Individuals or groups that want to host an event during Snowdown 2016 must have an event form turned in by Oct. 31 to guarantee inclusion in the Snowdown activity schedule. Snowdown will be Wednesday, Jan. 27, through Sunday, Jan. 31, with the theme of Back to the Eighties.

Event forms are available at www.snowdown.org. They can be e-mailed to [email protected] or snail mailed to PO Box 1, Durango CO 81302. For more information call Linda Brockway at 422-2045 or check the web site.

Communicators welcome at Toastmasters

Communication isn’t optional, Toastmasters can help! People looking to develop speaking and presentation skills and learn to think quickly and clearly on their feet are welcome to attend Toastmasters. The group also focuses on practical leadership techniquesand honing listening and feedback abilities, and having fun. Come join us! Durango Earlybird Toastmasters meets weekly from 7 to 8:10 a.m. every Friday in winter at the Holiday Inn Express at 21636 Highway 160 in Durango. For more information contact Denise Pruett at 769-7615 or Rebecca Barnes at 749-1741 or go to http://www.earlybirdtoastmasters.org/.

Pura Vida closed for winter

Pura Vida Cafe has closed its doors for the winter and is planning to reopen in April. Owner Gary Peach said his chef got a new job, so he had to cancel his plans to stay open this winter.

He apologizes for the invconvenience and looks forward to welcoming customers back this spring.

Bayfield Primary School holding open house

Bayfield School District invites the public to view and provide feedback on preliminary site and building plans for future elementary programming. The open house will be on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Elementary Primary School cafeteria by the old gym on South Street. Snacks and beverages will be provided. Site tours of the current primary school facilities will also be provided.

Commissioner to meet public at fairgrounds

La Plata County Commissioner Gwen Lachelt will hold office hours this month from noon to 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19 in the county fairgrounds Extension Building in the Animas Room.

“I am hoping that by holding office hours at the extension building, constituents from around the county will take advantage of the free parking to come to discuss issues of concern or interest, and share their opinions on county issues with me,” Lachelt said.

For more information call 382-6219.

Bark and Wine tomorrow in Durango

The La Plata County Humane Society Bark & Wine is at 6 p.m. Saturday at the La Plata County Fairgrounds. Tickets are available on their website and at several locations in Durango. Catering is by Manna Soup Kitchen’s culinary students, and a donation (dog toys, cat toys, treats, cash, etc.) earns a free drink ticket. Silent auction items include full trip vacations to Telluride, Napa Valley and Cabo. Other items include artwork from local artists, high-end autographed memorabilia and much more.

A special video from Chimera Communications will highlight all the achievements the humane society has accomplished this year.

For more information go to www.lpchumanesociety.org/bark_wine.html or call 259-2847.