News in Brief

Help needed with cat overflow

GLENWOOD SPRINGS — After rescuing 86 cats from an apartment near Battlement Mesa, Colorado Animal Rescue (CARE) needs help.

The Glenwood Springs agency is asking for donations, volunteers, foster homes willing to take cats for a short period of time and families willing to adopt animals.

CARE doubled its cat population with the influx, according to director Leslie Rockey.
The agency is working on transferring some of the cats to other facilities, but right now, many of the additional cats are being housed in a small outbuilding generally used to isolate sick dogs.

CARE needs cleaning supplies (mops, sponges, scrubbers, bleach, garbage bags, dish soap, laundry detergent), quality cat food (especially canned food and kitten food), kitty litter, towels, blankets, cat toys and cat treats.

Volunteers are needed to help with projects — cleaning and otherwise — and to spend time with the cats.

The cats were rescued from a two-bedroom apartment in Battlement Mesa. The owner had wanted to give the cats a home, but she eventually became overwhelmed with them. She called the sheriff’s office for assistance when she found she could not manage all the cats.

Those interested in helping or adopting cats can call (970) 947-9173 or e-mail info@coloradoanimalrescue.org. Monetary donations can be sent to Colorado Animal Rescue, 2801 County Road 114, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601.

Hospice of the Valley seeks volunteers

ASPEN — Valley residents interested in volunteering with the new Hospice of the Valley are encouraged to attend informational sessions being held throughout the valley at the end of October. Markey Butler, the organization’s executive director, will explain the extensive services and volunteer opportunities provided by the new hospice.

Applications for new volunteers will be available at each of the three orientations.
The Aspen orientation will be held on Monday, Oct. 27, at 4 p.m. at Aspen Valley Hospital in the Robert Oden Conference Center.

The orientation in Glenwood Springs will be held on Monday, Oct. 27, at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room at US Bank, near the Safeway on Grand Avenue.

The orientation in Rifle will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 11:30 a.m. at the E. Dene Moore Care Center.

Reservations are necessary to attend. Call 544-7371 or e-mail info@avmfaspen.org

Aspen foundation grants $430K

ASPEN — The Aspen Valley Medical Foundation recently granted $430,000 to 30 health and human service nonprofit organizations working to meet health and human needs between Aspen and Glenwood Springs.

This year’s grantees provide a wide variety of services, including cancer support, mental health care, drug and alcohol abuse prevention and treatment, care for children and families in need, medical screenings and follow-up care, aid for seniors and people with disabilities, and help for victims of domestic violence.

Partner grantees receive funds for three years. The 2008 grantees are Mountain Rescue Aspen, Alpine Legal Services, Kids First and Youth Zone.

Organizations continuing to receive partner funds include Advocate Safehouse; Aspen Counseling Center; Aspen Youth Center; Catholic Charities; Columbine Home Health; Community Health Services; COMPASS; Family Visitor Program; Feed My Sheep Ministry; Lift-Up, Pitkin County; Mountain Valley Developmental Services; Pathfinders; Pitkin County Senior Services; RESPONSE; Roaring Fork Family Resource Centers; The Buddy Program; The Right Door; and Yampah Teen Parent Program

Affiliate grantees receive funds for one year. The 2008 grantees include the Aspen Given Foundation; Aspen Public Radio; Aspen Sports Medicine Foundation; Basalt School Health Center; English in Action; Mountain Rescue Equipment Fund; Valley Partnership for Drug Prevention; and Windwalkers.

The foundation's Community Grant funds are supported by the Neighbor to Neighbor Campaign and matched by the foundation.