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Strange Design to play the Henry Strater Theatre
St. Mark’s to host two benefits for Haiti
Purgatory goes big for Valentine’s weekend

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

Thursday11

“Agricultural Water - Reinventing Strategies for a New World,” the 8th annual Convention of the Ditch & Reservoir Company Alliance, meets at the Doubletree Hotel all day on Feb. 11 & 12. www.darca.org for details.

Buzztown University offers the free class, “How to Optimize Your Website for Search Engines,” from 3-5 p.m. at The Himalayan Kitchen, 992 Main Ave. www.classes.buzztown.com for details.

Silverton Chocolate and Desert Sun host a single origin chocolate & coffee pairing from 4-7 p.m. at the General Palmer Hotel, 599 Main Ave.

Staci Foster and Elijah Stone, “The Daydreamers,” play Ska Brewing, 225 Girard, from 5-7 p.m.

Lisa Blue, Pete Neds and Hal Lott play the lounge at Sweeney’s, located north of town on County Rd. 203, from 5-9 p.m. 247-5236 for details.

Feminist Voice sponsors a Valentine’s Day discussion on pornography and screens of “The Price of Pleasure” at 5 p.m. in Noble Hall 125. A second screening is set for 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 15 in Noble Hall 130. bschaffer@fortlewis.edu for details.

Silverton Chocolates, located in the Smiley Building basement, 1309 E. Third Ave., offers free chocolate tast

Backporch BBQ, 480 Wolverine Dr. in Bayfield, hosts an open mic night from 5-7 p.m. 884-4363 for details.

Turtle Lake Refuge offers “Alive and Wild,” a food prep class for optimal health, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Turtle Lake Refuge, 848 E. Third Ave. The class continues for four Thursdays. 247-0514 for details.

Singer-songwriter Levi Mullen plays the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 6 p.m.

The Jeff Solon Jazz Duo plays the bar at Mutu’s, 701 E. Second Ave., from 6-9 p.m.

Rockin’ Randy plays the Derailed Saloon, 725 Main Ave., from 6-10 p.m.

The Life-Long Learning Lecture Series continues with “Global Rebellion: Religious Challenges to the Secular State,” a talk by Dr. Mark Juergensmeyer, at 7 p.m. in 130 Noble Hall.

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., offers Salsa Night. The evening includes salsa lessons from 7-7:30 p.m. and DJ Twelfth Night spinning until 11 p.m. 259-9018 for details.

Dave Mensch, of Formula 151, plays the Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., for a free solo show at 7 p.m.

Friday12

The Durango Barbershop Singers offer Singing Valentines all day on Feb. 12 and from 5-9 p.m. on Feb. 13 & 14. Proceeds benefit the youth programs of the Narrow Gauge Barbershop Chorus. 247-5073 for details

The Durango Public Library offers “Fired Up Stories,” stories on fire and fire safety read by firefighters with Durango Fire and Rescue, at 10:30 a.m. in the Storytime Room. 375-3380 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.

Back Alley Blues plays the Purple Haze Bar & Grill, 117 W. College, from 5-7 p.m. and 8 p.m.-midnight.

Ben Gibson of Tumblin’ Dice joins Nina Sasaki and Larry Carver at the Derailed Saloon, 725 Main Ave., at 5 p.m.

Singer-songwriter Greg Ryder returns to the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5:30 p.m.

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., presents the Friday Afternoon Club with live jazz from the Mac Groove Trio from 6-9 p.m. 259-9018 for details.

Jeff Solon’s Swing’n Big Band presents a Swing Dance from 7-10 p.m. at the Durango VFW, 1550 Main Ave. The evening includes a free dance lesson at 6:15 p.m.. www.jeffsolon.com for details.

Gary B. Walker performs on jazz piano at the Mahogany Grille, 699 Main Ave., from 6:30-9:30 p.m. 247-4433 for details.

Mark Simons plays jazz and classical at the Jean Pierre Wine Bar, 605 Main Ave., from 6:30 p.m.-close. 247-7700 for details.

Monks Hood brings soul and jazz to the Summit, 600 Main Ave., from 7-10 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

Formula 151 returns to the Billy Goat Saloon, located on U.S. Hwy 160 in Gem Village, at 8 p.m. 884-9155.

