Upcoming

Jim Hightower pays Durango a visit
Baxter Black to play a benefit for KSUT
Fort Lewis to graduate its 45th class
SASO hosts Day of Hope and Healing

Submit items for On the Town to: 534 Main Ave., Durango, CO, 81301; fax: ( 970) 259-0448; e-mail: telegraph@durangotelegraph.com ; or fill out this form

Durango’s weekly Critical Mass ride leaves Buckley Park, located at the corner of 12^th St. and Main, at 5 p.m.

Singer-songwriter Greg Ryder plays a free show at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., beginning at 5:30 p.m. www.strater.com for details.

Durango Motorless Transit hosts a group trail run on the Carbon Junction Trail. Interested runners should meet at the trailhead at 6 p.m. Call 946-5557 for details.

Kati B. and David Earl Pfieffer perform live jazz and blues standards from 6-8 p.m. at Guiseppe’s Restaurant in Bayfield. 884-7135 for details.

Singer-songwriter Annie Brooks performs from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Common Sense Internet Cafe at 1480 E. Second Ave.

Lacey Black plays jazz piano at the Mahogany Grille, 699 Main Ave., at 6:30 p.m. 247-4433.

True Life Coaching offers a free teleclass at 6:30 p.m. to answer questions about a variety of upcoming Women’s Retreats. 259-9040 to register.

Animas High School presents Jed Wallace, a nationally acclaimed speaker, at 7 p.m. at the Durango Recreation Center’s Twilight Room. Wallace is the COO of High Tech High Learning, the model for Animas High School.

The 8^th Ave. Tavern, 509 E. 8^th Ave., offers karaoke from 8 p.m. to close. 259-8801 for details.

The Summit, 600 Main Ave., offers Open Turntables beginning at 9 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

DJ Mytha spins old school and underground hip hop for Pint Night at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., beginning at 10 p.m. 259-9200.

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The City of Durango hosts its Computer & Electronics Recycling event from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Durango Recycle Center, 710 Tech Center Drive. Residents, businesses, government agencies and schools are invited to participate, and nominal fees are charged for some items. 375-4831 for details.

The Southwest Colorado Peace and Justice Coalition holds a peace vigil from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the corner of Main Ave. and 11th St. Signs will be available or bring your own. 259-4185.

The Southwest Colorado Chapter of the American Red Cross, 1911 Main Ave., Suite 282, offers a Fundamentals of Instructor Training class from 6-10 p.m. The class continues all day on Saturday and Sunday. 259-5383 to pre-register.

 Tom MacCluskey plays piano at the Mahogany Grille, 699 Main Ave., from 6-9 p.m. 247-4433 for details.

Pianist Tatiana Roitman Mann presents the final recital on the St. Mark’s 2007-

2008 Recital Series at 7 p.m. at St. Mark’s Church, 910 E. Third Ave. She will perform works by Brahms, Mozart, Bartók and Liszt. 247-1129 or www.stmarksdurango.com for details.

The Jeff Solon Swing’n Big Band perform for the Red Slipper Dance Party from 7:30-11:30 p.m. at the Henry Strater Theatre, 699 Main Ave. Suzy DiSanto will offer dance lessons during the first set, and all proceeds benefit the Volunteers of America.

Jack Ellis & Larry Carver bring their high-altitude blend of blues, rock and folk to the 8th Avenue Tavern, 509 E. 8^th Ave., starting at 8 p.m. 259-8801 for details.

Durango DOT Comedy performs a Space Camp fund-raiser for local students at 8 p.m. at the Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave. All proceeds will help students defray expenses for Space Camp. 247-1418, ext. 2535 for details.

Steel Rodeo plays country-rock at the Billy Goat Saloon on Highway 160 in Gem Village, starting at 8 p.m. Call 884-9155 for details.

Freeplay plays rock, country, blues and originals at Virginia’s Steakhouse, located at Vallecito Lake, at 8 p.m. 884-9495 for details.

