Posted by Erik Keith on February 25, 2009 at 3:57pm
The country’s unemployment rate stands at 7.6 percent, meaning that more than 11 million Americans are now without jobs. However, while the employment rate among high school graduates with no college education hovers at eight percent, those with bachelor’s degrees or higher are seeing the unemployment rate drop by more than half, to 3.8 percent, according to the U.S. Labor Department.Additionally, the average annual salary for individuals with graduate or doctoral degrees is $75,000, while bachelor’s degrees command an average salary of $51,000. For those relying on a high school diploma alone, their average salary drops significantly to $28,000.Therefore, for anyone seeking increased career stability in this shaky economy, higher education is the answer. Now is the best time to pursue an advanced degree to further a career, as demonstrated in a newly released video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDfew0YcDTo) by EducationDynamics.Fortunately, finding the best program to match a prospective student’s interests and goals has become much easier due to recent technological innovations and expanded access. With 4,146 colleges and universities in the United States, both on-campus and online, never have there been more educational options from which to choose.Expanded Educational OptionsInterest in online education has surged as a result of the convenience and flexibility it affords. Online learners can complete their coursework when it is most convenient―after the kids go to bed at night or even during a lunch break at work. Web-based courses also allow students to take classes at home, in effect eliminating time and money spent driving to class.For others, a traditional campus setting is the preferred environment. Traditional classes allow students to interact face-to-face with professors and fellow students alike, and generally offer more structure than their online counterparts.The choice between online learning and traditional on-campus programs is simply a matter of personal preference, and there are comprehensive resources, including eLearners.com and EarnMyDegree.com, that help prospective students find their ideal degree program.Additionally, the eLearners Advisor (http://www.elearners.com/advisor/) is designed to help prospective students determine whether online learning or a traditional educational format best suits their needs and preferences. For those unsure about which academic program to pursue, eLearners.com offers the Career Interest Test (http://www.livecareer.com/default.asp?lp=TG6A&cobrand=ELRN) to help people determine the career that best matches their personality.Important Questions to AskIn addition to deciding which format and degree to pursue, it is also important to note that returning to school will affect a student’s personal life. Some important questions to consider when determining whether now is the best time to enroll in a higher education program include:1. Do you have support from loved ones? To reach optimal academic performance, it is helpful to have the support of close friends and family.2. Do you have employer “buy-in”? Ask your boss whether he or she supports you completing coursework during lunch hour and whether it is appropriate for you to use a work computer for such activities.3. What is your plan or timeline? A three credit college course will require, on average, 10 to 12 hours per week.4. Do you have a home classroom or study area? A separate space for studying will help you concentrate and stay organized.5. Do you plan to seek financial assistance? Research scholarship and grant opportunities, and tax credits and deductions to help offset costs. The Debt-Free College Guide (http://debtfree-elearners.com/) is a comprehensive resource providing a state-by-state listing of options to help make college more affordable.Knowledge opens new doors and changes things for the better. Among the millions of people who will enroll in higher education this year, several will be the first in their families to receive a college diploma. Millions more will finish their degrees online. Many single parents will pursue continuing education to improve their earning potential. A newly-released EducationDynamics video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDfew0YcDTo) provides fresh inspiration to positively change lives and the world through a commitment to life-long learning.
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A few weeks ago, I met an amazing young man at one of my town hall meetings. His name is Ryan Paulson, and he is a student at Legacy High School in Broomfield. A standout defensive player for Legacy football, Ryan has now committed to attend the Naval Academy and has been awarded a football scholarship. Outside of football, Ryan is an outstanding student and an active volunteer in his community. He made such an impression on me that I could not resist contacting him again to bring him down to the state legislature and introduce him to my fellow legislators! The above picture shows Ryan Paulson and I, along with his mother Terry, father Mike, brother Logan and sister Bryanna.
