Tickets on sale now for "Romance of Rum" rum tasting party and fundraiser

Posted by Boulder Cuba Sister City Organization on February 2, 2009 at 2:00pm

The Romance of RumThursday, February 12, 20097-10 pmRembrandt Yard 1301 Spruce St. BoulderNew price and new speaker! Come away to the Caribbean on Thursday February 12, at the first Boulder-Cuba Sister City Organization's Romance of Rum rum tasting party and fundraiser. Featured speaker will be rum connoisseur Edward Hamilton, author of several books on rum and founder of the Ministry of Rum website. Guests will have the opportunity to sample a variety of rums from the Caribbean, accompanied by hors d'oeuvres from Aji, Centro and Islands.In addition to the talk and rum tasting, there will be a silent auction of exotically themed gift baskets that would make wonderful gifts for Valentine's Day, and DANCING to a Latin beat. Guest host/DJ is Arturo Gómez of radio KUVO. BOCUSCO will be selling its famous Mojitos to round out an unforgettable evening at the beautiful Rembrandt Yard gallery in downtown Boulder, an evening of enjoying yourself and helping others.**All funds raised will be used to ship medical equipment and supplies through Project C.U.R.E to hurricane-damaged Guantánamo Province and provide environmental education materials to their schools.**Tickets: $30 On sale now at www.bouldercuba.org. Tickets include: Talk, rum tasting, hors d’oeuvres.The Boulder-Cuba Sister City Organization is a 501(c)3 all volunteer, non political, non-profit organization. All donations and a portion of your ticket price are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.TICKETS ON SALE NOW!! At www.bouldercuba.org

Upcoming Group Therapy Opportunities

Posted by Moving to End Sexual Assault on December 30, 2008 at 10:22am

Art Therapy Group for Teen SurvivorsThis is a safe place and group environment to help the healing after experiencing sexual assault and abuse. Through the use of painting, clay, collage, and writing you will have the opportunity to release, express, and regain wholeness. No art experience necessary.Details:• For girls ages 13-17• Mondays from 4pm – 6pm starting February 2, 2008• 8 Week Program• Longmont, CO• $45 per session, Victim Compensation acceptedTo make a referral or for more information, please call Catherine M. Houston, MA, Art Therapist, 720.628.0158Catherine M. Houston, M.A. has been in private practice as an art psychotherapist since 2003, working predominantly with children, adolescents, and women. She uses art-making and body-centered practices as her main therapeutic modalities, and offers deep presence, connection, and faith in your healing process. Her training includes a graduate degree in Transpersonal Counseling and Psychology with an emphasis in art therapy from Naropa University, extensive Hatha yoga and meditation training and practice, and a deep and daily practice of art-exploration.Sponsored by Moving to End Sexual Assault (MESA)Part of the Mental Health Center serving Boulder & Broomfield CountiesArt Therapy Group for Adult Sexual Assault SurvivorsThrough the use of painting, clay, collage, and writing you will have the opportunity to release, express, and explore how sexual assault impacts you, your family, your partner and your friends.Unwanted sexual experiences can affect your emotional, physical, social and spiritual well-being. Group therapy is an effective way to heal from the trauma of sexual violence.No art experience necessary.Details:• Located in Longmont, CO• Saturdays, 1pm-3pm• 10 weeks starting February 7, 2009• $45 per session, Victim Compensation acceptedTo make a referral or for more information, please call Catherine M. Houston, MA, Art Therapist, 720.628.0158Catherine M. Houston, M.A. has been in private practice as an art psychotherapist since 2003, working predominantly with children, adolescents, and women. She uses art-making and body-centered practices as her main therapeutic modalities, and offers deep presence, connection, and faith in your healing process. Her training includes a graduate degree in Transpersonal Counseling and Psychology with an emphasis in art therapy from Naropa University, extensive Hatha yoga and meditation training and practice, and a deep and daily practice of art-exploration.Sponsored by Moving to End Sexual Assault (MESA)Part of the Mental Health Center serving Boulder & Broomfield CountiesTherapy Group for Adult Sexual Assault SurvivorsExplore how sexual assault impacts you, your family, your partner and your friends. Unwanted sexual experiences can affect your emotional, physical, social and spiritual well-being. Group therapy is an effective way to heal from the trauma of sexual violence.This 14-week group will provide: a safe, confidential environment to share feelings connection and support with others who have had similar experiences tools to help you work with difficult thoughts and feelings the opportunity to reconnect with your power and resourcefulnessWednesday evenings, 6:00-7:30pmBegins February 4thRuns for 14 weeksFor more information or to schedule a group screening appointment, please call or email MESA:303-443-0400info@movingtoendsexualassault.orgWild at HeartHorses and Healing Trauma: For those that have experienced sexual traumaBe a part of the mutual healing of horse and human. Moving to End Sexual Assault, Colorado Horse Rescue, and Wild at Heart are collaborating to partner individuals with a history of sexual trauma and horses who have experienced neglect and abuse. The extraordinary sensitivity of horses and their unique capacity to heal with patience and regain trust will inspire and challenge the work of men in recovery to regain mastery and confidence in their own lives. Each individual will partner with one horse for the duration of the group. No horse experience is required.Men’s Group beginning March 2009Women’s Group beginning February 21, 2009(10 am – 12 pm, Saturdays; Group will run until April 11th)Colorado Horse RescueLongmont, ColoradoFor more information and/or to register please contact Melissa : 303-443-0400 or melissa@movingtoendsexualassault.orgPlease note that space is limited and we encourage you to register early.

