community - Blogs - MyTown Colorado

A-List Hollywood Actor Kevin Bacon and Emmy-winning composer Michael Bacon to Headline Evergreen’s Mountain Music Fest on August 16, 2026

Posted by Samantha Bryant on February 20, 2026 at 10:25am

The festival, a stop on The Bacon Brothers’ “People In The World Tour"is an all-day, family-friendly, student-run event supporting student programs

Evergreen is officially joining the ranks of the “six degrees of Kevin Bacon” this summer, as Mountain Music Fest proudly becomes a stop on The Bacon Brothers’ People In the World Tour featuring Kevin and Michael Bacon, staples in the entertainment industry. This is no ordinary music festival, as it’s presented by the Wooden Hawk Foundation and allows area students to be fully involved as a student-run festival. Attendees are invited to enjoy a full day of festival fun at Evergreen’s picturesque Buchanan Park (32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen, Colorado) this August 16, 2026 from noon to 9 p.m. The event is often described as “one part carnival, one part music festival.”

“To say we are thrilled about The Bacon Brothers as our headline act would be an understatement,” said Michele Vanags, Wooden Hawk Foundation Chair. “We are so incredibly proud to be part of the band’s People In The World Tour. Our music festival is deeply rooted in making a true difference in the lives of our community’s youth, as our students take charge of everything from ticketing, stage production, sound, and lighting. All proceeds from this event go right back into our schools to support educational projects. We truly are a festival with a purpose.”

The festival’s mission resonates with The Bacon Brothers’ own commitment to community impact. Kevin Bacon’s organization, SixDegrees, supports initiatives that sustain and enrich local communities, with a focus on youth empowerment, justice, and equality. All values that align perfectly with the student-driven spirit of Mountain Music Fest.

The Bacon Brothers have spent over three decades creating their diverse sound, which they call “forosoco” or folk, rock, soul, and country music. Their mutual love of roots music has taken them around the world, from headlining gigs in Japan to American performances at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry, Gruene Hall - and now Evergreen. Building on the festival’s student-driven energy, The Bacon Brothers will light up the stage with their acclaimed repertoire, offering attendees an unforgettable showcase of musical talent and storytelling.

Reflecting on their approach to music, Michael Bacon says, “We’re two musicians who write songs differently, and we’ve grown to really appreciate those differences. Whenever I go see a band play live, I’d much rather see them do a thousand things than just one thing. We take a similar approach to our albums.” This dedication to creativity and collaboration is exactly what attendees can expect from their performance at Mountain Music Fest.

In addition to The Bacon Brothers, Mountain Music 2026 will feature a diverse lineup of regional and national artists, with more performers to be announced in the coming months. The festival showcases a wide range of musical styles, highlighting both established acts and emerging talent.

Mountain Music Fest is a true celebration of student talent and diversity. In addition to a star-studded lineup, guests will explore booths featuring student clubs, organizations, arts programs, and sports teams, with interactive experiences throughout the festival grounds. There will be games, contests, and a wide variety of entertainment, along with several delectable food and drink options available on site.

About Mountain Music Fest
Mountain Music Fest is a 9-hour celebration of music set against the stunning backdrop of Evergreen, Colorado. Attendees can immerse themselves in the scenic beauty of Evergreen as the outdoor stage transforms into a haven for music enthusiasts. The festival promises an unparalleled experience that goes beyond music. Proceeds from the event support students through the Wooden Hawk Foundation. For more information, please visit https://mountainmusicfest.org/. You can also follow along on social media on Instagram and Facebook.

About Wooden Hawk Foundation
The mission of the Wooden Hawk Foundation is to provide ongoing support to the mountain community school system through charitable and educational initiatives. The organization is dedicated to fostering a sense of community and empowerment by offering mentoring programs, career counseling, and similar opportunities that enrich the lives and educational experiences of students within the area. The foundation is committed to making a positive and lasting impact, nurturing the growth and development of both the community and the school system. For more information, please visit https://woodenhawkfoundation.org/. More details can be found on the organization’s Instagram and Facebook pages.

MORE INFORMATION
For additional line-up updates, ticketing, and event information, please visit https://mountainmusicfest.org/.