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., presents a DJ spinning starting at 9 p.m. for late night happy hour. 259-9018 for details.

The Lawn Chair Kings play the 9^th anniversary of Cuckoo’s Chicken House, 128 E. College. The show starts at 9:30 p.m.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Riot, Soda Jerks and Strange New Shoes play rock and rockabilly at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., beginning at 10 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

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The City of Durango hosts its Computer & Electronics Recycling event from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Durango Recycle Center, 710 Tech Center Dr. Residents, businesses, government agencies and schools are invited to participate and nominal fees are charged for some items. 375-4831 for details.

The Valley Children’s Fair meets from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Bayfield Parks and Rec Gym. 4

The event features games, prizes, refreshments and performances by the Catch It Quick Jugglers and Matt the Magician. 884-3259 for details.

The Durango Earth Day Celebration runs from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Rotary Park. The event includes live music from John Garza, The Porchlights, Pete Giuliani and Mountain Lobster. There will also be refreshments and exhibits from the Southwestern Colorado Grizzly Bear Reintroduction Center, the Environmental Museum and The Wilderness Preserve System Living Map.

The “Powerhouse Kids,” a live action kids show produced in Durango and the Four Corners, hosts try-outs at 10 a.m. at the Powerhouse, 1333 Camino del Rio. The television program will tell the story of Four Corners kids who tire of waiting for adults to open the Discovery Museum and take matters into their own hands. thekids@durangodiscovery.org for details.

Tara Mandala Buddhist Retreat Center, located near Pagosa Springs, hosts Saturday Morning Meditation from 10 a.m.-noon. Drop-ins welcome. 731-3711.

Yogadurango, 1485 Florida Rd., hosts the Autumn Teneyl trunk show from 3-7 p.m. and offers a free Nia class at 4 p.m. 946-8961 for details.

Dave Mensch, of Formula 151, plays at Steamworks in Bayfield from 5-8 p.m. 884-7837 for details.

Guiseppe’s Restaurant, 871 CR 501 in Bayfield, hosts open mic with Handsome Dan from 6-8 p.m. 884-7135 for details.

Tom MacCluskey performs on piano at the Mahogany Grille, 699 Main Ave., from 6-9 p.m. 247-4433 for details.

The Dances of Universal Peace meet at 7 p.m. at St. Mark’s Church, 910 E. Third Ave. The event uses chants and songs from many spiritual traditions to foster a sense of unity and respect for all spiritual practices. The public is welcome. 533-9040 for details.

TheSea & The Rhythm play original acoustic, indie pop at Durango Joe’s, 732 E. College, from 7-9 p.m.

The 8^th Ave. Tavern, 509 E. 8^th Ave., offers karaoke from 8 p.m. to close. 259-8801 for details.

Freeplay plays rock, country, blues, and originals at 8 p.m. at the Columbine Bar, located on Grand Ave. in Mancos. 533-7397 for details.

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., presents a DJ spinning starting at 9 p.m. for late night happy hour. 259-9018 for details.

Whiskey Blanket, an original hip hop group from Boulder, plays at the Summit, 600 Main Ave., beginning at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

Funk/world groove bands Liquid Cheese and BPM record a live CD at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., at 10 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

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Yogadurango, 1485 Florida Rd., offers 108 Sun Salutations, a benefit class for a local family, from 9-10:30 a.m. A free Yoga Basics class meets at 11 a.m. 946-8961 for details.

Durango BMX hosts races from 1-2 p.m. at the track just south of Gateway Park. 799-1780 or www.durangobmx.com for details.

Gigi Love brings her smoky vocals and revealing songwriting back to the patio at the Carver Brewing Co., 1022 Main Ave., from 3-6 p.m. 259-2545 for details.

The Blue Moon Ramblers play their weekly gig at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The 8^th Ave. Tavern, 509 E. 8^th Ave., offers karaoke from 8 p.m. to close. 259-8801 for details.

