{"id":2073,"date":"2013-02-28T03:15:45","date_gmt":"2013-02-28T03:15:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/?p=2073"},"modified":"2013-02-28T03:15:45","modified_gmt":"2013-02-28T03:15:45","slug":"wyoming-people-arts-parks-february-27-2013","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/?p=2073","title":{"rendered":"WYOMING PEOPLE, ARTS &#038; PARKS: February 27, 2013"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>VISIT OUR WEBSITE &amp; READ THE CURRENT ISSUE: \u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/Current%20Issue.html\">www.wyolifestyle.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>OUR SISTER PUBLICATIONS: \u00a0Wyoming Weddings<a href=\"http:\/\/www.wyoweddings.com\/\">http:\/\/www.wyoweddings.com\/<\/a>\u00a0Wyovore \u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.wyovore.com\/\">http:\/\/www.wyovore.com\/<\/a>\u00a0WYO XY<a href=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/WYOXY\/index.html\">http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/WYOXY\/index.html<\/a>\u00a0The Wyoming Woman\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.thewyomingwoman.com\/\">http:\/\/www.thewyomingwoman.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/GTNP-Dee-Mitchell.jpg\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft  wp-image-2075\" title=\"GTNP Dee Mitchell\" src=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/GTNP-Dee-Mitchell.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"737\" height=\"554\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/GTNP-Dee-Mitchell.jpg 2048w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/GTNP-Dee-Mitchell-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/GTNP-Dee-Mitchell-1024x769.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/GTNP-Dee-Mitchell-650x488.jpg 650w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/GTNP-Dee-Mitchell-960x720.jpg 960w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/GTNP-Dee-Mitchell-1000x750.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 737px) 100vw, 737px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>image courtesy Dee Mitchell<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1>HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK!<\/h1>\n<p><em>Grand Teton National Park was officially established February 26, 1929 by President Calvin Coolidge. For 84 years, millions have enjoyed its beauty from around the world. A new report indicates the tremendous impact that GTNP has on local and state economy.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h1><strong style=\"font-size: 13px;\">Grand Teton National Park Generates Over $436 Million in Benefit to Local Economy &#8212;\u00a0<\/strong><strong style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><em>Part of $30 billion impact from national parks tourism that supports 252,000 jobs nationwide<\/em><\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13px;\">MOOSE, WY \u2014 A new National Park Service (NPS) report for 2011 shows that nearly 2.6 million visitors to Grand Teton National Park spent over $436 million in gateway communities surrounding the park. That spending, in turn, supported 6,397 jobs in the northwestern Wyoming communities of Jackson, Teton Village, and Dubois, as well as the nearby Idaho communities of Driggs and Victor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13px;\">\u201cGrand Teton National Park is one of America\u2019s premiere attractions for visitors from across the U.S. and around the world,\u201d said Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott. \u201cWhile we generally focus on Grand Teton\u2019s priceless natural and cultural resources as the principle rationale for its creation and enduring value, another\u2014perhaps less obvious\u2014benefit of Grand Teton involves the economic advantage that comes from sustainable tourism generated by this national park and others located throughout the Intermountain West,\u201d \u00a0added Superintendent Scott. \u201cNational parks provide great enjoyment, inspiration and education to American citizens and international visitors who spend their vacation dollars in both the parks and their gateway communities. These federal lands are visited by nearly 280 million people a year, which ranks them as eighth among America\u2019s top domestic travel destinations according to Forbes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13px;\">The information on Grand Teton National Park is part of a peer-reviewed spending analysis of national park visitors across the country conducted by Michigan State University for the National Park Service.