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This all-day family-friendly festival offers a talented line-up of artists including Sam Grisman Project with the Leslies, Flobots, Christie Huff, YAN YEZ, Hand Turkey Band, and Non-Prophet

Mountain Music Fest is thrilled to announce its second annual family-friendly festival that brings out families from across the state to pull up their lawn chairs among the towering pine trees and majestic mountain views of Evergreen’s Buchanan Park (32003 Ellingwood Trail, Evergreen, Colorado). The festival kicks off on August 16, 2025 from noon to 9 p.m. This toe-tapping festival brings the fun, while all proceeds from this event will benefit the Wooden Hawk Foundation’s educational projects throughout the community. Organizers describe the event as “one part carnival, one part music festival”.

"Mountain Music Fest is so much more than a concert. It's a hands-on learning experience and a community celebration. Through the festival, students take the lead in everything from marketing and ticketing to stage production, sound, and lighting - even performing on stage,” said Michele Vanags, Wooden Hawk Foundation Chair.  “It’s an opportunity for them to gain real-world skills while expressing their creativity and leadership. We also invite student clubs and organizations to host booths on the field, where they can raise funds and awareness through fun, donation-based activities. Best of all, every dollar of net proceeds goes right back into our schools, supporting Wooden Hawk Foundation projects like the Evergreen High School Futures Center and Alumni Center. It’s a festival with purpose, powered by students and supported by the community,” she added.

This year’s Mountain Music lineup showcases a mix of homegrown Colorado talent to nationally touring acts. The 2025 line-up includes:

Sam Grisman Project with the Leslies (7:30-9 p.m.)

Led by bassist Sam Grisman, the Sam Grisman Project (SGP) brings together a talented group of friends to honor the musical legacy of Sam’s father, David “Dawg” Grisman, and his close collaborator, Jerry Garcia. SGP delivers intimate, high-energy acoustic performances around condenser mics, blending Garcia/Hunter classics, Dawg tunes, Dylan deep cuts, traditional folk, and original songs from the ensemble. 

Dominick Leslie & The Leslies (7:30-9 p.m.)

Dominick Leslie and his family band, The Leslies, will be joining the headline act, the Sam Grisman Project, for a special collaborative performance that celebrates the heart of American roots music. A proud Evergreen native, Dominick is the acclaimed mandolinist of the two-time Grammy Award-winning Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway. Raised in a musical household, he carries forward the rich bluegrass tradition of The Leslies, a Colorado family band known for their soulful harmonies and instrumental prowess. This rare appearance promises a powerful blend of legacy, talent, and musical kinship on stage.

Flobots (5:45-6:45 p.m.)

Denver’s own Flobots is an experimental hip-hop band formed in 2005 by Jamie Laurie. The band’s origins date back five years earlier to a similar project by Laurie. Flobots found mainstream success with their major label debut Fight with Tools (2007), featuring the single “Handlebars”, which became a popular hit on Modern Rock radio in April 2008. The band has released four studio albums and one EP, with their latest Noenemies being released in May 2017.

Christie Huff (4:15-5:00 p.m.)

Christie Huff blends heartfelt country songwriting with a pop-soul edge. Raised in Arizona and now based in LA, she maintains strong Nashville ties through frequent co-writing trips. Known across LA and Orange County, Christie performs both solo acoustic and with her band, having graced iconic venues like The Hotel Café, The Mint, and The Viper Room. Christie has opened 

for major acts including Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Kip Moore, Toby Keith, and Bebe Rexha. Splitting her time between LA and Nashville, she’s a regular performer and writer, recently featured on The Ty Bentli Show and Whiskey Jam.

YAN YEZ (2:45-3:30 p.m.)

YAN YEZ is the sound of chaos working in perfect harmony. Raw yet polished. Nostalgic yet forward-thinking. Fun but never frivolous. This Denver-based Indie Post-Pop band has made a name for itself as a genre-defying act.

Hand Turkey Band (1:15-2:00 p.m.)

Formed to stay sane during the 2020 quarantine, Hand Turkey’s ongoing mission is to bring audiences high-energy groove-centered tunes to get people moving. With an eclectic background ranging from jazz composition to musical theater, Hand Turkey’s sound is a fresh take on classic funk, soul, and pop. Hand Turkey released their debut EP in May 2022 and has been playing shows all over the state since. Past performances include packed and sold-out shows at the Lost Lake Lounge, Globe Hall, the Aggie Theatre, and Cervantes Otherside. They just released their debut LP, “Time & Time Again” streaming now on all platforms. Lead singer, Andy Seracuse was an Evergreen High School graduate.

