The Animas Valley Grange will host a wide variety of monthly talks from February through October, beginning with “Backyard Chickens” by Julie Ott on Feb. 17.

These free talks will be presented on the third Wednesday evening of each month at 6:30 at the Grange Hall, 7271 County Road 203.

Programs will feature local experts on topics of interest to the community followed by a question-and-answer session.

Secure PERA Coalition to reschedule Lobby Day

Secure PERA Coalition Steering Committee will reschedule its Lobby Day, which had been planned to take place Tuesday.

Musical journey to Cuba held at Fort Lewis College

The Life-Long Learning Lecture Series at Fort Lewis College presents “Cuba Libra! An Introduction to Afro-Cuban Music” at 7 p.m. Thursday in Roshong Recital Hall, at FLC.

M. Brent Williams, D.M.A, assistant professor of violin and viola at FLC, and concertmaster of the San Juan Symphony, will be the presenter and talk about the influential music in Latin America.

He will present examples of this highly syncretized art form with African and Spanish roots. Williams will discuss the island’s various dance forms including: rumba, danzón, son, danzón mambo and cha-cha-cha.

Sweetheart Dance and enchilada dinner

The Durango Knights of Columbus Council No. 1408 will host its annual Sweetheart Dance on Saturday, in the St. Columba School Gymnasium.

An enchilada dinner by Romero’s of Silverton will be served from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dancing with live music from Ralph Dinosaur will be held from 7 to 10 p.m.

A cash bar and huge silent auction are featured.

Tickets are $20 per person and $5 for kids 10 and younger. Tickets are available from any local Knight, sales after Masses at St. Columba, or at the door.

Proceeds benefit the council’s charity fund which has supported church, families and youth in our community since 1909.

Dinner, talk to examine return of rainbow trout

Eric Gardunio with Colorado Parks and Wildlife will present a program on the comeback of rainbow trout to the Gunnison River through the Black Canyon.

The program will take begin about 7 p.m. Feb. 17 in the Oak Room of the Strater Hotel, 699 Main Ave.

Everyone who wants to have dinner should come early to limit disruption during the presentation.

Unitarians to hear percussionist, violinist

John O’Neal, percussion, and M. Brent Williams, violin, will perform at the Recital Series of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Durango at 7 p.m., Friday, 419 San Juan Drive.

The cost is $20 for adults and $8 for students and kids.

Herald Staff