Upcoming Group Therapy Opportunities

Posted by Moving to End Sexual Assault on December 30, 2008 at 10:22am

Art Therapy Group for Teen SurvivorsThis is a safe place and group environment to help the healing after experiencing sexual assault and abuse. Through the use of painting, clay, collage, and writing you will have the opportunity to release, express, and regain wholeness. No art experience necessary.Details:• For girls ages 13-17• Mondays from 4pm – 6pm starting February 2, 2008• 8 Week Program• Longmont, CO• $45 per session, Victim Compensation acceptedTo make a referral or for more information, please call Catherine M. Houston, MA, Art Therapist, 720.628.0158Catherine M. Houston, M.A. has been in private practice as an art psychotherapist since 2003, working predominantly with children, adolescents, and women. She uses art-making and body-centered practices as her main therapeutic modalities, and offers deep presence, connection, and faith in your healing process. Her training includes a graduate degree in Transpersonal Counseling and Psychology with an emphasis in art therapy from Naropa University, extensive Hatha yoga and meditation training and practice, and a deep and daily practice of art-exploration.Sponsored by Moving to End Sexual Assault (MESA)Part of the Mental Health Center serving Boulder & Broomfield CountiesArt Therapy Group for Adult Sexual Assault SurvivorsThrough the use of painting, clay, collage, and writing you will have the opportunity to release, express, and explore how sexual assault impacts you, your family, your partner and your friends.Unwanted sexual experiences can affect your emotional, physical, social and spiritual well-being. Group therapy is an effective way to heal from the trauma of sexual violence.No art experience necessary.Details:• Located in Longmont, CO• Saturdays, 1pm-3pm• 10 weeks starting February 7, 2009• $45 per session, Victim Compensation acceptedTo make a referral or for more information, please call Catherine M. Houston, MA, Art Therapist, 720.628.0158Catherine M. Houston, M.A. has been in private practice as an art psychotherapist since 2003, working predominantly with children, adolescents, and women. She uses art-making and body-centered practices as her main therapeutic modalities, and offers deep presence, connection, and faith in your healing process. Her training includes a graduate degree in Transpersonal Counseling and Psychology with an emphasis in art therapy from Naropa University, extensive Hatha yoga and meditation training and practice, and a deep and daily practice of art-exploration.Sponsored by Moving to End Sexual Assault (MESA)Part of the Mental Health Center serving Boulder & Broomfield CountiesTherapy Group for Adult Sexual Assault SurvivorsExplore how sexual assault impacts you, your family, your partner and your friends. Unwanted sexual experiences can affect your emotional, physical, social and spiritual well-being. Group therapy is an effective way to heal from the trauma of sexual violence.This 14-week group will provide: a safe, confidential environment to share feelings connection and support with others who have had similar experiences tools to help you work with difficult thoughts and feelings the opportunity to reconnect with your power and resourcefulnessWednesday evenings, 6:00-7:30pmBegins February 4thRuns for 14 weeksFor more information or to schedule a group screening appointment, please call or email MESA:303-443-0400info@movingtoendsexualassault.orgWild at HeartHorses and Healing Trauma: For those that have experienced sexual traumaBe a part of the mutual healing of horse and human. Moving to End Sexual Assault, Colorado Horse Rescue, and Wild at Heart are collaborating to partner individuals with a history of sexual trauma and horses who have experienced neglect and abuse. The extraordinary sensitivity of horses and their unique capacity to heal with patience and regain trust will inspire and challenge the work of men in recovery to regain mastery and confidence in their own lives. Each individual will partner with one horse for the duration of the group. No horse experience is required.Men’s Group beginning March 2009Women’s Group beginning February 21, 2009(10 am – 12 pm, Saturdays; Group will run until April 11th)Colorado Horse RescueLongmont, ColoradoFor more information and/or to register please contact Melissa : 303-443-0400 or melissa@movingtoendsexualassault.orgPlease note that space is limited and we encourage you to register early.

Men Standing Up!