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Two students from the Eldorado K-8 John Irwin School of Excellence joined me at the state capitol this past Friday (2/20) for Legislative Day 2009. Eric Walker and Taylor Davis were two of approximately 160 gifted and talented students from grades 8-12 who converged upon the capitol to shadow legislators and their aides for all or part of the day. The students were joined by parents and educators as they observed legislative activities and other vital governmental processes. It was a joy meeting Eric and Taylor and I hope they return soon!
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Posted by Tracy Cravens on February 12, 2009 at 3:17pm
Longmont Theatre presents"Once Upon a Mattress"February 27, 28March 1* 6, 7, 8* 12, 13, 14* Sunday performances are at 2:00 pm.All others are at 7:30 pmhttp://www.longmonttheatre.org/ or call 303-772-5200Once Upon a Mattress is the hilarious musical comedy retelling of "The Princess and the Pea." In an attempt to keep her son, Prince Dauntless, single, Queen Aggravain has decreed that only a princess who can pass her test may marry him. Furthermore, no one else in the kingdom may marry until he does. Lady Larken and Sir Harry share a desperate secret and must find a princess ... soon! Enter Winnifred the Woebegone (or "Fred" to her friends) who instantly catches the attention of the prince. Can she pass the Queen's test, survive twenty mattresses, marry the prince, and live happily ever after? It's a fun-filled musical comedy the whole family can enjoy! Rated PG for suggestive language.
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Posted by Bill Hendrick on February 10, 2009 at 3:26pm
Besides being a social highlight of January, Flatirons Rotary Club Charter Night is the club’s chance to honor someone whose vision has “sparked” something of value in our community. This year’s recipient is Pete Burridge, whose company Greenhouse Partners has developed Greenhouse Scholars. Pete started Greenhouse Scholars in order to create a scholarship program that makes a broad social impact by helping students to become community leaders. He believes that each of us is accountable to give back to the community. Greenhouse Scholars has given Pete a way to not only support high-performing, under-resourced students but to create opportunities for other civic-minded leaders to make meaningful and important contributions as well. As a young non-profit, Greenhouse Scholars currently focuses on supporting students in Colorado. But Pete aspires to replicate Greenhouse Scholars’ effective model across the country to provide a national, accountability driven, and comprehensive support model to further the cause of educational equity. Boulder Flatirons Rotary Club is part of ROTARY INTERNATIONAL, a worldwide organization of business and professional men and women dedicated to the principle of SERVICE ABOVE SELF. We meet every Wednesday morning at 7:15 a.m. at the East Boulder Senior Center, 5660 Sioux Drive in Boulder click here for map. We're ten years old and currently have 40 members. Visit us any Wednesday. We're a small, active and fun-loving group and we love company! For information about becoming a member, click http://www.boulderflatironsrotary.org or call 303-520-6660. And please join us at your earliest convenience. You'll find you're MOST WELCOME!
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Posted by Laurie Bullock on February 10, 2009 at 11:19am
VOLUNTEER VICTIM ADVOCATES NEEDEDFOR THE BOULDER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICEPosted by Laurie Bullock Tuesday, February 10, 2009The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office is seeking volunteers to serve as Victim Advocates. Advocates work with Boulder County law enforcement to provide assistance to victims of crime, accidents, trauma, and critical events. Working as a victim advocate offers the opportunity to touch the lives of others. Victim advocacy provides an invaluable source of support and information for people in our community who have had their worlds dramatically altered by traumatic events.Victim advocates – as well as the people they assist – benefit from this demanding work. Helping others in crisis provides deep satisfaction for advocates as they offer compassion, support, resources, and information. Many advocates feel they gain valuable self-knowledge and insight as they help others.Our free 40-hour training course covers a wide variety of topics that can be used in everyday life as well as in crises. The training course includes such topics as crisis intervention, listening skills, victimization, grief and loss, and domestic violence. A commitment of one year is required.In 2009 the training will be held March 31- April 25 – on Tuesday evenings and Saturdays during the day. The application deadline is March 6, 2009.Volunteers are needed for both on-scene and outreach advocate programs. Visit our website to see these volunteer job descriptions. Bilingual volunteers are always needed.For an application or more information, contact Donna Foster at dfoster@bouldercounty.org or 303-441-3656, or visit our website at www.bouldersheriff.org. On the website click on Employment at the top, scroll down to Volunteer Opportunities, then scroll down to On-scene or Outreach for more information.
