Colorado's Extreme Winter Sports Take Center Stage in 2012

Tis the season…for extreme winter sports!

This winter, Colorado dishes up extreme winter sports that will literally take your breath away. From being dropped by a helicopter on top of a snowy peak, to reeling a trout out of an icy lake, to summiting an ice wall with crampons and ice axes, Colorado transforms into an extreme outdoor enthusiast's playground in the winter months. Below is a sampling of adrenaline-pumping events to watch and activities to try:

Ski and Snowboard Events and Competitions        
        
            --  ESPN's Winter X Games, January 26-29, 2012: For an unprecedented
                11th year in a row, more than 200 ski, snowboard and snowmobile
                athletes from across the globe will land in Aspen/Snowmass to
                compete in ESPN's Winter X Games 16 on Buttermilk. All events at
                Buttermilk are FREE and open to the public. In addition to the
                action at Buttermilk, Aspen/Snowmass will host a FREE Bud Light
                Hi-Fi concert at the base of Aspen Mountain.
 
www.aspensnowmass.com           
       
            --  U.S. Extreme Freeskiing Championships, February 8 -12, 2012:
                Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) and Mountain Sports
                International team up to bring the U.S. and World Freeskiing Tours
                to the birthplace of Big Mountain competitions. Crested Butte was
                the first in the U.S. to launch an extreme skiing contest, and
                this season marks twenty-one years. Competitors vie for the
                largest cash purse on the freeskiing circuit and coveted prizes
 
www.freeskiingworldtour.com           
       
            --  The Telemark World Cup, February 11-18, 2012: The Steamboat
                Springs Winter Sports Club hosts approximately 100 international
                telemark athletes as they compete in all telemark events over
                seven days. See the world's best international telemark athletes
 
www.steamboat.com            
       
Extreme Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Adventures
                
            --  Guided Skiing at Silverton Mountain: Silverton offers extreme and
                unique lift-served ski adventures accessing up to 1,819 acres of
                backcountry-type terrain. There are no groomed runs, no cut
                trails, just loads of nature's finest black diamond skiing in the
                country. Each guided group of eight skiers or less can expect to
                hike 5-10 minutes to ski runs although some drop straight from the
 
www.silvertonmountain.com           
       
            --  Cat Skiing at Monarch Mountain: Great powder, spectacular views,
                1,000 plus acres of expert terrain, steeps, trees, cliffs, and
                bowls -- that's Monarch Mountain's snowcat terrain. Considered
                some of the best snowcat skiing in Colorado, guests enjoy
                skiing/riding in closely spaced trees, variable snow conditions
                and extremely steep slopes. Space is limited to 12 guests per day
                and the snowcat runs from the end of December through early April
 
www.skimonarch.com           
       
            --  Heli Skiing with Telluride Helitrax: Telluride Helitrax operates
                in some of the highest ski terrain in North America: ranging in
                elevation from 10,000 to 13,500 feet. Telluride Helitrax is one of
                the most experienced yet personal heli-ski operations in the U.S.
                Up to twenty seats are available each day. Skiers are sorted by
                reservation groups, ability and helicopter load weight.
 
www.helitrax.com            
        
Ice Climbing        
        
            --  The 17th Annual Ouray Ice Festival, January 5-8, 2012. The Ouray
                Ice Festival is the world's premier ice climbing event. This
                annual gathering is attended by ice climbers from around the
                world, as well as industry sponsors, inspiring speakers, and the
                world's top exhibition climbers. Festival events are held in and
                around the Ouray Ice Park as well as various other venues around
 
www.ourayicepark.com           
       
            --  2012 Lake City Ice Climbing Festival, February 4, 2012: This event
                includes timed lead and top rope ice climbing events with men's
                and women's categories held at the Lake City Ice Park. Hot food
                and beverages are served on site with an apres-climb awards party
 
www.lakecityiceclimbs.com           
       
        --  Jeep Ice Racing: For the past 36 years, Our Gang Ice Racing has been
            holding jeep ice races on Georgetown Lake in the charming Victorian
            town of Georgetown. On weekends in January and February, Georgetown
            Lake becomes frozen over and is transformed into a race track for
            Jeeps and other four-wheel drive vehicles. Races are separated by
            class including a beginner's class, meaning that anyone can
            participate in a race, either as a driver or spectator.
 
www.ourgangiceracing.com            
       
Ice Fishing
                
            --  Antero Ice Fishing Contest, January 14, 2012: Get your poles, your
                bait, your sled and head to the Antero Ice Fishing Contest at
                Antero Reservoir in Park County. This contest is loaded with
                excitement, adventure and great prizes.
 
www.antero-icefishing-contest.com           
       
            --  Leadville/Twin Lakes Ice Fishing Derby, February 18-19, 2012: This
                is an annual Leadville Rod & Gun Club event at Twin Lakes with
                prizes by type of fish. Categories include mackinaw, brown trout,
                rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and kokanee salmon.
 
www.visitleadvilleco.com  

Read more http://www.marketwatch.com/story/colorados-extreme-winter-sports-take-center-stage-in-2012-2011-12-21

Read more »

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays from Falcon Run Apartments! 

Read more »

Kids 17 and Under Get Free Admission to Denver Museum of Art, Through Jan. 1

Looking for a fun weekend activity? Take your kids to the Denver Museum of Art! 

Have a great weekend, Denver! Starting tomorrow, kids 17 and younger get free general admission through January 1 to enjoy our Winter Break: Magic of China programming. 

Explore the beauty of China throughout the museum. Watch dramatic dance and martial arts performances, learn secrets of the silkworm, and watch a calligraphy demonstration. This programming complements the exhibitions Xu Beihong: Pioneer of Modern Chinese Painting and Threads of Heaven: Silken Legacy of China's Last Dynasty, both on view through January 29, 2012. 

Also happening at the DAM:

-Demo & Do with large format calligraphy at 10 am Saturday 

-Our Lady of Guadalupe tours in Spanish at 2 pm Sundays through January 1

-Kite-making and silk worm exploration next week

-Many more free activities for the kiddos (see a list here: http://ow.ly/81WNy)

-Robert Adams and Dirty Pictures exhibitions' final weeks

-Xu Beihong and Threads of Heaven exhibitions continue on view

-Thousands of gifts in the Museum Shop

See more at http://www.denverartmuseum.org/home 

Read more »

Don’t Miss Breakfast with Santa Tomorrow!

Don’t miss breakfast with Santa tomorrow at the Malley Center (3380 South Lincoln Street) There will be seatings at 8am and 9am. Enjoy breakfast, featuring all-you-can-eat pancakes, music, gifts and Santa Claus himself! Purchase tickets in advance at the Malley Center ($4 for kids 2 to 10; children under age 2 are free; $5 for adults;).

Read more »

Final year for Elati St. couple’s holiday display

Thank you Dick and Alice for your labor of love! We will miss your beautiful decorations.

This is the final season Dick and Alice Kloewer will decorate their home at 4990 S. Elati St. for the holidays.

The Kloewers and their children made the announcement at the Nov. 21 Englewood City Council meeting. Their oldest son Ken talked about how the decoration started modestly 29 years ago and grew larger each year until the display attracted local and even national attention. At the conclusion of his remarks, he presented a cake to the council with decorations including a photo of the Kloewers’ home decorated for the holidays.

