Bank offers grants for women
Zions Bank's $3,000 Smart Women Grants, open to female residents of Idaho and Utah, are awarded to women who excel in a variety of fields. One grant will be offered in each of the following six categories:
· Small business startup and expansion.
· Community development.
· Continuing education and teacher support.
· Child and elder care.
· Health and human services.
· Arts and culture.
Applicants must be business owners and the primary manager of the company's day-to-day activities, or associated with a nonprofit organization that benefits women.
Last year's grant winners included a lavender farm business, a music nonprofit that performs at nursing homes, an artisan program for refuges, a pregnancy support center, an organization for grandparents who are caregivers and a clothing donation organization benefiting women re-entering the work force.
Over five years, Zions Bank has awarded more than $112,000 though the Smart Women Grants.
Applications are available online at www.smartwomen.zionsbank.com or by calling (800) 737-6586. Applications are due by July 2. Community peer-review panels will select the grant recipients, to be announced in September.
Sweetwater receives 'green' award
The Sweetwater development has been awarded certification by the U.S. Green Building Council for its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Neighborhood Development pilot program. The development in the Woodside area of Hailey is one of the first 40 neighborhoods in the world to receive this sustainable certification.
Sweetwater has 100 percent on-site storm-water treatment and infiltration to recharge groundwater. Energy-efficient street lighting was designed to reduce light pollution and increase night sky visibility. Over 1,000 trees were planted and most parking is tucked under buildings to encourage neighborhood sidewalk traffic.
WRHS students launch Key Club
A Key Club chapter has been launched at Wood River High School by 21 students to add to one of the oldest and largest service programs for high school students. Key Club is a student-led organization that provides its members with opportunities to offer voluntary public service, build character and develop leadership skills.
The Kiwanis Club of Hailey is sponsoring the Key Club and members will have an opportunity to participate in Kiwanis service projects.
Scholarship deadline approaches
Students seeking scholarships for the fall semester at College of Southern Idaho's Blaine County Center in Hailey must apply by Friday, July 9.
For details, call 788-2033.
Women can enter essay contest
The National Foundation for Women Legislators and the National Rifle Association are co-sponsoring their 13th annual Bill of Rights Essay Contest for college-bound female high school juniors and seniors. The contest this year will be titled "Freedom and Civic Virtues."
The contest's seven winners will each receive a $3,000 college scholarship and a trip to the National Foundation for Women Legislators' annual conference Nov. 18-22 in Orlando, Fla.
Entries must be postmarked no later than July 30. The judges will primarily weigh the factors of storytelling, understanding of the Bill of Rights and original insight.
Questions can be directed to District 25 Rep. Wendy Jaquet at 726-3100 or to the National Foundation for Women Legislators at (202) 293-3040, ext. 1005. E-mail scholarships@womenlegislators.org or see the website www.womenlegislators.org.
Sawtooth Century set for Saturday
The Blaine County Recreation District's Sawtooth Century bike ride will take place Saturday, June 26. Both ride routes start at the Elephant's Perch in Ketchum and pass through Elkhorn and Sun Valley before heading north. Half-century (50-mile) riders will proceed to the turn-around at Galena Lodge. Full-century (100-mile) riders will continue over Galena Summit to the turn-around at Alturas Lake.
The King & Queen of the Mountain competition will recognize the fastest male and female riders on the six-mile climb up the south side of Galena Summit. A portion of the proceeds from the tour will go to the Wood River Bike Coalition.
Participants can register now at SportsBaseOnline.com. Entry is $75. For more information, call 578-2273 or visit bcrd.org.
