Meeker will showcase 150 top dog/handler teams next month competing for a $15,000 purse.
The 18th annual Meeker Classic Sheepdog Championship Trials, which run Wednesday to Sept. 12, is considered one of the most prestigious traditional sheep-herding events in North America.
The volunteer-hosted event is held in the White River Valley at the foot of the Flat Tops Wilderness Area and is expected to draw more than 15,000 spectators. During the five-day trials, there is plenty for spectators to do on-site and off. Activities include a craft festival, art contest and sale, barbecues, pancake breakfasts, jackpot stock dog competition and more. Call 878-5845.

Health, service info
available by calling 211
211 is a new, easy-to-remember phone number that makes a critical connection between people looking for health and human services.
FirstCall 211 of Larimer County provides this service for Routt and Moffat counties. The service is available 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday by phone. An alternate toll-free connection is 1-866-485-0211 to reach a trained specialist for health and human service information. After hours information is available by subject or agency on the Web at http://www.firstcall211.org.
Access to emergency services through 911 is a nearly universal and indispensable service. Telephone directory assistance through 411 is another number callers depend upon. However, many search for elderly health care, children’s immunization information, emergency services, child care and after school programs. The process involves many phone calls and can be confusing.
Callers can now simply dial 2-1-1 and ask for information and help.
Northwest Colorado’s 211 implementation is the culmination of more than three years of work led by Yampa Valley Partners and its Community Resource Directory with funding established by Moffat County and Routt County United Way organizations.
If you would like to view your agency information, go to http://www.firstcall211.org and search agencies in Moffat or Routt counties.
If you would like to add new information, call 211 or toll free 1-866-485-0211. You may talk with an “Information and Referral Specialist” to assist them with keeping their data base current and complete.

Moffat families needed to host exchange students
Families who host for Pacific Intercultural Exchange students are also eligible to claim a $50 per month charitable contribution deduction on their itemized tax returns for each month they host a sponsored student.
The students are all between 15 and 18 years old, are English speaking, have their own spending money, carry accident and health insurance and are anxious to share their cultural experiences with their new American families. Students are matched to the host families by finding common interests and lifestyles through an informal in-home meeting. Prospective host families are able to review student applications and select the perfect match. There are no “typical” host families and students can fit into just about any situation whether it be a single parent, a childless couple, a retired couple or a large family.
Moffat area families interested in learning more about student exchange or arranging for a meeting with a community representative may call PIE at 1-800-631-1818. Families are encouraged to contact the program immediately as it will allow the proper time for the students and hosts to get to know one another before they actually meet for the first time. The agency also has travel/study program opportunities available for American high school students as well as possibilities for community volunteers to assist and work with area host families, students and schools.

Register for dog-walking program until Sept. 17
Continuing through Sept. 17, residents can register to participate in the Estes Park/Craig Dog Walking Challenge in which human/dog teams will pair up to motivate each other to increase their daily activity level. Get out with your dog and help Craig show Estes Park who takes better care of their dogs and themselves.
To register, come to the CSU Extension Office, 539 Barclay St,, between 8 am. and 4 p.m. There is a $15 per team registration fee ($10 per team if you already have a step counter), which will include a doggie bandana to identify that your dog is part of the challenge and a certificate for a free weigh-in and assessment at a local veterinary clinic for your dog.
Participants who are willing to complete a short survey and be a part of the program evaluation can participate for free Spree Bucks throughout the evaluation period. The challenge will take place during a 14-week period and includes turning in step counter records every two weeks for which you will receive free doggie prizes each time.
As an added service, a dog-walking hotline will be active throughout the registration period to assist people that may have a dog but are physically unable to walk their dog and, for volunteers who may wish to help them by walking a dog in the program. If you have an unwalked dog or would like to be a dog walking volunteer, call and leave a message at 824-9182.

Craig Parks and Rec hosts Punt, Pass and Kick
Craig Parks and Recreation Department will host a Punt, Pass and Kick competition Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. at Woodbury Park. This is free for boys and girls 8 to 15. Pre-registration is not required. Registrations will be taken at the field on the day of the event. For more information, call 826-2029.