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Routt County 4-H
Bi-Monthly Newsletter
December 31, 2025
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Below you will find information on:
- Today is the final day to re-enroll and pay without a $30 late fee.
- We need more shooting sports leaders. Please scroll down to the Shooting Sports section to see how you can become a leader!
- Cowboy Downhill Petting Zoo
- Cloverbud Meetings
- 4-H Entrepreneur Program
- Blues Break Registration
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Upcoming Events
Click here to access the Routt County 4-H Google Calendar!
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Office Closures
New Years Holiday | December 31-January 2
Our Office will be closing at 12pm today (December 31) and closing at 3pm on Friday, January 2.
Hours are subject to change, please call before stopping by!
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Re-Enrollment Deadline | December 31
Returning members should enroll and pay by TODAY (December 31st) to avoid a $30 late fee.
How do I Enroll?
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Enroll (between October 1 and May 1) on Colorado 4-H Online
- Pick a 4-H Club
- Pick your project(s)
- Pay your enrollment fees
- Get Involved
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Cowboy Downhill Petting Zoo | January 19 | 11am-1pm
Help bring Routt County 4-H to the base of Mount Werner for the Cowboy Downhill. We are looking for members who want to provide their animal(s) and/or a roping demonstration set-up (ropes, dummy, etc) in exchange for a day pass to Steamboat Resort for the 2025-2026 ski season. Members must be present from 11am-1pm.
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Junior Leader Meetings | January 28 (DATE CHANGED), February 25, April 1, May 27 | Trout Creek Room | 6pm
Are you 14-18 years old and want to step up your leadership role in Routt County 4-H? Jr. Leaders are ambassadors to Routt County 4-H, help put on 4-H events, and are Jr. Superintendents at the fair.
Join us for our first Jr. Leader meeting Wednesday, January 28 at 6pm in the Trout Creek Room.
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Cloverbud Meetings | January 28, February 25, March 18, April 1, May 27, June 10, July 24 | 6pm
Youth aged 5-7 are invited to join us for our Cloverbud Workshops. This year we are learning about pollinators and how the roles they play! Members must be enrolled as a Cloverbud in Routt County 4-H to attend the meetings.
Scroll down for more information on Routt County Cloverbuds
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Leadership Development Conference | January 24-26
Senior aged 4-H members are encouraged to join us for LDC. The total cost is $395, with Routt County 4-H Leadership Fund covering $250 per member. Members will be responsible for covering the remaining $145. Registration closes January 7 (or when full). Space is limited due to chaperone and vehicle availability, so sign up ASAP!
We are also looking for chaperones. If you are a registered leader, please let us know if you would like to be a chaperone for this event.
Please note, any cancelations made AFTER the deadline will not be reimbursed and members must pay the full $395 PLUS hotel costs if they cannot attend.
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Beef Weigh-In | February 1 | 12:30-2:30pm
Beef members are required to attend at the Routt County Fairgrounds. Cost is $5 per animal. Youth must be enrolled in Routt County 4-H with all fees paid (including any past due fees) before weighing in. All market beef need to be halter broke prior to weigh-in.
Questions? Take a look at the handbook section that discusses spring weigh-ins.
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Generational Breeding Project Application Due | February 1
Honoring the legacy of longtime Routt County rancher, Donald C. Lufkin, and his legacy of sustaining beef production in Routt County. Routt County 4-H Youth have the opportunity to start or expand their cattle breeding operation with financial support from the Lufkin Family Foundation.
- Up to $1,500 Grants available
- Three year program
- Awards and more!
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4-H Entrepreneurship Program | February 9, March 9, April 13, May 11, July 9 | 4:30-6pm
Got an idea? Let's turn it into a business.
Join the Youth Entrepreneur Program and learn how to build a brand, sell a product, manage money, and pitch your idea like a pro. You'll test your business at local farmers markets and finish with a pitch presentation where you receive seed money to help launch your business. For all youth ages 8-18.
For more information, contact Tami.
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Blues Break Camp | February 17-19 | 2-4pm | Routt County Community Room
Youth aged 8-18 are welcome to join us for our Blues Break Camp. Join us for one day, or all three. Cost is $10/youth/day.