The Spinning Wheels play their brand of Southwestern Americana at Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., at 9 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

Saturday13

The La Plata Paw Winter Dog Sports Event meets from 9 a.m.-noon with dog sledding, a freight race, ski-joring and cani-cross. The event will be followed by the Mancos Dog Parade and Li’l Kids & Pets Sled Pull Event at 2 p.m. through downtown Mancos. Racing continues from 9 a.m.-noon on Feb. 14. 884-3588 or info@GoodDogOutfitters.com for details.

Teddy’s Race meets at the Durango Recreation Center with a kid’s 1-miler at 10 a.m. and a 5K at 10:45 a.m. The race benefits Teddy Rodd, a local 10-year-old recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. 749-4290.

A special Winter Durango Farmers Market meets from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Smiley Building, 1309 E. Third Ave. The market will feature local produced 4

eggs, cheese, beef, greens, mushrooms, onions, potatoes and crafts. www.durangofarmersmarket.org for details.

Yogadurango, 1485 Florida Roads, hosts a Partner Yoga class from 4-6 p.m. The by-donation class is suitable for all levels.

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

The Lisa Blue Trio plays a sultry blend of favorites in the lounge at Sweeney’s, located north of town on County Rd. 203, from 6-9 p.m. 247-5236 for details.

Sol Vista plays a Red Cross fund-raiser from 6-9 p.m. at the Derailed Saloon, 725 Main Ave., Mr. Black goes on from 9 p.m.-close.

Bob Newnam and Tom MacCluskey play jazz and classical at the Jean Pierre Wine Bar, 605 Main Ave., from 6:30 p.m.-close. 247-7700 for details.

“Rave On! The Buddy Holly Story” plays the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College at 7 p.m. Billy McGuigan, who portrays Holly in this electrifying show, has received national acclaim for his performances. www.durangoconcerts.com for details.

Community Dance Sanctuary offers an ecstatic dance/transformative movement experience from 7-9 p.m. at YogaDurango, 1485 Florida Rd. By donation. 405-714-7662 for details.

The Kirk James Blues Band plays Desperados Bar & Grill, located in Bodo Park’s Centennial Center, from 7-11 p.m.

Back Alley Blues plays an encore show at the Purple Haze Bar & Grill, 117 W. College  from 8 p.m.-midnight.

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., presents The Heavy Hitters, featuring DJ Mr. A & Michael Dark, spinning from 9 p.m. to close. 259-9018 for details.

D.V.S*, a guitarist/electronic producer from New York by way of Fort Collins, plays the Summit, 600 Main Ave., at 9:30 p.m. 247-2324 for details.

Knucka brings rock and psychobilly to Steamworks, 801 E. Second Ave., at 10 p.m. 259-9200 for details.

Sunday14

Valentine’s Day

The Four Corners Center for Spiritual Living presents a live stream of Michael Bernard Beckwith, of the Agape International Spiritual Center, at the Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., from 10-11:30 a.m. 247-2221.

The Irish Embassy Pub, 900 Main Ave., offers a traditional Irish music jam session beginning at 12:30 p.m. 403-1200 for details.

Caleb Crain plays the Gospel Brunch at the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., from 1-3 p.m. The Blue Moon Ramblers play their weekly gig beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The Alexander Murray Faculty Recital Series continues with Doug Owens performing on double reeds at 3 p.m. in Roshong Recital Hall at Fort Lewis College.

The Durango Independent Film Festival present “A Night in Venice,” an authentic Italian dinner followed by a screening of “Casanova,” at the Abbey Theatre, 128 E. College, at 5:30 p.m. 946-1108 for reservations.

Bob Newnam and Tom MacCluskey play a special Valentine’s Day show at the Jean Pierre Wine Bar, 605 Main Ave., from 6:30 p.m.-close. 247-7700 for details.

Joel Racheff returns to the Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave., from 7-11 p.m.

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., presents Musica del Mundo with DJs Maize and X spinning from 8 p.m. until close. 259-9018 for details.

