Steamboat Today: Margaret Hair

Holiday toy drives start soon

Collections target needy children across the world, close to home

Steamboat residents donated the 250 shoeboxes of toys, school supplies and other gifts to children around the world through Operation Christmas Child last year. This year, organizer Linda Jackson says the goal is 350 boxes.

Yampa Valley Community Band rehearses

Weekly practices are open to music lovers of all skill levels

At the beginning of October, Mark Rasmussen conducted the first rehearsal of the Yampa Valley Community Band. About a month in, the all-inclusive concert band has about 20 members, Mark Rasmussen said Friday afternoon.

Local author captures dog sledding experience in photo book

Dog sledding guide Dagny McKinley said she was amazed at the power of her dogs, a feeling that comes through in her book, “Wild Hearts: Dog Sledding in the Rockies.”

USO Ball honors veterans

At 7 p.m. Saturday, many Routt County war veterans will don military uniforms from their service in World War II, Korea, Vietnam or Desert Storm and dance to the music that provided a background for those times. Steamboat posts of the VFW and American Legion are hosting an old-fashioned USO dance to celebrate Veterans Day from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday.

Denver hip-hop band coming to Ghost Ranch in Steamboat

In its positively themed, sample-based music, Denver hip-hop trio 3 the Hard Way sticks to the “three paths, three roads, one mission” motto preached by leadman David Romero. Romero, who raps as A.V.I.U.S., takes the stage with the rest of 3 the Hard Way — producer Es Nine and DJ Cysko Rokwel — tonight at Ghost Ranch Saloon. The show starts at 9 p.m. with Salt Lake City-based hip-hop group MindState opening.

First Friday Artwalk events today in Steamboat

A charity gift sale, early holiday shopping, a silent auction, free food and live music are included in the wide variety of offerings for November’s First Friday Artwalk.

Steamboat artists donate pieces to benefit Arts Council fundraiser

A call for art by the Visual Arts Committee brought in about 50 donations from about 50 artists. That work opens for early viewing and bidding from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Depot Art Center. The selection includes paintings, photos, glasswork, fabric art and pottery.

Voter turnout at 36 percent

South Routt voters had no elections, weren't included in count

A surge of voters Monday and Tuesday pushed participation in the 2009 Routt County election to more than 36 percent, but it was still below that of recent odd-year elections.

Hayden OKs car rental, lodging tax hikes

Hayden voters passed a referendum Tuesday that will increase sales tax for car rentals at Yampa Valley Regional Airport. Based on 2008 rental car figures, Referendum 2B would generate $143,500 next year for the town of Hayden.

Steamboat library expands adult programs

Database workshops, film screening, book signings scheduled

In the month she's been on the job as adult programs coordinator at Bud Werner Memorial Library, Jennie Lay has been impressed with the free-to-the-public resources that surround her.

Woman donates Steinway piano to CMC

Steamboat Springs resident Lynn Scarlett-Atkinson decided to donate her piano to CMC shortly after her Old Town bed-and-breakfast, The Alpine Rose, closed in 2005. The instrument belonged to Scarlett-Atkinson's mother, Caroline Curtze, and came to Steamboat Springs in the mid-'90s.

Steamboat restaurants share recipes for creating hearty flavors

At the first sign of cold weather this year, Ben Stroock had a problem. Before he knew it, the eight to 15 varieties of soup he keeps in rotation were almost completely wiped out. "It just becomes soup season and people just want all of them," Stroock said.

The Nude Blues Band promises raw emotion in 1st Steamboat show

There's no nudity involved in Little Laura and The Nude Blues Band's live show. There is a stripped-down effect that comes from six musicians with decades of playing experience, letting all their guards down and playing raw, barebones blues music that bares its soul, said "Little" Laura Lamun, the band's lead singer.

Choose your own Steamboat Halloween adventure

Routt County Halloween offers something for everyone

Flash forward 24 hours. It's Halloween. You're a family person or a candy addict or a Steamboat Springs resident or a young local looking to show off a costume. No matter what your situation, there's probably an event to fit your needs Saturday evening.

Halloween events start in Steamboat today

Family-friendly holiday happenings continue through Saturday

After almost 30 years of tradition, the Downtown Halloween Stroll invites children of all ages to trick-or-treat at Lincoln Avenue businesses from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday.Most Lincoln Avenue businesses will hand out candy or other treats to a crowd that typically numbers in the thousands, Mainstreet Steamboat Springs Manager Tracy Barnett said.

New Warren Miller film coming

'Dynasty' celebrates 60 years

Warren Miller's "Dynasty" shows in Steamboat at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Friday at the Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel. Tickets are $17 and are available at Ski Haus. The film has segments from Colorado, California, British Columbia, Washington, Norway and China.