Dick and Alice Kloewer agreed the decision to no longer decorate for the holidays didn’t come easy.

“We just felt it was time to no longer put up the decorations because Alice and I want to pursue some other interests like traveling during the holidays,” Dick said during a break in the meeting. “So, we decided this will be the last year we will put up the display.”

Dick said it takes about 300 hours to set up the display of decorations that are all a result of his craftsmanship.

The yard full of decorations include 80 houses with glass-front walls Dick built to protect displays from the weather. Many of the houses include moving characters, Dick made happen all the movement happen by hooking up an electric motor to a bike chain and gears.

One of the trademarks of the display is the G scale garden railroad. Dick built the landscape, buildings and bridges to scale to accommodate 1,200 feet of track that is laid out so nine different trains can run through the display at the same time.

In addition there are 143 lighted balls Dick and Alice created hung in the trees. About the only thing they didn’t create are the countless thousands of lights strung in the trees and around the house and yard.

It takes a 400 amp electrical panel with a total of 28 breakers each rated at 20 amps each. While everyone agrees it can’t be cheap to operate the displays, the Kloewers have made it their practice not to discuss the size of their electric bill during the holiday season.

The Kloewers began decorating their house for the holidays 29 years ago when their first grandchild was born.

The initial decoration was a star on the tree outside the house and gradually grew, first with lights strung on the walls of the house and a Santa on the roof. That was about the time the displays began growing as building the decorations became a hobby for Dick even before he retired from his job as a carpenter in 1997.

In an interview a few years ago about the decorations, Dick Kloewer said he had fun building all the decorations. He said sometimes he would see a scene on a card, make a drawing of it, display the drawing on plywood, cut it out, paint it and use it as part of the decorations. He said it was a big help to his decoration-building hobby when his children gave him welding equipment as a gift.

The garden railroad layout is permanent but, of course, the trains and other small items are not out there all year. But when the system is in operation, the trains that travel the track of the layout represent many different eras of railroading, from steam locomotives to modern diesel engines.. There is even a dedicated line with a cog train climbing to the garage roof. The train on one of the rail line disappears from view at times because the track makes a loop through the garage. The Kloewers’ layout was a stop on the tour when the Garden Railroad Association held its convention in Denver several years ago

The holiday display on South Elati Street has received a lot of local and national publicity which, in turn, attracted visitors from all over the metro area.

During the holiday season, families bring their children to see the display and often there are buses and limousines that come by. Many times, Dick and Alice are in the yard, greeting visitors and talking about their display.

About 7 p.m. Nov. 27 there were a steady flow of vehicles moving slowly by the house so the occupants could look at the display and about a dozen families gathered around the fences to get an up close view of the decorations.

“We brought our children to see this display and this year, we are bringing our grandchildren to see it,” Littleton resident Wendy Schwartzkopf said. “I am sad to hear the family will no longer be putting up their display. But, I thank them for all the years they have decorated for the holidays and I hope they know they have brought a lot of joy to literally thousands of people.”

In the brochure the children prepared, Alice said her favorite display is the Nativity set that was one of the original pieces and her second favorite is the Harley House because she is a doll collected. Dick’s favorite is his garden railroad.

The Kloewers are offering all their decorations for sale except the all the items associated with the garden railroad. During the holidays, there will be bid sheets available and completed sheets can be dropped in the wishing well. Bids also can be made by sending an e-mail to christmaswishbid@gmail.com. Those who win the bidding can pick up the items after Jan. 5 when the Kloewers turn off the lights for good.

However, not all the elaborate holiday decorations in the area will go away. That is because Dick and Alice’s oldest son Ron and his wife will continue to put up their holiday decorations in front of their home at 5041 S.Elati St.

Read more http://www.ourcoloradonews.com/englewood/news/final-year-for-couple-s-holiday-display/article_abc2ac4b-9f36-50e1-aef6-cde4b3addcae.html

Read more »

Englewood Library adds eBook readers, offers book download checkout system

Exciting news for the Englewood Library!

(Autumn Murray, left, listens as Englewood Public Library director Dorothy Hargrove explains how to use the NOOK eBook reader. The library added 10 of the electronic readers, each loaded with 20 to 25 books. The devices can be checked out for up to three weeks at a time. Photo by Tom Munds)

While thousands of paper and ink books are still available, the Englewood Public Library also has technology available to electronically download books and other items to computers or other devices plus customers can check out a small, pad-sized reader called a NOOK eBook reader that contains 20 or more novels.

“The NOOK eBook reader is a new addition to our library,” library director Dorothy Hargrove told the city council at the Nov. 14 study session. “We worked with Barnes and Noble to purchase 10 of the NOOK eBooks and had each of them preloaded with 20 to 25 books.”

She said adding the ebook readers to the library was economical because it cost $2 per book to load it on the device while the average price of a hard cover book is about $15.

Five of the readers have 20 to 25 books high on the best-seller list, three are popular specific-theme books such as romance or mystery novels, and three are loaded with book club favorites.

The new service was demonstrated to members of the Englewood Library Board. Board members then voted to provide money to buy an additional five Nook Books.

The NOOK eBook readers were put into service Nov. 15 and can be checked out at the circulation desk for up to three weeks.

On Nov. 16, Hargrove said the new devices already are popular, as all 10 either are already checked out or being held for customers who reserved them.

Hargrove took time to demonstrate the NOOK eBook reader to library patron Autumn Murray.

Murray, a Littleton High School student, said she had never seen or used a device like the NOOK.

“This is pretty cool and even kinda crazy,” Murray said about the device. “It contains all those books yet it is so tiny you can put it in your purse.”

The library also added another service for readers by providing a system through a partnership with Across Colorado Digital Consortium that allows customers with valid library cards to “check out” items by downloading materials like audio books and ebooks to personal devices such as computers or iPods.

The system is simple but does require the software OverDrive Media Console for audio books and the Adobe Digital Editions software for ebooks. The two software programs are available and can be downloaded free of charge from the library website at www.englewoodpubliclibrary.org.

When the software is installed on the individual’s electronic device, the next step is to go to the library website and search for the item by subject, title, author or format.

When the desired items are located, add them to the “cart” and click on the “proceed to checkout” icon to continue.

Then, click the download button under each title to launch the software so the item is loaded onto the individual’s personal electronic device.

The downloads are for a specific lending period and disappear when the check-out period expires. However, some audio books and ebooks can be retained by copying them to a CD.

There are no late fees for downloading the items and no charge for using the service.

Read more http://www.ourcoloradonews.com/englewood/news/englewood-library-adds-ebook-readers-offers-book-download-checkout-system/article_9f4e2f6a-7d3c-5634-b1a1-7ef5e8566f31.html#.Tsu5T7Kd4SR

 

Read more »

High winds have Colorado forest officials warning Christmas-tree cutters

If you or anyone you know plans to cut down a Christmas tree this year, please pass this on!

The iconic holiday tradition of families trekking through the Colorado forests in search of the perfect Christmas tree this year comes with an extra safety warning: beware of falling trees.

Winds upward of 100 mph toppled an uncalculated number of healthy, mature trees in the Arapaho and Roosevelt national forests and Rocky Mountain National Park on Monday, closing roads, damaging property and causing the U.S. Forest Service to warn that more could come down in windy weather.

Forest managers will keep a close eye on the wind and the weather, and could close tree- cutting areas if conditions are too dangerous during holiday tree cutting scheduled through December.