Posted by Moving to End Sexual Assault on December 30, 2008 at 10:18am

Men Standing UpTaking Action against Sexual AssaultThis program trains male volunteers from the community to conduct presentations to students in local schools and members of community groups. The focus is on how to end sexual assault, sexual harassment, and other forms of violence against women. Studies have shown that men are more likely to hear this message from other men.We are looking for a diverse group of men ages 16 and up. Volunteers that are interested in making presentations are required to attend a 40-hour training program. There are other opportunities in addition to presentations such as:Planning and participating in community projects to get the word out to other malesOutreach opportunities such as tabling at Farmers MarketMaintaining the Men Standing Up BlogWriting for the biweekly newsletterHelping at eventsIf you are a man concerned about the level of men’s violence in our society and would like to do something to make a difference, our Men Standing Up program may be for you.In the words of those in the program, “We are a group of men who are committed to understanding our unique responsibilities for ending violence against women and taking whatever steps toward change that we can. You can help us make a difference.”--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Upcoming Men Standing Up Training:Mondays – 5:30 – 8:30 pmFebruary 9, 23; March 2, 16Wednesdays – 5:30 – 8:30 pmFebruary 11, 18; March 4, 11, 18Saturdays – 10:00 am – 4:00 pmFebruary 21, 28, March 14You must complete the full application and have an interview to be accepted to the Men Standing Up 40 Hour Training. The 40 Hour Training is for Men Standing Up Volunteers that will be presenting in schools, there are other opportunities that do not require the same time commitmentCall 303.443.0400 or check out www.movingtoendsexualassault.org for more information!

Volunteer Crisis Counselor Opportunity!

Posted by Moving to End Sexual Assault on December 30, 2008 at 10:16am

Volunteer Hotline24 Hour Rape Crisis & Information HotlineVolunteer as an advocate on the 24-Hour Crisis Hotline. A Volunteer Hotline Advocate is often the first point of contact for those affected by sexual assault. You can make a difference by offering non-judgmental emotional support, crisis counseling, and resource information to victims of sexual assault and other interested parties. We offer a comprehensive training program for hotline volunteers, giving you the tools to feel comfortable and successful in this important position.“[Hotline training] has influenced me positively to make a difference and stand up for people.”Counselors (women and men) serve on the hotline and may accompany survivors to the hospital and police interviews.Training is 40 hours of intensive education on the psychological, medical and legal implications of sexual assault, as well as all forms of oppression and how they are interconnected. Crisis intervention and counseling skills are developed through discussion, role-plays and feedback.Volunteers must complete the application and screening interview process, attend all training sessions, and have access to a private telephone while on-call.Volunteers should also attend two evening meetings per month and fulfill at least a 6 month commitment. Hotline shifts can be scheduled around other commitments.“I feel very privileged to be a part of this program. The clear dedication and energy of staff and volunteers was tremendously encouraging.”Bilingual Counselors NeededMESA's 24 hour Rape Crisis & Information Hotline is also provided in Spanish and bilingual counselors are needed. MESA believes that our counselor should be aware of cultural differences, especially when working with diverse populations.Training includes education on the psychological, medical and legal implications of sexual assault, as well as all forms of oppression and how they are interconnected.Bilingual Counselors also become part of a team of volunteers that pursues creative ways of reaching out to the Latino community and collaborates in this process“I honestly feel this is the most worthwhile volunteer experience I have had.”--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Upcoming Rape Crisis & Information Hotline Training:Mondays – 5:30 – 8:30 pmFebruary 9, 23; March 2, 16Wednesdays – 5:30 – 8:30 pmFebruary 11, 18; March 4, 11, 18Thursday – 6:00 – 8:00 pmMarch 5Saturdays – 10:00 am – 4:00 pmFebruary 21, 28, March 14Call 303.443.0400 or check out www.movingtoendsexualassault.org for more information!

Summer Courses (Students ages 13-18)

Posted by Cottonwood Institute on December 29, 2008 at 8:15pm

Students!

Get out of the house this summer for an unforgettable adventure with the Cottonwood Institute. Practice cool survival skills, meet new people, and tackle local environmental issues to help change the world! Below are our 2009 courses for adventurous students. To register for a course, please go to www.cottonwoodinstitute.org and click the Register For A Course Today! link or call us at 303.447.1076. Scholarships are available. COURSES FOR STUDENTS 13 - 18 YEARS OLD:

WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER PROJECT We have the unique opportunity to work with Colorado Firecamp to learn about fire ecology, fire behavior, receive real wildland firefighter training, and practice wilderness survival skills, while completing much needed wildfire mitigation projects to reduce the fuel load and fire danger in the Upper Arkansas Valley. Date: June 13 - 19, 2009. Price: $895. Location: Near Salida, Colorado. Age: 15 – 18 years old. HORSE CARETAKER PROJECT

We will collaborate with Sundance Lodge to practice essential camping and wilderness survival skills, basic horseback riding skills, and we will work together to complete much-needed horse caretaking projects. Date: June 24 - 30, 2009. Price: $995. Location: near Nederland, Colorado. Age: 13 – 16 years old

STONE AGE SURVIVAL PROJECT We will team up with Earth Knack to learn stone-age survival skills, including: stone tools, stone knives, primitive weapons, friction fire, and shelter construction and complete environmental service projects, including: gardening, composting, fire mitigation, and green building projects, while learning how to reduce our environmental footprint in this modern age. Date: July 8 - 14, 2009. Price: $995. Location: Crestone, Colorado. Age: 15 – 18 ENDANGERED WOLVES AND ANIMAL TRACKING