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Posted by Erik Keith on February 10, 2009 at 10:05am
Camp Bow Wow today announced that its Founder and CEO Heidi Flammang has joined the advisory board of the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder. The Board is an all-volunteer group dedicated to helping the school in its commitment to providing a quality education, creating and disseminating knowledge and supporting the economic drivers of the region, state and nation.“We are very pleased that Heidi has agreed to join The Board. As an alumna, she brings not only her passion for the school and the university, but also her experience as an extremely successful entrepreneur, said Dean Dennis Ahlburg.Heidi Flammang is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Camp Bow Wow, the first and largest dog day care and boarding franchise in North America. Founded in 2000, the Colorado-based company has grown under her leadership to over 200 franchises in 38 states and Canada. Before starting Camp Bow Wow, Ms. Flammang had a career in pharmaceutical sales working with such firms as Bristol-Myers Squibb and Rhone Poulenc. Ms. Flammang has a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Denver and a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Ms. Flammang resides in Boulder, CO with her husband Jason, daughter Tori, and their two dogs, Raider and Scout.The Board, formerly known as the Business Advisory Council, was founded more that 25 years ago by former Dean Larry Singell. They hold their biannual meetings on campus at the Koelbel Building in Boulder. Board members have participated in targeted initiatives in corporate relations outreach, fundraising, enrollment and tuition modeling, executive education and branding and communications efforts.Members of The Board represent alumni, business people and corporate community members. Alumni include Larissa Herda, ’80, President, CEO and Chairwoman, Time Warner Telecom Inc.; Lyndon “Duke” Hanson, MBA ’85, Vice President and Co-Founder of Crocs; Richard Knowlton ’54, President, The Hormel Foundation; Michael Leeds, ’74, President Flight Star (also of the Leeds Family, the school’s namesake; and Jerry McMorris, ’62, former Chairman, President and CEO of the Rockies. Businesses and corporations represented include Merrill Lynch, Accenture, KPMG, Constellation Wines, Crocs, East West Partners, IBM, Mad Greens, St. Mary Land Exploration, Hitachi Consulting, Key National Finance, Korn Ferry International, Yahoo!, MGM, JP Morgan Chase, Ernst and Young, Morgan Stanley, Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman, Baydush Simon Weaver and First Western Trust Company.About Camp Bow WowCamp Bow Wow is the premier doggy day care and overnight camp in North America. It’s where a dog can be a dog®, and is designed to provide the highest levels of fun, safety and service for its campers, and peace of mind for their parents. Since the Boulder, Colo.-based company started franchising in 2003, Camp Bow Wow has sold more than 200 franchises in 38 states, plus one in Canada. As we grow, our simple philosophy remains the same: It’s all about the dogs.Visit us on the web at www.campbowwow.com.
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Dancers Rebekah Arth, Rebecca Walker and Kammie Deuschle and musicians and composers John Heins and Dechen Hawk join the lively Danse Etoile Ballet company for a performance of live music and dance with something for everyone.The show will open with the classical Pas des Odalisques from Le Corsaire ballet, Two solos from The Flames of Paris, followed by 3 world-premiere contemporary pieces The Black Eagle set on music by French singer Barbara, La Valse d’Amelie and A Place to be Together performed with live music. The show will close with the humoristic, jazzy Triplettes from Belville based on the 2003 award winner French movie and fabulous music by Ben Charest. Beautiful original lighting by Craig Bushman.Beat the winter blues with Danse Etoile BalletDanse Etoile Ballet's new show is a program suitable for adults and children seeking a sophisticated and engaging way to get engaged in the Art of Dance.Performance length is 90-minutes, including one intermission.Ticket prices are $19 GA/ $15 seniors/students/groups/BCAA and $10 for children under 12.Ticket fees included at Box Office. No parking fee.Call 720 938 3030 or box office at the Dairy Center for the Arts 303 444 7328.Danse Etoile Ballet at the Dairy Center for the Arts, BoulderMarch 6 at 7pm, March 7 at 4pm, March 8 at 2pm.Sponsored by Troubadour Bookstore, The SCFD of Boulder County, Town of Superior, Boulder Body Wear
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Hello all,Make sure you come to Nites this week, we will have a special grade specific nite with 3-5th graders only. The theme is Backwards Clothes Nite, so come looking crazy!See you at 7pm.