The Church of Scientology of Colorado’s Volunteer Ministers Celebrates Religious Harmony

Posted by Patricia A. Ross on March 4, 2020 at 5:00pm

In celebration of Religious Harmony week, the Church of Scientology of Colorado’s Volunteer Ministers recently hosted a round table, “Building Bridges Across Boundaries.” The discussion revolved around the problem of the great need for dialogue among different faiths and religions to enhance mutual understand, harmony, and cooperation among people.

One of the best way to build bridges of understanding is to work together, and the group announced it would host its first monthly “Interfaith Community Cleanup” on Saturday, May 16.

The Volunteer Ministers also welcomed the newest ordained Scientology Minister, Shaun Orthmann. Reverend Orthmann will spearhead the cleanup, recognizing that people of all faiths want a safer, cleaner environment.

The Scientology Volunteer Ministers program was launched over thirty years ago by an appeal by Scientology founder, L. Ron Hubbard. “If one does not like the crime, cruelty, injustice and violence of this society, he can do something about it. He can become a Volunteer Minister and help civilize it, bring it conscience and kindness and love and freedom from travail by instilling into it trust, decency, honesty and tolerance.”

Scientology Volunteer Ministers recognize that there is no greater joy in life than being able to provide effective help and make a difference in someone’s life. Sometimes that help comes in the form of making the place we live safe and pleasant.

For more information, please visit https://www.volunteerministers.org/ or visit Scientology.tv.

Teen on Anti-Bullying Tour is Being Bullied Again

Posted by Beverly Brenner on January 8, 2016 at 9:21am

Local teen in the spotlight for her fight against bullying is being bullied behind-the-scenes.

Maya Claridge, a freshman at Legacy High School, is no stranger to bullying. She was bullied for over two years in middle school and says it was the “darkest and loneliest time” of her life. With the hope of helping other kids who are experiencing bullying, Claridge began the Bullied to Bold tour, traveling to schools and youth related organizations throughout Colorado, sharing her story and message of hope. “I don’t want anyone to feel alone,” Claridge says. “I want them to know that they can overcome being bullied.”

Her message is one of inspiration, hope and strength as she encourages kids to put down their fear, put down the shame and rise above the pain.

Ironically, in the midst of the Bullied to Bold tour, Claridge is experiencing cyber-bullying from several teenage girls whom she has never met. “These girls have targeted Maya via Instagram and have posted numerous negative comments about her, mainly making fun of how she looks,” said Beverly Brenner, management and booking agent for the Bullied to Bold tour.

Claridge appears un-phased by the cyber-bullying attacks against her, stating, “I’ve dealt with bullies before and I refuse to give them the power to hurt me.”

Determined to continue reaching out to others with a message of kindness, Claridge does not respond to the negative comments she receives via social media. “They can say what they want to say about me but they’re mean words aren’t going to change who I am or what I’m doing,” Claridge says.

Claridge will appear on Colorado & Company (9News) on January 22, 2016 to promote the Bullied to Bold tour and her song entitled, PUT IT DOWN, which was written specifically for the tour and produced by Billboard award-winning producer, Marc Williams at Indasoul Records.

For booking information please visit www.BulliedToBold.com

###

2nd ANNUAL SPECIAL NEEDS PAGEANT IN COLORADO

Posted by Beth Moses on July 6, 2014 at 2:27pm

The Colorado Angels Pageant is a pageant specifically for individuals with special needs, both male and female, ages birth to 30. The 2^nd annual pageant will be held Saturday, August 2, 2014. Anyone with a medically diagnosed physical or intellectual impairment is invited to participate. Registration is free. Hair, makeup, wardrobe, and professional photography will also be provided free of charge.

This is not your typical pageant, it is a non-competitive pageant. Everyone is a winner. All participants will receive a crown, sash, t-shirt, and gift bag. This pageant is about making everyone who participates feel beautiful both inside and out. The pageant is being coordinated by Richelle Lanphear and Vanessa Schwartz. The pageant is of personal interest to both ladies as they each have daughters with special needs. Richelle says: “The goal of this pageant is to give special needs children and adults a place to be treated like royalty. We want them to feel like the stars of the show, and for the audience to see their unique beauty shining through.” She adds: “People that are ‘differently abled’ have a lot to teach the world. This is one opportunity for them to do that, and for their families and friends to celebrate them.”