\u00a0 For 2011, that report shows $13 billion of direct spending by 279 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park.\u00a0 That visitor spending had a $30 billion impact on the entire U.S. economy and supported 252,000 jobs nationwide.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13px;\">Most visitor spending supports jobs in lodging, food, and beverage service (63 percent) followed by recreation and entertainment (17 percent), other retail (11percent), transportation and fuel (7 percent) and wholesale and manufacturing (2 percent.)<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13px;\">To download the report visit <\/span><a style=\"font-size: 13px;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.nature.nps.gov\/socialscience\/products.cfm#MGM\" target=\"_blank\">www.nature.nps.gov\/socialscience\/products.cfm#MGM<\/a><span style=\"font-size: 13px;\"> and click on <\/span><em style=\"font-size: 13px;\">Economic Benefits to Local Communities from National Park Visitation, 2011<\/em><span style=\"font-size: 13px;\">. The report includes information for visitor spending at individual parks and also by state.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13px;\">To learn more about national parks in Wyoming and how the National Park Service works with communities to preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide local recreation opportunities, go to <\/span><a style=\"font-size: 13px;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/Wyoming\" target=\"_blank\">www.nps.gov\/Wyoming<\/a><span style=\"font-size: 13px;\"> .\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/Pet-Pantry-Outreach.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"960\" height=\"960\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2078\" title=\"Pet Pantry Outreach\" src=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/Pet-Pantry-Outreach.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/Pet-Pantry-Outreach.jpg 960w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/Pet-Pantry-Outreach-150x150.jpg 150w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/Pet-Pantry-Outreach-300x300.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/Pet-Pantry-Outreach-650x650.jpg 650w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/Pet-Pantry-Outreach-60x60.jpg 60w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/Pet-Pantry-Outreach-75x75.jpg 75w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h1>PET PANTRY OUTREACH LAUNCH RECEPTION OF PILOT PROGRAM TO HELP FEED PETS IN THE COMMUNITY<\/h1>\n<p>Paws2Help Pet Pantry Outreach, founded in Casper, Wyoming, will reach its first milestone with the distribution of approximately 930 pounds of dog and cat food to citizens in need within the community on Saturday, March 2, 2013, commencing with Natrona County Meals on Wheels clients. The Pet Pantry Outreach will hold its official launch and reception at 1:00 p.m. hosted by Greiner Buick\/GMA\/Cadillac at 6302 East 2nd Street, Casper, WY 82609. The Keynote Speaker, City of Casper Mayor Kenyne Schlager, will be followed by guest speakers from Paws2Help Foundation, Paws2Help Pet Pantry Outreach, Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies, Altitude Veterinary Hospital and Natrona County Meals on Wheels.<\/p>\n<p>It was after the tremendous outpouring of donated pet food for displaced pets of the Sheepherder Hill Fire in October 2012 that Paws2Help Foundation Founder &amp; President Lisa Craft identified a lack of an in-place organization providing the fundamentals helping feed pets in crisis in Wyoming. That is when Craft came up with idea of forming Paws2Help Pet Pantry Outreach, an organization that provides donated pet food to pet owners served by Meals on Wheels or those seeking assistance through the Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies who are burdened by tough economic times, a health crisis or some other kind of emergency. Pet Pantry Outreach&#8217;s mission is to help avoid the surrender of these animals to already overcrowded shelters, prevent them from being set loose to fend for themselves, or taken for euthanasia. Their purpose is to help pet owners keep their beloved pets, as pets are usually viewed as part of the family and often offer emotional support, which is essential to a person&#8217;s well being. Their mission also addresses the very real problem of Meals on Wheels recipients saving and feeding a portion of their meals to their beloved pets, because of financial stress or the inability to shop for pet food. We believe that this program will provide a quality pet food diet for the animals and keep the human food where it should be\u2014with the humans who are owned by their beloved pets.