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The Center for Productive Longevity (CPL), which serves as the bridge between people 55 and older and the opportunities that enable them to continue in productive activities, today announced the results of the first in a series of four meetings, “Spotlight on Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Baby Boomers.” During a time of high unemployment and low economic growth, CPL initiated the 2012 series to stimulate the interest of Baby Boomers in new-business creation.

The first event was held at the Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City, MO, a focal point for entrepreneurship in America, and attracted almost 100 participants to engage in interactive discussion and dialogue about entrepreneurship. Sponsors of the event included the Kauffman Foundation, AARP, the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) and CPL.

Written evaluations from the event indicated that almost all participants have a strong desire to start a new business; 97 percent stated they are more likely to create a new business as a result of attending the daylong meeting. 

These responses mirror a national trend where increasingly more Baby Boomers are starting their own businesses. In fact, according to the Kauffman Foundation, from 1996 to 2011 the number of Baby Boomers starting a business increased by nearly seven percent, the largest increase among all age groups. For people 20-44, the number of people starting a new business actually fell about five percent during that same time period.

“There is a wide range of individual, economic and societal benefits for the Baby Boomers to start new businesses,” says William Zinke, 85, founder and president of CPL.  “People are living longer, yet often retiring earlier, and recent AARP studies confirm that 80 percent of Baby Boomers indicate their intent to continue working after leaving regular career jobs.”

Additional feedback from the meeting found that 87 percent of attendees stated that the event increased their awareness and understanding of the benefits and opportunities provided by entrepreneurship “very much” or “a great deal.” Seventy-seven percent indicated that they were “a great deal” or “very much” more likely to pursue programs or courses on entrepreneurship as a result of attending the event.

Speakers from the March meeting included Benno C. Schmidt, Jr., Interim President & CEO, Kauffman Foundation and former President, Yale University; Bruce Merrifield, former U.S. Undersecretary of Commerce and Chaired Professor of Entrepreneurship, the Wharton School; Mary Beth Izard, author of BoomerPreneurs; Jerry Kelly, CEO and Co-Founder, Silpada Designs; and Danny O’Neill, President and Founder, Roasterie.

Human Resource Services, Inc. (HRS) created CPL as a non-profit to serve as the bridge between people 55 and older and opportunities that enable them to continue as productive contributors. The economic benefits of enabling people 55+ to continue working include providing them with needed income, contributing to–instead of drawing from–entitlement programs, reducing unemployment and increasing national economic growth.

The next “Spotlight on Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Baby Boomers” meetings are scheduled to be held at Babson College in Wellesley, MA on September 14, Northwestern University/Kellogg School of Business in Chicago on October 11, and the University of Denver on November 15. To register, visit

http://www.ctrpl.org/entrepreneurship-meeting/overview. Follow the Center for Productive Longevity on Facebook at facebook.com/CTRPL.

Show & Sale continues through June 10 & benefits Loveland Rotary Foundations

Loveland, Colorado – The 21^st Annual Governor’s Invitational Art Show & Sale to benefit the Loveland Rotary Foundation will host its Opening Night Gala this Saturday, April 28. The event takes place from 5:00 to 9:30 p.m. at the Loveland Museum & Gallery, 5^th Street & Lincoln Avenue, Loveland, Colorado. Tickets for opening night are available for $65/person. Artist demonstrations on April 27 & 28, an April 28 open house and tour at Artworks, and a book signing April 29 are open to the public at no charge. Art featured in the show will be on display through Sunday, June 10.

Opening weekend for the Show & Sale begins with a sculpture demonstration by Daniel B. Glanz on Friday, April 27 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. On Saturday, April 28, Michael Ome Untiedt will present a painting demonstration from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and all artists with work in the show have been invited to a public open house and tour of Artworks Loveland. A docent program is also available to cover expenses for art educators who wish to bring their students to the show.

Art selected for this year’s Show & Sale be on sale for the first time during the Gala. Gala attendees will be among the first to have the opportunity to purchase a painting or other work of art. Ticket price includes hors d'oeuvres, drinks and a color catalogue of selected artworks displayed and offered for sale this year. To purchase tickets, visit www.GovernorsArtShow.org, email 2012GalaGovernorsShow@gmail.com, or call 970-663-0919.