We will work in conjunction with Mission: Wolf to learn about the ecology, habitat, reintroduction efforts, and controversy surrounding endangered wolves, while practicing essential wilderness survival skills and animal tracking and completing important projects to care for captive wolves and their habitat. Date: July 18 - 24, 2009. Price: $995. Location: Gardner, Colorado. Age: 13 – 16 years old. MOUNTAIN BIKING SURVIVAL PROJECT We are excited to partner with Singletrack Mountain Bike Adventures to offer a new course for 2009. We will spend the week mountainbiking and exploring the trails in the mountains west of Boulder, practicing survival skills, learning how to use components of our bikes to survive, and completing trail maintenance and restoration work to give back to the land. Date: August 1 - 7, 2009. Price: $995. Location: West of Boulder, Colorado. Age: 15 – 18 years old.

Base Camp Bash

Posted by Cottonwood Institute on December 29, 2008 at 7:16pm

Base Camp BashThe Cottonwood Institute is proud to host our 4th Annual Base Camp Bash Fundraising Event on Friday, April 17, 2009 from 7 - 10pm at the Wynkoop Brewing Company in Lower Downtown Denver and we would like to invite you to participate in this wonderful community event! The Wynkoop is graciously hosting our event in the Mercantile Room. During the Base Camp Bash, we will host a silent auction to raise money to help underwrite the Community Adventure Program at public schools in the Boulder/Denver area and to help raise money for our Jason F. Griffith Scholarship Fund for students to attend our 2009 Summer Courses.Tickets: Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door and can be purchased directly through the Cottonwood Institute. Your ticket will grant you entrance to our silent auction, live music, free appetizers, fabulous giveaway prizes, and a cash bar! To purchase a ticket, please go to www.cottonwoodinstitute.org and click the Donate Now button below. In the message area, please write Base Camp Bash and share your information with us so we can add you to the guest list.

Essential Survival Skills Overnight

Posted by Cottonwood Institute on December 29, 2008 at 7:10pm

Essential Survival Skills Overnight

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Popular shows like Survivorman and Man Vs. Wild are captivating audiences nationwide, but do you have what it takes to survive? Survival stories of missing people make headlines on a weekly basis and we are faced with the sobering reality that anyone can be caught in a real survival situation. Essential Survival Skills is an action-packed course designed to teach participants how to stay alive during a real survival situation.

During this 2-day course we will hike to a base camp where we will most of the first day practicing nature awareness skills, minimum impact camping techniques, learning survival priorities, building natural shelters, and starting environmentally responsible fires using primitive and modern methods. We will then break into smaller groups and participate in a 24-hour survival scenario to put our skills to the test in a controlled environment. During our last day we will debrief our scenario, talk about long-term survival considerations, and complete an environmental service project to walk our talk and give back to the land. To register for this course, please go to www.cottonwoodinstitute.org and click the Register For A Course Today! link or call us at 303.447.1076. COURSE ITINERARY: Introduction, Essential Camping Skills, Introduction to Wilderness Survival - We will meet at a central location in Boulder, CO for quick introductions, to check our gear and equipment, and to head to the mountains near Nederland, Colorado. We hike in a short 1-2 mile hike to our base camp where we will set up camp, practice nature awareness skills, and learn minimum impact camping skills. We have an introduction to wilderness survival skills, learn from real survival stories, and cover survival priorities, basics of natural shelters, primitive and modern fire methods, and survival kits. Shelter and Fire - We will dive in deep in the afternoon spending our time building natural shelters, such as the pine needle bed, a lean-to survival shelter, and the classic debris shelter. We will also work on primitive and modern fire methods such as 1-match fires, magnesium striker/petroleum cotton ball fires, and friction fire methods including the bow-drill, hand-drill, and fire plow methods. We will also demonstrate and give suggestions on how to set up a survival camp. Survival Scenario - We will split into smaller groups and put our skill and knowledge to the test. Each group will shed their modern gear and participate in a real 24-hour survival scenario. Participants will need to come up with an action plan, address their survival priorities, set up a survival camp, create a natural shelter, start an maintain a fire, collect water, and identify rescue/signaling options. Debrief Survival Scenario, Long-Term Survival, Environmental Service Project, Final Celebration - In the morning we will debrief our survival scenario, take a tour of our survival shelters, discuss long-term survival considerations, break down our camp and complete a mini environmental service project to give back to the land. NUTS AND BOLTS: Age: 18 or older unless accompanied by an adult. Host Organization: TBA Location: Near Nederland, Colorado Date: June 6-7, 2009 Course Code: SO-1 Price: $295. Please Note: This price does not include airfare to and from Colorado, airport shuttles, hotel lodging, or transportation. We will meet at a central location and carpool to the Gates Camp. Difficulty: You do not need any prior camping experience or survival training, so beginners are welcome! Be prepared to hike up to 2 miles at altitude and work hard practicing survival skills and completing environmental service projects that may involve removing invasive plants, sawing and hauling wood, and clearing debris. Again, at the Cottonwood Institute, we encourage folks to work at their own pace to make the course as mild or as wild as they would like, even if it is slow and steady! Average Temperatures: High 80ºF / Low 50ºF. Be prepared for any kind of weather in the mountains of Colorado. Course Book: 98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive!, by Cody Lundin. AFTER THIS COURSE, YOU WILL: Practice essential camping and wilderness survival skills that could save your life. Complete a 24-hour survival scenario. Complete an important environmental service project to positively impact the natural world. Learn more about the Cottonwood Institute, its mission, educational programs, and philosophy.