Monday15

The seventh annual Ski for Education Day gets underway at Durango Mountain Resort at 9 a.m. The event includes $25 lift tickets, discounted rentals and lessons and lunch specials benefiting the Durango Foundation for Educational Excellence. Tickets must be pre-purchased at Durango City Markets, PJ’s Market, Nature’s Oasis or Albertson’s. 385-2168 for details.

The Storyteller Theatre - Stadium 9 offers a benefit showing of “The Lightning Thief” at 10 a.m.  All proceeds support The Liberty School, Durango’s independent school for students with dyslexia. 385-4834 for details.

Joel Racheff returns to the Diamond Belle Saloon, 699 Main Ave., at 5:30 p.m.

Feminist Voice meets at Durango Joe’s, 732 E. College Ave., at 6 p.m. bschaffer@fortlewis.edu or 575-418-9126.

Terry Rickard plays a split-set at Joel’s, 119 W. 8th St., from 6-8 p.m. & 10 p.m. midnight.

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

The Self Heal Center, 26345 US Hwy 160, offers a free introduction to The Sedona Method from 7-8:30 p.m. 422-8001 for details.

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

The Irish Embassy Pub, 900 Main Ave., offers its General Knowledge Quiz Night beginning at 8 p.m. 403-1200 for details.

An open-level Latin/Salsa Dance Party takes place at 8:10 p.m. at the Durango Recreation Center, 2700 Main Ave. No partner necessary. 903-9402 for details.

The 8th Ave. Tavern, 509 E. 8th Ave., offers its weekly Songwriters Showcase with Good-Time Charlie from 9 p.m. to close. 259-8801 for details.4

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

Ska Brewing Co., 225 Girard St., hosts Trivia Tuesdays from 6-8 p.m. The event includes prizes and individuals and teams are welcome.

Singer-songwriter Greg Ryder plays the Derailed Saloon, 725 Main Ave., from 6-10 p.m.

The panel discussion, “Nuclear Energy: Two Perspectives,” meets from 7-9 p.m. in the Center for Southwest Studies Lyceum. Panelists include Dave Nulton, former energy consultant, and Travis Stills, attorney for the Energy Minerals Law Center. 799-1382 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.

Tim Sullivan plays his weekly 7-11 p.m. gig at the Office Spiritorium, 699 Main Ave.

Acoustic folk/pop/indie troubadours Annie Brooks and Cyle Talley split a set of originals at the Durango Coffee Co., 730 Main Ave., from 7-9 p.m.

The Lavenia McCoy Public Library in Bayfield offers a free art class, “The Basics of Figure Drawing,” from 7-9 p.m. 884-2222 to register.

Moe’s Starlight Lounge, 937 Main Ave., presents a Mardi Gras Party from 9 p.m. until close. 259-9018 for details

Pediatric Associates of Durango, 1199 Main Ave., offers a free children’s yoga class for 3-7 year olds from 3:15-4 p.m. 259-7337 to reserve a spot.

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

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

Serving Life Chiropractic Studio, 1040 Main Ave., offers a free Wellness Wednesday Talk on health, life and well-being from 6-7 p.m. 422-2032 to reserve a spot.

The Porchlights play acoustic rock, bluegrass & more at Durango Coffee Company, 730 Main Ave., from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

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

The Fort Lewis College Choirs present “Town and Gown” at the Community Concert Hall at 7 p.m. www.durangoconcerts.com  for details.

Andrew Gulliford presents a 7 p.m. illustrated slide lecture, “Interpreting Historic Photographs of Native Americans: The New Illustrated Edition of Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee,” at the Durango Public Library. Gulliford will discuss how to “read” historic photos of Native Americans. www.durangopubliclibrary.org  for details.

Jeannie Zandi leads a Satsang meditation from 7-9 p.m. to explore living from presence. No experience necessary. By donation. 759-5932 to register.

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

An open-level East Coast Swing Party takes place at 8:10 p.m. at the Durango Recreation Center. No partner necessary. 903-9402 for details.

Singer-songwriter Tim Guidotti plays the Derailed Saloon, 725 Main Ave., at 10 p.m.