"It's really based on the weather. The conditions have changed a bit with the dead trees," Forest Service spokesman John Bustos said. "The expectation is that we'll just proceed as normal, but if we get more wind activity, it may cause us to close certain areas or move them."

The Forest Service allows holiday tree cutting to thin trees and improve forest health.

"The winds change," Bustos said. "It is something you need to be prepared for no matter what."

Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch in Red Feather Lakes allows public Christmas- tree cutting Saturday through Christmas Eve.

"We're constantly looking at what trees could be a fall hazard. We're probably more aware then we've ever been, but we've been in that sort of protocol for a couple of years now," said Linda Weixelman, the resort's general manager.

The cautions, however, are not meant to deter people from participating in this seasonal tradition.

In many ways, the tree-cutting sponsors depend on prepared and aware patrons to help ensure the forest's future.

"For us, Christmas-tree cutting is a way to create a healthier forest," Weixelman said.

Read more: High winds have Colorado forest officials warning Christmas-tree cutters - The Denver Posthttp://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_19344565?utm_medium=facebook#ixzz1dzLga2VQ

Read more »

Holiday Craft Fair at Englewood High School on Nov. 19

Do some of your holiday shopping this year at Englewood High School!

Organizers expect as many as 80 vendors will have a wide variety of goods on sale at the Holiday Craft Fair being held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 19 at Englewood High School. The fair offers a chance to perhaps find a gift for that hard-to-buy-for person on the list plus the event will raise money to help purchase items or pay fees for EHS students who need a little assistance.

There is no charge for admission to the event that will be set up in the high school commons area and cafeteria at Englewood High School, 3800 S. Logan St..
Lila Downing and Connie Wagner, both of whom create crafts themselves, organized the fair two years ago for the first time.

Downing said they decided to hold the event because they saw that recent budget cuts leave no money to help needy students. So, they put out a call for vendors and organized the craft fair to raise money to be used to help students who may need a little financial assistance to buy school supplies or perhaps pay fees to join a program.

Downing said the response to the idea was almost overwhelming and she said last year was a very successful event. So, with the same kind of interest this year, she expects the event will draw potential customers so check out what the vendors have to offer. She said, like last year, the tables and booths should offer a wide variety of items, including holiday decorations, jewelry of different designs and patterns and wood carvings.

“I feel this is a ‘win-win’ situation,” Downing said. “Vendors can showcase their goods, people can browse and perhaps find that gift for a hard-to-buy-for person while all the proceeds go to help needy kids. I think it’s a great community event.”

For more information about the EHS 2011 Holiday Craft Fair, please contact Connie Wagner at 303-806- 2239.

Read more http://www.ourcoloradonews.com/englewood/news/high-school-to-host-craft-fair/article_6124d14b-1c84-5771-8e69-fae78538f21f.html

Read more »

Developers present two views of future for Denver Union Station

Which proposal do you like better?

The teams bidding on the redevelopment of Denver Union Station unveiled their proposals for the historic building, with one envisioning a $48 million boutique hotel and the other a $21.1 million revamp that includes a market, restaurant, bar and office space.

Both developers, who presented their plans to the Regional Transportation District and a crowd of more than 200 people Thursday evening at the Colorado Convention Center, say they would have their projects completed by the time the transit portion of the development opens in the spring of 2014. Both would use $17 million RTD has earmarked for the renovation, which includes $5 million in FASTER funding and $12 million from the recent sale of land near the station, to help finance the project.

They also will have $28 million available from the Denver Union Station Project Authority to maintain the public spaces.

Union Station Neighborhood Co. — the master developer for the entire 19.5-acre transit district that surrounds the station, the bus terminal and the rail platforms — wants to renovate the large, open train room with a restaurant, new waiting-room amenities and an information kiosk to aid travelers and visitors.

It also is proposing a walk-through food market in the building's south wing, with stalls featuring the goods of local purveyors.

Its plan also includes about 8,800 square feet of separate restaurant space in the building's north wing and about 25,000 square feet of leasable office space on the station's upper floors.

The developer already has agreements with operators for the market, restaurant and bar, said Frank Cannon, development director for the project. He declined to name who they are.

The company has identified $22 million in available funding sources that would enable work on the historic station to start immediately, Cannon said. Those include the $17 million from RTD and a $2 million equity investment from the developer. It also is lining up $3 million in historic tax credits.

Union Station Alliance, led by Sage Hospitality's Walter Isenberg and longtime LoDo developer Dana Crawford, wants to put a 130-room boutique hotel in the building, along with a restaurant and other retail uses.

The hotel, which team members described as "Denver's living room," would be affiliated with the Oxford Hotel on 17th Street, a block away, and would have access to its parking.

Development team member Jim Johnson, of GE Johnson, said the hotel would ensure the building is active 24 hours a day. "There's no lock on a hotel," he said. "We will be a place where Denver extends a welcome handshake to the world."

Financing for the $48 million project would include $11.5 million in equity, $7.5 million from the sale of tax credits, mortgage financing and the $17 million from RTD.

The general contractor for the hotel would be Milender White Construction Co., which has guaranteed the project will come in on time and on budget, according to the group, which said the project is 85 percent pre-leased.

Union Station Alliance estimates its project would create 55 hotel jobs, 70 restaurant jobs and 100 retail jobs, as well as hundreds of jobs in the surrounding neighborhood. The project also would create 15 construction jobs under RTD's Workforce Initiative Now program, which aims to provide skills training and jobs on upcoming RTD FasTracks projects.

RTD staff members intend to select one of the plans and make a recommendation by the end of the month. After that, they will negotiate with the selected developer, and the RTD board will make a final decision early next year.

Read more: Developers present two views of future for Denver Union Station - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_19265175?source=rss#ixzz1clYdy3Qz

Read more »

Denver Arts Week Runs From Nov. 4 - 12

Can't wait to check out Denver Arts Week! What events are you going to?

The fifth annual metrowide Denver Arts festival, Nov. 4-12, continues to expand, offering hundreds of opportunities for families and individuals to engage in the arts — for an hour or for a week. A complete schedule can be found online. (Search for Denver Arts Week 2011.)


We choose a few highlights from more than 200 events — many of them free:


Friday, Nov. 4 is First Friday, when galleries and museums throughout the area are open from 6 to 9 p.m.


Think neighborhoods: Cherry Creek North, Golden Triangle Museum District (around the Denver Arts Museum), Art District on Santa Fe (200 block to 1100), Navajo Street Arts District in the Highlands, Tennyson Street Cultural District (around 44th and Tennyson), RiNo (see website for map). Downtown Denver/LoDo and Belmar Block 7 all participate. Some galleries will offer artwork for a special mile high price of $52.80.


In the Downtown Denver area, Hilliard Moore of Highlands Ranch has a special show at his Great Western Art Gallery, 1455 Curtis St. A private art collection consigned for sale through Jan. 14 includes a silver bust of Virgin Mary Pieta by Michelangelo, works by Chagall, Miro, Picasso, Durer, Toulouse-Lautrec, Rembrandt, Renoir and more. An opening reception will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 4. Gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; Sunday by appointment, 303-396-2787.


