Blogs

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

NEWS RELEASE                                                                                                      April 18, 2022

CONTACTS:        Valerie Lunka (720-379-4630)
                             Debbie Jones (303-868-1804)

DENVER – Among the many organizations providing assistance to families impacted by the Marshall and Middle Fork Fires last December, Clothes To Kids of Denver may be one of the best kept secrets. Now the nonprofit is taking steps to increase awareness of its services among those who need it most and to make those services even more accessible to the fire’s survivors.

Since its founding in 2008, Clothes To Kids has provided more than 82,000 school wardrobes to students from low-income or in-crisis families, free of charge. While the nonprofit originally served only Denver County residents, it has since expanded to cover 28 school districts throughout the entire 11-county Denver metro area, including Boulder County. Students must be ages 3 – 21 and enrolled in preschool – 12^th grade, or working toward a GED.

“All students whose families suffered losses in the Boulder County fires are eligible to receive free school wardrobes from Clothes To Kids,” says the organization’s executive director Valerie Lunka, “and no referral or proof of eligibility is currently required. We hope that schools, faith communities and all those providing assistance to fire victims will help spread the word about the valuable resource we offer kids in their communities.”

Central to the Clothes To Kids mission is its clothing boutique, located in Denver’s University Hills neighborhood at 2890 South Colorado Boulevard. Here, families find a pleasant and dignified shopping experience, complete with assistance from volunteer “personal shoppers” who help the students select from new and quality used clothing. Each student may choose five outfits, a coat or jacket, a pair of shoes, a bra (optional) and five pairs each of new underwear and socks. Extra items, such as pajamas, belts, hats, jewelry, winter accessories, school supplies, books and toys, may also be available. Students may receive one free wardrobe every four months.

“A lack of appropriate and fashionable clothing can make it difficult for kids to fit in with their peers and feel comfortable at school,” Lunka explains. “We make sure the students we serve have the clothing they need to feel confident and prepared to thrive.”

While most families are asked to call the Clothes To Kids boutique in advance to make shopping appointments, the nonprofit is providing drop-in service for families impacted by the fires in Boulder County. These families may shop for student wardrobes without appointments on Tuesdays through Saturdays, between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm, through the end of May. For additional information, visit https://clothestokidsdenver.org/ or call 720-379-4630.

This year has been a celebration for the Handweavers Guild of Boulder, which has been in existence for 50 years and is now an organization of several hundred members who participate in all fiber arts: handweaving, handspinning, dyeing, quilting, felting, knitting, tatting, crocheting, and many more. The public is invited to see their final event of this anniversary year: a FREE and open to the public exhibit of their work, with display by Anne and Jim Sneary,  in the Gallery of Shuttles, Spindles and Skeins, a weaving and fiber arts shop in the Table Mesa Shopping Center, 635 South Broadway #E, Boulder.  Hours open: Monday 12-6, Tuesday - Saturday 10-6; closed Sunday.  The show runs through May 22. For more information, please call 303-494-1071 or visit www.shuttlesspindlesandskeins.com or http://www.handweaversofboulder.org.

Scholarship Opportunity for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators

Children's book writing and illustrating seems to be an exclusive field where artists struggle to finds ways they can emerge as relevant. Many agree that attending a conference is a great way to compete in the publishing industry; it serves as an opportunity to meet agents, editors and successful authors and illustrators. Rocky Mountain writers and illustrators have an opportunity to attend a conference for free. Only two weeks are left to apply for the VICKIE FERGUSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP. Scholarship recipients will receive fully paid tuition to the 2013 RMC SCBWI Letters and Lines Fall Conference, plus a manuscript or portfolio review (as indicated on the free application). The scholarship will be awarded to one writer as well as one illustrator—please apply if you’re actively committed to your craft.  Application deadline is June 22, 2013.