Non-Prophet (12-12:30 p.m.)

Non-Prophet is a band of students from the local Morrison-Conifer area and winners of Conifer’s Got Talent. The contest, combined with Evergreen’s Got Talent, featured 32 musicians ages 8 to 19 who made up 19 musical acts. They competed to win slots in this summer’s Evergreen area music events, including Mountain Music Fest. 

Beyond the music, Mountain Music Fest focuses on what the event is centered around. The Community. The Mountain Music Fest is a celebration of student talent and diversity. Throughout the festival grounds, attendees will find booths featuring the myriad of student clubs, organizations, arts, and sports teams showcasing interests and engaging in interactive participation. 

There will be games, contests, and a wide variety of entertaining action. This includes an appearance from Mr. Goody Goody, the clown, who will be on hand creating magical balloon sculptures. Face painting from Lamar Lopez, the artist and owner of Fab Faces Entertainment. Guests can cool off with a splash at the Young Rotarians dunk tank. There will also be several delectable food and drink options available on site.

Tickets are currently on sale for this summer's event. General admission tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of the event. Children’s tickets are available for ages 6-18 for $10 (on-site only). Children under 6 years old receive free entrance. Tickets can be purchased here. 

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.

LAKEWOOD, Colo., September 12, 2018 — FirstBank, Colorado’s second-largest bank and one of the nation’s largest privately held banks, today announced a series of Fiesta Friday events to be held across several branches in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

FirstBank’s seven Spanish Banking Centers located in metro-Denver, Northern Colorado and Maricopa County, Ariz. will be hosting celebratory events for one Friday afternoon (from 4-6 p.m.) starting September 14 through October 5. 

The series, which is open to the public, will include free Hispanic-inspired food, drinks, music and entertainment, and will rotate to a different branch each week. Entertainers on tap include everything from Matachines dancers to Mariachis. A full schedule of events and activities can be found at efirstbankblog.com/fiesta-fridays.

“Hosting Hispanic Heritage Month events gives us a wonderful opportunity to commemorate and support cultural diversity,” said FirstBank Chief Operating Officer Emily Robinson. “We’ve long believed that ‘banking for good’ means truly engaging with our community and doing our best to help it thrive. Hosting these events is one small part of that effort. No matter your cultural heritage or native language, everyone is welcome.”

“For FirstBank, diversity and inclusion aren’t just boxes we check off; they are cornerstones of who we are as an organization. That’s why it’s so important for us to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month in a meaningful way,” said Ed Diez de Medina, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, and Vice President of Human Resources for FirstBank. “We’re committed to serving our community in the best way possible, and in this case, that means celebrating our friends, neighbors and customers.”

Last summer, the bank announced the addition of several Spanish Banking Centers in Colorado and Arizona to expand its services to Spanish speaking customers in their preferred or native language. 

Date and location details for each event are below. 

Sept. 14, 4-6 p.m.

• 2901 23rd Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631
• 3801 Federal Boulevard, Denver, CO 80211

Sept. 21, 4-6 p.m.

• 1707 North Main Street, Longmont, CO 80501
• 3990 East 104th Avenue, Thornton, CO 80233

Sept. 28, 4-6 p.m.

• 18521 Green Valley Ranch Boulevard, Denver, CO 80249

Oct. 5, 4-6 p.m.

• 275 S. Federal Boulevard, Denver, CO 80219
• 1559 North Litchfield Road, Goodyear, AZ 85395

About FirstBank

FirstBank operates more than 115 locations in Colorado, Arizona and California. It’s the largest locally owned banking organization in Colorado, serving more than 750,000 customers. FirstBank offers a variety of checking and savings accounts, mortgages, home equity loans and a full range of commercial loans and business accounts and services. Since 2000, the company has been recognized as a top corporate philanthropist and has contributed more than $60 million and thousands of volunteer hours to charitable organizations. FirstBank is also unique in that a majority of its stock is owned by management and employees. For more information, go to www.efirstbank.com.