Night at the Museums is Saturday, Nov. 5, always a popular event. Museums offer free admission and are open until 10 p.m. Included in Denver: Denver Art Museum, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art, the Molly Brown House, Denver Botanic Gardens and more offer free programs, music and events. In addition to Littleton Museum, six museums in Golden will participate: Foothiills Arts center, Astor House Museum, Clear Creek History Park, Golden History Center, American Mountaineering Museum, Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum. A reported 22,500 visitors attended last year.


The Littleton Museum, 6028 S. Gallup St., Littleton, will be among them again, with historic site interpreters on the farms, which are especially engaging at night. Food, Games and conversation will happen on the 1860s and 1890s farms, while inside the museum, live music will play while stroller visit the permanent gallery (Littleton history) and the exhibitions in the changing galleries: Pivotal Points (historic maps of the west) and Victoria Ekelund’s one person show (she was winner of the Own an Original, entitling her to an exhibit of her own).


Denver’s On Stage lasts through the week, Nov. 4-12 with performing arts organizations offering special deals for theater, dance, music and more. Listings are continually updated at the Denver Arts Week website, maintained by Visit Denver.


The Littleton Museum and Town hall Arts Center offer a special performance of children’s theater: the classic fairytale “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6. The master storyteller will choose some willing audience members to come onstage and play specific roles. “We’ve got talking rabbits, a nervous mirror and a whole new set of dwarves, including Dirty Dwarf... peee-youuu,” they say. And everyone helps from their seat. Free on a first come, first serve basis. 303-795-3950.


An interesting collaboration between dance and visual art is offered by Ballet Nouveau and Redline Gallery. “A Shared Experience in Art,” which will run Nov. 4-6 at Redline Gallery, 2350 Arapahoe St., Denver and Nov. 11-13 at the Performing Arts Complex at Pinnacle Charter School, 1001 W. 84th, Ave., Denver.


BNC artistic director Garrett Ammon will work with art by Theresa Ducayet Clowes, with movements fro Bach’s Cello suites, played onstage by cellist James Bailey. Choreographer, company associate director Dawn Fay will collaborate with Thomas A. Guiton,’s sculptural pieces. Company member Sarah Tallman and conceptual artist Virginia Folkstad focus on nature and the human predicament. Guest Choreographer Maurya Kerr has responded to Sarah Scott’s sculptures and animated films focusing on human and animal relationships and guest choreographer Lane Gifford will use works by Gretchen Marie Schaefer and Bruce Price. Performances will be at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets range from $17 to $44, online www.bncdance,com or 303-466-5685.


Another dance performance is by Denver’s Ballet Ariel: “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and More Fall Dances” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5 and 3 p.m. Nov. 6 at Cleo Parker Robinson Theatre 119 Park Avenue West, Denver. Tickets: $20/$16, www.balletariel.org, 303-945-4388.


Spend a few minutes with the Denver Arts Week website to find the events you can find time for. All sound rewarding — it’s hard to choose.

Source http://www.ourcoloradonews.com/englewood/life/celebrate-mile-high-creativity/article_a3749b75-a11b-5753-88ae-f6324b75bbaf.html

Search for events by neighborhood at http://www.denver.org/DenverArtsWeek/

Read more »

Sink your teeth into Colorado's Halloween 2011

Happy (almost) Halloween! Check out this list of great events from the Denver Post. Which of these are you going to?

 

What's your favorite flavor of fear? Steampunk? Zombies? Spiders?

This weekend and next, no matter who (or what) you are, there's a Halloween party cooked to match your craving, whether it's the Dead Artist Ball in Lafayette or the CSU Chemistry Club'sMad Scientistevents for families. Historical ghost tours, capers in the corn and the usual shriek shacks abound. Best of all, if you just want to dance, the spirits will happily oblige you.

Tricks and Treats

All events through Oct. 31 unless otherwise noted. For more hauntings that have already appeared in the paper, go to denverpost.com/halloween.

HAUNTED HOUSES

Powick's Asylum for Disturbed Children

Interactive "art of horror" installation and "haunted house" at 1.21 Jiga Watts. Today-Oct. 23 and Oct. 28-31. 7 p.m.-midnight. Not for young children. $8.1432 Tremont St., 303- 910-6593 ,http://voodoodollsproduction.co/powick.htm.

Primitive Fear and 13th Street Manor

13th Street Manor is a haunted Victorian home; Primitive Fear is in the catacombs of the house. Sun.-Thurs. 7 p.m.-11 p.m., Fri-Sat. 7 p.m.-midnight. $17-35.5155 E. 64th Ave., Commerce City, 303-814-0411 ,303haunts.com

Autumn and Realm of Terror

Autumn is an outdoor haunted cornfield and Realm of Terror is haunted woods. Sun.- Thurs. 7 p.m.-11 p.m., Fri-Sat. 7 p.m.-midnight. $17-35.11 Cavanaugh Road, Bennett, 303-814-0411 ,303haunts.com

Haunted Jason's

Daily from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. haunted house with smoke/fog, lasers, auto-mechanical creatures and costumed actors.adjacent to Jason's Billiards, 2200 S. Monaco Pkwy, 720-377-1560

OTHER EVENTS

Scream Scram 5K Run/Walk

Annual Halloween-themed race to raise funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver beginning at 6 p.m. today. Also 100M "Spooky Sneak" for Kids 6 p.m. Costume contest. Trick or Treat Street at finish line. $40 adults, $25 under 12 and seniors.screamscram.com.

Halloween 2011

Mercury Cafe halloween events:

Oct. 28: 7:30 p.m. theater: Allied Witches in "Making A Killing," a comic tragedy modern myth of Persephone, $10; 8 p.m. SpiritWays: Ultimate Witch's Ball with Calliope & Primal Circle, $15; 10 p.m. Poetry Seance, free; Oct. 29: 12 p.m. Samhain Ritual, free; 9 p.m. The Tanukis-Gora Gora Orkestar and more. Costume contest & prizes, in the dance hall, $10; 9:30 p.m. Hamster Theater & Thinking Plague, in the Jungle room, $12; Oct. 30: 8 p.m. Atomic Pablo - Swing dancing and costume contest, $9; Oct. 31, Halloween night, dinner 5:30-10:00 p.m., accompanied by Joe Green on Cello.1990 California St., 303-294-9258 ,mercurycafe.com

Spooky Halloween Magic and More

90-minute all-ages show at Theatre of Dreams Arts and Event Center, Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m. with Magic team Joe Givan and Carol Massie, ventriloquist/puppet master Mark Hellerstein. $20. Reservations required.735 Park St., Castle Rock, 303-660-6799 ,amazingshows.com.

Dead Artist Ball

"A Haunting Night in Lafayette," Oct. 22, 7-11 p.m. at the Peaks Bar & Grill at the Indian Peaks Golf Course. $20 includes DJ, hors d'oeuvres, dancing and costume contest.2300 Indian Peaks Trail, Lafayette, 303-666-4706

Spooktacular! Spooktacular!

Oct. 29 at the Sherman Events Center, the Mile High Freedom Band is putting on a Halloween dance-along cabaret. 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Come an hour early for dance lessons.1770 Sherman Street, 303-778-0916 .

Mad Scientist

CSU Chemistry Club's Mad Scientist events for families and children, Oct. 28, 6:30-9 p.m. in the Chemistry Bldg. Snacks and science-based fun activities including Mad Scientist show.Near Lake St. and Centre Ave. on the CSU campus. Parking available at 1508 Centre Ave.