A book signing by selected artists will be held on Sunday, April 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sushe Felix, Buffalo Kaplinski, Leon Loughridge, James Biggers and Jane DeDecker will all be on hand to autograph their publications.

This year, for the first time, the artwork will be available for sale through the show’s website after the Opening Night Gala. This provides a new opportunity for those who can’t attend the show or are from outside Loveland to view and purchase a favored piece. For details, visit the show’s website on Sunday, April 29. Artwork that is not sold during opening night will be made available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis via the web and at the gallery.

The Show & Sale continues at the Loveland Museum & Gallery from Sunday, April 29 through Sunday, June 10, 2012. It includes art from 57 Colorado artists, including Loveland sculptors George Lundeen and Jane DeDecker. Many artists have multiple pieces available through the show. For a complete list of artists, their bios and the works to be displayed and offered for sale, see http://www.governorsartshow.org/index.php/the-artists.

Beneficiaries of Sale Proceeds

This event is the largest fundraiser of the year for Loveland’s two Rotary clubs. Funds raised through the sale of art at the show go to the Loveland Rotary Foundation. Throughout the year, funds are given to a wide variety of causes and groups, including the Thompson Valley Honor Society for painting Valentine hearts; shelter boxes for Haiti; medical supplies for those in need around the world; clean water projects in Nicaragua and Burma; shoes for children in Thailand; Trees, Water, People; Rotary International’s “Stamp Out Polio” project; Project Self Sufficiency; House of Neighborly Service; art scholarships for local students’ and Rotary Youth Leadership Camp scholarships.

About the Governor’s Invitational Art Show & Sale

The Governor’s Art Show & Sale is the largest fundraiser and capstone project of the Loveland and Thompson Valley Rotary Clubs. It stands out as one of the most prestigious exhibits of original art in the Western United States. The show is made possible by Gold-level sponsors Poudre Valley Health System and Loveland Ready-Mix Concrete; Silver-level sponsors King Contracting, Inc., Wells Fargo Advisors, Décor, Inc., Colorado Financial Management, Inc., The Nanci Garnand Group at RE/MAX Alliance, and Mueller Associates, CPA LLC; dozens of Bronze-level sponsors, and others, including promotional sponsors Full Circle Creative and Shannon Marketing Communications. A complete list of sponsors can be found at http://www.governorsartshow.org/index.php/sponsors. For more information about the Governor’s Invitational Art Show & Sale, visit www.governorsartshow.org, call 970-663-0919 (voice mail), or email 2012GalaGovernorsShow@gmail.com (preferred). You can also learn more at the event’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Governors-Invitational-Art-Show-Sale/280023668747986.

“Shark Tank’s” Barbara Corcoran Recognizes Area RE/MAX Agent

Loveland, Colorado – Nanci Garnand, who leads The Nanci Garnand Team with RE/MAX Alliance, received an award last quarter for her use of innovative real estate business practices and direct response permission marketing to educate clients in northern Colorado, as well as those interested in moving here, to help grow her business. Garnand’s success was recognized by Barbara Corcoran of NBC’s “Shark Tank” and “Today” during the GKIC Business Makeover for Women event in San Antonio, Texas.

The event brought together women business leaders from around the country to share stories of how they took their businesses to new levels, and learn how to take the most important next steps. “It was an honor to be recognized by Barbara, who has done business with and gone up against Donald Trump in her real estate career,” notes Garnand. “Her creative approach of starting with just $1,000 and building and selling her business for $66 million is inspiring to women in real estate and anyone with a streak of entrepreneurialism.”

Nanci and her team have increased their sales each year for the past three years. Garnand credits her focus on internet marketing to connect with people moving to Colorado. Next steps for Nanci include continuing to grow The Nanci Garnand Team and writing a book to help women and men learn how to become investors, told through personal stories from Nanci, her colleagues, partners and clients.

Nanci started in real estate in 1995, after a successful banking career. Her background in lending gives her the skills and understanding needed to review finances or engage in detailed discussions with lenders.