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The Fort Lewis College Art Gallery presents “In2itive,” new work by Durango artists, Sandra Butler and Joan Levine-Russell, through March 3. Pieces include rawhide and steel sculptures and large scale paintings. A special reception meets from 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 12. 247-7167 for details.

The Durango Arts Center, 802 E. Second Ave., exhibits “Images & Iron,” with photography by Chet Anderson, Kathy Myrick and Bob Spencer and metal sculpture by Carl Stransky, from Feb. 3-27.  The Cosmos Series, mixed-media works by Ilze Aviks, is on display in the Art Library through Feb. 27. 259-2606 for details.

Durango Coffee Co., 730 Main Ave., exhibits the work of Howard Rachlin, noted Durango photographer, through the month of February. 375-7877 for details.

Lou Swenson, a well-known, Dolores-based photographer, presents “The Great Northern Plains” at the Desert Pearl Gallery in Cortez through March 2. 565-9320 for details.

The Lightner Creek Inn presents “Art That Heals,” featuring a variety of artists and expressions, through March 1. www.lotusoasis.com  for details.

The Family Center of Durango offers educational playgroups for children from birth to 5 years of age and their parents. Each group is developmentally appropriate and meets during different times and days during the week. Current schedules of events are available www.lpfcc.org .

The Sideshow Emporium & Gallery, located in downtown Dolores, exhibits “Lucid: Shapeshifting Figurative Oil Paintings” by local artist Lara Branca. 739-4646 for details.

The San Juan Mountains Association offers free snowshoe walks for families, home schooled groups, school classes, scout groups, and other interested youth groups this winter.  Many areas within the San Juan Public Lands are options for these walks. To schedule a Winter Discover Walk call 759-9113 or e-mail MK@sjma.org .

The Anasazi Heritage Center is showing “Horizons,” paintings by Stanton Englehart from the private collection of the Englehart Family Trust. Curated by daughter Sharon Englehart, the show focuses on the recurring pattern of horizons in her father’s work and runs through March 27. 882-5600 for details.

The Center of Southwest Studies Gallery exhibits “Mountain Lion!” The goal of this exhibit is to create an understanding of the nature of these predators and their long, historic relation with people. Also on display is “RARE: Imperiled Plants of Colorado Exhibit,” a juried, traveling exhibit of 40 rare plants of Colorado. Both shows run through Fall 2010. Visit http://swcenter.fortlewis.edu  or call 247-7456 for details.

Business Network International offers Professional Business Builders on Thursdays at the Himalayan Kitchen, 992 Main Ave., at 7 a.m.; and a Referral Market Chapter meeting on Tuesdays at Prudential Triple S Realty, 700 Main Ave., at 11:30 a.m. 375-7794 for details. Business Connections also meets on Wednesdays at the Durango Recreation Center at 11:30 a.m. 422-2032 for details.

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“OMG,” adults reading from their teenage journals, yearbooks, slam books and love letters, lands at the Abbey Theatre on Feb. 18. Visit www.buzztown.com  for details.

The Women’s Resource Center and the Business Women’s Information Exchange will host a fast-paced and fun “Speed Networking Event for Busy Business Women” on Feb. 18 at the Durango Recreation Center.

Robinson, Toolan and Cole will perform a free show of Southwestern Americana at the Mancos Valley Distillery on Feb. 19.

“Cheap Ski Movie,” a discount journey to find the real meaning of skiing, premieres Feb. 19 & 20 at the Smiley Theatre. www.cheapskimovie.com  for details.

The San Juan Symphony will play the concert “1001 Bedtime Stories” on Feb. 20.

The League of Women Voters of La Plata County will hold its annual Legislative Lowdown on Feb. 20 with state legislators Bruce Whitehead and Ellen Roberts.

The 3rd  annual Sasquatch Uphill/Downhill Race returns to the Hesperus Ski Hill on Feb. 21. www.hesperusskipatrol.com  for details.

Jess Higgins, NTP, will offer a free seminar on Healthy Gluten-Free Living on Feb. 25 at Vitamin Cottage.

The 24th annual Chocolate Fantasia, a fund-raiser for the Volunteers of America, returns to the Fort Lewis College Ballroom on Feb. 26.