Survival Fire Workshop

Posted by Cottonwood Institute on December 29, 2008 at 7:03pm

Survival Fire Workshop

The Cottonwood Institute is excited to present a one-day Survival Fire Workshop for adventurous adults that want to hone their survival skills and practice a variety of fire making techniques. During this course you will participate in an interactive survival scenario, learn about survival priorities, tips, strategies, and techniques, practice fire building techniques, 1-match fires, striker and cotton ball fires, friction fire, bow drill fires, and you will learn how to make a survival kit. This day will be action packed, so get ready to learn how to make a survival fire that could save your life! To register for this course, please go to www.cottonwoodinstitute.org and click the Register For A Course Today! link or call us at 303.447.1076. COURSE ITINERARY: Meet at Chautauqua Park in Boulder at 8:00am Check/issue gear Load gear and carpool to base camp location Review safety issues Hike to our base camp location Survival scenario, debrief the scenario, go over survival priorities Principles of fire building Positive impact fires Natural tinder 1-match fires Striker and cotton ball fires Lunch Friction fire Rescue methods and techniques Survival kits Break down fire pit and base camp Complete course by 5:00pm NUTS AND BOLTS: Age: 18 or older unless accompanied by an adult. Location: Near Ward, Colorado Date: Saturday, May 23, 2009 Course Code: SF-1 Price: $100. Please Note: This price does not include airfare to and from Colorado, airport shuttles, hotel lodging, or transportation to base camp location. Lunch is included. Difficulty: Be prepared to work hard practicing survival skills at altitude. The Cottonwood Institute encourages folks to work at their own pace to make the course as mild or as wild as they would like, even if it is slow and steady! Average Temperatures: High 70ºF / Low 40ºF. Be prepared for any kind of weather in the mountains of Colorado. Course Text: Bushcraft: Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival, by Mors Kochanski.

Survival Shelter Workshop 5/9/09

Posted by Cottonwood Institute on December 29, 2008 at 7:00pm

Survival Shelter Workshop

The Cottonwood Institute is excited to present a one-day Survival Shelter Workshop for adventurous adults that want to hone their survival skills and practice a variety of shelter building techniques. During this course you will participate in an interactive survival scenario, learn about survival priorities, tips, strategies, and techniques, practice making a pine needle shelter, a lean-to shelter, and a debris shelter, and you will learn how to make a survival kit. This day will be action packed, so get ready to learn how to survive in the night in a plush survival shelter! To register for this course, please go to www.cottonwoodinstitute.org and click the Register For A Course Today! link or call us at 303.447.1076. COURSE ITINERARY: Meet at Chautauqua Park in Boulder at 8:00am Check/issue gear Load gear and carpool to base camp location Review safety issues Hike to our base camp location Survival scenario, debrief the scenario, go over survival priorities Principles of shelter building Pine needle shelter Lean-to shelter Lunch Debris shelter Rescue methods and techniques Survival kits Break down base camp Complete course by 5:00pm NUTS AND BOLTS: Age: 18 or older unless accompanied by an adult. Location: Near Ward, Colorado Date: Saturday, May 9, 2009 Course Code: SS-1 Price: $100. Please Note: This price does not include airfare to and from Colorado, airport shuttles, hotel lodging, or transportation to base camp location. Lunch is included. Difficulty: You do not need any prior camping experience or survival training, so beginners are welcome! Be prepared to work hard practicing survival skills at altitude. The Cottonwood Institute encourages folks to work at their own pace to make the course as mild or as wild as they would like, even if it is slow and steady! Average Temperatures: High 70ºF / Low 40ºF. Be prepared for any kind of weather in the mountains of Colorado. Course Text: Bushcraft: Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival, by Mors Kochanski.