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Park Elementary School hosts a meet-and-greet for the new principal, Scott Cooper, from 5 to 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria.

Robin Davis plays the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5:30 p.m.

Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave., hosts a panel discussion with editors and local contributors who’ve appeared in Cutthroat, A Journal of the Arts, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. www.cutthroatmag.com or 247-1438 for details.

The Sea & The Rhythm plays original acoustic, indie pop at the Common Sense Cafe, 1480 E. Second Ave., from 6:30-8 p.m.

Singer-songwriter Tim Guidotti plays acoustic at the Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., from 7-11 p.m.

The 8^th Ave. Tavern, 509 E. 8^th Ave., hosts open mic night from 8 p.m. to close. 259-8801 for details.

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P is for Peanut, 473 E. College, offers free kids’ storytime at 11 a.m. 385-4525 for details.

Advantage Physical Therapy & Wellness P.C. , 801 Florida Rd., Suite 3, hosts a free injury screening from 5-7 p.m. 259-7829 for details.

Durango BMX hosts practices from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the track just south of Gateway Park. 799-1780 or www.durangobmx.com for details.

Ultimate Frisbee takes place at Miller Middle 4

School at 5:30 p.m. and is open to all comers.

Singer-songwriter Terry Rickard plays at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5:30 p.m.

Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave., hosts a book release part for local author Will Hobbs from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Hobbs will sign copies of his latest novel for young adults, Go Big or Go Home. 247-1438 for details.

The Summit, 600 Main Ave., presents open mic night from 7 p.m.-midnight. Bands and DJs are welcome. 247-2324 for details.

The Sea & The Rhythm, Annie Brooks and James Else play original songs of the folk persuasion at the Durango Coffee Co., 730 Main Ave., from 7-9 p.m.

Tim Sullivan plays acoustic at the Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., from 7-11 p.m.

The Columbine Bar, located on Grand Ave. in Mancos, hosts its Tuesday Night Jam beginning at 8 p.m. The session is open to all musicians.

Durango Joe’s, 732 E. College, presents Open Mic Night from 8: 30-11 p.m. Sign-ups for music and poetry begin at 8:30 p.m. 375-2121 for details.

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Durango Coffee Co., 730 Main Ave., offers free coffee tasting courses from noon-1 p.m. 259-2059 for details.

A presentation on Referendum C, “Looking Forward: Colorado’s Fiscal Prospects After Referendum C,” meets from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Peaks Room at the Durango Community Recreation Center. Speakers from The Bell Policy Center and the Colorado Children’s Campaign will focus on where the state’s finances are headed and explore if that’s really where we want to go. 

Leadership La Plata, the volunteer organization designed to educate and train current and aspiring leaders from throughout the county, hosts a recruitment reception at the Bank of Colorado from 5:30-7 p.m. 247-0312 for details.

Greg Ryder plays the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5:30 p.m.

An openbluegrass jam meets from 6-8 p.m. at the Durango Brewing Co., 3000 Main Ave. The circle gathers every Wednesday. 247-1264 for details.

Miller Middle School hosts itsPoetry Slam at 6 p.m. in the Miller Commons. This year’s theme is “It’s Not Easy Being Green,” and parents and community members are invited to attend. 247-1418, ext. 2524 for details.

Mountain Bike Specialists, 949 Main Ave., hosts a free maintenance clinic from 6-7:30 p.m. The clinic will cover care and cleaning of your bike, lubing the chain and how to fix a flat. 247-4066 to register.

Fields of Light, a gathering of spiritually evolved and like-minded souls, hosts an open discussion from 6-8 p.m. at the Common Sense Café, 1480 E. Second Ave. 769-9738 for details.

The Durango Chess Club gathers for its weekly meeting at Durango Joe’s, 732 E. College, at 6:30 p.m.

Lacey Black plays jazz piano at the Mahogany Grille, 699 Main Ave., at 6:30 p.m. 247-4433 for details.