This event is free to the public, and everyone is invited. There is no charge to participate. The registration deadline is July 1^st, but late registrations will be accepted as space allows. To learn more about the pageant -- register, sponsor/donate, or volunteer, please visit www.coloradoangelspageant.org or call Richelle at 970-396-9445 or email at coloradoangels@edgeofcrazy.com

Event details:

Colorado Angels Pageant

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Mountain View High School, Loveland, Colorado

SkillShare of Boulder County Celebrates 70,000 Hours of Services Exchanged Among Members with No Money Involved

Posted by Jan DeCourtney on June 11, 2015 at 12:15pm

Boulder, Colorado – June 11, 2015 -- SkillShare, Boulder County’s TimeBank, is celebrating a great milestone! Over 70,000 hours of service, skills, and assistance have been exchanged among SkillShare members. During the 12-1/2 years SkillShare has been in existence, 477 individual members have made 11,940 exchanges, including services (provided and received) and gifts to other members.

No money was involved in these exchanges, because SkillShare, as a TimeBank, uses an alternative currency called TimeDollars. One hour of service to a SkillShare member banks one TimeDollar, which can then be spent on one hour of service from anyone else in the community.

The most popular skills included transportation for medical appointments, errands, and shopping; massage; computer assistance and advice; and packing assistance, moving and hauling. SkillShare also offers a wide range of other services. The group's tagline is, "Do what you love, get what you need."

During June, 2015, SkillShare’s celebration includes a membership drive to welcome new members to participate. People who join and complete a New Member Orientation (NMO) by June 29, 2015 will receive a gift of 4 TimeDollars to start their membership. The month will end with an all member potluck on June 29 from 4 to 7 pm for new, prospective, and current members. SkillShare welcomes all people, and we believe in removing all barriers to participating in TimeBanking that we can.

Jan DeCourtney, Co-President of Skillshare, sings the praises of the timebanking system. “SkillShare is one of the best things that ever happened to me,” Jan said. “Every aspect of my life has been helped, it’s saved me thousands of dollars, and I’ve made more than a few wonderful friends.”

SkillShare is a member of the international hOurworld organization, so besides building a strong local community in Boulder County, SkillShare also has access to skills from people around the world in 274 timebanks. Through the international connection of hOurworld, for example, a person could practice Spanish with a native speaker in Latin America or have someone in the UK do research for geneology.

SkillShare has been in existence since 2003 and does background checks on individuals offering child or elder care. No one is turned away due to inability to pay membership dues. For more information or to start the application process to join, visit www.skillsharenetwork.org, email skshmem@gmail.com, or leave a message at 720-295-8814. See also our Facebook page for more information.

Visit also www.hourworld.org

Patterns of Relationships: A Weekend Workshop with MATRIWORKS™

Posted by Cara Cruickshank on February 6, 2012 at 1:27pm

PATTERNS OF RELATIONSHIPS with MATRIWORKS™
A Weekend Workshop on Living a Life of Deep Relatedness and Contentment with Mukara Meredith, MSW.

The Patterns of Relationship workshop offered by MATRIXWORKS™ is for all types of relationships - couples, mother-daughter, father-son, siblings, families, business and even community groups who wish to discover new levels of creativity, collaboration and connection. Explore the Living Systems principles of Matrixworks™ as they apply to your close relationships. Discover new levels of creativity, collaboration and connection. Workshop will be held in Boulder, Colorado from Friday, March 23 through Sunday, March 25.

MATRIXWORKS™ is a revolutionary process that utilizes principles of New Science, Whole Systems Thinking, Spirituality and Contemporary Psychology to understand and support the growth and development of healthy functioning groups.

Explore the 3 essential stages relationships go through to become a living system, experience the multi-levels of interconnectedness and how to successfully cultivate them, embody the fulfilling capacities of high functioning relationships. Using Hakomi and MATRIXWORKS™ to cultivate and strengthen the resources available to these types of systems, this dynamic workshop will renew, restore and revitalize your ability to create relationship as sanctuary for each other, your family and community. Register in advance. Suggested donation $350.00 to $550.00 (does not including housing and food). Some financial assistance is available.