Halloween Journey

Music, cider, roaring campfires with tours through a graveyard with jack-o-lanterns and scarecrows at the Shepherd Valley Waldorf School. For all ages. $9 per person or $36 for a family up to six members. Advance tickets required.6500 W. Dry Creek Parkway, 303-652-0130 ,shepherdvalley.org/shepherd-valley-halloween-journey.html.

Check out the rest at:

Sink your teeth into Colorado's Halloween 2011 - The Denver Posthttp://www.denverpost.com/entertainment/ci_19150390#ixzz1bSEto9tX

Read more »

9 things to do with your kids this Halloween

Got Halloween plans? Make sure you check out some of these awesome events!

Colorado's Coolest Corn Maze
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Sept. 10-Oct. 31
Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield
www.botanicgardens.org
Get lost at this year's Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield's eight-acre Corn Maze, one of the most attended corn mazes in the country. This year’s theme is Native Roots | Modern Form, a tribute to the Allan Houser exhibit currently showcased throughout the Gardens on York Street. Wind your way through acres of Native American-style artwork, view the design from two 15-foot tall illuminated bridges that overlook the giant Corn Maze, and watch the delight as younger children find their way through a special free mini-maze designed just for them. And don't miss the annual Pumpkin Fest, Oct. 9-10, where you can search for the perfect pumpkin in the Gardens' 10-acre pumpkin patch. The weekend will be filled with exciting children’s activities and vendors selling handcrafted gifts.

Nightmare at the Museum
Oct. 20
Denver Museum of Nature & Science
www.dmns.org
During its wildly popular Science Lounge series, The Denver Museum of Nature & Science reveals the science behind the paranormal, the mythical, and the creepy. Find out about parasites that turn their hosts into zombies, check out the museum's collection of skeletons, and hold a tarantula. Hang out with mad scientists while sipping our spooky signature cocktail, the Eyeball Highball. Costumes encouraged!

Bug A Boo
Oct. 22-23
Butterfly Pavilion
www.butterflies.org
Come meet the Butterfly Pavilion's creepiest crawliest friends while your kids scream around this safe, educational trick or treat street. This event, including games, costumes and candy, will have you bug out, just in time for Halloween.

Murder in the Haunted Mansion
Oct. 22 & 29
Adams Mystery Playhouse
www.adamsmysteryplayhouse.com
A funny/scary show recommended for kids aged 8-16. Chills and spills, screams and crimes! Adams Mystery Playhouse presents another fantastic mystery where YOU solve a crime. This time, there's a ghost in the mansion - haunted with the spirit of Leopold Adams. Who are these kooky and unusual "friends" of his? As the ghost attempts to make himself known, he's sending messages meant for you and your group to help him solve his own murder.

Spooky Family Friday Night
Oct. 28
Tattered Cover Bookstore (Colfax Ave. and Highlands Ranch locations)
www.tatteredcover.com
Kids can wear their favorite jammies of their Halloween costumes and enjoy spooky stories, a fun activity and healthy snacks provided by the local Whole Foods Markets. Parents can enjoy specials at the coffee shop. Event begins at 6:30 p.m.

Trick or Treat Train
October 29-30
Colorado Railroad Museum
17155 W. 44th Ave., Golden
www.crrm.org
Ride the rails back in time through Railroad Halloween Town. Catch a ride behind the historic locomotive in vintage passenger cars hosted by conductors and engineers in full costume. The Trick or Treat Train departs every 30 minutes between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.Visit all the Town’s special stops to fill your treat bag and tickle your funny bones. Visit the “not so spooky” haunted railcar or the Olde Railroaders silly graveyard. Get a picture of your costume as you pause for a photo in the Pumpkin Patch. Or warm your hands around the Hobo Campfire and sit a spell for kid-friendly storytelling.

Trick or Treat Street
October 29-31
Children's Museum of Denver
www.cmdenver.org
It’s the sweetest time of year so don your favorite costume and head to the Children’s Museum for a trick-or-treating adventure bursting with fun! Parade from one Treat House to the next collecting goodies, craft classic Halloween creatures, brave your chances at the Monster Carnival and stroll through Pumpkin Hill. Activities included with Museum admission.

Boo At The Zoo
October 29-30
Denver Zoo
www.denverzoo.org
The 27th annual Boo At The Zoo offers more than 25 trick-or-treat stations, creepy crawly animal demonstrations and exciting family-friendly entertainment under the canopy of the beautiful fall foliage of the Denver Zoo. Activities free with zoo admission.  
NEW THIS YEAR: Join Denver Zoo’s nocturnal creatures during a special night time additional of Boo At The Zoo, Friday, Oct. 28, 6-9 p.m.

Hauntings at the Hangar
October 30
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
www.wingsmuseum.org
Wings Over the Rockies is once again hosting its annual Hauntings at the Hangar Halloween event. This year's event promises to be bigger and better than all the rest! From Noon to 4 p.m. there will be your favorite characters from Star Wars, Star Trek, Star Gate, comic books, and movies! As if that wasn't enough, there will also be games, activities, and LOTS of candy to get you all hyped up! Oh, and don't forget the always popular costume parade!

Read more http://www.denver.org/what-to-do/attractions/denver-halloween-guide

Read more »

Bear enters Sedalia home, surprises homeowner

Looks like area bears are getting more active. Please stay safe!

“A Sedalia woman got a midnight surprise when, awakened by a sound in the night, she found a bear in her kitchen.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office got the call in the early morning hours of Oct. 1, with a report from a woman on the 4000 block of Woods Road who was home alone with her children when she heard someone in the house. The residence is off of Highway 105, south of Sedalia.

At around 12:30 a.m., she entered her living room to find the back door of the house open, said Jennifer Churchill, Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokeswoman. Thinking it was her husband coming home for the night, she closed the door and turned around to see an adult black bear in her kitchen. The woman sought shelter in another room and realized she had trapped the bear in her house, Churchill said.

The woman re-entered the main area of the house and threw a shoe at the bear, causing it to rear on its hind legs. She opened the back door to allow the bear to escape and returned to her hiding spot.

The bear eventually left the house and wildlife officials set traps outside the house in hopes of catching it. The traps were removed after three nights to avoid trapping the wrong animal, Churchill said.

“It’s that time of year when bears are more active,” Churchill said. “We urge people to take precautions to prevent bear encounters.”

The incident came days after the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning to residents about increased bear activity as bears prepare for their winter hibernation. The bear intrusion happened the same day bears were spotted at several Douglas County locations.

Over the Oct. 1 weekend, a bear was reported in the area of Choctaw Circle, also in Sedalia, said Sgt. Ron Hanavan, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office public information officer, and residents in the Charter Oaks and Beverly Hills neighborhoods in Castle Pines spotted a large adult black bear walking on public roadways.

The sheriff’s office received several reports of bear sightings during the month of September, Hanavan said.

“A large portion of Douglas County is a rural environment and is inhabited by bears,” he said in a Sept. 29 news release to promote bear safety. “They are looking for a source of easy food to fatten up for their winter nap. Bears can smell odors up to five miles away so keeping odors down or concealed is a benefit.”

The sheriff’s office recommends the following tips to bear-proof private property.

Do not feed bears or leave food out for bears.

Do not leave trash outside overnight unless it is in a bear proof container.