A free class on Mysticism & Meditation meets from 7-8 p.m. at Chiropractic Durango, 555 Rivergate Lane, Suite B1-108. The ongoing class is hosted by the Center of Light. 882-4920 for details.

Singer-songwriter Terry Rickard plays acoustic rock at the Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., from 7-11 p.m.

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The Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College exhibits “100 Contemporary Works by Native Artists from the Hensler Collection.” The Bill and Sue Hensler collection of contemporary Native American art includes a diverse group of artists from a variety of tribes. The collection in its entirety includes more than 200 items, including pottery, paintings and sculpture, directly acquired from the artists themselves. The Old Spanish Trail and Selections of the Jewelry of Ben Nighthorse also continue to exhibit. 247-7456 for details.  

Pure Soul Coffee, 40 Town Plaza, hosts an exhibit of new oil paintings by Bob Zahner. The show is on display through the end of April and features landscapes and nature paintings. 382-8355 for details.

The Open Shutter Gallery, 755 E. Second Ave., exhibits “Light, Shadow and Time,” a collection of black-and-white photographs by Mitch Dobrowner and Thomas Carr, through April 30. Dobrowner’s surreal photographic landscapes reflect the power of nature and the hushed beauty of outdoor scenes in America. Thomas Carr is an archaeologist and photographer and has documented the essence of many significant historical sites. 382-8355 for details.

The Animas Museum, 3065 W. Second Ave., host the exhibit “Eskimo Artifacts from Arctic Alaska.” This show features clothing, masks, hunting and fishing tools, dolls, toys, fetishes and other items. The museum is also hosting “Boots & Saddles: Historic Foot Gear and Horse Gear from Southwestern Colorado.” 259-2402 for details.

Professional Business Builders, a chapter of Business Networking International, meets every Thursday from 7-8:30 a.m. at the Unitarian Church in Durango. BNI Referral Matrix meets every Thursday from 7-8:30 a.m. at the Wells Group. The BNI Referral Market meets from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Prudential. BNI Business Connections meets every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Durango Rec. Center. BNI is the largest business networking organization in the world. Call 422-2032 or e-mail servinglife@hotmail.com for details.

The Children’s Museum, 802 E. Second Ave., hosts the exhibit, “Living off the Land.” The museum offers a hands-on exploration of the Rocky Mountain ecosystem and is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Wed.-Fri. and 1-5 p.m. on Sat. and Sun. 259-9234 for details.

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The Big Spank, from Albuquerque, will join local band Oatie Paste at Steamworks on May 1.

The 15^th Annual Animas Music Festival presents performances on May 2, 16 & 26. www.durangoconcerts.com for details.

Recent Oprah guest Ellie Drake, who was featured for raising funds for Hurricane Katrina families, will speak at the La Plata Boys and Girls Club on May 2 and at the DoubleTree Hotel on May 3. Drake is currently on a nationwide mission to raise funds for Boys and Girls Clubs.

The Trout Unlimited Annual Banquet is set for May 3 at the Fort Lewis College Ballroom and includes dinner, silent and live auctions and raffle drawings.

Community Connections’ 5^th annual “Golfing for Kids with Disabilities” Family Support Golf Tournament returns to Hillcrest Golf Club on May 3.

The 2008 Durango Open Karate Tournament will take place May 3 at Escalante Middle School.

Durango’s Kitchen Jam Band will play the May 3 Contra Dance and potluck at the American Legion Hall.

Habitat for Humanity of La Plata County will hold a landscaping party on May 3 at 1470 Florida Rd.

“King Corn,” an award-winning documentary, will be shown free of charge May 3 at Empire Electric in Cortez.

San Juan Mountains Association will host an ecology field seminar in Sand Canyon on May 3. www.sjma.org for details.

The sixth annual South Rim Duathlon returns on May 4 and includes trail run and mountain bike legs. 375-7306 for details.