<\/p>\n<p>Pet Pantry Outreach, which has a Facebook page, made its online debut through word of mouth. Craft said the Facebook page generated interest from people wanting to volunteer, as well as calls from pet owners in need. Paws2Help Foundation, which initially organized the effort provides financial assistance to homeless animals in need of medical care, has been serving Natrona County since 2006 backs its mission with the motto that every animal, whenever we can, however we can, will get the help it deserves. Paws2Help Foundation is especially proud of the ground breaking efforts that this special program is helping many families cope with enormously difficult times. Ensuring that our community&#8217;s companion animals never go hungry is one of the most basic, and most critical, aspects of animal welfare. A person&#8217;s inability to feed their pet could be due to unexpected bills or expenses, with the situation being temporary. By offering pet food assistance we hope to lessen the burden of homeless pets on local animal shelters and rescue groups. We hope families and individuals are rest assured they&#8217;re able to keep their beloved pet during their hardship.<\/p>\n<p>The multi-organization collaboration supporting Pet Pantry Outreach&#8217;s efforts, says volunteer Denise Wendinger, is what is most exciting &#8211; the program has the support needed to sustain itself in the future as well as to expand throughout Wyoming. Towards the goal of expanding throughout Wyoming the Pet Pantry Outreach plans to expand its advertising efforts to increase services to the community. We expect to attribute increased donations and dispersals to increased awareness of our services by having several local food banks voluntarily post our advertising on their premises. Paws2Help Pet Pantry Outreach is sponsored by Paws2Help Foundation and a collaboration by the Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies, Altitude Veterinary Hospital, and Natrona County Meals on Wheels.<\/p>\n<p>Financial donations are essential for us to continue to carry out our mission. We are one of a relatively small number of pet food assistance programs throughout the US and have seen the effects of the importance of our mission on the local community. If you are interested in helping the Pet Pantry Outreach or would like more information, please see the Pet Pantry Outreach\u2019s website at paws2helpwy.org or contact the Program Coordinator, Melissa Fenster.<\/p>\n<p>Families in need can visit distribution location: Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies, 4967 Paige Street, Mills. Donations are tax deductible. If you are interested in helping Pet Pantry Outreach or would like more information, see the Pet Pantry Outreach&#8217;s website at &#8220;www.paws2helpwy.org&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>CONTACT: Melissa Fenster Program Coordinator of Paws2Help Pet Pantry Outreach \u00a0<span style=\"font-size: 13px;\">Tel. 307-298-0213 \u00a0 \u00a0Email: petpantryoutreach@paws2helpwy.org<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13px;\">Paws2Help Foundation &#8211; a 501c3 non profit corporation helping provide financial means for homeless animals receive medical care. With our additional community service programs Paws2Help4Pits, Trap\/Neuter\/Release &#8211; Wyoming (Casper), and Paws2Help Pet Pantry Outreach brings the community together by providing a full circle solution since 2006.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Website: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.paws2helpwy.org\">www.paws2helpwy.org<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Email: paws2help@bresnan.net \u00a0 \u00a0Phone: (307) 215-3034<\/p>\n<p>Altitude Veterinary Hospital &#8211; providing comprehensive and compassionate veterinary care and pet services year after year, making us the animal clinic of choice for pet owners in and around the Casper community since 1957. Altitude Veterinary Hospital offers the Casper community medical, surgical, and dental services, as well as emergency vet care. We also have in-house boarding and grooming facilities, making our veterinary facility a one stop shop for your pet&#8217;s health and medical needs<\/p>\n<p>Website: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.popishvet.com\">www.popishvet.com<\/a>\u00a0 Phone: (307) 234-7333<\/p>\n<p>Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies &#8211; Fighting hunger, feeding hope serving all 23 counties of Wyoming with the help of our 200 member agencies. In the past year, just over 5 million pounds of food was distributed to more than 55,000 of our Wyoming neighbors. Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies is Wyoming\u2019s food bank. With more than 9,000 volunteer hours as the driving force behind the success of our programs, we are working to end hunger in Wyoming. Please consider becoming a part of the effort to end hunger in Wyoming by supporting WFBR: donate food, funds, or time. You CAN make a difference.<\/p>\n<p>Website: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.foodbankrockies.org\">www.foodbankrockies.org\/<\/a>wyomingfbr\/wyoming-home\/ Phone: (307) 265-2172<\/p>\n<p>Natrona County Meals on Wheels &#8211; To assist the elderly and\/or homebound people of Natrona County maintain their independence and integrity, as well as their physical and mental health in the dignity of their own homes and environments, Natrona County Meals On Wheels prepares and delivers nutritionally tailored meals via caring community volunteers.<\/p>\n<p>Website: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.mealsonwheels.com\">www.mealsonwheels.com<\/a> Phone: (307) 265-8659<\/p>\n<h1>&#8220;Around the Bend&#8221; featuring Beth Gleason on display at SAGE Exhibit Gallery in Sheridan<\/h1>\n<p>&#8220;Around the Bend,&#8221; featuring art work by Beth Gleason, will be on display March 1-29th at the SAGE Exhibit Gallery, located in Sheridan College Main St., 171 N. Main, in Sheridan.\u00a0 The Artist&#8217;s Reception will be Thursday, March 14th, from 5:30-7pm.\u00a0 This reception is open to the public and refreshments will be served.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13px;\">Hours for the SAGE Exhibit Gallery are 9:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday &#8211; Friday.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13px;\">\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 13px;\">The SAGE Exhibit Gallery is operated by the Sheridan Artists&#8217; Guild, Et al.\u00a0 Become a member of SAGE for just $40 per year.\u00a0 For more information, visit the Sagebrush Community Art Center, located in the Historic Train Depot at 201 E. 5th St. in Sheridan, or online at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.artinsheridan.com\">www.artinsheridan.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\">The five finalists for the National Museum of Wildlife Art\u2019s 2013 Bull-Bransom Award feature illustrators\u2019 unique takes on wildlife, from tiny mouse to friendly moose.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"center\">\n<h1 style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"center\"><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/JH-National-Wildlife.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"388\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2080\" title=\"JH National Wildlife\" src=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/JH-National-Wildlife.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/JH-National-Wildlife.jpg 600w, http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/JH-National-Wildlife-300x194.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/a>Five Children\u2019s Book Illustrators Named Finalists for Bull-Bransom Award\u00a0<\/strong><\/h1>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: left;\" align=\"center\"><strong><\/strong><em>National Museum of Wildlife Art to announce winner in Jackson Hole May 3<\/em><\/h1>\n<p>Jackson Hole, Wyoming \u2013 February 25, 2013 \u2013 Five children\u2019s books have been selected as finalists in the 2013 <a href=\"http:\/\/email.22tech.com\/t\/r-l-uuthgd-pykiiykld-u\/\"><em>Bull-Bransom Award<\/em><\/a> competition:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 <a href=\"http:\/\/email.22tech.com\/t\/r-l-uuthgd-pykiiykld-o\/\"><em>Bear Has a Story to Tell<\/em><\/a>, story by Philip C. Stead, illustrations by Erin E. Stead (Roaring Book Press, 2012)<br \/>\n\u2022 <a href=\"http:\/\/email.22tech.com\/t\/r-l-uuthgd-pykiiykld-b\/\"><em>More<\/em><\/a>, story by I.C. Springman, illustrations by Brian Lies (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2012)<br \/>\n\u2022 <a href=\"http:\/\/email.22tech.com\/t\/r-l-uuthgd-pykiiykld-n\/\"><em>Nightsong<\/em><\/a>, story by Ariel Berk, illustrations by Loren Long (Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2012)<br \/>\n\u2022 <a href=\"http:\/\/email.22tech.com\/t\/r-l-uuthgd-pykiiykld-p\/\"><em>Oh, No!