- February 17 - Arts & Crafts Workshop
- February 18 - Creative Cooks Mexican Cuisine and Felting
- February 19 - STEM Roller Coaster and Race Car Challenges
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National Western Stock Show Tickets Available
We have a limited number of NWSS tickets and badges available for Routt County 4-H members and volunteers. Tickets and badges are good for one day grounds admission into the National Western Stock Show.
First come first serve. Please email Millie for availability.
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Routt County Fair theme: Celebrating the Bounty of Routt County!
The Routt County Fair Advisory Board is looking for help from Routt County 4-H members to help design a logo for this year's fair. Please submit your logo ideas to Millie by Monday, February 9th.
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Ongoing Reminders:
Enrollment is Open: Returning members should enroll and pay before TODAY (December 31st) to avoid a $30 late fee.
How do I Enroll?
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Enroll (between October 1 and May 1) on Colorado 4-H Online
- Pick a 4-H Club
- Pick your project(s)
- Pay your enrollment fees
- Get Involved
Here is a LINK with more detailed instructions on how to enroll, clubs, projects and much more. Call our office with any questions - we are here to help you!
Record Books are uploaded on the Colorado 4-H Website.
- More information on Record Books (including club books) can be found on our website!
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Ranch House 4-H Club Fundraiser
Join Ranch House 4-H Club for their fundraising dinner and silent auction.
January 11, 2026 | 5-6:30pm | Haven in Hayden
Tickets available at the door. $10.00/plate.
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Elk River Wranglers | December 2025
For our December meeting we made baskets for the seniors in our community. We also elected our officers, our new officers are as follows:
- President: Dylan Gillespie
- Vice President: Samantha (Sammy) Coleman
- Secretary: Leela Bridgewater
- Treasurer: Grayson Heintz
- Reporter: Charlotte Heintz
- Pledge Leader: Cal Bridgewater
- Council Reps: Grayson Heintz and Cal Bridgewater
Submitted by: Charlotte Heintz - Elk River Wranglers Reporter
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Flat Top | December 14, 2025
Flat Top 4-H Club held their December meeting on December 14, 2025 at South Routt Elementary School in Yampa, CO. The calendar committee met earlier than the meeting. We talked about the plans for 2026 year. At the meeting, we collected canned food for the South Routt seniors. We also planned to make blankets to donate to the Children's Hospital, and discussed leaders' reports, Achievement Night, and the club calendar. Lola and Lincoln did a demonstration on how to make snowflake ornaments for the seniors in Oak Creek. The club made ornaments to be delivered on December 17th. Our next meeting is a sledding party and potluck at the Drew's house on January 11th.
Submitted by: Henry Drew - Flat Top Reporter
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We are excited to have you a part of Routt County 4-H!
Learn more about Routt County 4-H on our WEBSITE.
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See a list of our 4-H clubs and when they meet.
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Learn about all the projects 4-H has to offer.
The Colorado 4-H WEBSITE also provides project details and record book links. Click on your area of interest, and then the project to learn more!
Join our monthly Clover Chatter!
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Meet us on Zoom the first Monday of each month at 6pm to ask questions and connect with other 4-H families!
- Upcoming Dates:
- January 5
- February 2
- March 2
- April 6
- May 4
- June 1
- July 6
- August 3
Join us on March 16 at 6pm for our Mandatory New Member Orientation Dinner at the STARS Ranch. We will discuss important topics while enjoying a meal and getting to know other Routt County 4-H families!
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Shooting Sports Dates - Dates are subject to change
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May 1 - Add/Drop/Change Deadline
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July 3 - Completion Weekend Registration Due
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July 8 - FairEntry Registration Due
- July TBD - Completion Weekend
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July 24 - Exhibit Day
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July 31 - Exhibit Day Projects to State Fair Due
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WE NEED LEADERS -
If you or someone you know (friend, uncle, grandparent, etc.) is interested in becoming a shooting sports leader, please let Tami know.
South Routt is in desperate need for some additional leaders to keep the program going, and Steamboat can use a few more .22 Rifle and Shotgun leaders.
Leaders can start by enrolling in 4HOnline!
Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports Leader Trainings:
- March 13-15, 2026: Weld County (Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, Archery, and Orion) *Orion training - Please watch for information in the coming months.
- March 20-22, 2026: Pueblo County (Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, Archery, Muzzleloading, Western Heritage, Hunting and Outdoor Skills)
- March 27-29, 2026: Garfield County (Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, Archery, Muzzleloading, Western Heritage)
Reminder: All volunteers must be enrolled and approved before they can register for the training.