Keep your garage door closed when you are not outside if you keep trash or any other food storage in the garage.

Do not leave food in your car.”

Read more http://www.ourcoloradonews.com/castlerock/news/bear-enters-sedalia-home-surprises-homeowner/article_0e902698-4f5b-5b33-9bae-baa3c0cf7694.html

Read more »

Aspen Viewing: Your Complete Fall Foliage Guide

 

Fall is here and if you want to see the best autumn foliage, you need to act fast!

“The month of September is the ideal time to witness this gilded spectacle, but you have to time it right — the color is fleeting, lasting only about a week in most places. Unfortunately, it's difficult to predict when exactly the leaves will turn in any given location. The best strategy: select your travel dates in advance, but not your destination. Then go wherever the color is. Here are a few road-tripping routes, sorted by region, that have become fall-color pilgrimages for aspen lovers:

SOUTHWEST

• Dallas Divide and Lizard Head Pass: Begin your journey in the town of Ridgway, located south ofMontrose. Head west on Colorado 62 over Dallas Divide. Lining the route are unimpeded views of the grand Sneffels Range, an apron of aspens at its feet. At Placerville, head southeast toward Telluride on Colorado 145. All the way to Lizard Head Pass you’ll drive through dense groves of the white-barked beauties, with frequent panoramas of Wilson Peak.
• Kebler Pass: Head west out of Crested Butteover this improved dirt road (County Road 12) and you’ll be inundated with autumn glory. The ruddy colors of the Ruby Range make for a radiant contrast with the golden aspens below. At Colorado 133, you can head north toward McClure Pass for more, or return via the way you came for a repeat performance.
• Other favorite routes:
  • US 160 between Pagosa Springs and Cortez.
  • Colorado 135 between Crested Butte and Gunnison.
  • US 50 west from Gunnison to Colorado 149 south to Lake City and Slumgullion Pass.
  • Colorado 550 from Ridgway south through Ouray and Silverton to Durango.

NORTHWEST

• Maroon Bells: Quite possibly the most photographed mountains in North America, the Maroon Bells are situated southwest of the aptly named town of Aspen. These peaks are an ideal spot to capture the glory of fall color on film, so be sure to bring your camera. On weekends in September, access to the Bells is limited to shuttle buses that leave Aspen on a regular basis. But if you reserve a campsite along Maroon Creek Road, you can drive your vehicle all the way to the scenic Maroon Lake, where the golden trees frame a reflection of the purple-and-white-striped peaks.
• Grand Junction to Grand Mesa: This route boasts spectacular stands of aspen along with other varieties of turning trees. From Grand Junction, head east on I-70 through Palisade and along the Colorado River, where riverside cottonwoods slowly phase into yellow-leafed splendor. At Colorado 65, head east and then south through more canyon country and up to the top of Grand Mesa, where glowing aspens stretch for as far as the eye can see. Stop at Island Lake to fish for trout or continue over the mesa to Cedaredge.
• Other favorite routes:
  • Colorado 125 over Willow Creek Pass between Granby and Walden.
  • US 40 south from Steamboat Springs to Colorado 131 to Yampa. From Yampa, take County Road 7 southwest to Stillwater Reservoir.
  • Flat Tops Trail Scenic and Historic Byway (Meeker to Yampa via County Road 17 and Forest Road 16 over Ripple Creek Pass ).

SOUTH CENTRAL

• Cottonwood Pass: As you head down Cottonwood Pass Road west of Buena Vista, you’ll feel humbled in the presence of such natural beauty. Rising on all sides are the massive Collegiate Peaks, namely two behemoth 14,000-foot peaks, Mount Princeton and Mount Yale. As you pass beneath the two giants, you’ll enter one of Colorado's most aspen-laden valleys. And you'll see firsthand the fickleness of fall color — one slope all gold, another patch still a shade of summer green. What cues the aspens to turn is a complex mixture of climatic conditions, with colder, shadier slopes turning first, followed by the sunnier patches a few days later. In some cases, an early frost will transform all the aspens at once — it is all up to Mother Nature.
• Colorado 17 from Antonito to the New Mexico border: One of Colorado’s most scenic areas happens to be one of the state’s best-kept secrets for aspen viewing. As you head up the serene Conejos River Valley, stands of piñon give way to the white trunks of aspen. Some of the oldest and tallest aspens in the state can be seen, photographed and enjoyed near La Manga Pass. For an even more unique experience, ride the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad for views not seen on any highway.
• Other favorite routes:
  • Gold Camp Road from Colorado Springs to Victor, and then Colorado 67 through Cripple Creeknorth to Divide.
  • US 285 from Conifer to Fairplay over Kenosha Pass.
  • Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway (US 24 from Minturn through Leadville to Twin Lakesvia Colorado 82, and back to Colorado 91 over Fremont Pass to Copper Mountain).

FRONT RANGE

• The Peak-to-Peak Scenic and Historic Byway: From Black Hawk to Estes Park, this serpentine highway meanders through valleys and skims the top of ridges, taking the most scenic route at every turn. Take Colorado 119 from Black Hawk north to Nederland then follow Colorado 72 to Raymond. From here, proceed on Colorado 7 past the 14,255-foot Longs Peak to Estes Park. Quaking aspens pop up in surprising places along the entire route.
• Guanella Pass Scenic and Historic Byway: Take this rambling route south out of the historic town ofGeorgetown and you’ll not only find pockets of blazing aspen but high-altitude nirvana atop the 11,699-foot Guanella Pass. Note: the aspens are more prevalent on the southern side of the pass. Once you reach the town of Grant, you turn right on US 285 and take the highway for 15 minutes to the top of Kenosha Pass, where the aspen thrive on the rim of the gentle slopes that encircle South Park.
• Other favorite routes:
  • Colorado 14 through Poudre Canyon west of Fort Collins to the top of Cameron Pass.
  • Fall River Road from I-70 (Exit 238) to St. Mary’s Glacier.
  • Boulder County Road 130 from Nederland to the Fourth of July Trailhead (dirt road).

SOUTHEAST

• Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway: Head west out of Pueblo on Colorado 96 to begin this aspen-laden journey. The route climbs into the Wet Mountains and descends into the Wet Mountain Valley, passing aspens blazing in autumnal color along the way. Return the way you came until you reach McKenzie Junction. From here, head south on Colorado 165 to see two other Colorado fall favorites, cottonwood and scrub oak, as they turn brilliant colors beneath rugged rock formations.
• Highway of Legends Scenic and Historic Byway: This route wraps around two of Colorado's burliest mountains, West and East Spanish Peak. Along the way, the highway passes beneath ancient volcanic walls that rise over tracts of pine, scrub oak and aspen. Nearly the entire route from La Veta to Trinidad on Colorado 12 begs to be photographed.”

Read more at http://www.colorado.com/Articles.aspx?aid=42023

Read more »

Quick Tips for Keeping Kid’s Rooms Organized and Looking Good

Feel like you can never get your children’s rooms REALLY organized? You’re not alone.

“If you have more than one child sharing a bedroom — or are just plain short on space (and who isn’t these days?) — here are a few easy, fast and inexpensive tips to keep little clutterbugs organized.