The Sexual Assault Services Organization will offer a free volunteer training on May 5. 259-3074 for details.

The Center of Southwest Studies invites artists to submit work for “Connections: Earth + Artist - A Tribute Art Show in Resistance to Desert Rock.” The deadline is May 9. 382-6982 for details.

The Southwest Christian Writers Association will hosts its 29th Annual Conference, “Write for His Glory: From Start to Print,” on May 16 & 17 at Hesperus Baptist Camp and Conference Center.

Trails 2000 will bring the International Mountain Bicycling Association’s (IMBA) Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew to Durango on May 17-19. www.trails2000.org for details.

The 9th annual $20,500 nonprofit Money Booth returns to the Sky Ute Casino on May 20. Fifteen area nonprofits will benefit.

Durango Community Access Television will be offering a Television and Video Production workshop on May 20. www.dcat.tv for details.

Maria’s Bookshop will host a May 22 booksigning with author Rita Marie Robinson.

Poet Jeannie Zandi will address a public “satsang” in Durango on May 23.

Fort Lewis to graduate its 45th class

What: Fort Lewis College’s spring commencement exercises

Where: Whalen Gymnasium

When: Sat., April 26, at 8:30 & 11:30 a.m.  

Fort Lewis College will send nearly 600 seniors into the big world this Saturday. Jamie Van Leeuwen, project manager for Denver’s Road Home project, will deliver the commencement address to FLC’s 45th baccalaureate class. Ceremonies will take place at 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. in Whalen Gymnasium.

Denver’s Road Home is the city’s “Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness,” and Van Leeuwen has spent years working with young people struggling with drug addiction and homelessness. He has published on issues ranging from substance dependence to public health among the homeless and has studied the drug and alcohol problems among the homeless and runaway youth in Denver. Van Leeuwen has traveled nationally and internationally to present his findings and work on solutions to these problems. For his work, Van Leeuwen was named one of the Denver Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” in 2006.

Van Leeuwen will address two ceremonies, at 8: 30 and 11: 30 a.m., in order to accommodate all of the graduating students and guests. A reception will follow each ceremony in the Student Life Center.

For more information on the events, log onto: www.fortlewis.edu.  

Baxter Black plays a KSUT benefit

What: A benefit show from the cowboy poet, humorist and radio personality

Where: The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College

When: Sat., April 26, at 7:30 p.m.

Public radio’s favorite former large animal veterinarian makes a return to Durango this weekend. Baxter Black performs this Saturday at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College in a benefit for KSUT Public Radio.

Black has been described by the New York Times as “...probably the nation’s most successful living poet.” Black has gained notoriety through his commentaries on National Public Radio and through his books, CDs and videos, but still doesn’t own a television or a cell phone. Black makes a living shining a spotlight on the flaws and foibles of everyday cowboy life. There is also considerably more to Baxter than just an entertainer. He is the real thing. Because, as he says, “It’s hard to be what you aren’t.”

A limited number of VIP tickets are available, which include premium seating and a pre-show cocktail reception with Black at the Center for Southwest Studies. Tickets are also available solely for the performance. For more information, visit www.durangoconcerts.com or call 247-7657.

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Jim Hightower pays Durango a visit What: A reading and benefit dinner with the radio commentator Where: Maria’s Bookshop, 960 Main Ave., and the DoubleTree Hotel      When: Sat., April 26 at 4:30 and 6 p.m.   Radio firebrand and author Jim Hightower is rolling through Durango this weekend. The commentator will offer book signing and be the special guest and keynote speaker at the La Plata Democrats annual Jefferson-Jackson fund-raising dinner on April 26. Hightower is known for his work as a populist activist, author and radio commentator. In his time working with America’s grassroots, Hightower has developed the following words of wisdom – “question authority, trust your values, seek alternatives, break away, stand up for your beliefs and swim against the current!” In this vein, Hightower will read from his new book, Even a Dead Fish Can Go With the Flow, at 4:30 p.m. at Maria’s Bookshop. The talk will be broadcast live on KDUR at 91.9 & 93.9 FM. In the book, he introduces readers to people across the country who have actually gone against the flow. Following the signing, Hightower will be on hand at the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, which takes place in the Ballroom of the DoubleTree Hotel. The event gets under way with a silent auction at 6 p.m. For more information or tickets to the dinner, contact adance@cypruscafe.com or 259-9503. Maria’s Bookshop can be reached at 247-1438.