About The Nanci Garnand Team

The Nanci Garnand Team, with RE/MAX Alliance, started in 1995 with one agent providing real estate services to individuals interested in purchasing or selling property. Today, the team includes three licensed real estate professionals and an unlicensed assistant, all focused on providing first-class service. The Garnand Team with RE/MAX Alliance has been utilizing Direct Response Internet Marketing to connect with buyers and sellers. They keep their focus on also having a strong referral business, now assisting with the children of people they have helped and in some cases, it is the parents that are being referred. For more information, call (970) 622-1846, visit www.sellsrealestate.com, or email Nanci@SellsRealEstate.com. You can also connect with Nanci on Twitter (https://twitter.com/nancigarnand), LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/in/nancigarnand), and Facebook (www.facebook.com/ngarnand).

About RE/MAX Alliance

RE/MAX Alliance is the largest RE/MAX franchise in the world. It is the 27^th-largest brokerage in the United States. In 2011, RE/MAX saw a total of 9,288 transactions with total sales volume of $2,324,703,434, an average 12.9 transactions per agent, and an average sales price of $251,918. The company’s website is at http://www.homesincolorado.com.

RE/MAX was awarded “Highest Overall Satisfaction for Home Sellers and Home Buyers among National Full-Service Real Estate Firms” by JD Power & Associates. The company received the highest numerical score among full-service real estate firms for home sellers and home buyers in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Home Buyer/Seller Study^SM. The study was based on 3,861 total evaluations of 8 firms and the opinions of individuals who bought a home between March 2010 and April 2011. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed March-May 2011. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com

When growing up, my parents had a certain saying: It’s better to get a B or C after trying really hard than getting an A without trying at all. That being said, I was a very good student but it showed the values that were important to them. I guess it’s in line with the saying ‘Hard Work Beats Talent’ and I couldn’t agree any more. If things go too easy for you, then you never learn determination, the satisfaction and rewards of hard work.

The point is, you have to work and you have to try hard. If you put a lot of effort and determination in something, good things will come your way. The road may not be always full of sunshine and there will be bumps in the road but nothing ever goes perfectly. This absolutely applies to training as well. If you train hard (and smart but that’s for another article), then you will see progress. If you don’t put 100% in, then don’t expect all your goals to come true. 

Now that has absolutely nothing to do with performance. As a trainer, I never expect our clients to perform the same or compare them to each other. For example: I prefer much more that a person is giving a 100% lifting a 20lbs. kettle bell than the person next to him/her lifting a 50lbs. kettle bell without breaking a sweat. Everyone works at their level and gets the equipment suited for them. However, we do expect everyone to do their best and to give a 100% in their workouts, whatever their fitness level allows.

My family is not one of the most athletic families (sorry guys but you gotta admit). I do have one uncle who ran marathons and is now still biking many miles with the road bike. Besides him, nobody really practices any kind of sport so I was a pretty odd duck. For some reason, I did get into sports. When I started karate at the age of 7, my parents told me that if I signed up, I had to do it for a full year. Quitting was not an option. When I first started, my obvious goal was a black belt. In 2004, I reached that goal. When I started road biking, I wanted to do well and I did, especially since I only started when I was 18 years old. I wanted to gain muscle and over the last 4 years, I gained 30lbs. of lean muscle. I wanted to heal my injured back and today, I barely have any issues anymore. Today, I’ve made martial arts my hobby, job and a big part of my life. I am still biking on a regular basis and challenging myself with races and new goals. I always put the work in to reach my goals, no matter how easy or hard it might be. Even when I fail, which happens, I know I did what I could.

I believe in perseverance or as the saying says: ‘If you talk the talk, you’ve got to walk the walk’ (last saying I promise). Of course, if you don’t enjoy something it is likely that you will quit at some point which is fine! There is so much out there that enables you to choose what you really love to do. Also, you will fail at some goals in your life and that is normal. Everyone does but as long as you gave it a fair shot and put your energy into it, then there is nothing to feel bad about.

I’m sure you see where I’m going with this blog. You simply have to put the effort in. Don’t quit and be persistent. Reaching a significant goal will never be a walk in the park. But one thing is for sure: if you persist you will see progress, you will reach your goals and you will feel GREAT!

My family was always very motivating in every hobby I had but also very strict. I could not be any more appreciative for that. It taught me discipline and determination. At the same time, that is why I was able to reach my personal goals. If they didn’t bother putting rules in place and taking the time to enforce them, I would not have learned the lessons that I did. So find motivation in your training, no matter what it is, be confident and persistent. As your trainer, I will do my part as well as I can but I need to see the focus and determination in your eyes.