To apply, please click link for application: [2013VF_ScholarshipApplication.pdf]

More about the conference: September 28 and 29^th, The Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) is excited to host the annual Letters and Lines Conference at a new location, the Denver Marriott West in Golden, Colorado. This weekend event will include two unforgettable days packed with valuable learning and networking opportunities.  Attendees will find many opportunities to connect on a personal level with our speakers—when—during break-out sessions, intensives, individual critiques, pitch sessions, query workshops, first page readings, and more. If some of these terms are foreign to you, it’s all the more reason to attend. You’ll not only learn how to elevate your work, but you’ll also learn the business side of your craft.  This year’s lists of distinguished speakers include:

• Newbery Award winner Linda Sue Park
• Arianne Lewin, executive editor, G. P. Putnam’s Sons (Penguin Young Readers Group)
• Kelly Barrales-Saylor, editorial director, Albert Whitman & Company
• Wendy Loggia, executive editor, Delacorte/Random House
• Brianne Johnson, agent, Writers House
• Terrie Wolf, agent, AKA Literary Management
• Bitsy Kemper, author and PR Queen!
• Illustrator Michael Garland

Take a look at last year’s scholarship recipient: click here

Thank you Vickie Ferguson. The Vickie Ferguson Memorial Scholarship honors the memory of Vickie Ferguson, long-time member of RMC-SCBWI, who passed away in May 2005. Vickie was dedicated to her writing. This scholarship seeks to support those writers and illustrators who are committed to their craft and are actively writing and/or illustrating.

Love Grown Foods®, a leading natural food company, announced today it has appointed three new advisors as it continues to make a splash in the natural products industry. Love Grown Foods, which two young entrepreneurs founded in 2008, is now available in more than 2,100 stores throughout the United States and Canada and will reach 3,000 outlets by this summer.

Just in time to spread the LOVE at Booth #2296 at Natural Products Expo West, Love Grown Foods is thrilled to announce that esteemed executives Mo Siegel and Tom Spier have joined their recently assembled Board of Advisors along with industry veteran Joan Boykin, who has been named a strategic advisor.

Mo Siegel founded, chaired and presided over Celestial Seasonings, Inc., the largest manufacturer and marketer of specialty teas in North America, from 1970 – 1986. After Celestial Seasonings, Mr. Siegel planned and developed Earth Wise, marketer of cleaning products, which was later sold to Block Drug Company. In 1991, Mr. Siegel returned to serve as chairman and CEO of Celestial Seasonings until May 2000, when Celestial Seasonings merged with The Hain Food Group. Mr. Siegel served as vice chairman until retiring in 2002.

Tom Spier is chief executive officer of EVOL Foods and founder of Spier Consumer Capital. Mr. Spier started his career working in finance, but after four years on Wall Street, he joined Bear Naked as COO. During that time, Bear Naked grew to become the largest natural granola company in the country. Mr. Spier successfully grew the company and positioned the organization for its sale to Kellogg’s. In his role as CEO of EVOL Foods, Mr. Spier has overseen the company’s maturation from a small regional brand with products in one category to a multi-category platform brand with broad national distribution. Today, EVOL Foods produces over 800,000 units per month and employs 65 people.

Joan Boykin, Love Grown Foods’ strategic advisor, is the executive director of The Organic Center. She has spent her career in the natural and organic products industry with Celestial Seasonings, where she spent more than 13 years as design/creative manager and director of marketing, new products, PR and retail; director of marketing and PR at Alfalfa’s Markets and Wild Oats Markets; and creative director and VP of new business at New Hope Natural Media. Boykin is a board member and advisor of Naturally Boulder, the Organic Voices/Just Label It Campaign, and the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship’s Organic Business Initiative.

“The teamwork and spirit at Love Grown Foods reminds me of the early days at Celestial Seasonings,” said Siegel. “Their youthful enthusiasm for producing and distributing healthy food is the kind of energy that builds great brands.”

“It is an honor to work with such influential people in our industry.  They each offer varied expertise and a deep well of knowledge to our company,” added Maddy D’Amato, co-founder and chief love officer. “Their counsel in properly approaching opportunities and challenges will result in continued strategic growth and sustained success for Love Grown Foods.”

During Natural Foods Expo West, which runs March 9-11, 2012, Love Grown Foods and its team of LOVE Ambassadors will be spreading the LOVE in Anaheim. Attendees and press are invited to stop by their booth to learn more about the company and taste their delicious, all-natural, Certified Gluten-Free products that are flying off retailers’ shelves.

