Steamboat Pilot & Today

Registration open for orchestra programs

Registration is open for the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra’s Education Prog­rams beginning in January and February. Youth Orchestra, String Ensemble and Cello Choir Programs are offered for violin, viola, cello and bass players, for youths and adults. Other instruments may be included in Youth Orchestra. Youth Scholarships are available for participants younger than 20. For registration or scholarship forms or for more information, visit www.steamboatorchestra.org or call the orchestra office at 970-870-3223.

Newborn Network offering resources for new parents

Newborn Network is a support system dedicated to providing parenting and resource information to all families who live in Routt County and have children from birth to age 3. Newborn Network’s free services include weekly networking and education groups, parenting education home visits, a lending library of parenting topics and a series of gift bags. Parents of a child 3 years old and younger can call 970-879-0977 for more information about support services.

Voting open all month for Howelsen Hill upgrades

People can vote daily for Howelsen Hill and Steamboat Springs to win $250,000 for Howelsen upgrades from the Pepsi Refresh contest. Voting is allowed daily in December at http://www.refresheverything.com/steamboat.

If Steamboat wins, the money will be used to help complete improvements in lighting and snowmaking, a mini magic carpet, and a new summer ski jump at Howelsen Hill.

Audubon Christmas Bird Count is set for Dec. 18

The annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count is from 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 18. Participants can meet at the Steamboat Springs Community Center. Expert and beginning birders are welcome. Participants often hike, snowshoe or ski to locations to record their observations.

Participants must register; the fees are $5 per adult. Feeder watchers and those younger than 19 may participate for free. Contact count coordinator Tom Litteral for more information at 970-879-1941 or birdsNboat@comcast.net. Preregistration is available at http://birds.audubon.org/get-involved-christmas-bird-count.

VNA offers free breast, cervical exam program

The Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association has announced a program to reduce breast and cervical cancer mortality through the Women’s Wellness Connection. The WWC provides free breast and cervical exams and selected diagnostic services to women ages 40 to 65 who meet financial qualifications.

The program targets women who have not had a mammogram or Pap test within the past year or women who have lost insurance, had an abnormal finding, and need follow-up. Call the VNA at 970-871-7646.

VNA offering tools to kick nicotine habits

Free nicotine patches or gum is available by calling the Colorado Quitline at 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669). Pick up a free quit kit (no patches or gum included) at the Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association, 940 Central Park Drive, Suite 101, 970-875-1883.