<\/em><\/a>, story by Candace Fleming, illustrations by Eric Rohmann (Schwartz &amp; Wade Books, 2012)<br \/>\n\u2022 <a href=\"http:\/\/email.22tech.com\/t\/r-l-uuthgd-pykiiykld-x\/\"><em>This Moose Belongs to Me<\/em><\/a>, story and illustrations by Oliver Jeffers (Philomel Books, 2012)<\/p>\n<p>Illustrators of the five books are under consideration for the award, which is presented annually by the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, Wyo., to recognize excellence in children\u2019s book illustration with a focus on wildlife and nature.\u00a0 The 2013 winner of the Bull-Bransom Award will be announced at the museum on May 3, 2013, as part of its Celebration of Young Artists event, with the winning illustrator invited to attend.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe illustrations in the five finalist books for this year\u2019s Bull-Bransom Award are beautiful, creative, and interesting,\u201d says Bronwyn Minton, assistant curator of art for the museum and a member of the finalist selection panel. \u201cThis award continues to highlight talented illustrators of animals and humanity\u2019s relationship with nature.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Sylvia Long won the 2012 Bull-Bransom Award for her illustrations in <em>A Butterfly Is Patient<\/em> (Chronicle Books), written by Dianna Hutts Aston. The 2011 award went to Kevin Waldron for <em>Tiny Little Fly<\/em> (Walker Books). Both Long and Waldron are serving on this year\u2019s judging committee to select the 2013 winner.<\/p>\n<p>Created in the tradition of such prestigious children\u2019s book illustrator honors as the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King and Hans Christian Andersen awards, the Bull-Bransom Award is presented in the form of a medal and $5,000 cash award.\u00a0 The National Museum of Wildlife Art named the award for Charles Livingston Bull and Paul Bransom, among the first American artist-illustrators to specialize in wildlife subjects.<\/p>\n<p>A member of the Museums West consortium and accredited by the American Association of Museums, the museum, officially designated the National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States by an act of Congress in 2008, provides an exciting calendar of exhibitions from its permanent collection and changing exhibitions from around the globe.\u00a0 A complete schedule of exhibitions and events is available online at <a href=\"http:\/\/email.22tech.com\/t\/r-l-uuthgd-pykiiykld-m\/\"><em>www.wildlifeart.org<\/em><\/a>.\u00a0 The museum is also active on <a href=\"http:\/\/email.22tech.com\/t\/r-l-uuthgd-pykiiykld-c\/\"><em>Facebook<\/em><\/a> and on Twitter at <a href=\"http:\/\/email.22tech.com\/t\/r-l-uuthgd-pykiiykld-q\/\"><em>@WildlifeArtJH<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>VISIT OUR WEBSITE &amp; READ THE CURRENT ISSUE: \u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/Current%20Issue.html\">www.wyolifestyle.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>OUR SISTER PUBLICATIONS: \u00a0Wyoming Weddings<a href=\"http:\/\/www.wyoweddings.com\/\">http:\/\/www.wyoweddings.com\/<\/a>\u00a0Wyovore \u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.wyovore.com\/\">http:\/\/www.wyovore.com\/<\/a>\u00a0WYO XY<a href=\"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/WYOXY\/index.html\">http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/WYOXY\/index.html<\/a>\u00a0The Wyoming Woman\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.thewyomingwoman.com\/\">http:\/\/www.thewyomingwoman.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>VISIT OUR WEBSITE &amp; READ THE CURRENT ISSUE: \u00a0www.wyolifestyle.com OUR SISTER PUBLICATIONS: \u00a0Wyoming Weddingshttp:\/\/www.wyoweddings.com\/\u00a0Wyovore \u00a0http:\/\/www.wyovore.com\/\u00a0WYO XYhttp:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/WYOXY\/index.html\u00a0The Wyoming Woman\u00a0http:\/\/www.thewyomingwoman.com\/ image courtesy Dee Mitchell &nbsp; HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK! Grand Teton National Park was officially established February 26, 1929 by President Calvin Coolidge. For 84 years, millions have enjoyed its beauty from around the world. A new report indicates the tremendous impact that GTNP has on local and state economy. &nbsp; Grand Teton National Park Generates Over $436 Million in Benefit to Local Economy &#8212;\u00a0Part of $30 billion impact from national parks tourism that supports 252,000 jobs nationwide MOOSE, WY \u2014 A new National Park Service (NPS) report for 2011 shows that nearly 2.6 million visitors to Grand Teton National Park spent over $436 million in gateway communities surrounding the park. That spending, in turn, supported 6,397 jobs in the northwestern Wyoming communities of Jackson, Teton Village, and Dubois, as