Mukara Meredith, MSW, certified Hakomi Therapist and Trainer with 30 yrs experience working with Groups, Teams and Organizations such as Mattel, Procter and Gamble, Hershey, GE, GAP, Old Navy and Banana Republic. A practicing Buddhist, she is devoted to the practical application of World Wisdom Traditions in everyday life.

Visit our website: http://www.matrixworkslivingsystems.com/

“Simply put, this MATRIXWORKS™ training has changed my life and how I do my work. Colleagues ask me what I have been doing.”
—Liz Stuart, Teacher for Guild for Structural Integration

“MATRIXWORKS™ is the best training I have ever taken! It uniquely and pointedly strengthens the basic goodness of each participant, so that leadership skills rest in trustworthy relational ground. From this place of trust, amazing work seems normal and natural.”
—K.P., Clinical Supervisor, Boulder, Co. March 2010

For more information, contact: 303-819-5289

The Black Eyed Peas Peapod Foundation and Adobe Youth Voices Release Public Service Announcement Focused on Access to Education Technology

Posted by Crystal T on April 19, 2011 at 9:54am

The Peapod Foundation, created by the Black Eyed Peas, collaborated with Adobe Youth Voices, a non-profit spearheaded by The Adobe Foundation, to create a new public service announcement (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efSYEZZNrEQ). The PSA demonstrates the power of the arts and technology to engage youth from underserved communities.

Through their collaboration, the Peapod Foundation and Adobe Foundation have launched two Peapod Adobe Youth Voices Academies that will give kids access to use video, dance, music, and art to spark social change in their communities.

"As a group, we've made a commitment to help give teens the artistic tools and opportunities to help them realize their fullest potential," says Will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas, who grew up in the projects in the Boyle Heights district of Los Angeles, California. "Thanks to the incredible generosity of Adobe Youth Voices, we are able to expand our vision and give even more kids a chance to be productive, enterprising adults."

The academies will incorporate a high-tech curriculum developed by Adobe Youth Voices with the latest professional-grade multi-media production software – including Adobe® Creative Suite® 4 Master Collection Suite, donated by Adobe Systems Incorporated, and professional music studio tools for a state-of-the-art recording facility donated by the Peapod Foundation. In addition to mentoring in the performing arts, youth participants will receive structured multi-media training in video, audio, photography, design and art, enabling them to creatively express their points of view on vital issues and contribute to social change in their communities.

The aim of the campaign is to nurture self-expression, creativity, community involvement, and digital literacy among young people — the kind of education these organizations feel is critical for today's youth.

Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efSYEZZNrEQ to view the Peapod Foundation and Adobe Youth Voices’ new public service announcement.

Visit http://plantandinspire.org/ to learn more about Adobe Youth Voices.

Yard Work Volunteers Needed!

Posted by Boulder County CareConnect on July 13, 2011 at 2:30pm

Boulder County CareConnect is very happy to announce our newest Safety Net Service - YardBusters! YardBusters matches volunteers who love to work outdoors with seniors who need help maintaining their yard. Volunteer tasks include: occasional lawn mowing, garden preparation, raking and removing weeds and fall safety hazards such as small tree limbs and branches. Volunteer hours are flexible so this is a great opportunity to volunteer on evenings and weekends!

A recent county-wide study found that helping older adults stay in their homes requires assistance with maintaining the outside of their home as well as the inside. Boulder County Aging Services is funding YardBusters, and in order to grow the program we need more volunteers! Since the service will be provided by volunteers, there is no charge to clients.

If you are interested in volunteering with YardBusters, or know someone who may need this service, please call Rebecca Yenney at 303-443-1933 x 416 or email at rebeccayenney@careconnectbc.org.

CareConnect promotes the security, comfort and independence of seniors and adults with disabilities. Learn more about our volunteer-powered direct services at www.careconnectbc.org.

Volunteers Needed!!!

Posted by Boulder County CareConnect on August 19, 2010 at 2:21pm

CareConnect is in need of volunteers! Our Medical Mobility program provides volunteer-escorted transportation to medical appointments for seniors, adults with disabilities and the critically ill in Boulder County. This service is provided by dedicated volunteers who allow us to provide this crucial service for free!