Bust of Steamboat to kick off its 8th year

Art auction and event helps fund exams, breast cancer services

Presented by the Yampa Valley Breast Cancer Awareness Project, the eighth annual Bust of Steamboat auction is from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Three Peaks Grill. Tickets are $30 and are available in advance at All That Jazz and Epilogue Book Co.

Retired drama teacher Rusty de Lucia heads for Peace Corps

Rusty de Lucia, actor, director, teacher and grammarian, got a final acceptance to spend the next two years assisting young teachers in the landlocked South African nation Lesotho at the end of the summer, and she leaves Steamboat Springs on Nov. 1 for training.

'Screamboat' volunteers work hard to haunt their house

When a group walks into Ariel Marchand's vampire room in the "Screamboat Chamber of Horror," her job is to put them ill at ease. Setting the stage is a big part of the 11th annual "Screamboat," said Jimmy Westlake, event organizer and CMC astronomy and physics professor.

Open house celebrating new equipment at YVMC

Digital mammograms offered

For the past four years, Mary Jo Wiedel has been lobbying for adding digital mammography to Yampa Valley Medical Center's diagnostic imaging department. Two weeks ago, that machine arrived at YVMC. On Thursday, the YVMC Auxiliary will host an open house celebrating the equipment.

Mayhem String Band plays Saturday in Steamboat

Country-style bluegrass group Mayhem String Band includes three Mississippi natives, one player from Detroit and one from Boulder. The band plays at 10 p.m. Saturday at Mahogany Ridge Brewery and Grill.

YVMC puts new restrictions on hospital visitors

Rules aimed at preventing spread of flu and other viruses

Changes restrict children and unwell people from visiting hospital. Visitors must check in, and some will be required to wear masks.

'Kimberly Akimbo' to open Friday in Steamboat

Community production offers comedy, challenging themes

Lately, Eileen Jones has been talking to her dog in a New Jersey accent. In the two months or so since she was cast as Debra, a constant con and aunt to the main character in the darkly comic play "Kimberly Akimbo," Jones estimates her time spent rehearsing, gathering props and memorizing lines for the community theater production at about 400 hours.

Free health screenings Saturday in Steamboat

YVMC health fair offers variety of tests, information

More than 150 volunteers will be on hand to direct an anticipated crowd of more than 1,000 people Saturday during Yampa Valley Medical Center's "Fall into Health" community health fair.

Guitarist Michael Charles brings practiced act to Steamboat

Blues musician Michael Charles broke into the U.S. blues scene with an invitation to play at Guy's Chicago nightclub about 20 years ago. Already established in Australia, Charles wanted a chance to make a dent in the States. Now he's getting it. He plays Old Town Pub tonight.

Steamboat's Yampa Valley Autism Program keeps growing

Masquerade Ball benefits support services for families affected by autism

When guests come through the door at Yampa Valley Autism Program's second annual Masquerade Ball, they'll have a chance to bid on masks created by some of the children the program serves.

Longtime party store operator opens new Steamboat shop for Halloween

The Costume Party & Dance Shop - Sandy Pugh's fourth Steamboat Springs costume and party store - opened Monday on Lincoln Avenue between 11th and 12th streets and is set to stay in the location at least through November, Pugh said.

Sisters in Steamboat Weekend called a success

Weekend of workshops and outdoor activities continues today

Mainstreet Steamboat Springs' inaugural Sisters in Steamboat Weekend included activities such as a wine reception; workshops on fitness, nutrition, self-empowerment and photography; and outdoor activities such as a hike on Howelsen Hill and a walk through historic downtown Steamboat Springs.

The Ragbirds bring diverse sound, food-oil-driven travel

Taking a Friday afternoon rest from The Ragbirds' cross-country tour of folk and world music, drummer Randall Moore is inhaling the much-better-than-diesel-fuel smells emitting from his van. The Ragbirds play at 10 p.m. today at the Old Town Pub.

Off the Beaten Path hosts 'fireside chat' to address reform

A Monday evening discussion about health care reform is the first in a series of planned "fireside chats" about national issues at Off the Beaten Path Bookstore.

Denver dance band offers blues, swing, rockabilly at its live Steamboat show

The Informants play at 9 p.m. Saturday at Ghost Ranch Saloon. Tickets are $5 at the door. The band that helped open the Ghost Ranch in late May plans to perform its debut album, "Stiletto Angel."

Boulder novelist brings new work to Steamboat

John Shors will read part of his third and most recent book, "Dragon House," at 4 p.m. Saturday at Bud Werner Memorial Library. He'll talk about the novel's subject and the writing process, answer questions and sign copies, he said. Epilogue Book Co. and the library are sponsoring the event.