Love Grown Foods is known for its delectable line of Oat Clusters & LOVE

healthy granola, which is chock-full of wholesome and pronounceable ingredients. Oat Clusters & LOVE are available in the following flavors: Simply Oats, Apple Walnut Delight, Raisin Almond Crunch, Sweet Cranberry Pecan and Cocoa Goodness. For ingredients, recipes and more, visit http://www.lovegrownfoods.com/oatclusters.

Have you ever wanted to take your family to any of Denver’s museums, gardens, or zoo, but worried about the cost of tickets? Well, Colorado residents are getting some special treatment thanks to a few generous sponsors. On certain days throughout the year, a few specific venues are offering free admission! A few of my favorites are the museums and art displays.

 The Denver Art Museum always has new exhibitions coming through. In May alone they have eleven new exhibits coming to the museum. The displays will include everything from a variety of recycled products to textiles to a combination of traditional craft and digital technology. The museum also has a number of collections that are there year round.  It has one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of world art between Chicago and the West Coast.

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has a similar set up as the art museum in that it has a rotation of exhibits every couple of months. It also has permanent displays such as wildlife, Egyptian mummies, gems and minerals, and space odyssey.   It also has a great planetarium that offers showings on a 3D IMAX.

If you need somewhere that’s a little more kid friendly try out the Children’s Museum of Denver. It’s filled with tons of interactive activities that can keep your kids busy and entertained. They can paint, launch rockets, explore kinetics, or play with big soapy bubbles. If the museum is a hit with your kiddos, you could even sign them for a camp!

If you’re more interested in galleries than museums, perhaps you’d like to check out Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe. On the first Friday of every month the Art District opens its doors to the public for free showings!

Take advantage of these free days and experience some culture and great entertainment in Denver. Check the dates and mark your calendars!

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

Hi Everyone,

After much preparation and anticipation Nighthawk Ranch has held its first successful summer session and is now in the middle of its second successful summer session. What makes me call it successful? Well, the first session had all but one camper spot filled and had an overflowing amount of volunteers and (most importantly) the campers had a GREAT time.

The second session has one extra camper and even more volunteers to help out - and, yes, these campers are having an equally GREAT time.

After this second session ends (July 21), Nighthawk Ranch has one more session this year - its third session, which runs August 5 - August 11. We are almost at capacity, but we still have room for one or two more campers and one or two more volunteers. This 3rd session is for boys (10-18) who have (or have had) cancer. And, remember, this camp is free to kids and their families that qualify.

And we really need some male volunteers - so time to step up guys. Obviously this is for the kids, but if you speak to any of our volunteers you will know that the volunteers get the same amount of joy (if not more) from the experience than the kids.

Please check out my pictures page to see some pictures of past Nighthawk Ranch sessions, and if you would like more information on how to volunteer or how to fill out an application for a camper, please contact me -
Kim McGinnis/Nighthawk Ranch Coordinator or for more information, visit www.NighthawkRanchColorado.org

Till next time,

Kim

Join us on our Spring Kickoff party on April 27th from 5-7pm with raffle prizes, snacks, drinks and much more! If you are new to our studio, come check out our studio and see what we're about! For our current clients and prospects, this will be a great time to socialize and have fun together. Invite your friends and family to join you!

During the party, we will be offering one time discounts on memberships, classes, workshops and all our retail products.

Our raffle prizes:
- A free month membership for any program
- A Define Defense sling pack (3x)
- A Title MMA body shield
- Several other prizes from our partners

Starting at 5pm at our studio location: 1805 11th Street Suite B, Boulder CO 80302

www.DefineDefense.com
(720) 340 6254

What To Wear:

Come wearing comfortable, easy to move in exercise or dance clothing. Ballet slippers are most appropriate for the majority of classes, but if you do not have these, socks will work. 

Classes BNC Offers Adults:

-Active Aging Ballet (Specially designed for 50+) -Barre Bootcamp -Hoola-hoop -Yoga -Pilates -Ballet Fundamentals -Beginning & Intermediate Ballet -Dance With Me (For toddlers & their caregivers) -Jazz

To learn more go to www.bncdance.com/school or email us at info@bncdance.com or call 303.466.5685.