The senior population in Boulder County is growing at a faster rate thanthe rest of Colorado. In the past few months, CareConnect's serviceshave been growing as well. In fact, our Medical Mobility program hasincreased from giving 203 rides in January, to 376 rides in June!

With the great success of this program, we are in need of even more wonderful volunteers to drive clients to their medical appointments. Volunteer hours are flexible and depend upon your free time and availability. A partnership with Special Transit also allows us to provide mileage reimbursement to our Medical Mobility volunteers!

Interested in becoming a volunteer? Call the Medical Mobility Team at 303-443-1933! Or visit our website at www.careconnectbc.org.

With your help we will continue to reach the increased number of seniors andadults with disabilities throughout Boulder County who need ourservices!

A quote from a Medical Mobility client: "Without Medical Mobility it would be very difficult for me to receive dialysis three times a week. My husband works and is unable to take so much time out of his day to drive me. Getting dialysis is stressful, and I am comforted to know that a friendly, reliable volunteer will show up at my door and take me to my appointments."

SoBiz10 Launches First Social Networking Site for Colorado Small Businesses to Communicate with Customers and Prospects

Posted by Crystal Thomas on February 4, 2010 at 9:30am

SoBiz10 recently launched as the first social networking site designed specifically to help merchants communicate with and attract customers and members to keep track of their favorite businesses. The site made its debut with more than 45,000 Colorado merchants listed on the site that can begin utilizing the tools to build a network of customers for their businesses. Through a single site, business merchants can send, and customers can receive, coupons, catalogues, sales announcements, special incentives, and a full range of marketing messages. “SoBiz10 was designed to be a social networking one-stop-shop to provide businesses all of the modern day communications tools to speak to their existing customer base, while reaching more prospective customers through the shared network of social media,” said Marion Mariathasan, Founder of SoBiz10. Just as Facebook is designed for finding friends, making new friends and contacts, and communicating with those friends and contacts, SoBiz10 is the only social network designed for businesses to communicate with customers and customers to communicate with businesses. The SoBiz10 community is built entirely around members’ interest in what their favorite businesses are doing, offering and saying. Members can receive e-mails about new products or services, job postings, coupons, promotions, catalogues, special events and more – all with a few clicks. Businesses also benefit from SoBiz10’s networking capabilities because they have the ability to communicate, connect and market to existing customers, potential new customers and other merchants in their neighborhood. They can keep in touch through SoBiz10’s carefully tailored networking, marketing and advertising features without being intrusive and while respecting members’ privacy. In addition to outbound communications, businesses will benefit from the referrals and cross-networking of their customers, and customers of other merchants, driving traffic to their websites and to their stores. “Whereas Yelp and other similar business directory sites simply allow the merchant to post profiles for a fee, SoBiz10 merchants create a profile that will serve as a Web page through which they can readily market, advertise, promote and perform just about any marketing function necessary to effectively drive traffic and generate additional revenue,” continues Mariathasan. “With SoBiz10, small businesses get the power of social networking with an easy to use marketing tool that can simplify marketing to 5 minutes per day.” Businesses interested in joining the SoBiz10 network and beginning to take advantage of social networking to build their business can search for their business profile off the SoBiz10.com home page and “claim their profile” or establish a new profile for free at www.SoBiz10.com. From the Become a Merchant page, the site provides a step-by-step PDF guide to creating a profile and using the communications tools for promotion which can be found here http://www.sobiz10.com/auth/bemerchant.

