SEI fundraiser benefits Haiti efforts

Solar Energy International (SEI) will screen Adrian Belic’s 2006 award-winning film “Beyond the Call” at 7 p.m. Feb. 11 at Dos Gringos. The screening is a fundraiser for Sun Energy Power International, the group that SEI friend, alumni, supporter and instructor Walt Ratterman co-founded to complete solar projects in Haiti.
Money raised supports search and rescue efforts in Haiti after the devastating earthquake that hit Port-au-Prince on Jan. 12. Ratterman, who remains among the missing, was working there on a series of renewable energy projects with SunEPI for rural hospitals, including Partners in Health. Funds raised also support future solar work in Haiti.
“Walt is one of the most inspiring, dedicated, courageous and knowledgeable solar advocates I know,” said Laurie Guevara-Stone, SEI international program manager. “He never hesitated to do a training for SEI in places that most people would never travel. Walt and his Knightsbridge buddies are known as a cross between Indiana Jones and Mother Theresa, and that is a perfect description for Walt.”
“Beyond the Call” focuses on Knightsbridge International, a group with which Ratterman was also involved, that delivers humanitarian aid to some of the most dangerous places on earth.
There is no charge at the door; donations are welcome.

Food for fines

During the month of February residents can bring in non-perishable food items to any of the six Garfield County libraries and receive credit on their library card accounts. For every item donated the patron will receive a $1 credit applied toward overdue fines (not lost materials or fees). All the items donated will be given to the local LIFT-UP. Last February there were 2,386 items collected by the libraries. For more information, call 625-4270 or stop by your local branch library.

4-H celebrates youth, volunteers

Garfield County 4-H Week 2010 is Feb. 7-13 and will provide recognition to more than 500 youth involved in 4-H programs and its 4-H volunteers.
Throughout the week, 4-H’ers in Garfield County will participate in two different public informational sessions titled “We are 4-H” that will explain more about 4-H and how to get involved. The first session is at 6 p.m. Feb. 8 in the North Hall at the Garfield County Fairgrounds in Rifle and the second will be at 6 p.m. Feb. 10 at US Bank - Rose Branch (next to Safeway) in Glenwood Springs.
From ecology to gardening to nutrition, more than 500 4-H volunteers in Garfield County pledge to improve their communities and themselves.
“By pledging their heads, 4-H volunteers contribute their knowledge and expertise,” says Kim Schriver, Garfield County extension 4-H educator. Whether planning a 4-H Growing Gardeners school garden, teaching consumer education, how to ride a horse or build a rocket, the skills volunteers bring to 4-H strengthen it and help the young people.
A variety of 4-H volunteer opportunities are available in Garfield County. For more information, contact Schriver at 625-3969.