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Member FDIC

PARKER, CO (8/15/18) – The American Diabetes Association^® (ADA) invites riders, runners and walkers of all levels to join the celebration and be part of the movement to fight diabetes by taking part in the new Tour de Cure^®, a fitness and community event happening on September 8, 2018 at Salisbury Equestrian Park & Sports Complex to help raise funds to support the ADA’s mission to prevent and cure diabetes, and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

Every 21 seconds, someone in the United States is diagnosed with diabetes. In addition, nearly half of all American adults have either diabetes or prediabetes, which puts them at greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes are at significant risk for serious complications including kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, blindness and lower-limb amputations. As the ADA’s premier fundraising event and one of the nation’s largest series of diabetes fundraising events, Tour de Cure brings together volunteers and participants invested in stemming the diabetes epidemic and funding research to find a cure.

“Tour de Cure is more than just a ride, walk or run– it is a celebration of the ADA’s mission and a chance to raise critical funds to help fight diabetes. Every mile covered and every dollar raised brings us that much more support in fighting this disease that affects 401,000 people in our community,” said Dave Samson, Area Executive Director (CO, MT, UT, WY). “The prevalence of diabetes is growing each year, and action is absolutely necessary.”

Funds raised at Tour de Cure Colorado help the ADA support people through its youth and family initiatives, including multiple camps for children living with type 1 diabetes and those at-risk for type 2 diabetes. Camp fosters fun, independence, self-confidence and expands children’s knowledge of diabetes while making friends who understand what it’s like living with diabetes and creating experiences that last a lifetime. In 2017, 1,120 campers, families and volunteers participated in an ADA Camp program in Colorado. In addition, Tour de Cure helps drive discovery by providing crucial diabetes research funding, and allows the ADA to raise its voice to fight for the rights of all people affected by diabetes.

In addition to the traditional cycling ride, this year’s Tour de Cure event also features a 5k run as well as a 5k walk. The event provides a unique opportunity for businesses, clubs, friends and families to come together with the vision of a life free of diabetes and all of its burdens. Men, women, and children of all ages from around the region will form teams and gather at one of 6 routes to participate in the event.

Tour de Cure is designed for participants of all fitness levels, with 12-mile routes for the occasional cyclist to 100-mile century rides for experienced cyclists, and a 5k that you can walk or run.  Routes feature rest stops with food to fuel the journey and volunteers to cheer riders along the way. Participants who have diabetes get VIP treatment. More than 65,000 cyclists and volunteers from across the country participate in TDC events each year.

Sponsored nationally by Eli Lilly and Company, Primal Wear Inc., Performance Bicycle and Culligan Water, and locally by presenting sponsor Primal Wear Inc., Town of Parker, United Healthcare, Parker Adventist Hospital, Amazing Moves Moving and Storage and CBS Denver, Tour de Cure features a variety of routes.  Whether short or long, each route is fully supported with rest stops, SAG vehicles and more. This year, there are four cycling routes (100 Mile Century Ride, 63 mile, 32 mile, and 12 mile), as well as a 5K Timed Run and 5K Walk. To register to ride, run, walk or volunteer and for more information go to www.diabetes.org/coloradotourdecure.

About the American Diabetes Association

Nearly half of American adults have diabetes or prediabetes; more than 30 million adults and children have diabetes; and every 21 seconds, another individual is diagnosed with diabetes in the U.S. Founded in 1940, the American Diabetes Association (Association) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization whose mission is to prevent and cure diabetes, and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. The Association drives discovery by funding research to treat, manage and prevent all types of diabetes, as well as to search for cures; raises voice to the urgency of the diabetes epidemic; and works to safeguard policies and programs that protect people with diabetes. In addition, the Association supports people living with diabetes, those at risk of developing diabetes, and the health care professionals who serve them through information and programs that can improve health outcomes and quality of life. For more information, please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit diabetes.org. Information from both of these sources is available in English and Spanish. Find us on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Twitter (@AmDiabetesAssn) and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn).

Your Security Professionals Want You To Stay Safe This Season

The most valuable asset for any business or corporation is its people.

That’s why savvy executives and business owners go to great lengths to keep their people safe, all year long.

Many corporate holiday events will include the utilization of security professionals, who are on hand to help the party run smoothly – and safely.

But, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the holiday season is unfortunately prime time for accidents and safety mishaps, both at work and at home.

So your firm’s security professionals would advise you to pass on these helpful tips and reminders to your folks as they enjoy another holiday season with family and friends.