well as the nearby Idaho communities of Driggs and Victor. \u201cGrand Teton National Park is one of America\u2019s premiere attractions for visitors from across the U.S. and around the world,\u201d said Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott. \u201cWhile we generally focus on Grand Teton\u2019s priceless natural and cultural resources as the principle rationale for its creation and enduring value, another\u2014perhaps less obvious\u2014benefit of Grand Teton involves the economic advantage that comes from sustainable tourism generated by this national park and others located throughout the Intermountain West,\u201d \u00a0added Superintendent Scott. \u201cNational parks provide great enjoyment, inspiration and education to American citizens and international visitors who spend their vacation dollars in both the parks and their gateway communities. These federal lands are visited by nearly 280 million people a year, which ranks them as eighth among America\u2019s top domestic travel destinations according to Forbes.\u201d The information on Grand Teton National Park is part of a peer-reviewed spending analysis of national park visitors across the country conducted by Michigan State University for the National Park Service.\u00a0 For 2011, that report shows $13 billion of direct spending by 279 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park.\u00a0 That visitor spending had a $30 billion impact on the entire U.S. economy and supported 252,000 jobs nationwide. Most visitor spending supports jobs in lodging, food, and beverage service (63 percent) followed by recreation and entertainment (17 percent), other retail (11percent), transportation and fuel (7 percent) and wholesale and manufacturing (2 percent.) To download the report visit www.nature.nps.gov\/socialscience\/products.cfm#MGM and click on Economic Benefits to Local Communities from National Park Visitation, 2011. The report includes information for visitor spending at individual parks and also by state. To learn more about national parks in Wyoming and how the National Park Service works with communities to preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide local recreation opportunities, go to www.nps.gov\/Wyoming .\u00a0 PET PANTRY OUTREACH LAUNCH RECEPTION OF PILOT PROGRAM TO HELP FEED PETS IN THE COMMUNITY Paws2Help Pet Pantry Outreach, founded in Casper, Wyoming, will reach its first milestone with the distribution of approximately 930 pounds of dog and cat food to citizens in need within the community on Saturday, March 2, 2013, commencing with Natrona County Meals on Wheels clients. The Pet Pantry Outreach will hold its official launch and reception at 1:00 p.m. hosted by Greiner Buick\/GMA\/Cadillac at 6302 East 2nd Street, Casper, WY 82609. The Keynote Speaker, City of Casper Mayor Kenyne Schlager, will be followed by guest speakers from Paws2Help Foundation, Paws2Help Pet Pantry Outreach, Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies, Altitude Veterinary Hospital and Natrona County Meals on Wheels. It was after the tremendous outpouring of donated pet food for displaced pets of the Sheepherder Hill Fire in October 2012 that Paws2Help Foundation Founder &amp; President Lisa Craft identified a lack of an in-place organization providing the fundamentals helping feed pets in crisis in Wyoming. That is when Craft came up with idea of forming Paws2Help Pet Pantry Outreach, an organization that provides donated pet food to pet owners served by Meals on Wheels or those seeking assistance through the Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies who are burdened by tough economic times, a health crisis or some other kind of emergency. Pet Pantry Outreach&#8217;s mission is to help avoid the surrender of these animals to already overcrowded shelters, prevent them from being set loose to fend for themselves, or taken for euthanasia. Their purpose is to help pet owners keep their beloved pets, as pets are usually viewed as part of the family and often offer emotional support, which is essential to a person&#8217;s well being. Their mission also addresses the very real problem of Meals on Wheels recipients saving and feeding a portion of their meals to their beloved pets, because of financial stress or the inability to shop for pet food. We believe that this program will provide a quality pet food diet for the animals and keep the human food where it should be\u2014with the humans who are owned by their beloved pets. Pet Pantry Outreach, which has a Facebook page, made its online debut through word of mouth. Craft said the Facebook page generated interest from people wanting to