The Adaptive Sports Association’s 12th annual Dave Spencer Ski Classic meets on Feb. 26-28. Locals are encouraged to start forming their teams. 259-0374 for details.

La Plata County will host a Community Ideas Forum on Feb. 27 at the Durango Recreation Center. www.laplatacountyplan.co for details.

Kelley Hunt returns to the Community Concert Hall on Feb. 27 for a benefit for the La Plata County Family Centers.

The American Humane Association will offer the Durango community a two-day course, Disaster Sheltering for Companion Animals, on Feb. 27 & 28.

The fifth annual Durango Independent Film Festival returns on March 3-7.

Grammy Award winner Michael Rose of Black Uhuru plays a March 7 at the Summit.

Rock legend Richie Havens returns to Durango for a March 14 appearance at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.

Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” will open at Fort Lewis College’s Mainstage Theatre on March 18. The play will show on the following two weekends. 247-7089 for details.

The Henry Strater Theatre will present performances by the International Hunks Male Model Revue on March 19 & 20.

Purgatory opens the gates on Valentine’s weekend

What: Two days of racing and fireworks and a torchlight parade  

Where: Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort

When: Feb. 13 & 14  

Racing and romance go hand-in-hand this weekend at Durango Mountain Resort. The local ski area hosts the 2nd annual Backcountry Experience Uphill/Downhill Race on Feb. 13, fireworks and a torchlight parade that evening and the Purgatory Cup Slalom on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14.

The uphill/downhill will be a fun and irreverent race up Pandemonium from the base area to the top of Lift 6 and back down Styx to the base area. Costumes are encouraged and the race is limited to skis and split-boards only. Racers can pre-register at either Backcountry Experience location or on race day from 7-7:30 a.m. at Hoody’s. The race starts at 8 a.m.

That evening, instructors from Purgatory’s Ski and Ride School will carry lit torches as they carve a brilliantly lit winding route down the front side of the mountain. As the procession arrives in the base area, a fireworks display will explode overhead. The festivities get under way at 7 p.m.

The Purgatory Cup Slalom returns to Durango Mountain Resort on Feb. 14, and the races are open to skiers ages 4 and older and to all ability levels. Race day registration will be held from 7:45-9 a.m. at Hoody’s and discounted lift tickets are available with registration.

For more information, visit www.skipurg.com.

Strange Design to play the Henry Strater Theatre

What: A local show from the top Phish tribute band

Where: The Henry Strater Theatre, 699 Main Ave.

When: Sat., Feb. 13. Doors open at 8 p.m.

The music of Phish goes on stage in Durango this week. Strange Design, “the premier Phish tribute band,” plays the Henry Strater Theatre on Sat., Feb. 8. Doors open at 8 p.m.

Forming in the void between Phish’s retirement and their 2009 return, Strange Design has been dedicated to celebrating the rich career of Phish by recreating historic concerts in their entirety. Much like Dark Star Orchestra performs sets from the Grateful Dead catalogue, Strange Design performs entire shows from the first 20 years of Phish’s career.

“This is not a band that plays its 14 favorite Phish covers,” wrote Nick Levy, of the Brooklyn Revue. “This is a band that makes it alright to admit you were a Phish die-hard.”

Strange Design strives to reconnect the dispersed Phish community by taking show requests from fans, including all the extra-musical components that made Phish unique (trampolines, vacuum solos, choreographed dances, etc.) traveling with a full light show, and recreating the energy, sound,and improvisational spirit of the different eras in Phish’s career.

Tickets are available online at www.HenryStraterTheatre.com , by calling 375-7160 or at the door.

St. Mark’s to host two benefits for Haiti

What: A Soup Soirée and Silent Auction

Where: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 910 E. Third Ave.

When: The auction runs from Feb. 15-18. The soirée meets at 5 p.m. Fri., Feb. 19

Durango is continuing to reach out to earthquake-ravaged Haiti. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church has set the date for two benefit events to raise funds for Haiti disaster relief – a Soup Soirée and a silent auction.

A silent auction will run daily at the church from Feb. 15 - 18. The auction will be open for viewing and bidding each day from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The Soup Soirée is set for Fri., Feb. 19, from 5 p.m., and the auction will close at the end of the soup dinner.