By Sander Vanacker, owner, head instructor and personal trainer of Define Defense Martial Arts & Personal Training.

Define Defense in Boulder, CO
- Modern Martial Arts
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & MMA
- Self Defense Classes & Workshops
- Personal Training
- Cross Training / TRX Classes

1805 11th Street Suite B
Boulder, CO 80302

(720) 340 6254

www.DefineDefense.com

Info@DefineDefense.com

Arvada, CO – Beau Jo’s Management Co. announces that its Arvada Beau Jo’s “Colorado Style Pizza” restaurant has moved from 7805 Wadsworth to its spacious new location at 7525 West 53^rd Avenue, a few blocks east of historic Olde Town Arvada.

Allen Roberts, general manager of the Arvada Beau Jo’s states, “We were busting at the seams at the other location and when the longtime owners of Alamos Verdes put their restaurant up for sale,  we jumped at the opportunity to expand.”

Renowned for its legendary, robust Mountain Pies made with thick, hand-rolled white or whole wheat crust piled high with fresh ingredients and ordered by the pound, Beau Jo’s also offers Prairie Pies on a thinner crust with lighter amounts of ingredients.  Leftover crust is served with golden Colorado honey so it can be enjoyed as a dessert.  Though most folks come for the pies, they can also order pastas, sandwiches, and create-your-own calzones. 

Beau Jo’s menu also includes a variety of healthy options for those with dietary challenges such as gluten intolerance, and provides a Nutritional and Allergen Guide for both kids and adults. Along with a full menu, Beau Jo’s also offers daily specials, a lunch buffet featuring unlimited pizza, soup and salad bar, and Kids Meals. Phone: 303-420-8376. 

The renovated 6,000 square-foot Arvada Beau Jo’s features indoor seating for 180 in two dining rooms separated by a double-sided fireplace framed with layered sandstone.  Numerous skylights and expansive windows let in an abundant amount of natural light. The updated open kitchen allows cooks to interact with customers.  And for groups wanting privacy, the affectionately coined “Godfather Table” sits in an alcove beneath a massive wrought iron chandelier, facing a cathedral-like window.

An indoor-outdoor bar features 20 Colorado beers on tap and three big-screen TVs.  A glass garage door opens from the bar onto a large L-shaped outdoor patio with cozy couch groupings that can accommodate 100 diners.

Randy Wheelock, owner of Wheelock Construction in Idaho Springs and general contractor on the Arvada Beau Jo’s project says “The goal with this location was to add a fresher, more elegant and urban ambience, yet maintain the rustic mystique of the original”.

The salad bar is still served from antique claw foot tubs, and rustic antique toy trucks and horse-drawn ore wagons lend decorative historic touches.  However, the dark barn wood typical of earlier Beau Jo’s has been replaced by a palette of rich earth-tone painted walls, blue-stain beetle kill pine paneling artistically crafted to resemble stands of aspen, and vibrant landscape and wildlife photos taken by founder/owner/environmentalist Chip Bair.

“For decades, Beau Jo’s has made a major effort to reduce its carbon footprint”, says Beau Jo’s

Chief Operations Officer, John Grapell.  He continues, “ This restaurant features energy-saving LED lighting and on-demand instant hot water heaters; solar panels like those used in our Idaho Springs and Boulder stores; geothermal heating and cooling; cardboard recycling and biodegradable to-go containers;  and electricity generated by wind power.” Beau Jo’s strives to buy the freshest, highest-quality products locally, reducing the environmental costs of transportation, along with supporting Colorado vendors.

About Beau Jo’s:   A Colorado Legend                                                                                                                                               

A writer for Colorado Biz once said, “Beau Jo’s is as much a Colorado experience as a run down Vail Mountain”. Legendary among outdoor enthusiasts traveling the I-70 corridor, the original Beau Jo's Pizza in Idaho Springs was founded by Chip Bair in 1973.  Lured from Minnesota by the white gold of Colorado’s world-class ski slopes, Chip purchased Beau Jo’s from a couple named Beau and Jo Ann.  Housed in the town’s Victorian-age Mining Exchange Building, the original pizzeria was a mere 560 square feet, with seating for 15. 

