The Southwest Center for Independence, a local nonprofit that helps people with disabilities live well in the community, will host its annual Kaa-vi- Nuu-ci Tuvu-pu (Ute Mountain Lands) Vallecito Potluck Picnic from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 19 at the north end of Vallecito Reservoir.

Participants are asked to bring their favorite dish to share. Accessible rides are available through the Center of Independence. The center will provide barbecue, drinks and table service.

For more information, directions, dish suggestions,or to RSVP, call 259-1672.

CDOT cautions: Watch for motorcyclists

Colorado Department of Transportation urges motorists to look twice for motorcyclists.

Motorcyclists make up 3 percent of vehicles on the road but account for 18 percent of overall fatalities. These fatalities tend to peak during the summer months with more motorcycles on the road. CDOT offers these tips to drivers on how to prevent a fatal crash with a motorcycle:

Always allow more follow distance when behind a motorcycle.

Though a motorcycle is a small vehicle, its operator still has all the rights of the road as any other motorist. Allow the motorcycle the full width of a lane at all times.

Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections.

Never drive distracted or impaired.

For more information, visit COMotorcycleSafety.com.

Senior center to offer programs

The Durango/La Plata Senior Center, 2424 Main Ave., will offer these programs:

Computer classes with Jon Cordalis, The Computer Tutor, will take place from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $15 per class. iPad Tips and Tricks will take place Aug. 18. This will be a review of basic operations and tips and tricks will be given to get the most out of an iPad. Computer Trips and Tricks Part 1 will take place Aug. 20. Participants will explore current technology with tips on email, the Internet, eCommerce, digital photos and safe computing. To register, call 382-6428.

Faye Gooden will teach Quilting 101 classes from 9 to 11 a.m. each Friday in August. Instead of paying a fee for the class, payment will be the completion of a small crib-sized quilt top that will be finished and donated to Project Linus. The class will cover basics of sewing quilt tops and cutting blocks, and it will answer questions. People should bring their own sewing machine, thread, scissors and other quilting tools.

The Craft Group will meet from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Participants should bring their knitting, crocheting, sewing or any other crafts or hobbies.

A new book club is forming at the senior center. A planning meeting will take place at 1:15 p.m. Aug. 11 in the Sun Room to discuss starting the club.

For more information about any of the programs, call 382-6445.

Rotarians to hear from Mercy CEO

Tom Gessel with Mercy Regional Medical Center, will speak to the Rotary Club of Durango at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Strater Hotel, 699 Main Ave.

With more than 27 years of experience in health care including more than 17 years experience in senior executive leadership, Gessel became president and CEO of Mercy in 2012. He plans to update the audience about Mercy and the local health-care landscape, speak to the challenges and opportunities posed by health reform and the Affordable Care Act, and discuss trends for the future. Visitors are welcome.

For more information, call Bruce Rodman at 385-7899.

Herald Staff