Remember These Security Practices When Celebrating This Season

Here are some “best practice” reminders for safe and secure holiday activities.

• Be safe when decorating for the holidays.  House fires are sadly far-too-common as a result of haphazard or dangerous holiday decorating… don’t let your home be the next to suffer this disaster.
• • Make sure your decorations are UL-approved.  Ensure your power cords are in good repair, and don’t try to use indoor extension cords outside.  Keep live trees moist.  Be careful on the ladder, and keep lit candles away from flammable materials like draperies.  Turn off and unplug decorations when you aren’t enjoying them… and keep a fire extinguisher handy “just in case.”

• Use safe holiday cooking practices.  The kitchen is another part of the home that’s vulnerable to fires starting… but the smart chef knows how to keep things safe while preparing the feast and the treats.
• • Turn the pot handles inward on the stove (and away from the reach of curious youngsters).  Make sure your smoke detectors are in good working order, and never leave the stove unattended.  If a fire does start, remember, never use water to try to douse a grease fire.

• The best holiday parties are the safest ones.  If you’re hosting a party, make sure your guests are both comfortable and secure.
• • Check with everyone to ensure there are designated drivers to get revelers home safely.  Don’t over-sell the alcohol… instead, push the food!  You want people to enjoy the treats you’ve prepared or acquired, and well-fed guests don’t generally drink too much.  And try to offer a place to stay for guests who do overindulge.

• Keep things safe on your road trip.  Many people travel the highways to visit family and friends during the holidays.  It’s important to keep the road trip safe by remembering that it’s cold out there!
• • Make sure there are plenty of blankets and winter coats in the car… if you’re stranded, those can be life savers.  Some extra food and water in the car might also come in quite handy.  Have your vehicle checked and winterized, and don’t drive too fast when the roads are slick.  And just in case the unforeseen occurs, make sure to keep your cell phone fully charged.

• And travel safely by air, too.  If your holiday plans include air travel, make sure you’re safe throughout the journey.
• • Double-check to ensure your photo ID is current before you get to the airport security line.  Don’t make a big show of valuables at the airport… and, of course, never leave your luggage unattended (report any unattended luggage you see).  Dress for the climate you’re headed toward… and make sure any medicine you might need is packed in your carry-on (not in your checked luggage).  And you’d be surprised how many people still aren’t aware of this major warning: never carry luggage or items for strangers.

With a little attention to detail, everyone can have a pleasant – and safe – holiday season.  Pass these tips on to your cherished employees… and look forward to seeing everyone rested and refreshed after a fun and enjoyable time!

A tour of Erie-based Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary is much more than a fun day spent getting to know our amazing family of rescued animals. In fact, it is nearly impossible to leave without developing a deeper understanding of the unique personalities and complex emotional lives that all animals lead.

On the Connect Tour, you will get to meet a select number of our residents on this family-friendly one-hour tour. As you listen to the inspiring stories of our residents, you will get to connect and cuddle with them as individuals. You will also get to sample delicious food at the end of the tour.

On the Compassion Tour, you will get to meet all of our residents in an immersive approximately two-hour tour. You will get to connect and cuddle with our residents, hear their inspiring stories, and learn about where they came from. You will learn how we can all create a more compassionate and sustainable future for all beings, and get to sample delicious food at the end of the tour. Due to the duration of this tour, the recommended minimum age is 7 years old.

Please do not attend if you are not feeling well, or have any symptoms of a fever or cold.

Dates/Times:

June 4 - Dec 18, 2022

Saturdays: 11am Connect Tours

Saturdays: 1:30pm Compassion Tours

Sundays: 11am & 1:30pm Compassion Tours

Location:

Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary

3470 County Road 7, Erie, CO 80516

Register Here: 

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/eventtof

Cost:

Your generous donations allow us to continue our lifesaving work of rescuing and caring for farmed animals.

Child $10

Adult $20

More Information:

https://luvinarms.org/visit-us

720.515.8577

Project Team Chloe strives to raise money to help family in need, Bring Chloe Home!

Longmont, Co October 17, 2016:  Chloe has lived in isolation at Children’s Hospital in Aurora Colorado since she was 9 days old. After two rounds of chemo therapy, two bone marrow transplants and over 433 days in the hospital things are finally starting to look up. With a little bit of hope and faith, Chloe will be able to leave the hospital in about 6 months but Chloe’s family needs a place to live. Please help us find / build a home for Chloe. Support, share or keep us in your thoughts to help us bring Chloe home!

