A recent follow-up survey of individuals who had participated in one of the Go2Workshops at CMC revealed that 56 percent of the respondents had subsequently found employment. A drawing was held of survey respondents for an Apple iPod Nano and the lucky winner was Cecelia Salcedo of Parachute.The free, drop-in Go2Workshops provide individualized assistance with resumes, career exploration, interview skills and Internet access. Preparation and assessment for the CareerReady Colorado Certificate is also available. Interested individuals are invited to drop in anytime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Mondays at the CMC Rifle Campus or between noon and 5 p.m. at the CMC Glenwood Center (behind City Market). The Go2Workshops are a partnership between Colorado Mountain College, the Colorado Workforce, the Garfield County Department of Human Services and the Garfield County Human Services Committee.

Gotcha Covered Window Coverings in Glenwood Springs was awarded “Top Achiever for 2011” at the annual convention in Denver. Shane and Bette Ortell have received this prestigious award eight years running for not only their achievement in being the top producing franchisee but also for providing excellence in customer service to their clients. The showroom is located in the Tamarack Building at 1001 Grand Ave. Call 945-4010 to schedule a free in-home consultation or visit http://shaneortell.gotchacovered.com.

Following the completion of the 14th annual Adopt-A-Cause holiday fundraising program, employees from the Glenwood Springs and Silverthorne Mountain Sports Outlet stores combined to raise $247 for Garfield County Search & Rescue, the local branch of a statewide organization that provides search and rescue services throughout Garfield County.Making the donation even sweeter for the versatile rescue-focused program is the matching contribution of 50 cents for every dollar from the Vail Resorts Echo program. That additional $123 match boosted the total contribution to $360.The Adopt-A-Cause campaign is part of a companywide effort among the 165 sporting goods stores of Specialty Sports Venture (SSV) based in Broomfield. “Garfield County Search & Rescue relies heavily on the support and donations from foundations like Adopt-a-Cause to maintain equipment and training standards,” explained Tom Ice, president of the Garfield County Search & Rescue. “Funds are also used to purchase the new equipment we need to continue our efforts in helping lost and injured residents and visitors to Garfield County.”

Kerst & Associates P.C. of Glenwood Springs is pleased to announce that Carolyn M. Strautman has joined the firm as a partner, under the new firm name of Kerst & Strautman P.C. Strautman previously practiced with the firm as an associate from 1996-2004. She received her J.D. degree from the University of Denver College of Law, with Order of St. Ives distinction. A Glenwood Springs High School graduate, Strautman returned to practice in the valley 17 years ago, and has specialized in estate planning for the past 15 years. Strautman’s practice will continue to focus on the areas of estate planning, probate and trust administration, conservatorships and guardianships, real estate and business formation. See the firm’s website at http://www.kerststrautman.com, or call (970) 945-2447 for more information.