Growing Partners of Southwest Colorado will present the sixth annual Homegrown Retreat called “Home Cookin’: A Showcase of Regional Innovative Local Food Projects” at 7 p.m. Feb. 21 and from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at Fort Lewis College in the Student Union Ballroom.

On Feb. 21, Russell Evans, director of Transition Lab, a living laboratory in Montrose, will give the keynote speech. He will speak about how students can create local food production, affordable housing, employment, community engagement and cultivate leadership with existing resources.

On Feb. 22, programs will address people’s roles in the cultivation of change and innovation in the region.

There will be a complimentary breakfast taco bar by Zia Taqueria and a local food lunch.

There also will be numerous networking and educational activities.

The event is free, with a $15 suggested donation for lunch.

Visit www.growingpartners.org, for more information or to RSVP.

Cultural center to host programs

The Cortez Cultural Center, 25 N. Market St., will host these programs:

Cheri Valle will present a “Victorian Fashions and Dressmaking Techniques” workshop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 15. Using original clothing from the period, participants will explore styles and types of clothing from 1837 to 1901. Members can attend free; the cost is $5 for nonmembers. Advance registration is requested.

Jim and Karen Mischke will present a program at 7 p.m. Feb. 19 in the gallery. The presentation will showcase the Cheetah Conservation Fund, a nonprofit in Namibia, Africa, that is engaged in saving the animal. Members can attend for free; the cost is $5 for nonmembers.

To register or for more information, visit www.cortezculturalcenter.org or call 565-1151.

‘Talk to Strangers’ film to be screened

The screening of the short film “Talk to Strangers,” chronicling the price children pay when parents fail to manage conflict, will take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Durango Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 419 San Juan Drive.

After the film, there will be a presentation by family practice lawyer/filmmaker, Larry Sarezky.

A panel of experts from the community will address how parents can avoid the consequences of conflict on their children and what local resources are available. Questions will be taken, and there will be a chance to sign up for door prizes.

Visit www.childcustodyfilm.com, for more information.

Herald Staff