NEW THIS YEAR! Colorado 4-H Shooting Sports Leader Recertification Training:
- April 25, 2026: Morgan County (Rifle, Pistol, Shotgun, Archery, Muzzleloading, Western Heritage, Hunting and Outdoor Skills)
Volunteers who are in need of recertifying to keep their certificate up to date will be eligible to attend the recertification training in Morgan County on April 25, 2026. This will be a modified version of the training and will be a combination of online modules and an in-person class. More information will be available soon.
Volunteers needing to recertify who chose to go to any of the other three trainings will be required to attend all 15 hours of the training.
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Workshops:
General Project Dates - Dates are subject to change
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May 1 - Add/Drop/Change Deadline
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July 8 - FairEntry Registration Due
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July 24 - Exhibit Day
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July 31 - Exhibit Day Projects to State Fair Due
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Animal Superintendents - need help with your projects? Please email Millie to get you in contact with a Superintendent!
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Cattle - Jeannie Logan and Dr. Lee Meyring
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Swine - Leanna Dennis, Tim Gonzales, Trinity Gonzales, and Lane Iacovetto
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Sheep - Kristen Lucero and Shari Yeager
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Goat - Justin Heid, Kristen Lucero, and Rebecca Owens
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Horse - Tammie Delaney, Haley Jacobs, Lacy Trout, and Ben Vannoy
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Dog - Lisa Guire and Cathy Shryock
Project Dates - Check out the following link for important project dates!
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Lufkin Family Generational Breeding Project
Honoring the legacy of longtime Routt County rancher, Donald C. Lufkin, and his legacy of sustaining beef production in Routt County. Routt County 4-H Youth have the opportunity to start or expand their cattle breeding operation with financial support from the Lufkin Family Foundation.
- Up to $1,500 Grants available
- Three year program
- Awards and more!
Business plans are due by February 1, 2026.
More information on the project and how to apply can be found here!
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Animal Project Dates - dates are subject to change
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2025-2026 Record Books are posted on the Colorado 4-H website. Need help finding your record book, or would you like it printed out? Shoot us an email.
Pages that can be completed NOW -
Pages to be working on through project -
Pages that are completed at the END of your project -
| | | Animal Project Courtesy Posts - These are posts we are sharing for your information. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Routt County Extension. | Colorado State 4-H Livestock Opportunities - These are opportunities that 4-H members could engage in. Coming up in the next few months are events like the National Poultry and Egg Conference, which showcases four competitive events or the National Dairy Quiz Bowl. We have added these events to the Animal Science Padlet. If you have a team that would like to compete in any of these events, let us know, and we can work through the registration process. Access Animal Science Padlet here. | |
FFA/4-H Livestock Loan Program - Bank of Colorado
Bank of Colorado is offering interest and fee free loans for youth involved in livestock projects. Applications can be picked up from any Bank of Colorado location.
More information about these loans can be found here.
Questions? Contact Lexi Weber.
970-826-2067 | lexi.webber@bankofcolorado.com
| Judging Pre-workouts - CSU and UW will be holding a pre-workouts before the Western National Roundup Livestock and Meats Judging Contests. Any youth is welcome to come view the classes ate do not need to be judging at Roundup. | | | |
2026 Bar-V-Bar Livestock Spring Load & Go Sale:
Our operation is located 7 miles west of Craig, CO. Our breeding stock includes elite genetics from Blue Team Wethers, 5 Star Boer Goats, Pfieffer, Halfmann, Hummel, Mock, and more. We expect to have at least 50 December-February born show-quality kids available in this offering. We are limiting this first showing to 20 families, and spaces are already filling up! We will offer pens priced at $350, $500, and $750. Higher-end private treaty animals will also be available. Link to sale sign-up here.
More information: Jessica Counts | 970-629-1621 | jess@barvbarlivestock.com
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El Paso Blow N Go Show:
April 4, 2026 | El Paso County Fairgrounds
More information and a link to register can be found here.
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What is a Cloverbud? Cloverbuds are members from 5-7 years old who are not quite ready to participate in many of the projects and activities that the rest of the older 4-H members participate in.
What can Cloverbuds do? The Cloverbud program is focused on participation, teamwork, and learning (not so much on competition). Several of our clubs host Cloverbud events during their regular monthly meetings, and our Routt County 4-H Junior Leaders host 5 Cloverbud workshops throughout the spring and summer to get our youngest members excited about 4-H.