FREE Survival Skills Clinics

Posted by Cottonwood Institute on December 29, 2008 at 7:00pm

Free Survival Skills Clinics

Free Winter Survival Skills Clinics - Whether you are an experienced winter camping guru, backcountry snowboarder or skier, casual snowshoer, or a beginner, this winter survival clinic could save your life. During this clinic you will participate in an interactive survival scenario, learn about winter survival priorities, tips, strategies, and techniques, learn how to make basic snow shelters, and will learn how to make a personal survival kit. This free clinic is brought to you by the Cottonwood Institute, a non-profit in Denver, CO that inspires students how to change the world through an exciting blend of adventure, wilderness survival, and environmental service. Voluntary donations to help underwrite our public school programs will be accepted. Below is a list of our upcoming survival clinics: REI - Boulder Store, Tuesday, January 13th, 2009 at 7pm located at: 1789 28th Street, Boulder, CO 80301. REI - Engelwood Store, Tuesday, January 20th, 2009 at 7pm located at: 9637 E County Line Road, Englewood, CO 80112. REI - Denver Flagship Store, Friday, January 30th, 2009 at 7pm located at: 1416 Platte Street, Denver, CO 80202.

Free 3-Season Survival Skills Clinics - Popular shows like Survivorman and Man vs Wild are captivating audiences nationwide, but do you have what it takes to survive? The Cottonwood Institute is excited to host a series of FREE Survival Skills Clinics at REI in Boulder and Denver. During these clinics you will participate in an interactive survival scenario, learn about survival priorities, tips, strategies, and techniques, and will learn how to make a personal survival kit. This free clinic is brought to you by the Cottonwood Institute, an educational nonprofit in Denver, CO that inspires students how to change the world through an exciting blend of adventure, wilderness survival, and environmental service. Voluntary donations will be used to help underwrite our educational programs at public schools in the Boulder/Denver area.Below is a list of our upcoming 3-season survival clinics: REI - Denver Flagship Store, Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 7pm located at: 1416 Platte Street, Denver, CO 80202. REI - Boulder Store, Thursday, April 2nd, 2009, at 7pm located at: 1789 28th Street, Boulder, CO 80301.

Winter Survival Skills Courses 1/24/09 & 3/14/09

Posted by Cottonwood Institute on December 29, 2008 at 6:57pm

Winter Survival Skills Workshop

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The Cottonwood Institute is excited to offer a one-day Winter Survival Skills course to practice the hard skills that will keep you alive during a short-term winter survival situation. Whether you are an experienced winter camping guru, snowboarder or skier, casual snowshoer, or a beginner, this Winter Survival Skills course could save your life.

During this course you will participate in an interactive winter survival scenario, learn about winter survival priorities, tips, strategies, and techniques, learn how to make emergency snow shelters, learn modern fire making techniques, learn how to make a winter survival kit, and you will practice a winter medical scenario. This day will be action packed, so dress in your warmest outdoor gear and get ready to learn how to survive in the winter! COURSE ITINERARY: Meet at Chautauqua Park in Boulder at 8:00am Check/issue gear Load gear and carpool to base camp location outside of Ward, CO Review safety issues and tips on staying warm Snow shoe to base camp location Winter survival scenario, debrief the scenario, go over survival priorities. Quinzhee Snow Shelters Medical Scenario Lunch Snow trench emergency snow shelter Modern fire methods Winter water procurement Rescue methods and techniques Winter survival kits Break down base camp Complete course by 5:00pm To register for this course, please go to www.cottonwoodinstitute.org and click the Register For A Course Today! link or call us at 303.447.1076. NUTS AND BOLTS: Age: 18 or older unless accompanied by an adult. Location: Near Ward, Colorado Date: January 24, 2009 and March 14, 2009 Course Code: WSS-2 and WSS-3 Price: $100. Please Note: This price does not include airfare to and from Colorado, airport shuttles, hotel lodging, or transportation to base camp location. Lunch is included. Difficulty: You do not need any prior camping experience or survival training, so beginners are welcome! Be prepared to work hard practicing survival skills at altitude. The Cottonwood Institute encourages folks to work at their own pace to make the course as mild or as wild as they would like, even if it is slow and steady! Average Temperatures: High 40ºF / Low 0ºF. Be prepared for any kind of weather in the mountains of Colorado. Course Text: Bushcraft: Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival, by Mors Kochanski.

Boulder Flatirons Rotary helps Bright Beginnings

Posted by Bill Hendrick on December 29, 2008 at 5:29pm

The Flatirons Rotary Club of Boulder recently awarded a $1,000 grant to Bright Beginnings of Boulder. Bright Beginnings provides a free packet of materials (available in both English and Spanish) to any interested Colorado family with a child, prenatal to age three…without regard to income, age or any other eligibility criteria. There are several different Bright Beginnings packets…0-12 months, 12-24 months and (coming soon!) 24-36 months.85% of brain development occurs during the first three years of life. Providing stimulation and nurturing through reading, conversing and playing games with your child are invaluable in laying the groundwork for his or her future emotional, social and intellectual good health and well-being.