Chip created Mountain Pies “like you’re making it for friends”… thick, hand-rolled crusts heaped high with fresh ingredients; then added Prairie Pies, built with thinner crusts and lighter ingredients for “flatlander” appetites.  From the beginning, Chip used Colorado honey as a natural sweetener rather than sugar for his pizza dough and sauce.  He also originated the custom of serving pizzas with honey so the crusts can be enjoyed as dessert.

During the early years, Chip did everything himself—from preparing the pizza to waiting tables. At the crack of dawn, he’d distribute flyers at local ski areas.  Skiers spread the word, and Beau Jo’s popularity grew.  Today, Beau Jo’s counts seven in its Colorado restaurant family, with locations in Arvada, Boulder, Denver, Evergreen, Ft. Collins, Idaho Springs and Steamboat Springs. Headquartered in Lakewood, Beau Jo’s Management Co. employs 265.

A key ingredient in Beau’s recipe for success is community involvement. All Beau Jo’s restaurants raise thousands of dollars annually for such charitable causes as Bandimere’s Race to Read literacy program, The Jefferson Foundation (supporting Jeffco Schools), Make-a-Wish Foundation and the Autism Society of Colorado.  www.beaujos.com

The Wild Basin Lodge in Allenspark, CO has added a new executive chef for future weddings and events. Chef Nick Fuster joins the staff after leading Boulder’s Mediterranean Restaurant culinary team for 11 years. Prior to his time at The Mediterranean Restaurant (or, as locals call it, The MED), Chef Fuster had a long and successful culinary career in Vail, Colorado; Maui, Hawaii; Switzerland, Greece, Italy, and Bermuda. The culinary expert was raised in Switzerland and from a young age, he received training in preparing cuisine for international travelers. Chef Fuster moved to Colorado in 1982 and fell in love with the Rocky Mountains and the wonderful people in Colorado. He also lived and worked as a chef in Maui for a while, but he found himself missing the changing seasons and the pristine mountain ambiance of Colorado. He moved back to the state and from 1995-2000, he owned a restaurant in Vail featuring American-inspired cuisine with a Mediterranean flair. Since he started at The MED, he has enjoyed the natural setting of Boulder and raising his family in the nearby town of Lyons. His interest in The Wild Basin Lodge was sparked when he learned about the family-oriented nature of the staff and saw the beautiful facilities in unincorporated Boulder County. The lodge, which is a private event and wedding venue located next to Longs Peak and the Rocky Mountain National Park, hosts over 256 weddings and events annually. Chef Fuster was excited to begin crafting new menu options for wedding guests and travelers as well as experience a change of pace from a public restaurant setting.

Chef Fuster brings a new variety of innovative, delicious, and expertly prepared menu options for wedding receptions and private events to The Wild Basin Lodge. Staff favorites include succulent lamb skewers with homemade tzatziki dipping sauce, farm-raised chicken breast stuffed with a combination of feta cheese, sun dried tomatoes, and a perfect balance of spices, gourmet bacon-wrapped dates on skewers, and a crab stuffed mushroom appetizer with a wonderful combination of Italian and Mediterranean spices. The venue continues to uphold high standards of food quality and uses locally grown, organic, and the freshest ingredients available for menu options. Chef Fuster proves that he can adhere to that policy while introducing even more Colorado-inspired dishes that attract clientele from all over the world. One such selection is a new basil pesto crusted Colorado striped bass with tomato relish that the staff prepares fresh on site. The chef drew much of his inspiration while designing new menu options for The Wild Basin Lodge from the fish, game, and vegetables that are unique to Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Patrons and engaged couples alike will be happy to know that the venue has retained its famous fried chicken recipe while adding many menu selections that surpass typical wedding and large event menus. Chef Fuster’s food is to die for, and the entire Wild Basin staff hopes to see Boulder locals at the lodge in the near future to plan their next event with a gourmet menu!

The Wild Basin Lodge invites Boulder locals and guests from all over the world to schedule a tour of the facilities to plan an event or wedding for 2-200 guests. Chef Fuster and the expert event coordination staff at the lodge happily craft custom menus for guests with specific dietary needs, budgets, and time restrictions. To begin planning your next outing in Boulder’s Rocky Mountains, contact the lodge at events@wildbasinlodge.com or (303) 747-2274.