Black Eyed Peas “Youth Voices” PSA Empowers Youth Through Digital Arts

Posted by Crystal Thomas on October 8, 2009 at 11:08am

The Adobe Foundation and The Black Eyed Peas Peapod Foundation today unveiled a new public service announcement called “Plant Inspiration.” The PSA promotes the launch of Adobe Youth Voices, a non-profit that stresses the power of technology to engage middle- and high school–age youth. Adobe Youth Voices provides breakthrough learning experiences using video, multimedia, digital art, web, animation, and audio tools that enable youth to explore and comment on their world. Through their collaboration, the Peapod Foundation and Adobe Foundation have launched two Peapod Adobe Youth Voices Academies that will give kids access to use video, dance, music, and art to spark social change in their communities. “As a group, music has given us amazing opportunities. With the Peapod Foundation, we want to give back to inner-city kids so they can realize their potential through artistic and digital expression,” says will.i.am, who grew up in the projects in Boyle Heights, Calif. “Together with the Adobe Foundation, we are giving more kids a chance at a better future.” The academies will incorporate a high-tech curriculum developed by Adobe Youth Voices with the latest professional-grade multi-media production software – including Adobe® Creative Suite® 4 Master Collection Suite, donated by Adobe Systems Incorporated, and professional music studio tools for a state-of-the-art recording facility donated by the Peapod Foundation. In addition to mentoring in the performing arts, youth participants will receive structured multi-media training in video, audio, photography, design and art, enabling them to creatively express their points of view on vital issues and contribute to social change in their communities. The aim of the campaign is to nurture self-expression, creativity, community involvement, and digital literacy among young people — the kind of education these organizations feel is critical for today's youth. “The Adobe Foundation and the Peapod Foundation share a vision for empowering youth to address social issues that directly affect them,” said Michelle Mann, executive director of the Adobe Foundation. “The launch of these two academy sites is just the beginning of our journey. It’s exciting to make such a direct, tangible impact by inspiring youth to demonstrate their potential and take action in their communities.” Visit (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ9WFXs34T8) to view the Adobe Foundation and The Black Eyed Peas new public service announcement. Visit http://plantandinspire.org/ to learn more about Adobe Youth Voices.

Consumer’s Interest High at Community Banks

Posted by Erik Keith on December 22, 2008 at 2:30pm

It took $4 gasoline to get folks to think about their driving habits. Similarly, it looks like a meltdown of the megabanks and other financial institutions is prompting consumers to think about where they are putting their money, who they can trust and what results they should expect. And much of their hard earned cash is flowing into deposits at community banks:• According to the FDIC, banks with less than $10 billion in assets, community banks, have seen an increase in deposit growth this year from a minus 0.77% in Q1 to a positive 2.06% in Q3. Larger banks witnessed a 3.81% decline in growth of deposits for the same period.• The Federal Reserve reported that October deposits and lending at community banks outpaced the overall industry. Between October 1 and October 22, community banks saw deposits rise 1.1 percent, or nearly $27 billion, to more than $2.4 trillion. For the same period, the nation’s 30 largest U.S. chartered banks saw $44 billion, or 1.2 percent of deposits, walk out the door, leaving them with less than $3.8 trillion.• REWARDChecking, a free checking account offered by more than 450 community financial institutions across the country, reported a 96% jump in deposits in the third quarter of this year.“Through products like REWARDChecking, community financial institutions are winning back customers from the faltering megabanks and investment houses,” said Don Shafer, Chairman of BancVue, a leading provider of products and consulting to community banking institutions. “Americans are indicating that they enjoy investing their money locally, and they benefit from high yields, fiscal safety and customer service.”Higher yields on short term deposits like those found on CheckingFinder.com are certainly fueling interest in community banks. Month-to-month applications on CheckingFinder.com (https://www.checkingfinder.com/), a website that connects consumers with community financial institutions offering high-yield checking accounts, jumped 14% from July to August, 46% from August to September, and 53% from September to October. A small sampling of applicants on the site indicated nearly seven out of 10 were moving their funds to community financial institutions from large banks.Examples of the yields found at community banks compared to those higher yielding shorter term deposits at megabanks (as of December 15) includes:COMMUNITY BANKS YIELDS PRODUCTSCommunity Bank of Pleasant Hill, MO; 6.10%; High-yield CheckingFirst Robinson Bank, IL; 6.01%; High-yield CheckingLegence Bank, IL; 6.01%; High-yield CheckingCommunity Bank of Raymore, MO; 6.01%; High-yield CheckingThree Rivers FCU, IN; 6.01%; High-yield CheckingFlorida Central Credit Union, FL; 6.01%; High-yield CheckingUnion State Bank/Bank of Atchison, KS; 6.01%; High-yield CheckingBank of Granite, NC; 6.00%; High-yield CheckingMEGABANKSWAMU; 5.00%; CD (5 years)eLoan; 4.75%; CD (6 years)Schwab; 3.60%; CD (18 months)ING; 3.75%; CD (1 year)HSBC; 3.50%; CD (1 year)Countrywide (BofA); 3.10%; CD (9 months)eTRADE; 2.25%; CD (12 month)“Three years ago the issue of 'how secure is my money?' was literally not on the consumer’s radar; today, the future viability of the nation’s largest banks is,” continued Shafer. “Not so with community banking, a system that has endeared trust by its roots and not by its branches.”

