Steamboat Pilot & Today

Yampa Valley Medical Center has received a gold level award in the national 2011-12 Flu Vaccination Challenge for achieving at least a 95 percent level of vaccination among employees, according to a news release.

The challenge was sponsored by Joint Commission Resources, an organization dedicated to improving patient safety and quality of care in more than 10,000 hospitals nationwide.

“Our emphasis on providing safe health care to our community and visitors begins with having a healthy work force,” YVMC Quality Programs Coordinator Steve Hilley, R.N., said. “We are very pleased to accept this award recognizing our commitment to immunization against influenza.”

Beginning in October 2011, a new YVMC policy required employees to be vaccinated or have a valid reason to decline. Of the 549 employees who worked at the hospital and Doak Walker Care Center during flu season, 522 were immunized.

Lap pool closed during meet at Craig complex

The Craig Swimming Complex will be hosting the Sea Sharks ABC swim meet July 6 to 8. The lap pool will be closed during this time, and the wave pool will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. each day and 5 to 8 p.m. July 6 and 7. Admission will be on a first-come, first-served basis for the first 200 people. For more information, call 970-824-3015.

Steamboat Springs nurse named to Colorado council

A Yampa Valley Medical Center registered nurse has been named by Gov. John Hickenlooper to the State Emergency Medical and Trauma Services Advisory Council, according to a news release.

Steve Hilley, coordinator of quality programs at YVMC, was selected to represent a registered nurse involved in rural emergency medical and trauma services. Hilley also serves as trauma coordinator and emergency preparedness coordinator at YVMC.

Council responsibilities include advising the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on all matters relating to emergency medical and trauma service programs.

CSU Alumni Association hosts celebration July 7

The CSU Alumni Association hosts an evening of celebration with fellow alumni, parents, students and friends from 5 to 8 p.m. July 7 at Rex’s American Grill & Bar. The featured speaker is Dr. Jeff McCubbin, dean of the College of Applied

Human Sciences. The cost is free for Alumni Association annual members, free for lifetime members and a guest, $10 for nonmembers and includes appetizers. Register by Friday by calling 1-800-286-2586.

Freedom Conference to be held on Aug. 24 and 25

The fourth annual Freedom Conference, presented by The Steamboat Institute, is Aug. 24 and 25 at Steamboat Ski Area and The Steamboat Grand. The event features Mary Katharine Ham, a conservative columnist and Fox News contributor. Conservative columnist and best-selling author Michelle Malkin and former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton also will speak at the event. Discounted tickets are available through Saturday at www.steamboatinstitute.org.

Steamboat Symphony to hold kickoff party July 8

The Steamboat Symphony Orchestra will be holding its season kickoff party at 6 p.m. July 8 at Catamount Ranch & Club. Maestro Ernest Richardson will provide insight into the 21st season’s offerings. The cost is $150 and includes live music by the Steamboat String Quartet and a three-course, surf-and-turf dinner. Tickets are available at the Depot Art Center, at www.steamboatorchestra.org or by calling 970-870-3223. 

Edith Lynn Hornik-Beer to teach writing workshop

Edith Lynn Hornik-Beer whose articles and essays have appeared in Elle, The Denver Post, The New York Times, Toronto Star and other major newspapers and magazines will teach Writing A Meaningful Article (English 901) at Colorado Mountain College. Topics covered include organization, style, how to entice the reader, editing your own work and marketing. The course is from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays in July beginning July 9. The cost is $50. Register by calling 970-870-4444.