Arcadia, CA
April 7^th, 2012

Fairview High School sophomore Rich Sanchez Mile Race at Saturday’s Arcadia, California, Invitational Track Meet didn’t exactly go as planned. As is often the case with the mile, the field reverted to a  “cat-and-mouse” game  where  tactics and winning took precedence over a fast time. Such was the case with Sanchez’s “Rising Stars”  mile race for sophomores and freshman at Arcadia where he hoped for a fast pace and a fast time.

But his plans to draft the leaders through a 65 second quarter mile were quickly changed when he found himself reluctantly leading the pack through a leisurely 69 second quarter – a full four seconds off his planned “split”. Things didn’t get much better through the half-mile – he trailed the leader, Skylar Williams of Davis Utah, in 2:16 – now a full 6-seconds behind his race plan.

“I was planning on going out a lot faster,” said Sanchez. “I was planning to just hang with the lead pack and running maybe like ‘64’ (seconds) for the first lap. I was planning on running pretty ‘even-splits’ but then I was kind of nervous so I kind of based it off of what everyone else was doing.”

Fortunately, Williams pushed the next lap to 63 seconds, helping Sanchez pass three-quarters of a mile much closer to his original race plan.

“I didn’t really want to take the lead so I just hung in for the first two laps which were really slow. I saw that one guy (Williams) going and I felt pretty good so I latched on.”

In the meantime, fellow sophomore Nathan Rodriquez (Corona del Sol, Arizona) stalked Williams and Sanchez until the final turn where he past both decisively. Sanchez dogged Rodriquez around the turn and passed Williams but couldn’t close the 5-yard gap on the leader.

“I thought it was over (when Rodriquez passed), but I kicked and got that guy (Williams) in front of me. I still felt that I lot left in the tank.” Sanchez’ second place time was 4:22.79 – the equivalent to a 7-second PR for the more commonly raced 1600-meters.

Evergreen senior Maura O’Brien finished 6^th in her mile (4:18.44) earlier in the day and Sanchez’ Fairview team mate, Zane Jeffres, finished his 400-meter race in 51.87 later in the afternoon

Pasadena, CA
April 6^th, 2012

Evergreen High School junior, Jackson Sayler, descended from the rarified air of the Colorado Rockies to the oxygen-rich environs of Pasadena, California to capture the South Pasadena High School Tiger Invitational Mile in a personal best 4:23:55.

Sayler, who eclipsed his previous 1600-meters best by  a whopping 12-seconds en-route to his mile, worked his way through the field over the first three laps, snuck through a gap left  on the inside lane with 400-meters to go, and broke free from the pack down the  final backstretch.

In spite of his decisive move and sizeable lead, he twice glanced over his shoulder as he sprinted down the homestretch, but his efforts to find his competition -proved unnecessary as he raced the final 100-meters unchallenged.

“I just tried to relate my race effort to my training,” said Sayler. “I had done some hard speed-work over the past two weeks and I just thought about my training when I made my move. I pretty much knew I could do it.”  Sayler had posted his previous best 1600-meters race – 4:33 – earlier this year at the Simplot Games in Pocatello, Idaho.

Sayler’s  Evergreen High teammate Sam Sahli set personal bests in the 1600m(4:42 en route to his mile) and the 3200 (10:28) while Fairview Freshman Colin Crawford set PR’s in the 1600 (4:51) also en route to his mile and 800-meters  (2:10). The mile is approximately 9 meters longer than the 1600-meter race.

Fairview sophomores Rich Sanchez (Mile) and Zane Jeffress (400-meters) will join Evergreen High’s Maura O’Brien (Mile) in pursuit of personal bests at the Arcadia High School Invitational on Saturday.

Hi Everyone,

So, it seems that Colorado is a very generous state. When it comes to providing free camps for kids with cancer, Colorado is probably in the top 3 out of all the states in the US.

Well, now there one more, Nighthawk Ranch, in Guffey, Colorado. Nighthawk Ranch is opening its doors this summer for its first series of free one-week sessions. The camp accepts kids and teens (10-18) in their final stages of treatment or out of treatment. Nighthawk Ranch provides the typical camp activities (camping, archery, ropes course, etc.), but also offers activities associated with living on a working ranch. There is a very cool horseback riding program, and at the end of the one-week program there may even be a mini-cattle drive.