Chloe Elizabeth Cook was born on July 8^th, 2015 to Beth and Jackie Cook. Chloe was born with SCID, Severe Combined Immunodeficiency. Basically, Chloe was born without an immune system. (Think Bubble Boy). When Beth and Jackie, found out their baby girl had SCID, their lives were turned upside down. They were forced to make decisions no parent even fathoms. Destiny (Chloe’s big sister), is so excited to be a big sister but the only time Chloe and Destiny have even met was before Chloe was admitted to the hospital.

“Beth and Jackie pour themselves into Chloe and Destiny, Chloe’s 8-year-old sister.” Says Sherie Dike-Wilhelm, a close family friend. “With one daughter at Children’s Hospital in Denver, and the other in Longmont, both Jackie and Beth have been stretched to the absolute limits of what parents can handle. They have sacrificed jobs, education, a wedding ceremony, and more. They love their girls, but this is not how they imagined their life together. In many ways, Chloe’s fragility has put their lives on hold.”

We are raising money to find / build / put a down payment on a house for Chloe, Destiny and their moms. You can also help us spread the word about SCID. Please consider making a donation to our cause. Your donation will help provide a clean, safe home where this family can just be together again. For more information or to make a donation please visit our website at https://chuffed.org/project/bring-chloe-home. Support, share or keep us in your thoughts to help us bring Chloe home!

UnbelievaBubble! BOULDER DAY INAUGURAL EVENT
What if we all came together to blow bubbles...

Boulder, CO -  Bubbles represent a variety of moods and meaning. Bubbles are fun, light, temporary, beautiful, simple, buoyant, floating, and airy. Bubbles can represent ideas, thoughts, communication, wonder, community, balance, and the brevity of life itself. UnbelievaBubble! Boulder Day, the inaugural event, will take place on Friday, May 1, 2015, 4 p.m., Downtown Boulder at Pearl and 13th Street.

It will be as temporary as the life of a bubble with a one-hour streamline of special entertainment. The mayor of Boulder, Matthew Applebaum, will read a proclamation for the day, bubbles will burst in air, free bubbles will be given out, bubble wrap will be a poppin’, bubble tunes will be heard along with rapper Lil' Chizzle's Bubble Rap, and Dr. David Brain of CU will give a ten-minute talk about curiosity getting us to Mars. 

In addition, bubble music represented by the bubbly tones of the marimba will be provided by Kutandara Center's Shamwari Tamba! Teen Ensemble, and guest artist, Nina Rolle, will deliver her Favorite Things of Boulder presentation.

Everyone is invited to bring their own recycled bubble wrap, and their own eco-friendly bubble soap with home-made wands (a YouTube with a recipe is on the website). During the event, feel free to take photos or videos and post via social media using hashtags: #BoulderBubbleDay, #BoulderBubbles, and #UnbelievaBubbleBoulder.

This event is sponsored by The City of Boulder Office of Arts & Culture, eight days a week imaging and copy center, and the following downtown restaurants: Centro, Jax, The Med, West End Tavern, Brasserie Ten Ten. Sponsoring restaurants will host happy hour bubbly specials to follow the event.

UnbelievaBubble! Boulder Day
What: A celebration of Boulder with bubbles!
When: Friday, May 1, 2015, 4 p.m. (one-hour event)
Where: Downtown Boulder, Pearl & 13^th Street
Free Public Event! For more information: www.unbelievabubbleboulder.com

About UnbelievaBubble! Boulder Day
At a workshop in August of 2014, For the Love of Boulder, two groups came up with similar ideas about presenting a Boulder Bubble Day to create more fun and wonder in our city of Boulder. Through a vote at the workshop, the Boulder Bubble Day became the first winner of the Public Displays of Affection Grants funded by the City of Boulder Office of Arts & Culture. At the first meeting of team Boulder Bubble Day, ideas bubbled to the surface. Eventually through more time and consideration, the special day was renamed, UnbelievaBubble! Boulder Day with the thought "what if we all came together to blow bubbles..." 

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

I’ll admit it. I have never done it. It was way too risky for me. Lack of protection and the aftermath if compromised has kept me from the experience. But, I am finally ready. The idea of trying something new is pretty exciting. It will be my first time and then I’ll no longer be a Cyber Virgin.