Make Easy, Low-Cost Storage with Versatile Plastic Crates

Plastic storage crates offer durable, versatile and easy-access storage options with a low price tag. Use crates to organize existing shelves, extend dresser-top display space upward, or expand under-bed or closet storage space. You can even stack 9-12 together as a “wall unit” — just snap the crates together or secure with plastic zip-ties, then attach the unit to the wall with a furniture strap to help prevent tipping. Since they’re washable, plastic crates are an especially practical choice for storing craft supplies for a budding artist. You’ll find functional, fun plastic storage crates at any discount store or home store.

Wicker and Plastic Baskets are Functional and Decorative, Too.

Colorful baskets make wonderful storage containers for children, and these days you can find very durable, wicker-like baskets that are actually made of easy-care plastic. Use large baskets on the bedroom floor to hold favorite books and magazines — look for large hamper styles with lids, or mid-size stacking sets for this purpose. Smaller baskets may be placed on bedside tables, dressers or countertops to house hair clips, jewelry/accessories and lightweight collectibles. Shop for basket bargains at unexpected places such as yard sales, flea markets, import stores, discount stores and gift stores, then customize with a few coats of spray paint. Once you master this easy craft project, you may discover that you are having such fun that you must paint a couple of baskets for the living room or your own bedroom.

Style tip! Try working with two colors, one sprayed over the other, then lightly sand through the top coat in spots to achieve a slightly distressed cottage basket look. Seal with a coat of clear in matte or gloss.”

More project ideas and tips available at http://kidsmartliving.info/2011/01/quick-tips-for-keeping-kids-rooms-organized-and-looking-good/
Image from http://realmomsguide.sheknows.com/2011/08/25/messy-rooms/

Read more »

Volunteers pitch in to pick up trash, paint out graffiti

 

Englewood is lucky to have residents who pitch in to make the community a better place to live.

“Instead of going to play golf or doing yard work, about a dozen volunteers spent part of Sept. 10 helping make Englewood look better by picking up trash and painting over graffiti.

The graffiti paint-out program, organized by Tony Arnoldy, Englewood Police community affairs specialist, is held once a month in the warn-weather months. The Sept. 10 effort was strengthened by about half dozen volunteers from the Living Branch Fellowship Church.

Because of the number of volunteers, Arnoldy took about half the group to locate and paint over graffiti in the alley between Broadway and Lincoln Street.

The group with Arnoldy included Maria Talamantes and her two daughters, 11-year-old Cloe and 9-year-old Lily, who were joining the paint out for the first time.

“I saw the request for volunteers in the paper and decided it would be a good way to help our community,” Maria said. “I brought my daughters with me today because I think it is important to teach them about volunteering. I showed the girls graffiti in our city, we talked about it and they said they wanted to come with me.”

Lily said she was happy to come because she liked to paint. Her sister Cloe said she thought volunteering for the paint out was important.

“Graffiti doesn’t look good and it isn’t good for our city,” she said. “I think it is good that we can paint over it so our city looks better.”

Steve Fletcher said the group from Living Branch Fellowship Church was part of a group called Communities helping their Community.

“There is a larger group working today in Denver but we wanted to stay in Englewood to help our community,” Fletcher said. “I think it is a way for us to let the community know our church cares about Englewood and wants to help make it a better place for all who live here.”

The group walked the bike path, picking up trash and painting over graffiti along the banks of Big Dry Creek from the just west of Broadway to near Englewood High School,.

Miranda Fletcher, Stephen’s 15-year-old daughter, was one of the painters.

“I like to help my community,” she said as she prepared to paint out graffiti in one of the bike path tunnels. “I wish people wouldn’t litter or paint graffiti but, since they do, maybe we can clean up some of that so we have a nicer-looking city.”

Arnoldy said the addition of the Living Branch Fellowship volunteers is a plus for the program.

“This month we had six but last month, the Living Branch Fellowship volunteers were among about 125 people joining. They joined us last month as part of a project involving a volunteers from number of churches in the metro area. The volunteers were part of a community service program called Rock the Rockies that was held in conjunction with the Graham Crusade,” she said. “That group did an amazing job. They not only helped us paint out a lot of graffiti, they had teams helping residents who needed the assistance to cut down weeds and mow their lawns. It was a great program.”

She said she knows there are residents who need help with yard work and she is thinking about trying to organize a yard-work project as part of next year’s graffiti paint-out program.”

Read more: http://www.ourcoloradonews.com/englewood/news/volunteers-pitch-in-to-pick-up-trash-paint-out-graffiti/article_8479e6e7-8035-5f92-86ba-be4570425703.html

Read more »

NASA's Destination Station Comes to Wings Over the Rockies!

 

Beginning on September 16th, NASA is bringing the International Space Station to Denver!

NASA will unveil its newest exhibit, "Destination: Station," at the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum. The exhibit run for six weeks until Oct. 28 and will feature a multimedia exhibit that tells the story of the space station. Visitors will learn about the day-to-day activities of astronauts as well as the research conducted in the orbiting National Laboratory. 

The Wings Museum will also host an International Space Station Science and Research Expo on September 23rd from 1-5 p.m.  This event will feature NASA speakers such as astronaut Mike Good, International Space Station Program Scientist Julie Robinson, and National Lab Education Program Lead Regina Blue.  So head out to the stars close to home!

To learn more, check out http://www.wingsmuseum.org/

Read more »

What Is Labor Day?

 

Labor Day is this Monday, September 5th.  But do you know why we celebrate it?  Check out this historical tidbit:

Labor Day: How it Came About; What it Means

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Founder of Labor Day

More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.

Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."

But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

The First Labor Day

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.

In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.

Check out the full story here.

Read more »

Largest Colorado Earthquake in a Century!

Wow, this week’s earthquake was the largest natural event of this kind in the area since 1882!

The largest natural earthquake in Colorado in more than a century struck Monday night in the state’s southeast corner, but there were no reports of damage or injuries.

…Colorado had experienced several earthquakes close to Monday’s size in recent decades — a magnitude 5.3 near Denver in 1967 and a magnitude 5.7 in the state’s northwest corner in 1973 — both of those quakes were ultimately determined to have been caused by human activity, from explosives or drilling.

The last known natural event of comparable size was an earthquake in 1882 in what is now Rocky Mountain National Park. That quake, based on historical reports, was about a magnitude 6.5, Ms. Dutton said.

Check out the whole article here. 

Read more »

Renters insurance and 4 reasons you need it

If you don’t have renters insurance yet, read this article.  It’s cheap and can be a life saver.

If you're renting for the first time, or have been renting for years without insurance, you'll want to consider purchasing some insurance. MSN.com debunks four myths about renters insurance, which just might persuade you to buy a plan:

Renters insurance and 4 reasons you need it - MSN Real Estate

Read more »

Pool Closing Soon

Fall is around the corner and that means the pool will be closing soon.  We wanted to give you plenty of notice so you would be able to enjoy it while it is still open!  It will be closed starting September 6th, so be sure to stop by for a swim as much as possible in the mean time!

Read more »

Foothills Animal Shelter Anniversary PAWty

Stop by the Foothills Animal Shelter this afternoon for this fun event celebrating the first anniversary of their new location in Golden:

Foothills Animal Shelter, one of the largest animal shelters in the Denver metro area, has been in its new location in Golden for nearly one year. Celebrate with the community of a job well done for Foothills Animal Shelter in its first year of existence! Enjoy music, food, giveaways, demonstrations and adoption specials!