Tykes & Tea -- A Community Open House Hosted by Longmont Children's Council

Posted by Emily Gates on April 7, 2009 at 12:03pm

Longmont Children’s Council announced today that it will host a tea-time community open house, April 23, 2009, to honor Mayor Roger Lange and his commitment to early childhood education. In addition to being presented with the Plumtastic Award for Excellence in Supporting Early Childhood Education, Mayor Lange will read the next installment of the Mayor’s Book Club reading series. Classroom tours, student artwork, and curriculum demonstrations will also be featured. Thursday, April 23, 2009 4:30 to 6:30 pm First United Methodist Church – 350 11th Ave., Longmont 4:45 Parent Awards & Community Partner Recognition 5:30 Recognition of Mayor Roger Lange & Mayor’s Book Club Reading About Longmont Children’s Council: Longmont Children’s Council (LCC) prepares children for a lifetime of learning and self-sufficiency by providing a comprehensive, individualized approach to early childhood education and family wellness. For over 40 years, LCC has been providing comprehensive preschool programming to low-income 3- and 4- year-olds living in Longmont. LCC clients receive educational pre-school classes, health and dental screenings, mental health services, nutrition information, parent education, family support/case management, and transportation services. All services are offered bi-lingually and provided free of charge. LCC is now serving 198 children from 181 families.

Analysis Shows Megabanks Have 23,000 Times More Exposure to Credit Default Swaps than Community Banks

Posted by Erik Keith on March 25, 2009 at 3:57pm

Healthy Community Banks Unfairly Impacted and Consumers Should Heed Wake-Up CallAs the economic crisis puts a spotlight on the obscure world of credit default swaps (CDS), an unregulated $62 trillion market that most people never heard of and even fewer understood, the fear of a CDS catastrophe is haunting the country’s largest banks, and the nation’s healthy community institutions and consumers are paying the price.An analysis of FDIC data as of 12/2008 conducted by BancVue (www.bancvue.com), a leading provider of products and consulting to community banking institutions, shows that commercial banks $10 billion or larger have just over $24 worth of credit derivatives for each dollar of equity. By comparison, the rest of the industry has essentially one-tenth of a penny of CDS for each dollar of equity. Those numbers translate to the big banks having roughly 23,000 times as much credit derivative exposure versus all other community financial institutions.This comes at a time when megabanks are already reeling from write-downs on mortgage-related securities. "These are the same institutions that themselves have either directly or through subsidiaries invested in the subprime market," said Don Shafer, Chairman of BancVue. “After suffering losses all over the place, the megabanks are now waiting for the next shoe to drop. In the meantime, it’s placing an undue burden on healthy small banks and should serve as a wake-up call to consumers.”Since the mortgage-backed securities that many swaps were supporting began to lose value in 2007, investors have feared that the swaps, originally meant as a hedge against risk, could suddenly become huge liabilities. While the CDS marketplace is completely unregulated and the swaps trade without a central clearinghouse, it’s known that commercial banks are among the most active participants. According to the Comptroller of the Currency, JP Morgan Chase, Citibank, Bank of America, and Wachovia were ranked the top four most active players.In February, federal regulators facing a cascade of bank failures depleting the deposit insurance fund raised the fees paid by U.S. financial institutions. Although the FDIC intended on charging more from higher risk banks, they also suggested levying a hefty emergency premium in a bid to collect $27 billion this year. The higher premiums being assessed were originally set for 20 cents for every $100 of insured deposits levied equally on the 8,305 federally insured institutions. To put that in perspective, for a $250 million dollar community bank, the “one time tax” would constitute a $500,000 hit, which could wipe out 20% to 40% of a bank’s annual profits. At the Independent Community Banking Association Convention last week, FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair predicted that the assessment will probably be lower. She went on to say that the FDIC is seeking comments on whether the agency should use total assets or some other base for the special assessment, which would have consequences for how the burden is distributed.“How about basing part of the assessment on the amount of credit derivatives a bank holds compared to their equity?” continues Shafer, referencing BancVue’s research showing the extraordinary exposure to CDSs of the megabanks versus the community financial institutions. “If you are going to unfairly burden smaller banks that played by the rules, the least the FDIC can do is base the levy on the banks that helped trigger the crisis.”Even amidst this threat and turmoil among the megabanks, consumers are still trusting more than 70% of deposits in the U.S. to these large financial institutions. “Americans appear to be paralyzed in their banking relationship leaving so much of their hard earned cash in TARP and CDS-laden megabanks. It’s time for consumers to wake up and evaluate their banking options, particularly when community banks offer a less risky deposit alternative with better products and services,” concludes Shafer.