Lifetime Warrenty? -

Posted by M on December 26, 2008 at 9:30pm

Lifetime Warrenty? -I have been buying various car parts at a auto parts here in Broomfield for over 10 years. They are located at 120th and Main in the Safeway shopping center. When you buy some of the items they offer a more expensive model that includes a “Lifetime Warranty.” This extra expense is usually only a few extra bucks. What they should say when they sell you the more expensive product is “Would you like to purchase a more expensive model that has a limited lifetime warranty that does not cover the part if it wears out?”Why would I pay extra for a product that is not covered if it wears out? (they dont tell you this when you pay the extra money for the product with the lifetime warranty) I think the point of a warranty is to cover a part if it no longer works. I have bought brake pads from the same place for years. In the past when the brake pads were worn out I brought them back and they gave me a set of brake pads for free. This was a great deal for me and it was the reason I paid extra for the brakes.They have changed their policy and no longer warranty the brake pads when they wear out. I purchased some brake pads just a few days ago the sales woman told me to bring back the worn out pads and they would refund my money. When I brought them back she avoided me at first I went to the manager and told me the “Limited Lifetime Warranty Excludes Wear”. So he could not refund my money for the brakes.I was also told by one of the employees that it was the “managers call” weather to warranty the brakes. When I bought the brakes I was not told “ this warranty is also only covered if the manager wants to cover it”I called Customer Service and also got no where. I told the customer service agent that the warranty was misleading. I was told that calling it misleading was my opinion. I also let him know that I was told when I bought the brakes I was told to bring the worn out ones back for a refund. he said it didnt matter what the employee said. He said their policy changed a few years ago, and there was nothing he could do.I have never been a believer in purchasing extended warranty’s. After this experience I will look closer at the purchases I make and what I am “Promised” at the time of the sale. I will also look closer for deceptive sales techniques. In this economy it is sad to see that corporate cpmpanies can have such little reguard for their customers.I am aware that there are other choices available in Broomfield to purchase car parts. Advance Auto Parts and NAPA seem to have good prices and I know they have great people working there. I think I will start going there for my purchases.

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.”

At D'Vine Wine, Last Minute Custom Gifts are Possible, Inexpensive and Delicious

Posted by Erik Keith on December 16, 2008 at 4:06pm

Everyone's taken a bottle of wine to a dinner party. But wouldn't it be more memorable if the label was adorned with the host's picture? "Corporate gifters" are constantly scratching their heads about creative gifts for clients. How about making a personalized, mixed batch of wine with a humorous message that will certainly make a splash? Downtown Denver is lined with lovely restaurants and hip bars, but where can you go to impress friends with a venue unlike anything else? D'Vine Wine answers all of the above and more.D'Vine Wine, a boutique winery specializing in custom wines made from the highest quality varietals, offers corporate gift givers, wine lovers and aimless shoppers each an inviting place to call home. D'Vine Wine's Urban Winery is located in the heart of downtown at 1660 Champa Street( http://www.winerydenver.com).D'Vine Wine, a California-based franchise, makes unique handcrafted wines in its Colorado wineries. Working directly with esteemed Napa vineyards, the local vintners regularly bring in freshly crushed grapes and create customized wines, traditional varietals and creative blends."Whether you need 30 bottles or just one, we offer high quality wine, reasonable prices and an unbeatable turnaround," said Ross Meriwether, Owner. "We are booking up quickly for holiday events, so call soon, but last minute holiday gifts can be made in 15 minutes."The Downtown Denver D'Vine Wine is open six days a week, closed Mondays. Its hours vary: Tuesday-Thursday open Noon - 7 p.m.; Friday-Saturday open Noon - 8 p.m. and Sundays open Noon - 6 p.m. Stop in for $5 Music and Merlot on Friday evenings from 6-8 p.m.D'Vine Wine's tasting room is also a retail Mecca, offering a variety of wine-related merchandise, all with wine humor or charm. Besides personalized wine, your favorite "wineaux" will delight in a gift of stemware, cookbooks, t-shirts, holiday ornaments, quirky corks, wine racks and more."The holidays are the season of giving, appreciation of good food and celebration, and wine inevitably plays a role," added Meriwether. "We offer the opportunity to taste, create and enjoy giving unique specialty wines without the high price or intimidating atmosphere."Other locations of D'Vine Wine in Colorado include the Silverthorne Winery at 358 Blue River Parkway, Unit G ( http://www.winerysilverthorne.com) and the Breckenridge Tasting Room at 211 South Main Street. Under different ownership is the Manitou Springs location, 934 Manitou Ave., Suite 108.

www.DenverForeclosureTour.com-Tour this Saturday, December 13 9-1

Posted by Rob Kelly on December 10, 2008 at 3:46pm

DENVER FORECLOSURES ARE HOT PROPERTIES"Get on the Bus" Tour Educates, Informs Buyers WHO: Rob Kelly, licensed realtor, RE/MAX Alliance, LouisvilleEvan J. Hughes, Colorado Pro Inspect, LLC, Certified Home InspectorDJ Robbins, Golden Lenders, Licensed Mortgage BrokerPlus: Bus full of potential homebuyersMEDIA: Representatives of the media are invited to attend this event.WHAT: A "rolling classroom" tour of 6-8 homes in Thornton, Northglenn and Westminster. The houses are bank owned or HUD homes, all in some state of distress. Buyers will likely see some bargains, but, over the past few months, foreclosure properties in the Denver metro area have sparked bidding wars.During the tour, buyers can talk with the experts; a licensed realtor, licensed mortgage broker, a certified home inspector, and an attorney. Also on board: a news crew from NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation). The crew is shooting for a two hour special on how the current economy has affected American lives.WHEN: December 13, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.WHERE: (RE/MAX Alliance 225 South Boulder Road, Louisville, CO 80027CONTACT: For more information, please contact:Rob KellyRE/MAX Alliance(720) 284-9211rob@robkellycolorado.comwww.denverforeclosuretour.comwww.RobKellyColorado.com# # #