3001 Industrial Lane, #12

Broomfield, Colorado 80020

Rocky Mountain Law Enforcement Federal Credit Union asks consumers, “Do you Kasasa?” as it becomes the first financial institution in Colorado to launch the country’s most innovative financial products, offered exclusively for law enforcement professionals and their families.

Kasasa^® is a new brand of free checking and savings accounts that pays consumers to use their account with what interests them most—high interest. These accounts, combined with the personal service that only community financial institutions can deliver, are offering law enforcement professionals a better checking account option than the mega bank experience.

“Consumers deserve to wake up to happier days of banking and leave behind the nightmare of mega bank fees and mistreatment. We are pleased to be the first financial institution in the state of Colorado to offer these unique products,” said Christine Wiley, CEO at Rocky Mountain Law Enforcement FCU. “Kasasa delivers what research shows people really want but believe they can’t have—great financial products with the personal service of a community based financial institution.”

Rocky Mountain Law Enforcement FCU is offering its law enforcement professional membership base Kasasa Cash™. All Kasasa products are free accounts, with no minimum balance, no monthly fees, free online banking and nationwide ATM fee refunds.

• Kasasa Cash - A free checking account that pays high interest in cash every month. 

To receive the Kasasa account benefits, account holders are asked to meet easy monthly qualifications including receiving an e-statement, using a debit card and making an electronic transaction (such as direct deposit). If an account holder does not meet the qualifications in a given month, the credit union will alert the individual, who will be eligible the following month for the benefits. 

“Extensive research has shown us that consumers would prefer to do business with community financial institutions, but feel they would lose access to products,” continued Wiley. “Kasasa is opening people’s eyes to a new banking model where no sacrifices are necessary. It’s a win-win because account holders get innovative products and personalized service.”

In 2009, Kasasa was piloted in six other markets across the U.S.  In just the first two months of offering Kasasa, participating community financial institutions reported growth rates upwards of 150% on new account openings and 372% in deposits at institutions focused on deposit growth.

Kasasa is being introduced with an aggressive, highly engaging marketing campaign. It comes to life through a fresh mix of eye-popping advertising, the likes of which exceed the typical mega bank’s high-budget programs.  The ads feature America’s top slam poets https://www.kasasa.com/news-and-media/advertising riffing lyrical threads around the theme of “Do you Kasasa?”

Kasasa is distributed to Rocky Mountain Law Enforcement FCU from BancVue, the leading provider of innovative products, dynamic marketing, and data-driven consulting solutions to community financial institutions nationwide to help them win the war against the mega banks.

For more information on Kasasa accounts, consumers can visit www.rmlefcu.org or www.kasasa.com/RMLEFCU.

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



What’s new for you on Darcie Mae’s website, Darcie Mae's Children's Books & Such

First off, please remember The Peably stories and coloring pictures are free for you to use on my website:

The Peablys have gone through June with the last story in June up now, 4/17/11. It is story 39 and about a special day for Pa. The Peablys will be in the months of July and August for the next few stories.

Story 40, A funny Peably story about learning to jump rope----------4/24.

Story 41, The Peablys celebrate Independence Day--------------------5/1

Story 42, You get to meet a pesky black bear named George---------5/8

Story 43, Go with Bub & Sis to see the ocean--------------------------5/15

For the coloring pictures, On 4/17 there are Easter pictures for you to print and use. On 4/24 & 5/1 there will be Mother’s Day coloring pictures. On 5/8 and 5/15 will be coloring pictures that go with the new book, Sammy & Robert Go Home For The Holidays.

Don’t forget the special pictures offered for Sammy & Robert fans to start groups and learn how to use postal mail, and the 2 book sets offered which include books, tote bags, posters, and coloring pictures.

Happy reading,

Darcie Mae

Darcie Mae with;

All 4 Mother Mouse Books, &

The 1st 4 Sammy & Robert Books

I wanted to let everyone know about the next Peably stories and coloring pictures that are free for you on my website:

Sunday, 1/30/11, you will be able to read the story: Grandpa Tells Bub & Sis About Groundhog Day.