Consumers to Get Dave Ramsey Financial Advice With High Yield Checking

Posted by Erik Keith on March 20, 2009 at 2:23pm

With the economy and investment opportunities slimming, consumers are looking for alternative, safe avenues for storing their money other than their mattress. CheckingFinder.com, home to the highest yielding free checking accounts at community banks and credit unions across the nation, has announced a limited time offer of a trial membership to Dave Ramsey's MyTotalMoneyMakeover.com for every person who submits an application.In addition to the advice and tools from Dave Ramsey, a personal money management expert and best-selling author, consumers will find checking accounts yielding up to 5.15% APY and be able to open them within minutes on CheckingFinder.com."Dave Ramsey is renowned for offering life-changing financial advice on his nationally syndicated radio talk show and in his books, and we're proud to be able to offer his MyTotalMoneyMakeover.com, especially during these tough economic times," said Gabe Krajicek, Chief Executive Officer of BancVue, the company responsible for providing high-yield REWARDChecking® to community financial institutions and aggregating them with the help of marketing partner, FIRST ROI on CheckingFinder.com.CheckingFinder.com is an online search engine that helps consumers find free, high-interest checking accounts with no minimum balance from community financial institutions across the country. Consumers have the peace of mind knowing that all these accounts are insured through the FDIC, NCUA, or ASI. The advertised rates are not introductory teaser rates, there are no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements associated with the accounts, and ATM fees are refunded nationwide.Dave Ramsey's MyTotalMoneyMakeover.com is a subscription site helping people discover financial peace by walking them through Ramsey's 'baby step process' for dumping debt and building wealth. MyTotalMoneyMakeover.com is widely considered to be one of the best tools available to keep people motivated and accountable for their finances."Dave Ramsey has been a solid supporter of what we're doing at CheckingFinder™ and with the REWARDChecking accounts," said John Waupsh, Chief Executive Officer of FIRST ROI. "He truly understands what it means for money to work harder."For more information on these free, high-yield checking accounts at community financial institutions and the free trial offer to Dave Ramsey's MyTotalMoneyMakeover.com, visit http://www.checkingfinder.com.

Personal Financial Stimulus Package

Posted by Erik Keith on March 12, 2009 at 10:47am

As Personal Savings Rise to 5%, Consumers Could be Making Up to 6% APRAccording to the U.S. Commerce Department on Wednesday, the personal savings rate surged to 5% in January. As consumers frantically try to save their money as the economic outlook continues to look bleak throughout much of the country, they could be making up to 6% APR on their checking account.A “personal financial stimulus package” starts with the basics—your banking relationship. Community banks are still offering the best interest rates on free checking accounts:Florida Central Credit Union 6.01First Robinson Savings Bank 6.01Communications Federal Credit Union 5.25Connexus Credit Union 5.15Community Bank of Pleasant Hill 5.01Three Rivers FCU 5.01Union State Bank/Bank of Atchison 5.01Beacon Federal Credit Union 4.51In over 4000 community financial institution branches across the country, consumers are receiving from 3% to 6% interest rates on free checking with no minimum balance and reimbursed ATM fees. And these are NOT teaser rates.With a history of delivering value and customer-centric service, selected community banks and credit unions are offering free checking accounts with CD-like yields. The bank or credit union realizes operational savings when account holders accept eStatements, utilize direct deposit, access online banking, and increase their debit card usage and returns it to the consumer in the form of higher yields.To help consumers find community banks and credit unions with high-yield checking accounts, www.checkingfinder.com was created.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.