Steamboat Pilot & Today

Look for clues for 26th annual Yule Log Hunt

The 26th annual Yule Log Hunt, sponsored by the Tread of Pioneers Museum and the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association, began Monday with the release of the first clue. Clues will be printed daily in the Happenings section of the Steamboat Today until the yule log is found. The clues, 10 in all, often include information that references local history and events. This year's hunt starts at the location of last year's yule log hiding place -- Stehley Park at the end of Missouri Avenue in downtown Steamboat.

The yule log is a 3-foot long, 50-pound log hidden within city limits. It is painted red and marked 'yule log.' At least part of the log will be visible from its hiding place, and it will not be hidden in buildings or in areas that charge a fee to enter. When the log is found, it must be handed to a Tread of Pioneers Museum staff member. A $100 gift certificate will be awarded to the person or persons who find the yule log.

For more information, call Jayne Hill at 879-4937 or museum director Candice Lombardo at 879-2214.

Steamboat Lions Club

selling Christmas trees

The Steamboat Lions Club's annual Christmas tree stands are located at the former Sweet Pea Produce lot across Lincoln Avenue from Bud Werner Memorial Library and at Christy Sports in Central Park Plaza. The stands, open until 7 p.m. daily, sell a variety of Christmas trees, including some as tall as 25 feet. Special orders can be accommodated. Proceeds from tree sales go to a variety of local programs, including those for student scholarships, residents with disabilities, eyeglasses for those in need, Boy Scouts and LIFT-UP of Routt County. Volunteers are needed to help operate the stands. Call Del at 879-5853.

Veterans encouraged to sign up for benefits

Military veterans are encouraged to stop by the Workforce Office in the Sundance at Fish Creek shopping center to visit with the Routt County Veterans Affairs officer. Find out about the benefits earned by serving in the military. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays. Call 879-5489 or e-mail mcondie@co.routt.co.us.

Snowboard Outreach Society needs volunteers

The Snowboard Outreach Society, a nonprofit organization that teaches snowboarding to at-risk children, needs volunteers for its Steamboat Springs program. The program teaches children courage, discipline, integrity, wisdom and compassion. For more information, call Michelle Hartel at (970) 845-7040 or e-mail michelle@sosoutreach.org.

Routt County Fairgrounds building open for riding

The Routt County Fairgrounds multipurpose building is open to the public for horseback riding. The cost is $5 for two hours. Days and times vary according to the schedules of the volunteer supervisors. The schedule can be viewed at www.routtcountyfair.org, or call 276-3068 for more information.

Emerald City Opera seeking casino volunteers

Emerald City Opera needs volunteers to serve as casino game dealers for the New Year's Eve Gambler's Ball at the Sheraton Steamboat Resort. This year's theme is Old West Saloon.all 879-1996.