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Baxter Black to play a benefit for KSUT What: A benefit show from the cowboy poet, humorist and radio personality Where: The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College When: Sat., April 26, at 7:30 p.m. Public radio’s favorite former large animal veterinarian makes a return to Durango this weekend. Baxter Black performs this Saturday at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College in a benefit for KSUT Public Radio. Black has been described by the New York Times as “...probably the nation’s most successful living poet.” Black has gained notoriety through his commentaries on National Public Radio and through his books, CDs and videos, but still doesn’t own a television or a cell phone. Black makes a living shining a spotlight on the flaws and foibles of everyday cowboy life. There is also considerably more to Baxter than just an entertainer. He is the real thing. Because, as he says, “It’s hard to be what you aren’t.” A limited number of VIP tickets are available, which include premium seating and a pre-show cocktail reception with Black at the Center for Southwest Studies. Tickets are also available solely for the performance. For more information, visit www.durangoconcerts.com or call 247-7657.

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Fort Lewis to graduate its 45th class What: Fort Lewis College’s spring commencement exercises Where: Whalen Gymnasium When: Sat., April 26, at 8:30 & 11:30 a.m.   Fort Lewis College will send nearly 600 seniors into the big world this Saturday. Jamie Van Leeuwen, project manager for Denver’s Road Home project, will deliver the commencement address to FLC’s 45th baccalaureate class. Ceremonies will take place at 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. in Whalen Gymnasium. Denver’s Road Home is the city’s “Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness,” and Van Leeuwen has spent years working with young people struggling with drug addiction and homelessness. He has published on issues ranging from substance dependence to public health among the homeless and has studied the drug and alcohol problems among the homeless and runaway youth in Denver. Van Leeuwen has traveled nationally and internationally to present his findings and work on solutions to these problems. For his work, Van Leeuwen was named one of the Denver Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” in 2006. Van Leeuwen will address two ceremonies, at 8:30 and 11: 30 a.m., in order to accommodate all of the graduating students and guests. A reception will follow each ceremony in the Student Life Center. For more information on the events, log onto: www.fortlewis.edu.

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SASO hosts Day of Hope and Healing What: A fund-raiser on behalf of sexual assault survivors Where: Businesses throughout town When: Fri., April 25 In need of some guilt-free shopping to usher in spring and support a local cause? The Sexual Assault Services Organization, in celebration of April’s Sexual Awareness Month and Victims’ Rights Week is hosting “A Day of Hope and Healing” on April 25, a day of pain-free shopping for the benefit of survivor services. SASO is an agency that supports survivors of sexual assault and works toward ending sexual assault by raising awareness and support throughout the community. As part of the awareness campaign, numerous downtown Durango businesses have agreed to donate a portion of their Friday sales to SASO. These businesses include: Beads & Beyond, Nature’s Oasis, Animas Trading Co., the Carver Brewing Co., Ultra Steam Professional Cleaning & Restoration, The Bottom Drawer, Silk Sparrow, RugMasters of Durango, Steaming Bean Coffee, Brown’s Sport Shoe, Nini’s Taqueria, There’s No Place Like Home, Yarn and the Spaaah Shop & Day Spa. In addition, Steaming Bean Coffee is currently exhibiting “create – inspire – heal,” SASO’s second annual art contest. Durangoans can view the show through April 30 and donate $1 to cast a vote that will count in final contest evaluations. For more information on SASO or the event, call 259-3074 or log onto www.durangosaso.org.

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