Enrollment - $25/Cloverbud Member
Here is a LINK to how to enroll, and much more. Cloverbud members are not required to attend monthly meetings, but any member wanting to join the Cloverbud workshops must be enrolled as a Cloverbud member. Call our office with any questions - we are here to help you!
Join us for our Cloverbud Workshops - Pollinator Series
- January 28 - The Ants Go Marching
- February 25 - The Bat
- March 18 - The Honey Bee
- April 1 - The Butterfly
- May 27 - The Hummingbird
- June 10 - Creating Garden Friends
- July 24 - Share a Project at Exhibit Day
| | | 2025-2026 Colorado 4-H Leadership Events - More details on the events can be found here. | | |
Leadership Development Conference (Senior Members) - January 24-26, Denver
- Senior aged 4-H members are encouraged to join us for LDC in January. Cost to attend is $225 plus hotel costs (TBD soon). Registration closes January 7th (or when full).
- Please note, any cancelations made AFTER the deadline will not be reimbursed and members must pay the full $225 PLUS hotel costs if they cannot attend.
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National 4-H Conference (15-18 y/o Members) - April 10-15, Washington DC
Applications are due January 16th.
Interested members must submit the following to the State 4-H Office (lisa.sholten@colostate.edu):
- a resume
- a cover letter explaining why you would like to attend the conference
- a letter of recommendation from Tami or Millie
| | | | District 9 Retreat (10-18 y/o Members) - April 10-12, Craig | | | | Colorado 4-H State Conference (Senior Members) - June 16-19, Fort Collins | | | |
Mike Bell 4-H Leadership Fund
Created in 2025 with memorial contributions totaling $665, the Mike Bell 4-H Leadership Fund honors Mr. Bell by helping Hayden Youth attend leadership events.
The Bell Family has designated these funds to support Hayden 4-H members in attending leadership events at the county, district, state, or national levels.
Scholarship Details:
- Hayden 4-H youth are eligible for a one-time $50 scholarship to help cover registration for a 4-H leadership event.
- 13 scholarships will be awarded on a first come, first served basis until all funds are distributed.
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To apply, email a request for the $50 Mike Bell 4-H Leadership Scholarship, specifying which event you plan to attend.
- Requests will only be accepted once the event registration is open (no early requests).
- If you cancel after the registration deadline, you will be responsible for repaying the $50 of unused funds back to the leadership fund.
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Courtesy Posts
These are posts we are sharing for your information. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Routt County Extension.
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Community Meeting with Phil Weiser
Monday, January 5 | 4-5pm
Colorado Mountain College, Bristol Hall Room 204
The community is invited to a community conversation to share local experiences on a range of issues - from housing and childcare to the costs of essential services such as food, water, and waste collection. Weiser will also provide updates from the Colorado Department of Law and answer questions from participants.
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See you at the Stock Show
Interested in attending 4-H Day at the National Western Stock Show? Special discounted tickets are available for 4-H members to attend the 4-H Day Pro-Rodeo on Friday, January 16th at 1:30pm.
Order Tickets: Use promo code FOURH at tiny.cc/FOURH or call 303-295-3959.
Tickets are limited and pricing is subject to change.
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Attention Colorado Producers and AgriBusiness Owners:
Show your love for Colorado Agriculture by completing Colorado State University’s annual Land Rental and Custom Rates Survey. Take just 10 minutes to complete the survey before February 14, 2025.
BUTTON: Complete the Survey https://colostate.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3fPoxORn3X4tSey
What is the Custom Rates Survey?
Colorado State University Extension conducts an annual survey of land rental and custom rates charged for various crop and livestock operations and lease arrangements in Colorado in the preceding year. Data is collected from agricultural producers, landowners and managers, lenders, agricultural consultants, machine operators, and Extension agents. Results of the survey are used by producers, ag lenders, county assessors, the Colorado Department of Agriculture, land appraisers, and more. Land Rental and Custom Rates in Colorado is one of the most widely used publications available from the CSU Agriculture and Business Management Team.
Why should I complete the survey?
- The Land Rental and Custom Rates Report will allow you to advertise custom services or locate and hire custom service operators in your area.
- More responses ensure more accurate data and a more complete list of rates for today’s practices. These determined rates influence land appraisal values, your property taxes, and more.