Cyber Monday which is November 26th, is the official kick-off to on-line holiday sales. This year promises to top previous years in the amount of deals offered and dollars spent. I plan to join in the fun.

I have never tickled my keyboard in hope of finding the perfect gift. Instead, I have stuck with the old school technique of driving to many different stores, perusing hundreds of racks and table displays while competing with aggressive crowds bustling through the aisles with their elbows out.

Last year, I held my breath as shoppers sneezed in my direction.No one wants to be sick during the holidays. After hours of shopping at the mall, I reached out and snatched the elusive purple studded phone case I had sought. The endorphin rush of scratching one more item off my list was tempered by sore eyes from florescent lights and aching feet. My arms strained under the weight of several bags as the handles cut into the palms of my hands. After pushing my way through the heavy glass doors, I struggled back to my car, jammed all of the bags into the back end, and slammed the hatch shut with a heavy sigh as the circulation rushed to my fingertips. After arriving back at home, I hid all of the gifts and then went into a wrapping frenzy on Christmas Eve.

Staying at home and avoiding the crowds while saving time and money has seduced me into Cyber Monday. Jeez! I am all about saving time and money. Some of the deals offered may even be better than Black Friday!

Some businesses offer free shipping and gift wrapping. That is a huge selling point for me.  I could actually enjoy Christmas Eve.

I will make my list tonight and will start researching the deals. My hands will sweat a little as I press Add to Cart. They will continue to tremble as I enter my credit card number. But I am looking forward to the endorphin rush after clicking Place Order. My eyes will relax in the comfort of natural lighting in my sunroom as I rest my slippered feet while my dog Roxy snuggles next to me. Carrying the shipped boxes from the front door to the basement will be the only strain. Hey! My husband Danny could do that for me. With the money I’ll save, maybe I will treat myself to a purple studded phone case. I am really looking forward to losing my virginity.

Safety tips for Cyber Monday shoppers from the Better Business Bureau:

http://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/news/2012/11/21/ten-tips-for-cyber-monday-shoppers.html

Are you a Cyber Monday Virgin?

To check out my other hangout click Here! 

The 2012 Blue Sky Velo Cup will once again provide exciting cyclocross racing for everyone. 

Located on the legendary Xilinx campus, this year’s course is sure to offer nonstop excitement for both spectators and  racers alike!

Join in the fun, or watch as racers spring over barriers, trudge through sand-pits and charge over run-ups, obstacles sure to test the racer’s physical, technical and mental abilities—excitement for everyone at every twist and turn!

Expo Area will have face painting, chiropractic care, local vendors, and food & beverage booths. The talented Niwot Marching Band will be on-hand again to entertain and add to the excitement!

Come join us for a full day of fun for the entire family!

8AM -5PM at the Xilinx campus 

View Map

For more information, please see: http://www.coloradocycling.org/sites/default/files/Site_Files/Race_Flyers/2012/BSVCX_flyer.pdf

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

Why, I, Darcie Mae, write fun and educational stories for children:

The message I am trying to send is clearly stated in my quote: "Words can change a life. Make a good change. Read a child a book."

On 9/11, when the towers went down, I was living in the woods in a log cabin and did not know what was going on in the world until someone came out to tell me. That night I listened to all the chaos happening in the world. The first thing that popped into my mind were all the children who were probably listening to it as well. I have always enjoyed putting pen to paper, keeping journals, writing poems, etc. But, it was that night I decided I wanted to take my writing seriously. I made up my mind I was going to write stories for children and I was going to write many. That is what I’ve done, and am doing. I have 100’s of stories done and there will be many more. I hope the stories I write keep children's minds and thoughts busy so they won’t have to pay attention to all the chaos happening in the world. When adults are afraid or worried, children are as well, whether we want them to be or not. I want my stories to keep kids minds busy thinking about what their reading, and thinking about the next story or book they want to read. There is enough time for worrying about world troubles when they get older.

I am also one who thinks a family reading night would great. That is why I am putting The Peably series of stories on my website free to read, and offering a couple coloring pictures free to print and color. I put a new story, and 2 new coloring pictures up each week, usually Sunday. Any night of the week, get out some fruit juice or hot cocoa, make some popcorn or get a snack, print out the new story, print out the coloring pictures and make copies if needed, get out the crayons, colored pencils, and makers, and most importantly, get the family together. Have the same person read each time or take turns reading. Have fun. I guarantee after a while you all will be waiting anxiously to see what the next story will be.