October Housing Market Down in Denver Metro Area 1.2%

Posted by Erik Keith on December 10, 2008 at 11:00am

Integrated Asset Services, LLC (IAS, www.iasreo.com), a leader in default management and residential collateral valuation, today released its IAS360™ House Price Index for October 2008. The monthly report, which includes the most current and granular data available in the industry, showed a 1.7% decline in house prices on a national level in October, with an annual decline of 12.9% versus a 13.3% decline in September.Denver, MSA house prices were down 1.2% in October and 15.3% year-over-year. Adams County saw an uptick of 0.2% in October but continues to decline year-over-year at a rate of 20.3%. Denver County continued to add to an already weak housing market with a decline of 2.5% in October and 21.4% year-over-year (see table below for more Denver metro area counties).Housing prices at the national level continue to look bleak. At the census region level, results for October show all four U.S. Census regions experiencing declines in house prices, with the South and West experiencing double digit declines year-over-year of 10.2% and 18.7%, respectively. Compared to October of 2007; Midwestern, Northeastern and Western regions saw a slight improvement in the rate of decline during October 2008, posting 1.5 %, 1.8% and 1.4% declines in house prices respectively. Finally, the Southern region continued to fall amid a weakened housing market.During the month of October, all nine U.S. Census Divisions posted declines. Mountain, Pacific and South Atlantic census divisions posted double digit year-over-year declines of 12.4 %, 20.0% and 10.6%, respectively. East North Central and West South Central divisions continued to hold steady with slight annual declines of 2.4% and 1.7 %.“We’re continuing to see a decline in housing prices across the country and at the county level. That said, we’re also seeing some signs of strengthening in counties that are located in ground zero states of the housing crisis,” said Dave McCarthy, President and CEO of Integrated Asset Services. “With the IAS360 and the other granular Integrated Asset Services iMVI data, we are keeping a close eye on the counties within hard hit states, because it’s the counties that will be the harbinger of signs of a market recovery.”States that have been hard hit by the housing crisis, such as Arizona and Florida, are seeing some counties appreciate in house prices.The IAS360 House Price Index is a comprehensive housing index tracking monthly change in the median sales price of detached single-family residences across the U.S. The index, based on all arms-length transactions, tracks data of 15,000 “neighborhoods”, which is rolled-up to report on the changes in 360 counties, nine census divisions, four regions, and the nation overall. The IAS360 House Price Index is delivered on a monthly basis.Leveraging real time data and nationwide resources, Integrated Asset Services' high-tech and high-touch product lines, (www.iasreo.com/risk.html), offer an unmatched level of detail in a rapidly changing housing environment. IAS reports on "neighborhood" level house price trends, residential market climate and collateral valuation. Integrated Asset Services also provides traditional valuation products and full service REO Management and Disposition.

Legacy Cheerleaders Help to Bring Joy to Families

Posted by Dana McNulty on December 9, 2008 at 9:13pm

On weekends until Christmas you will find the Legacy Cheerleaders at the FlatIrons Mall in Broomfield, helping the Kids Pages Holiday Hope at Home Program provide much-needed clothing, personal items, household items and wished-for toys to local children and families who would otherwise go without holiday gifts and necessities. This is the 6th Annual Holiday Giving Program that Kids Pages Cares has held at Christmastime to help give families a loving "hand-up" not a "hand out." The families that receive assistance from Kids' Pages Cares have encountered difficult circumstances, the loss of a job, an illness or injury, a disabled child, a disaster such as a fire, parental abandonment (grandparents and other family members taking custody of children). By receiving referrals directly from school administrators, they insure that the assistance is going to children and families that really need it and will make good use of the help. The Legacy Cheerleaders have "volunteered" their time during this Holiday Season to be at the Kids Pages Booth at the FlatIrons Mall to help people adopt a family or child from one of the Angel Trees around the booth. These girls have given up their free time to help make sure that this program collects as many toys, clothes and gift cards as possible during mall hours. The girls are rotating their time,and you can meet the cheerleaders and adopt a family on the weekends and on Monday and Tuesday before Christmas Day. These Award winning Cheerleaders are really proving that they know the meaning of giving back to their community. You will find the Kids Pages Cares booth in the FlatIrons Mall Food Court, right next to the Customer Service booth by the doors exiting to the outdoor ice rink.

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Posted by Silke Wurbs on December 6, 2008 at 2:17pm

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Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.