- Information about Land Rental and Custom Rates is used by elected officials to inform federal, state, and local policy, including crop insurance.
- Your responses are safe and anonymous.
When and where can I access the survey?
The Custom Rates Survey will be available January 1 – February 14, 2026 through Colorado State University: https://colostate.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3fPoxORn3X4tSey
What if I have questions about the survey?
Your CSU Extension Agriculture and Business Management Team is here to answer your questions. Learn more at https://abm.extension.colostate.edu/meet-the-team/
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Colorado Building Famers and Ranchers
You are invited to preregister for the 2026 online ag business development course hosted by CSU Extension. Join course facilitators, instructors, and other beginning farmers and ranchers (less than 10 years of ag experience) in Tuesday evenings, 6-8:00pm (January 20-March 11, 2026) for 8 weeks this winter for a program designed to help you develop a business plan for your ag operation! Course fee of $250 includes access to all class materials; a discount is offered to additional participants from the same farm business. Scholarships may be available. Learn more & preregister here https://buildingfarmers.com/
Está invitado/a preinscribirse para el curso de 2026 de desarrollo de negocios agrícolas en línea coordinado por Extensión de la Universidad Estatal de Colorado. Reunir con facilitadores, instructores, y otros/as agricultores/as y ganaderos/as (con menos de 10 años de experiencia agrícola) por las noches cada martes, 6-8:00pm (del 20 de enero - 11 de marzo) por 8 semanas este invierno por una serie de tópicos diseñados para ayudarle pensar críticamente sobre su plan de negocio! El costo para el curso de $250 incluye acceso a todos los materiales del curso; un descuento está ofrecido por participantes adicionales del mismo negocio agrícola. Puede haber becas disponibles. Aprender más y preinscribirse aquí https://buildingfarmers.com/
¿Preguntas? Se puede llamar a Nicole: (970) 495-2217
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Yampa Valley Community-Wide Mental Health Survey
Your voice matters.
Take a 10-minute survey to help shape the future of mental health services in the Yampa Valley.
The survey is open to anyone aged 18 or over, and is available in English and Spanish.
The Yampa Valley Community Foundation has partnered with several community partners to gain a deep understanding of mental behavioral health issues in our community. The Quality of Life and Behavioral Health Community Survey is live now. The more responses that are gathered, the more informed we will be about potential next steps to enhance mental behavioral health efforts in our community. Have your voice heard!
Tu opinión importa.
Participa en una encuesta de 10 minutos para ayudarnos a definir el futuro de los servicios de salud mental en el Valle de Yampa.
La encuesta está abierta a personas mayores de 18 años y está disponible en inglés y español.
La Fundación Comunitaria del Valle de Yampa se ha asociado con diversas organizaciones comunitarias para comprender mejor los problemas de salud mental y conductual en nuestra comunidad. La Encuesta Comunitaria sobre Calidad de Vida y Salud Conductual ya está disponible. Cuantas más respuestas recibamos, mejor informados estaremos sobre los posibles pasos a seguir para mejorar los esfuerzos en materia de salud mental y conductual en nuestra comunidad. ¡Haz oír tu voz!
LINK TO SURVEY:
http://www.prcsurvey.com/begin/YampaValley2026
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Ranch West Horse Boarding
Located 12 miles outside of Steamboat Springs on CR 33, our family-owned and operated facility offers both long-term and short term horse boarding, including Horse Motel accommodations for travelers.
We are proud to provide a full range of amenities, including:
- Heated Indoor Arena - daily passes and membership options available
- Outdoor Arena
- On-staff Veterinary Technician
We are also seeking weekend morning help (2-3 hours per day). If you love horses, enjoy a friendly work environment, we'd love to hear from you!
Interested? Call 970-761-0679 or email ranchwest55@gmail.com.
Savannah Shaffer - Barn Manager
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Colorado State University Extension is an equal opportunity provider. Colorado State University does not discriminate on the basis of disability and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations. CSU’s Office of Engagement and Extension ensures meaningful access and equal opportunities to participate to individuals whose first language is not English.
Colorado State University Extension es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades. Colorado State University no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad y se compromete a proporcionar adaptaciones razonables. Office of Engagement and Extension de CSU garantiza acceso significativo e igualdad de oportunidades para participar a las personas quienes su primer idioma no es el inglés.
Col.st/ll0t3
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