Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — The U.S. Forest Service is reminding campers to be careful with campfires this summer.

"Right now, the fire danger in the forest and grasslands is moderate with no fire restrictions in place," Tony Tezak, forest fire management officer for the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, said this week. "Despite a lack of fire restrictions, however, people still need to be aware of the dangers associated with campfires and be cautious with their use. We have already encountered numerous instances this summer where campfires have been left unattended. This is an accident waiting to happen."

Leaving a campfire unattended is a violation of Federal law (36 CFR 261.5) and is punishable by a fine of $225 to $5,000 and as many as six months in jail.

Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass and leaves.

For additional information about campfire safety, visit the local USFS office on Weiss Drive.

Volunteers, landscaping needed at Respite House

Volunteers are needed in late July and early August to help with light landscaping at the Rollingstone Respite House. Duties include pruning, raking and planting. If you are interested in volunteering for any amount of time, call Laura LaMetterey at the Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association at 871-7638.

Men needed for acting, non-singing opera roles

Emerald City Opera is looking for three adult men to fill non-singing acting parts onstage in its 2009 Opera Festival production of "The Elixir of Love." Rehearsals begin Wednesday with performances Aug. 8, 13 and 15. Call the opera office at 970-879-1996.

SSHS defensive driving classes start in August

All Steamboat Springs High School juniors and seniors are required to complete the National Safety Council's Alive At 25 defensive driving class if they intend to park a vehicle on campus or apply for open campus privileges during the next school year. Parking permits will be sold to juniors and seniors for $40 after Aug. 18 in Mr. Hensen's office at the high school. Sessions of the nearly five-hour Alive at 25 class are scheduled for Aug. 6, 12, 18, 20 and 25. The cost is $30. Register and see class times on the Web at http://coloradosafedriver.com. New drivers also can take the class to apply for their Learner's Permit. Seniors must take a free, two-hour refresher course, scheduled for August. E-mail dhensen@sssd.k12.co.us or call 871-3685 for class times.

Participants needed for Hahn's Peak fair

Artisans and crafters are invited to participate in the fourth annual Hahn's Peak Arts, Crafts and Collectibles Fair, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 5. All spaces will be outside and rent for $30 each. Proceeds from space rentals benefit the Hahn's Peak Historical Society. Anyone interested in renting a space can call Becky at 846-3868.

Arts Council seeking fall, winter show proposals

The Steamboat Springs Arts Council's Visual Arts Committee is seeking proposals from individual artists or groups of artists for fall and winter shows. Apply online at www.steamboatspringsarts.com, or call Mary Levingston at 970-879-9008, ext 105.

Bust of Steamboat in need of event sponsors

The Bust of Steamboat is looking for presenting sponsors for the eighth annual Bust of Steamboat on Oct. 30 at Three Peaks Bar and Grill. Sponsorships are available at all levels and may include tickets to the auction, your business featured on the event poster and in the evening's auction program, and display advertising.

The Bust of Steamboat is organized by the Yampa Valley Breast Cancer Awareness Project, a completely volunteer organization where 100 percent of the funds stay local and help pay for mammograms, wellness exams and treatment in the fight against breast cancer. For more information about how to get involved, call Deb Curd at 846-5696. Visit www.

thebustofsteamboat.org for more information.

VNA offering pneumonia vaccine to at-risk adults

The Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association is offering pneumonia vaccines, newly recommended for adults who smoke or have asthma. The vaccine is free under the Merck Vaccine Assistance Program to low-income, uninsured adults. It also is fully covered under Medicare Part B and Medicaid. Tobacco and pulmonary specialists are available for free health consultations at the VNA office at 940 Central Park Drive, Suite 101, from noon to 4 p.m. Mondays. Schedule an appointment at 879-1632 for the vaccine and a consultation.

American Legion offering transport to VA services

The American Legion Post 44 is providing transportation to VA medical centers in Grand Junction and Denver, and to the VA Clinic in Craig. Contact Routt County Veterans Affairs Officer Mike Condie at 879-5489 or mcondie@co.routt.co.us., or visit the office in the Steamboat Workforce Center in Sundance Plaza off Anglers Drive.

Routt County Wrestling Club looking for wrestlers

The Routt County Wrestling Club is open to high school students and adults and includes folkstyle, freestyle, greco, judo and grappling. Call 819-1263 for more information.