Sunday, 2/6/11, you will be able to read the Peably Valentine story.

Sunday, 2/13/11, instead of a Peably story, I will be putting up a very special Valentine story for you all to read. A Valentine gift from me.

Also, starting 1/30/11, instead of regular coloring pictures, I will be putting up Valentines that can be printed, colored, and given to someone. Different Valentines put up for 3 weeks in a row. These Valentines happen to go along with the story I will be putting up for you on 2/13/11.  

Remember my quote: “Words can change a life. Make a good change. Read a child a book.” Happy Reading, Darcie Mae sammyandrobertbooks@yahoo.com

Rich Preece, TurboTax Consumer Tax Advocate, recently released a new video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5r1jfMax-wU) offering tax-filing tips for tax procrastinators easily and accurately file their tax return before the deadline but also to ensure they get the biggest possible refund on their taxes. 

With April 18^th just a few weeks away, it’s time for all those tax procrastinators who haven’t filed to start gathering together their tax documents.  Just because you have waited until the last minute to file doesn’t mean that you have to leave money on the table. Up till the 11^th hour, taxpayers can take steps to be sure to maximize their refund.

Go online where you can prepare your tax return:

• File your tax return electronically.
• Have your tax return deposited directly.
• If you can’t make the April 18th deadline, file for an extension. 

This year’s ranking Top 10 Tax Procrastinating Cities, compiled for 10 years by Intuit Inc. (Nasdaq: INTU), the maker of TurboTaxâ tax software products, shows no changes in the top four cities that are among the last to file federal tax returns. Chicago, New York and Austin, Texas trail Houston in the rankings. San Antonio nudged its way into the top tier for the first time since 2008, giving the Lone Star State three of the first five spots. The TurboTax Blog contains an interactive map of this year’s top procrastinators.

People in these cities aren’t alone in their tendency to wait till the last minute.  TurboTax estimates 27 percent of taxpayers wait until the last two weeks of tax season to file their taxes. This year, there’s even more good news for tax procrastinators, an extra three days to file, with the federal tax deadline moving from April 15 to April 18.

The full list of this year’s late-filing cities, with last year’s ranking in parenthesis, is as follows:

1.     Houston – (No. 1): Houston, we have a problem!  Locals landed in the top spot in five of the last 10 years.   

2.     Chicago – (No. 2): Windy City residents are unable to move from No. 2 for the second year running, possibly due to food comas induced by all the deep dish pizza-eating.

3.     New York – (No. 3): For the third year running in the No. 3 spot, New Yorkers in the City that Never Sleeps take a nap until tax time.

4.     Austin, Texas – (No. 4): Busy Austinites, so burned out from festival-hopping, put off their tax duties – landing in the top five again.

5.     San Antonio – (No. NA): It seems one of the biggest military centers in the U.S. needs more soldierly discipline this time around, popping into the top 10 for the first time since 2008!

6.     San Francisco – (No. 5): Known as innovators for all things tech, San Franciscans are doing their taxes only a bit quicker, moving down one spot from No. 5 despite their connected reputations. 

7.     Seattle – (No. 6): It looks like all that rain is washing out more than mail routes for 7th place Washingtonians. Despite their commitment to java hot spots, filing taxes online before the tax deadline clearly isn’t a top priority.

8.     San Diego – (No. 7): When you’re wearing sunglasses 24/7, it’s hard to even see your taxes, let alone file them. San Diegans file just a bit faster due to peer pressure this year with TurboTax headquarters right down the street.

9.     Los Angeles – (No. 8): Starving actors hanging out in this town are too busy looking for some nosh. It’s no wonder they dread filing their taxes!

10.  Dallas – (No. 9): They say cowboys ride alone, but Texans managed to lasso in four cities on this list -- including No. 10, Dallas.

Dropping off the top 10 list this year: Las Vegas

The list is determined by the number of tax returns electronically filed via the TurboTax Online service between April 14 - 17, 2010.

To view the video interview with Rich Preece from TurboTax please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5r1jfMax-wU. 