The church is also soliciting donations of auction items, including artwork, services, entertainment and dining certificates, and asking that they be dropped off at the church through Feb. 11. Additional volunteer help will also be needed for the event.  

“We are also asking area restaurants to donate some of their signature soups for the Soirée,” said Cheryl Birchard, St. Mark’s parish administrator. “And we can certainly use lots of help putting on these two events.”

For more information or to offer assistance, call 247-1129 or e-mail CherylB@StMarksDurango.com.

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Strange Design to play the Henry Strater Theatre What: A local show from the top Phish tribute band Where: The Henry Strater Theatre, 699 Main Ave. When: Sat., Feb. 13. Doors open at 8 p.m. The music of Phish goes on stage in Durango this week. Strange Design, “the premier Phish tribute band,” plays the Henry Strater Theatre on Sat., Feb. 8. Doors open at 8 p.m. Forming in the void between Phish's retirement and their 2009 return, Strange Design has been dedicated to celebrating the rich career of Phish by recreating historic concerts in their entirety. Much like Dark Star Orchestra performs sets from the Grateful Dead catalogue, Strange Design performs entire shows from the first 20 years of Phish's career. “This is not a band that plays its 14 favorite Phish covers,” wrote Nick Levy, of the Brooklyn Revue. “This is a band that makes it alright to admit you were a Phish die-hard.” Strange Design strives to reconnect the dispersed Phish community by taking show requests from fans, including all the extra-musical components that made Phish unique (trampolines, vacuum solos, choreographed dances, etc.) traveling with a full light show, and recreating the energy, sound,and improvisational spirit of the different eras in Phish's career. Tickets are available online at www.HenryStraterTheatre.com, by calling 375-7160 or at the door.

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St. Mark’s to host two benefits for Haiti What: A Soup Soirée and Silent Auction Where: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 910 E. Third Ave. When: The auction runs from Feb. 15-18. The soirée meets at 5 p.m. Fri., Feb. 19 Durango is continuing to reach out to earthquake-ravaged Haiti. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church has set the date for two benefit events to raise funds for Haiti disaster relief – a Soup Soirée and a silent auction. A silent auction will run daily at the church from Feb. 15 - 18. The auction will be open for viewing and bidding each day from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The Soup Soirée is set for Fri., Feb. 19, from 5 p.m., and the auction will close at the end of the soup dinner. The church is also soliciting donations of auction items, including artwork, services, entertainment and dining certificates, and asking that they be dropped off at the church through Feb. 11. Additional volunteer help will also be needed for the event.   “We are also asking area restaurants to donate some of their signature soups for the Soirée,” said Cheryl Birchard, St. Mark’s parish administrator. “And we can certainly use lots of help putting on these two events.” For more information or to offer assistance, call 247-1129 or e-mail CherylB@StMarksDurango.com.

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Purgatory goes big for Valentine’s weekend What: Two days of racing and fireworks and a torchlight parade   Where: Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort When: Feb. 13 & 14   Racing and romance go hand-in-hand this weekend at Durango Mountain Resort. The local ski area hosts the 2nd annual Backcountry Experience Uphill/Downhill Race on Feb. 13, fireworks and a torchlight parade that evening and the Purgatory Cup Slalom on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. The uphill/downhill will be a fun and irreverent race up Pandemonium from the base area to the top of Lift 6 and back down Styx to the base area. Costumes are encouraged and the race is limited to skis and split-boards only. Racers can pre-register at either Backcountry Experience location or on race day from 7-7:30 a.m. at Hoody’s. The race starts at 8 a.m. That evening, instructors from Purgatory’s Ski and Ride School will carry lit torches as they carve a brilliantly lit winding route down the front side of the mountain. As the procession arrives in the base area, a fireworks display will explode overhead. The festivities get under way at 7 p.m. The Purgatory Cup Slalom returns to Durango Mountain Resort on Feb. 14, and the races are open to skiers ages 4 and older and to all ability levels. Race day registration will be held from 7:45-9 a.m. at Hoody’s and discounted lift tickets are available with registration. For more information, visit www.skipurg.com.

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