Special Olympics announces new sponsor
The University of Phoenix will be a sponsor of the State Winter Games scheduled for March 6-8 in McCall. These games follow the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games to be held Feb. 7-13 in Boise, McCall and Sun Valley.
The University of Phoenix has degree programs in an online format and at campuses across the U.S. including the local campus in Meridian, Idaho.
R.L. Rowsey named 'hero'
R.L. Rowsey of Hailey was a recipient of Safeco Insurance Co.'s annual Community Hero Awards for his dedication to helping others and inspiring change within his community.
Thirty people from across the country were selected to receive the award this year. Nominated by Safeco agent Greg Bloomfield of Wood River Insurance for his tireless commitment to strengthening and enriching his community, Rowsey was presented with a $15,000 check for Company of Fools, the nonprofit theater company of which he is a core company artist.
As well, Rowsey is artistic director of the Sun Valley Summer Symphony School of Music, assistant conductor of Caritas Chorale, a board member of the Hailey Chamber of Commerce, a member of the South Valley Merchants Alliance, musical director at Light on the Mountains Spiritual Center and director of the Wood River High School's freshman and sophomore girls' vocal group, Enchanté.
Countrywide Financial offers relief
As a result of a legal settlement among the Idaho attorney general, the Idaho Department of Finance and Countrywide Financial Corp., more than 2,000 Idaho homeowners will receive mortgage foreclosure relief.
According to Attorney General Lawrence Wasden, Countrywide will offer its Idaho borrowers with qualified subprime and pay-option, adjustable-rate mortgages modified loan terms.
Help for eligible homeowners includes possible suspension of foreclosures and reduced interest payments and principal balances among other forms of assistance.
Borrowers with questions regarding their eligibility for relief should contact Countrywide Financial at (800) 669-6607.
Private lockers available at Warm Springs
Due to increased demand, Sun Valley Co. is constructing 70 new private ski lockers in the Warm Springs Day Lodge.
The lockers are designed to fit equipment of two skiers, and have boot dryers, shelves for goggles, helmets and gloves, and hooks for skiwear. The locker room has a secure private entrance and its own bathrooms.
For more information on renting a locker, contact Tracey Baer at 622-2278.
Wellness Festival books big names
Featured speakers for the 12th annual Sun Valley Wellness Festival this spring will be Robert Thurman, founder of Tibet House, and Michael Beckwith, founder of Agape International Spiritual Center. The festival will be held May 22-25 in Sun Valley.
Thurman, a renowned Buddhist teacher, is also author of dozens of books on Buddhism and Tibet, including "Why the Dalai Lama Matters," his latest.
Beckwith practices a new thought-ancient wisdom tradition of spirituality that has a transdenominational movement and community of 9,000 members and 1 million friends who tap into his online teachings worldwide. He can be seen on the Oprah Winfrey Show discussing spirituality on Wednesday, Jan. 7.
For more information on the event visit sunvalleywellness.org.
Mountain Rides offers extended New Year's Eve service
Mountain Rides will offer a later bus service for New Year's Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 31, with a northbound trip from Bellevue at 8:15 and 10 p.m. Buses will also serve the Sun Valley, Ketchum and Elkhorn area until the bars close. The route will follow the regular blue route with some expanded service.
There will be a later bus leaving Ketchum southbound at 12:45 a.m. and when bars close in Ketchum.
For details, call Mountain Rides 788-RIDE (7433) or visit mountainrides.org.