As the coordinator, I am reaching out to anyone who has an interest in volunteering (18 or older) or to any parent who has a child who would be a good fit for Nighthawk Ranch.

The session dates are as follows:

Sunday, June 24 to Saturday, June 30, (boys)

Sunday, July 15 to Saturday, July 21, (girls)

Sunday, August 5 to Saturday, August 11, (boys)

So, in the spirit of generosity that is so abundant here in Colorado- please contact me if you have any interest in volunteering or applying as a camper.

Many, Many Thanks,

Kim McGinnis

310-980-8684

Coordinator / Nighthawk Ranch

www.NighthawkRanchColorado.org

Define Defense will be doing a Parent's Night Out on Wednesday April 18th from 4.30-7pm. 

You can leave your children (5-15 years old) with us and we'll do some techniques and drills, board games and watch a movie on a big screen. This event will be completely free so register or contact us asap to reserve your spots! 

There will be 3 adults present to make sure everything runs smooth, your child has a great time and most importantly, is safe. 

Every child needs to have a waiver (contact us) signed by at least one parent. What to bring: comfortable workout clothes!

You can register here or send us a message! Deadline: April 11th.

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

During March, I participated in a 30 day Paleo challenge. As you may have read in my previous posts, my experience was double sided. I did really enjoy some of the healthy changes I had to make, such as eating more fruit, vegetables, soup and nuts. This made a huge difference and got me more into a routine of eating these items, which are of course fantastic for your body and health. Please note I will not go into the details of the diet and what to do, this is purely about my experience and not intended to explain what you should be eating.

Other things, I wasn’t as much a fan of. So many things were cut out of my diet that it caused me to get very bored of certain foods. Also, dropping so much water weight (6lbs. at a certain point) wasn’t very fun. I was thirsty all the time and got dehydrated very quickly, not to mention I looked very deflated (since you retain more water when you eat more carbs).

During the challenge, I ran into a bigger problem though. Since my work requires me to stand, run, exercise and do many more things for long periods of time, my total exercise duration every week (with individual training as well) easily exceeds 15-18 hours of sports. Doing the Paleo diet caused my performance to go down. As I wrote in my previous article, I switched to Paleo for Athletes and reintroduced carbs to accommodate my high levels of exercise. This made a huge difference and got my performance levels back to their original levels (and went up since). This was more in line with how I normally cut weight and watch my food intake when cutting. It is a very manageable way of eating and fueling your body right. The right amount of carbs in the right times are hugely important, combine that with the health benefits of some Paleo ideas and you’re on the right track! Since starting on March 1st, I lost 10lbs, am close to my goal competition weight and did not compromise my performance or lean mass.

In my opinion, athletes need to eat more carbs than the Paleo diet can offer, that is why Dr. Cordain, who wrote the books on the Paleo diet, recommends athletes to make these adjustments.

Even though it was not ideal for me (which I knew beforehand but I considered this an experiment), the Paleo diet may work much better for others. Certain ideas of it make perfect sense and most importantly of all, it does not allow you to eat manipulated and processed foods, chemicals etc. These foods are a huge reason why so many individuals are unhealthy and obese. In my opinion, eating unprocessed foods is one of the most important changes you can make in a diet.

People need guidance. Perhaps that is why the Paleo diet is so popular and I am positive it works for many people. If you are looking to cut weight and you are not very active, it is likely to do just that for you. If you are very active, it may still work but I think there may be better ways. There are many articles and studies out there that tell you why to eat and why not to eat certain foods. Many foods have changed (the nutritional value) over the last 10,000 and even 50 years. However, for every pro study there is a con study. At the end, you need to do what works for you, using common sense. 

You should strive to eat as healthy as possible, fuel your body and give it what it needs and don’t get frustrated along the way because if you do, you are likely to give up. Go ahead and cheat a bit every once and a while, just be smart and disciplined about it. If you need help or you plan on starting a new nutrition or training program, go to a professional and ask for advice and motivation, both for nutrition and training needs.


