In 2017, the Colorado Group Realty Charitable Foundation donated $35,000 to 28 local nonprofits, the foundation’s biggest year of giving since the program began 15 years ago. Steve Goldman, Foundation chairman and CGR’s CEO, touts the generosity of the company’s real estate agents.

“It’s in the company DNA to give back; our agents graciously donated more than ever this year,” said Colorado Group Realty CEO Steve Goldman, who also serves as foundation chair.

One of the foundation’s signature events is the Parade of Homes, a summer fundraiser that takes participants on tours of illustrious properties. The parade this year raised $11,000 for Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports — STARS.

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“It’s amazing to have an event that showcases our mission,” STARS’ Executive Director Julie Taulman said.

Another major event for the Foundation is the annual coat drive for LiftUp of Routt County, which brought in more than 500 coats this fall, serving approximately 125 families. The Foundation also supported LiftUp’s inaugural greenhouse project by granting funds for a climate battery.

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“They’re always out and involved in the community.” Said Routt County United Way Executive Director Kate Nowak, who pointed to Colorado Group Realty’s contributions to United Way’s Holiday Exchange Market and Day of Caring. “Colorado Group is a critical partner in helping us accomplish all the good work that we do here.”

Foundation board member Joee Rain Pavlica credits Colorado Group Realty’s recent shift in philanthropy for a growth in giving.

“Instead of just writing checks, we’re now more active in the community; we want to make as big of an impact as possible and join in on the action with ideas and manpower,” Pavlica said.

Library panel discussion to focus on hope, fear in the new year

Exploring the Sacred will be host a panel discussion on “Hope & Fear in in the New Year” at 6:30 p.m. today in Library Hall. Many people grapple with fear — personally, collectively and globally — and leaders from the Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish and Christian faiths and A Course in Miracles will lead a discussion on that topic, including time for audience participation. The event is free and open to the community. Call 970-846-8504 for more information.

Class to be offered for cottage food producers

Colorado State University and Routt County Extension will be presenting a food safety training class for cottage food producers from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29 at Bud Werner Memorial Library’s Library Hall. The training covers specifics of the Colorado Cottage Food Act and how to safely operate a food business run from a home kitchen.

Topics to be covered include: basic food safety; foods permissible in Colorado’s Cottage Food Act; ingredient labeling and disclaimer requirements; and special considerations for food preparation at altitude. Completion of the training satisfies the state’s food safety training for cottage food sellers.

To register or for more information, contact the Routt County Extension Office at 970-879-0825 or rcextension@co.routt.co.us The deadline to register is Jan. 26, and the cost is $25.

Strings Music Festival unveils updated logo

Strings Music Festival unveiled a new, updated logo this week with an updated website to come. The new logo was designed to update the organization’s visual identity and reflect its vision. It replaces the treble clef image previously used by the organization.

The new logo features a curved shape with a hovering circle. The shape plays a dual role in reflecting the mountains as well as the shape of a stringed instrument. The design calls to the mountain location of Strings Music Festival, a crucial piece of the organization’s identity. It also echoes the organization’s musical offerings, which are at the core of all programming and presentations.

The logo was designed by Stand Creative Studio of Steamboat Springs. It precedes the redesign of Strings’ website, which will be launched in the spring.

Medical center currently seeking volunteer help

UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center is seeking caring people to join the volunteer team. In particular, the medical center needs volunteer to assist with day surgery support on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. Those interested in becoming a volunteer or would like to learn more about other volunteering opportunities at UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center are asked to contact Volunteer Services at 970-870-1146 or email at pam.bosch@uchealth.org.

High school set to hold registration meeting

A parent/student meeting about the course registration process for the 2018-19 school year will be held at 5:15 p.m. Feb 6 at Steamboat Springs High School. All current and incoming students and parents are encouraged to attend.

Local student named to university dean’s list

Malia Fraioli, of Steamboat Springs, was named to the dean’s list at Furman University for the 2017 fall semester. The dean’s list for the Greenville, S.C. university is composed of full-time undergraduate students who earn a grade point average of 3.4 or higher on a four-point system. Fraioli is the daughter of Melissa Fraioli and Marc Fraioli.

Travel immunizations are available at NWCH

Travel immunizations and health recommendations and precautions for international destinations are available via a consultation with a public health nurse at Northwest Colorado Health, 940 Central Park Drive, Suite 101, in Steamboat Springs.

Appointments for a travel consultation and vaccinations are available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays and can be up to one week prior to travel, though it’s recommended to make an appointment at least one month before travel.

Yellow fever vaccine, recommended or required for travel to some areas of South America and Africa, is temporarily unavailable in Routt and Moffat counties. To make an appointment, call 970-871-7328.

Let’s Talk Health forum set for Wednesday

The Routt to Work program will launch its first Let’s Talk Health community forum from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31 at Bud Werner Memorial Library in Steamboat Springs.

The year-long, free program will focus on topics suggested by Routt County residents that will help them live their best and healthiest lives. It is held in collaboration with the Northwest Colorado Community Health Partnership. The first forum is set up so that community members can share their questions so that upcoming talks can be customized to answer those questions.

Arthur McFarlane II, from the Children’s Hospital Colorado, will be the featured speaker at the Jan. 31 forum. McFarlane serves as the population health analyst and community outreach coordinator for the hospital and will be discussing and taking questions pertaining to youth-related topics and initiatives.

Other topics that have already been selected for the upcoming year include nutrition, exercise and heart health. The forums are open to the public, and light refreshments will be served.