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Posted by Lane Hornung on February 5, 2009 at 1:30pm
There's a new blog for those interested in Colorado real estate and homes, entitled HighRGround. HighRGround covers the gambit of home and real estate-related topic for those living in Colorado, or for those relocating. Sellers will find useful information as well from our regularly-updated and engaging posts.Please visit today, and send us your comments.
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Posted by Erik Keith on February 2, 2009 at 2:22pm
1. It’s Time to Break Out of Your Four Walls. An individual or brick-and-mortar establishment has boundaries. However, with the vast reach of the Internet, there are endless opportunities to sell your art to consumers across the globe. Millions of consumers are embracing online art research and consumerism. Whether you use your own website or a site like www.masterpieceonline.com to promote your artwork, it’s time to get in the game!2. Recession isn’t a Time to Waste Time. Inventory tracking alone can be confusing, tedious and time consuming. Allowing software to manage your inventory process will give you back time and sanity to channel into other parts of your business.“Masterpiece enables me to be in all of my galleries every day. I can tell what sold and what is in inventory, out on approval, etc. at the touch of a button,” said Zelma Legendre, owner of Thornwood Gallery (two in Houston and one in Dallas). “With the Masterpiece server, all of my galleries are connected. If we get an e-mail inquiry we can answer it immediately without calling the other galleries. This makes us more efficient with our time and easier for our customers to get answers quickly.”3. It’s Time to Eliminate Operator Error. Humans are prone to error. Have you ever forgotten to log a sale? Do you have too many artists to manage consignments effectively? Do you use archaic systems for ringing in sales that result in more work on the back end? Technology is not as intimidating as many people seem to think. Instead, it can be helpful, and will simplify tasks that often lead to mistakes.4. You Deserve a Business Team. Money is tight; margins are slim. Not many galleries have business managers, marketing teams, web developers and accountants. Paying those salaries would sink most small businesses. But the solution is simple – and affordable.Masterpiece provides business support at the click of a mouse. With Masterpiece Solutions, websites can be customized to display and sell your artwork to online shoppers. When you run into a problem, Masterpiece’s technical support team will walk you through the solution. “Our clients constantly tell us that we have the best website and we love the technical support! When we need them, they are there,” added Zelma.5. Informed Decisions = Better Decisions. With art to sell and a business to run, there are “must haves” and “nice to haves.” Reporting often falls in the latter category. However, the intelligence that business reports provide can be invaluable. Tracking trends such as customer buying history, seasonal sales and profit and loss can drastically impact your business decisions. In fact, most insurance companies want client businesses to have a system for inventory. With Masterpiece, the system is in place and will help to lower your costs in the long run.“Through Masterpiece Solutions, you can have an all-in-one marketing and business team that can increase your business potential exponentially,” said Kevin Warr, CEO of Masterpiece Solutions (http://www.masterpiecesolutions.com). “From an effective website that engages your consumers to an effective inventory management system to point-of-sale and reporting capabilities, financially, there is no way to go wrong.”Utilized by more than 800 independent retailers worldwide, Masterpiece Manager was designed for gallery owners by gallery owners to increase the operating efficiency and simplify processes to give gallery owners and artists the freedom to focus on the art and not the paperwork. For nearly 15 years, Masterpiece Manager has integrated point of sale software with inventory and customer relationship management. Independent artists also find tremendous value in their artist-specific software: visit http://www.masterpiecemanager.com/artistfnb.html .To learn more about Masterpiece Solution’s products and services, visit www.masterpiecesolutions.com or call 303.225.0330 today.
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