Rich Preece is Consumer Tax Advocate at TurboTax, the nation’s leading tax software.  Rich Preece provides consumer tips and advice to help Americans prepare and file their own taxes easily and accurately. Preece has contributed to local and national print and online publications, including PC Magazine and USA Today as well as local and national radio and TV broadcast segments such as Fox Business.

First off, please remember The Peably stories and coloring pictures are free for you to use on my website. 

http://sammyandrobert.tripod.com

It is important to know that the Peably stories will be going through time faster than we do. They will go through 1 year and be having winter holidays during our summer. They will go through a 2nd year before we will be back at the same time. We will go through the winter holidays together again this year with all new stories. The Peablys are in the months of March and April for the next few stories.

Story 31, a Peably story about fun in the snow, up to read on 2/20

Story 32, Bub Peably has a birthday, will go up to be read on 2/27

Story 33, a story about April Fool's Day

Story 34, A Peably story about Easter.

There are St. Patrick's Day pictures to print and color. There will be new ones every Sunday up through St. Patrick's Day.

I have made available 2 autographed book sets and a chance to enter a drawing for a copy of the 5th Sammy & Robert book.

Happy Reading!

Darcie Mae

sammyandrobertbooks@yahoo.com

Darcie Mae's Website

• individualized learning plans,

• courses tailored to students’ specific learning styles and levels,

• flexible scheduling, and

• real-time monitoring of student progress and success

• Seeking a more challenging learning environment,

• Needing support and tutoring in order to stay on track for graduation,

• Looking for a learning option that accounts for their personal learning style,

• Trying to balance a full work schedule with their classes in order to help support the family, or

• Pursuing long-term professional goals (such as becoming a pro athlete, actor or musician) while still trying to complete their highschool degree.

The Executive Director of Colorado’s new public online high school, Audie Rubin brings not only his years of experience in education as both an administrator and teacher; but also his leadership and vision as a pioneer in the use of online education technology to open the classroom and accelerate learning for Colorado students.

“The challenge facing education today is to close the gap between how students live and how they learn,” Rubin said. “At Provost Academy Colorado, we are excited to meet this challenge with our pro-learning, pro-student, pro-success focus to help all students achieve their goals.”

Provost Academy is a state-authorized public virtual high school that is free of charge to residents of Colorado. Backed by EdisonLearning’s experience in preparing more than 1 million students for college and the workforce, Provost Academy provides students personalized learning plans adapted to meet their schedule and specific academic needs.

As a leading advocate and pioneer of online education in Colorado, Rubin brings a valuable knowledge and innovation to his new position. As Director of Student Online Learning for the Jeffco Public Schools, he developed full time online programs, and partnered with district high schools to implement hybrid learning opportunities. During his tenure, Rubin increased the number of students learning online throughout the district from 150 to over 3,000 and the number of online teachers from 20 to over 200 in 18 months. As a principal with Colorado Virtual Academy, Rubin designed and successfully launched the academy’s online high school.

“I have seen the strides students make in their academic success when they are truly engaged in the online experience, and their education matches their individual learning style. But I also know that not all online schools are the same,” Rubin said. “Unlike other online schools, Provost Academy has a robust offering of more than 100 courses, developed in collaboration with faculty of Stanford University’s School of Education. It is also backed by EdisonLearning, the nation's largest partner to public school districts and communities nationwide including here in Colorado.”

In addition to his work in schools, Rubin is advancing online opportunities for Colorado students as a member of the Colorado Department of Education’s Committee for Online Learning. Outside of the field of education, Rubin has partnered with Sun Microsystems and Microsoft to develop educational initiatives in the United States as well as in Japan and Australia. He received his Master’s in Educational Leadership from Colorado University-Denver, and his undergraduate degree from San Jose State University.

“We are extremely pleased and honored that Audie Rubin, a solid educator and true innovator has accepted the leadership role at Provost Academy,” said Jeffrey Popiel, President & CEO of Geotech Environmental Equipment in Denver and chairman of the Provost Academy Colorado board. “Mr. Rubin’s commitment to the mission of Provost Academy and experience adds tremendous value and quality to the education experience our students will receive.”

Provost Academy Colorado is currently enrolling students in grades 9 through 12 for the school year starting August 2010 online at www.co.provostacademy.com or by phone at 888.472.2656.