Worried Men to take break

Local band's last Mahogany Ridge show of '09 is Friday

Anyone who has walked into Mahogany Ridge Brewery and Grill past 10 p.m. on a Friday in the past six or seven years stood an almost certain chance of seeing part of Worried Men's well-weathered show. Worried Men's last show at Mahogany for at least a few months is at 10 p.m. Friday.

Sisters in Steamboat Weekend to begin today in Steamboat

Event to include motivational workshops, store specials

On Saturday morning, Steamboat Springs counselor Diane McCrann will ask a group of women a question that seems to draw a lot of interest: "Are you living the life you imagined?" Her one-hour Saturday workshop has been one of the most popular sessions among women registering for Mainstreet Steamboat Springs' inaugural Sisters in Steamboat Weekend, which is scheduled Friday through Sunday.

Steamboat Springs Orchestra begins $100K campaign

Fundraising drive to help nonprofit pay for concert, artist costs

A chamber music concert and dinner Thursday will be the start of a $100,000 capital campaign for the Steamboat Springs Orchestra.

Big Head Todd to play free concert Dec. 23

Show will be at ski area as part of this winter's U.S. Olympic Trials.

Latin-influenced dance-fitness class new to Steamboat

Gina Zedeck walked into her first Zumba class with years of ballet experience, some prodding from a friend, no background in Latin music and no idea what to expect.

Howelsen gallery hosts David Marshall's metal sculptures

Howelsen Place Gallery owner Barbara McNary has pinpointed the most common reaction of visitors to the art space, which features work by sculptor David Marshall. "I think the first week I started a tally sheet of all the 'wow's I heard, and I got a little tired of adding that up - it's significant," McNary said.

UV Hippo to jam in Steamboat

Michigan-based jam band plays at least 2 music styles at a time

The guys in Ultraviolet Hippopotamus rely on solid instrumental skills to give their long-running jam sessions a little structure. Scheduled for free shows today and Saturday at The Tugboat Grill & Pub, the six-man jam band has been playing shows with a rotating lineup for about four years.

First Friday Artwalk listings

This month's First Friday Artwalk features fall colors, a limited-time auction, live music, refreshments and loads of new work at participating galleries, restaurants, retailers and other art venues. All receptions are free and from 5 to 8 p.m. today unless otherwise noted.

Ayer gives bar gigs soul

Singer-guitarist brings varied styles, vocal power to weekly shows

Performing popular hits and obscure singer-songwriter songs in local bars wasn't necessarily part of Sam Ayer's work plan when he moved to Steamboat Springs from Boulder in June 2008.

New ski films take center stage

Teton Gravity Research, Telemark Skier Magazine to screen new films this weekend

Click on the headline to watch trailers of new ski films by Teton Gravity Research and Telemark Skier Magazine. TGR's "Re:Session" plays at 7 p.m. tonight at the Sheraton Steamboat Resort ballroom.

Wild Horse Gallery art auction starts Friday

Wild Horse Gallery accepting bids in-house and online

More than 100 pieces of Western-themed art will be part of an online and silent auction starting Friday at Wild Horse Gallery. Most of the gallery's 50 or so artists suggested a few pieces to be included in the auction.

Center for Visual Arts has new space, new life

Gallery reopens in Lincoln Avenue location Friday

About 15 artists cleared the walls at the Steamboat Springs Center for Visual Arts on Monday and carried artwork across Lincoln Avenue to the gallery's new location. The nonprofit community art gallery reopens in its new space next to Steamboat Jewelers during the October First Friday Artwalk.

Soup Bowl Supper benefits suicide prevention group in 8th year

Potters and members of the Steamboat Clay Artisans put months of preparation each year into the group's annual community fundraiser, the Soup Bowl Supper. In its eighth year, the fundraiser - at 5:30 and 7 p.m. Wednesday - will benefit Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide.

Spa owner spent 2 months in Thailand for massage specialty

Pam Peretz first experienced Thai massage near a beach in Bali, Indonesia. In May and June, the Steamboat Springs day spa owner learned the technique and now offers it at her spa.

Guinean dancer and drummer to teach workshops

Members of the Steamboat Springs African Dance & Drum Ensemble have used master Guinean dance and drum teacher Moustapha Bangoura's instructional DVDs in their classes for years.

Caterer, pastry chef to teach cake design workshops

Caterer and pastry chef Nicolette Powell is scheduled to teach two cake design classes this fall at Steamboat Arts & Crafts Gym and will take up residence at Amante Coffee's kitchen Wednesday. Workshops to decorate a "doll cake" are from 10 a.m. to noon today and 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 17.

Kickball tourney starts today

17 teams to face off in double-elimination challenge

Seventeen teams will face off in the third annual NRC Broadcasting kickball tournament starting at 5:30 p.m. today, with double elimination trimming the teams to a final game at 9 p.m. Saturday.