volunteer, as well as calls from pet owners in need. Paws2Help Foundation, which initially organized the effort provides financial assistance to homeless animals in need of medical care, has been serving Natrona County since 2006 backs its mission with the motto that every animal, whenever we can, however we can, will get the help it deserves. Paws2Help Foundation is especially proud of the ground breaking efforts that this special program is helping many families cope with enormously difficult times. Ensuring that our community&#8217;s companion animals never go hungry is one of the most basic, and most critical, aspects of animal welfare. A person&#8217;s inability to feed their pet could be due to unexpected bills or expenses, with the situation being temporary. By offering pet food assistance we hope to lessen the burden of homeless pets on local animal shelters and rescue groups. We hope families and individuals are rest assured they&#8217;re able to keep their beloved pet during their hardship. The multi-organization collaboration supporting Pet Pantry Outreach&#8217;s efforts, says volunteer Denise Wendinger, is what is most exciting &#8211; the program has the support needed to sustain itself in the future as well as to expand throughout Wyoming. Towards the goal of expanding throughout Wyoming the Pet Pantry Outreach plans to expand its advertising efforts to increase services to the community. We expect to attribute increased donations and dispersals to increased awareness of our services by having several local food banks voluntarily post our advertising on their premises. Paws2Help Pet Pantry Outreach is sponsored by Paws2Help Foundation and a collaboration by the Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies, Altitude Veterinary Hospital, and Natrona County Meals on Wheels. Financial donations are essential for us to continue to carry out our mission. We are one of a relatively small number of pet food assistance programs throughout the US and have seen the effects of the importance of our mission on the local community. If you are interested in helping the Pet Pantry Outreach or would like more information, please see the Pet Pantry Outreach\u2019s website at paws2helpwy.org or contact the Program Coordinator, Melissa Fenster. Families in need can visit distribution location: Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies, 4967 Paige Street, Mills. Donations are tax deductible. If you are interested in helping Pet Pantry Outreach or would like more information, see the Pet Pantry Outreach&#8217;s website at &#8220;www.paws2helpwy.org&#8221;. CONTACT: Melissa Fenster Program Coordinator of Paws2Help Pet Pantry Outreach \u00a0Tel. 307-298-0213 \u00a0 \u00a0Email: petpantryoutreach@paws2helpwy.org Paws2Help Foundation &#8211; a 501c3 non profit corporation helping provide financial means for homeless animals receive medical care. With our additional community service programs Paws2Help4Pits, Trap\/Neuter\/Release &#8211; Wyoming (Casper), and Paws2Help Pet Pantry Outreach brings the community together by providing a full circle solution since 2006. Website: www.paws2helpwy.org\u00a0 \u00a0Email: paws2help@bresnan.net \u00a0 \u00a0Phone: (307) 215-3034 Altitude Veterinary Hospital &#8211; providing comprehensive and compassionate veterinary care and pet services year after year, making us the animal clinic of choice for pet owners in and around the Casper community since 1957. Altitude Veterinary Hospital offers the Casper community medical, surgical, and dental services, as well as emergency vet care. We also have in-house boarding and grooming facilities, making our veterinary facility a one stop shop for your pet&#8217;s health and medical needs Website: www.popishvet.com\u00a0 Phone: (307) 234-7333 Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies &#8211; Fighting hunger, feeding hope serving all 23 counties of Wyoming with the help of our 200 member agencies. In the past year, just over 5 million pounds of food was distributed to more than 55,000 of our Wyoming neighbors. Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies is Wyoming\u2019s food bank. With more than 9,000 volunteer hours as the driving force behind the success of our programs, we are working to end hunger in Wyoming. Please consider becoming a part of the effort to end hunger in Wyoming by supporting WFBR: donate food, funds, or time. You CAN make a difference. Website: www.foodbankrockies.org\/wyomingfbr\/wyoming-home\/ Phone: (307) 265-2172 Natrona County Meals on Wheels &#8211; To assist the elderly and\/or homebound people of Natrona County maintain their independence and integrity, as well as their physical and mental health in the dignity of their own homes and environments, Natrona County Meals On Wheels prepares and delivers nutritionally tailored meals via caring community volunteers. Website: www.mealsonwheels.com Phone: (307) 265-8659 &#8220;Around the Bend&#8221; featuring Beth Gleason on display at SAGE Exhibit Gallery in Sheridan &#8220;Around the Bend,&#8221; featuring art work by Beth Gleason, will be on display March 1-29th at the SAGE Exhibit Gallery, located in Sheridan College Main St., 171 N. Main, in Sheridan.