Community news

Call for nominations for local humanitarians

Now is the time to submit nominations for the Garfield County Humanitarian Service Awards. Nominations are due Friday, March 2.

Awards will be presented at the Humanitarian Service banquet on April 16 in Glenwood Springs.

To nominate a humanitarian, visit the Garfield County website, www.garfield-county.com and download the nomination form and rules. Each nomination must include at least three letters describing the nominee's dedication to humanitarian service in Garfield County.

Nomination forms can also be requested by calling (970) 456-3271.

Local Photographer Participates in International Charity Model Search

Local Photographer, Karen Skelly of Karen Skelly Photography, is participating in the 2012 International Charity Model Search to select North America's Cutest Kid and to raise funds for the non-profit Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation (NILMDTS.org). The last three years featured over 3,000 model's images and raised $220,000 for the NILMDTS organization.

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS), is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization committed to assisting parents and families who experience the tragedy of an early infant loss. NILMDTS connects families with volunteer photographers and provides them with a professional portrait session with their baby at no cost to the family. For further information on NILMDTS, visit their website at www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org.

Participating photographers submit portraits of local kids to an international online voting gallery. Parents let friends and family know about the event and encourage them to vote for their child. Each vote is $1, and all proceeds from votes benefit Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS.org). Finalists are determined by online votes, and all finalists move to an independent judging round.

The grand prize winner will be determined from a pool of the top 25 vote receivers. Winners are selected from the finalists by photography industry experts. The winning child receives a generous savings bond in addition to other prizes. The second and third place runners up each receive a savings bonds and gift card.

People who want to enter their kids ages birth to 18 years into the contest may do so by calling Karen Skelly Photography at (970) 625-3468. Image submission deadline is March, 16. Portrait sessions will only be accepted up to March,14. The contest is open to residents of the US. For more information, visit http://www.charitymodelsearch.org.

Thrift Shop Scholarship

The Rifle Thrift Shop is offering six $1,500 scholarships to qualifying Rifle High School Seniors. Applications may be obtained in the guidance office in Rifle High School. The deadline for applications to be returned is April 15. These funds are available for any Colorado trade school, junior or four-year college. The Rifle Thrift Shop is a non-profit organization located at 4th St. and East St. In addition to funding scholarships, we also donate to various community needs. We welcome your donations and patronage. If pick0ups on small items are necessary.

For more information please call (970) 625-9939 or (970) 625-0507.

Community Footsteps launches new venture

Community Footsteps launched a new website this month with the idea of "supporting your community from within the community." As a locally owned and operated business, Community Footsteps' goal is to connect our community through a brand new online marketplace that allows shoppers to purchase products and services at terrific bargain prices. Some of the local businesses one can expect to see great deals from include Bonfire Coffee, Phoenix Fitness, Independence Run and Hike, Crossfit Bonedale, Ace Hardware, Habitat for Humanity, and many more.

People are invited to register at www.communityfootsteps.com, where they can find current special offers from participating local businesses. Eight percent of all sales will go to support a local nonprofit organization, with LIFT-UP being the beneficiary for the first month. It's a win-win proposition that encourages shopping local, with tremendous offers of up to 50 percent savings (or more), and a generous portion of the sales will benefit local nonprofits.