Darcie Mae



Darcie Mae's Children's Books & Such

Children’s Book: Full Color

Sammy & Robert Go Home For The Holidays

By: Darcie Mae

8 ½ x 11in. - 44 pages

2 Full length, full color stories.

ISBN# 978-1-4560-5702-2

Publish America: www.publishamerica.com Scroll down home page, find search box on right, put in Darcie Mae, and all my books should be available to see

Author’s website: http://sammyandrobert.tripod.com 

This is the 5th book in the Sammy & Robert series of fun, rhyming, and educational children's stories. Sammy & Robert Go Home For The Holidays there are 2 stories. The first story is titled: Sammy & Robert Go Home. The big gray squirrel and the small red squirrel realize the weather is turning cold. Soon, there will be snow. They decide to go home. As they are traveling home, the reader is reminded of their many differences and how these differences are not important. Sammy & Robert started out as best friends, and no matter what they go through, they remain best friends. The second story is titled: Sammy & Robert Have A Happy Thanksgiving. Sammy & Robert have made it home. Their family and friends are happy they are back. All the squirrels are gathering and storing food for the winter and a holiday feast. The reader learns about the great big grand tree, where squirrels meet, celebrate, and do things together. When Sammy & Robert left for the summer, gray and red squirrels did not get along. The bigger gray squirrels would pick on the smaller red squirrels. While they were gone, things changed. Now the gray and the red squirrels get along and do everything together, including sharing a huge Thanksgiving feast.

Look not only for Darcie Mae’s Sammy & Robert children’s books, but her Mother Mouse books as well.

Books are available on the web at Publish America, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, wholesalers, and on many other websites. You can also have your favorite book store order the books for you.

Read The Peably series of children’s stories free on the author’s website. There are 301 stories and 1 new story goes up each week. Children can read along and grow up with the Peably children. New pictures to print & color go p each week as well.

“Words can change a life. Make a good change. Read a child a book.” Quote by Darcie Mae Email the author at :

Sammy & Robert (Book 1) ISBN# 1-60474-811-7 and ISBN# 978-1-4512-3383-4

1 story that teaches you can be different, how this should not matter, and

though different you still can be best friends.

Sammy & Robert’s Animal Adventures (Book 2)

ISBN# 1-60703-987-7 and ISBN# 978-1-4512-6544-6

2 stories. One teaches about farm animals, & the other about a zoo with mammals and about herbivores, carnivores, & omnivores.

Sammy & Robert Discover The Ocean (Book 3) ISBN# 978-1-61546-827-0

3 stories. In the first they visit a beach, the second they go out on the ocean in a boat, and in the third they snorkel and learn about crustaceans & mollusks.

3 More Fun Sammy & Robert Adventures ISBN# 978-1-4512-8648-9 and

ISBN#978-1-4560-1733-0

3 stories. In the first they learn about amphibians & reptiles, in the second

about birds, and in the third about insects. This book ends with Sammy

knowing he has to get Robert and himself home soon because the weather

is getting colder and food is harder to find.

Sammy & Robert Go Home For The Holidays ISBN#978-1-4560-1733-0

2 full length, full color stories. In the first story Sammy & Robert go home

because winter is coming. The reader is reminded how different these 2

squirrels are and how this does not matter to them. They remain best friends.

In the second story Sammy & Robert realize they have made a change. Now

all the gray and red squirrels get along and do things together including

sharing a huge Thanksgiving feast.

Mother Mouse ISBN# 978-0-9817521-8-1

3 stories that teach manners, measurements, & shapes.

Mother Mouse: Book 2 ISBN# 978-0-9822560-7-7

2 stories that teach opposites & ways of transportation.

Mother Mouse Tells Mice Kids A Thanksgiving Story ISBN#978-1-936046-30-0

Teaches to be thankful for what you have and to share with those in need.

Mother Mouse Tells Kids Her Special Christmas Story ISBN#978-1-936352-53-1

Teaches many little lessons about traditions and giving up some of your

Christmas to share with a family in need. Also teaches:

Homemade and thought out gifts

are the very best kind.

These gifts don’t cost money,

instead they cost your time.