Denver Events | Foothills Animal Shelter Anniversary PAWty

Read more »

Denver County Fair - Home Page

The Denver County Fair is coming this week from today through Sunday!  Check out all the details on their website:

Denver County Fair will honor the fine traditions and values of America’s county fairs, which have been enjoyed by millions of people for over 100 years.

But, we are NEW. Although land was bought for a Denver Fair in the 1800s, that plan was interrupted by a little thing called the “Civil War” and no fair was ever launched. (That land is now City Park, by the way.) Somehow, the idea never came to fruition until NOW – in the 21^st century, when Denver is a modern, bustling metropolis, forging a reputation as “the new creative capitol.”

… So, expect us to do things differently than the fairs that were established last century, or the century before.  We are new, we are urban and we are still pioneers!

Denver County Fair - Home Page

Read more »

Broncos in serious talks to trade Kyle Orton to Dolphins - The Denver Post

It looks like the Broncos are thinking of trading Kyle Orton.  What do you think about this?

The Denver Broncos are in serious trade discussions with the Miami Dolphins regarding quarterback Kyle Orton, an NFL source confirmed.

Orton, meanwhile, has reported to the Broncos' team facility with the expectation that he will attend John Fox's training camp opening team meeting at 4 p.m. today.

Broncos in serious talks to trade Kyle Orton to Dolphins - The Denver Post

Read more »

Happy 4th of July!

“You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness.  You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism.”
-Erma Bombeck

We wish everyone a Happy 4th of July!

Read more »

Pool Now Open!

Hey everyone!  We just wanted to let you know that our pool is now open!  Please enjoy the pool and stay cool this summer.

Read more »

Free doughnut Friday at any Krispy Kreme

Who wants a free doughnut this Friday?  Stop by any Krispy Kreme this Friday in celebration of National Doughnut Day!

Get a free doughnut from Krispy Kreme on National Doughnut Day

Read more »

Happy Memorial Day

 

“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.” – General George S. Patton

We would like to wish everyone a Happy Memorial Day and extend a sincere thanks to everyone who serves or has served in the United States Military!  Check out some of this great Memorial Day history:

http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html

Read more »

Pool Open May 20th

The summer heat is on its way and that means it is almost time to open the pool!  Get your swim suit ready because our pool will be opening this year on May 20th. 

Read more »

Happy Mother’s Day!

We want to wish all the mothers a Happy Mother’s Day!  Tell us how you are honoring your mom this year.

 

Also, check out some of these interesting Mother’s Day facts:

Here is a collection of amazing Mothers Day trivia. You'll find that most of these Mother Day trivia are hard to believe yet true. Just for your ease we have segregated these Mother's Day facts and trivia into various sections. You may use these Mother's Day Trivia to amaze your friends or put them as questions in any Mothers Day Quiz programme.

Mother's Day Trivia,Mothers Day Facts,Mothers Day Trivia

Read more »

19 nightmare roommates

Be happy you don’t have to live with any roommates like this!

In a rough economy, taking on a roommate can be a sensible thing to do. You'll save a little money and possibly gain someone who can help with upkeep while providing a little company. That's the bright side.

If you’ve ever had a roommate, you probably know that sharing space with even the nicest person can be difficult. But some roommates can make your life miserable in a very particular fashion. We take a look at the worst offenders and share some expert tips on how to deal with them. Are any of these nightmare roommates living with you?

19 nightmare roommates - MSN Real Estate

Read more »

Happy Easter

 

We hope everyone had a great Easter Weekend and is winding down from all the sugar!

Read more »

Help Safeguard Your Car in Your Apartment Community

Follow these tips to minimize the chance of damage to your car and theft:

Your car is likely one of the most important — and expensive — possessions that you own. Because a car is such a big investment, it’s a good idea to know how to safeguard your car against damage and theft.

Follow these tips for keeping your car safe in the apartment community lot, and you’ll decrease the chances of costly (and inconvenient) break-ins and accidents.

Help Safeguard Your Car in Your Apartment Community -- Parking Lot Safety Tips | Apartment Guide

Read more »

24th Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival and Parade

The 24th Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival and Parade is coming in just a couple weeks.  Anyone going?

Spice up your weekend and head to Civic Center Park for the largest two-day Cinco de Mayo celebration in the United States! Mexican culture fills the park with arts and crafts, Mariachi bands, colorfully costumed Aztec and Folklorico dancers, three stages featuring traditional and contemporary Latino entertainment and a variety of Mexican culinary delights! Helpful Information: Parade kicks-off May 7 at 10:00am.

Denver Events | 24th Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival and Parade

Read more »

Pass Time: Colorado's mountain passes offer more than a way to get from Point A to Point B

Here’s a great article with some cool information about our beautiful and historical mountain passes.  With the weather warming up, this is a great way to spend a day outside enjoying the natural beauty of Colorado!

The mountain passes of Colorado. To the first miners and settlers, these low points in the Rockies’ alpine walls were treacherous yet crucial pathways into the state’s interior.

To many drivers today, they’re sometimes snowy, sometimes slow-going bumps in the journey from Point A to Point B, where the biggest danger is getting stuck behind a tractor-trailer. Routes like Independence Pass that once took three days to cross can now be traversed in a half-hour.

But stop and look around, and you may find atop many passes a recreation paradise, rich in history and a great launching point for adventures into Colorado’s alpine splendor.

OutThereColorado.com : Pass Time: Colorado's mountain passes offer more than a way to get from Point A to Point B

Read more »

Don’t forget to file your taxes by Monday, April 18th

Before you rush to file your taxes today, remember that you actually have three more days to get your forms turned in to the tax man.

Instead of being due on April 15, which is typically the filing deadline, your taxes are due Mon., April 18 this year.

The three bonus days come thanks to Emancipation Day, a little-known Washington, D.C., holiday that celebrates the freeing of slaves in the district.

Emancipation Day falls on Sat., April 16, but it is observed in D.C. on Fri., April 15. That prompted the IRS to extend the tax filing deadline to April 18 this year. Under the tax code, filing deadlines can't fall on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays.

Tax Day extended to April 18 - Apr. 15, 2011

Read more »

Newborn lemurs jump around the Denver Zoo | 9news.com

Look at the adorable newborn lemurs at the Denver Zoo!  If you have some free time, why not stop by this weekend?

DENVER - Since the Colorado Rockies are out of town this weekend, head to the Denver Zoo and meet the newest members.

Four, fluffy, red-ruffed lemurs were born just about a month ago. They are the first of their species born at the zoo in the past 13 years.

The boy lemur is named Rusty and the three girls are named Bordeaux, Chianti and Mena.

They are finally big enough to explore outside and can be seen at the zoo's primate exhibit.

Newborn lemurs jump around the Denver Zoo | 9news.com

Read more »

Pizza Sale!

We are planning a pizza sale at the office on Friday April 22nd, from 4PM to 6PM.  Residents can come to the office and buy $5.00 pizzas, unlimited.

Read more »

Renters insurance and 4 reasons you need it

If you don’t already have renters insurance, be sure to read this article from MSN Real Estate.  It is very inexpensive and could save you a ton of hassle and money some day!

If you're renting for the first time, or have been renting for years without insurance, you'll want to consider purchasing some insurance. MSN.com debunks four myths about renters insurance, which just might persuade you to buy a plan:

Renters insurance and 4 reasons you need it - MSN Real Estate

Read more »