\u00a0 The Artist&#8217;s Reception will be Thursday, March 14th, from 5:30-7pm.\u00a0 This reception is open to the public and refreshments will be served. Hours for the SAGE Exhibit Gallery are 9:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday &#8211; Friday.\u00a0 \u00a0The SAGE Exhibit Gallery is operated by the Sheridan Artists&#8217; Guild, Et al.\u00a0 Become a member of SAGE for just $40 per year.\u00a0 For more information, visit the Sagebrush Community Art Center, located in the Historic Train Depot at 201 E. 5th St. in Sheridan, or online at www.artinsheridan.com.\u00a0 The five finalists for the National Museum of Wildlife Art\u2019s 2013 Bull-Bransom Award feature illustrators\u2019 unique takes on wildlife, from tiny mouse to friendly moose. Five Children\u2019s Book Illustrators Named Finalists for Bull-Bransom Award\u00a0 National Museum of Wildlife Art to announce winner in Jackson Hole May 3 Jackson Hole, Wyoming \u2013 February 25, 2013 \u2013 Five children\u2019s books have been selected as finalists in the 2013 Bull-Bransom Award competition: \u2022 Bear Has a Story to Tell, story by Philip C. Stead, illustrations by Erin E. Stead (Roaring Book Press, 2012) \u2022 More, story by I.C. Springman, illustrations by Brian Lies (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2012) \u2022 Nightsong, story by Ariel Berk, illustrations by Loren Long (Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2012) \u2022 Oh, No!, story by Candace Fleming, illustrations by Eric Rohmann (Schwartz &amp; Wade Books, 2012) \u2022 This Moose Belongs to Me, story and illustrations by Oliver Jeffers (Philomel Books, 2012) Illustrators of the five books are under consideration for the award, which is presented annually by the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, Wyo., to recognize excellence in children\u2019s book illustration with a focus on wildlife and nature.\u00a0 The 2013 winner of the Bull-Bransom Award will be announced at the museum on May 3, 2013, as part of its Celebration of Young Artists event, with the winning illustrator invited to attend. \u201cThe illustrations in the five finalist books for this year\u2019s Bull-Bransom Award are beautiful, creative, and interesting,\u201d says Bronwyn Minton, assistant curator of art for the museum and a member of the finalist selection panel. \u201cThis award continues to highlight talented illustrators of animals and humanity\u2019s relationship with nature.\u201d Sylvia Long won the 2012 Bull-Bransom Award for her illustrations in A Butterfly Is Patient (Chronicle Books), written by Dianna Hutts Aston. The 2011 award went to Kevin Waldron for Tiny Little&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2075,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[67,69,66,1,167],"tags":[945,944,83,946,948,800,103,102,947,64,104],"class_list":["post-2073","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-art","category-most-recent","category-news-from-parks","category-uncategorized","category-wy-people","tag-bull-bransom-award","tag-grand-teton-national-park-wyoming","tag-national-museum-of-wildlife-art-jackson-wyoming","tag-paws2help-foundation-casper-wyoming","tag-pet-pantry-outreach-natrona-county-wyoming","tag-sage-exhibit-gallery-sheridan-wyoming","tag-www-wyolifestyle-com","tag-www-wyovore-com","tag-wyoming-food-bank-of-the-rockies-casper-wyoming","tag-wyoming-lifestyle-magazine","tag-wyovore"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2073","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2073"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2073\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2086,"href":"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2073\/revisions\/2086"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2075"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2073"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2073"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.wyolifestyle.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2073"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}