By Sander Vanacker, owner, head instructor and personal trainer of Define Defense Martial Arts & Personal Training.

www.DefineDefense.com

1805 11th Street Suite B

Boulder, CO 80302

(720) 340 6254

New Belgium Brewing announced today that Asheville, NC has been selected as the new location for a second brewery. The 400,000-barrel brewery and packaging facility will provide New Belgium with additional capacity allowing the Colorado-based brewer to expand into new areas of distribution. Upon completion in 2015, the facility will initially create 50 new jobs in the Asheville area with more than 100 positions expected at full buildout.

“After several years of searching we are incredibly excited to have landed in Asheville,” said Kim Jordan, CEO and co-founder of New Belgium. “From the deep sense of community to the rich natural environment and the opportunity to revitalize a brownfield site near a vibrant downtown, Asheville has everything we’ve been looking for in a location for our second brewery.”

The 17.5-acre site located in the heart of the River Arts District will accommodate the 150,000 sq. ft. facility. The brewery will feature a 200-barrel brewing system, a tasting facility, and a process wastewater treatment center on-site. Tours will be available to the public. Total cost projections are over $100 million.     

“Today’s announcement by New Belgium will enhance the craft brewery cluster that is growing in North Carolina,” said Gov. Bev Perdue.  “The jobs and investment the company is committing will be a major boon for the region and for the state.” 

Construction is expected to begin in early 2013 with beer rolling off the line in early 2015. A full Asheville-specific press kit, a video statement from Kim Jordan and downloadable b-roll are available at http://www.newbelgium.com/files/presskit .

Spring is the time of year when high school students are gearing up to make decisions about the future, weighing their options for education, careers and personal growth. Ecotech Institute, the first and only college entirely focused on renewable energy and sustainability, recently hosted more than 200 high school visitors and invites all guidance and career counselors, educators, high school students and families to come take a specialized tour. During the visit, participants can see the brand new LEED-certified campus, step foot into state-of-the-art labs, and deepen their knowledge about careers in the renewable energy sector.

“We are thrilled when young adults come to discover more about the promising future of green careers and the comprehensive education that Ecotech offers,” said Kolby Chase, Ecotech Institute’s director of admissions. “Young folks who want to help sustain our planet and are looking to walk the talk really enjoy learning about areas such as wind, solar and energy efficiency.”

Ecotech’s curriculum addresses both job-specific technical training and soft skills (e.g. communication and work ethic) through comprehensive coursework and lab time. The campus has seven computer labs, nine clean energy labs and 11 lecture classrooms, including labs that focus on electricity, electronics, solar, wind and safety, as well as one outdoor solar residence lab. All labs offer progressive equipment to facilitate practical learning of basic and advanced electronics, the fundamentals and applications of wind and solar power generation and safety skills.  Electricity, electronics, power, solar and hydraulics labs contain Lab-Volt® systems.

A campus tour of Ecotech can be as formal or informal as necessary, depending on a group’s needs. To set up a visit of any size, call Kolby Chase at 877-326-5576.

Ecotech Institute will have its first graduating class in June 2012. Ecotech Institute, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, offers highly practical degree programs and one certificate program that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers.

To learn more about Ecotech Institute, visit us online at www.ecotechinstitute.com/or call 877-326-5576.  The next round of classes begins in April and applications are being accepted now. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.

New capabilities respond to industry trends and customer demands

Arvada, Colo. — Faustson Tool (www.faustson.com), a worldwide leader in five-axis manufacturing technology, has expanded its capabilities, adding quick-turn prototyping capabilities to its existing line-up of high-precision machining services, as well as a new Zeiss Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM). Faustson added these new capabilities in response to industry trends and customer requests that have produced growing demand for these types of services.

“We work closely with many of our clients, and know their processes and specifications very well,” said Faustson’s Director of Operations Heidi Hostetter. “They know our parts are ‘dock to stock,’ and that we deliver exceptional quality, so they can trust that our rapid prototype work will meet the same high standards.”

Hostetter notes that Faustson was already providing rapid prototyping services to several customers as part of its standard mix of services, and that adding a dedicated department helps their team be more responsive to a growing volume of projects in this arena. “Ball Aerospace was one of the first to approach us to discuss their need for true five-axis capabilities in a quick-turn environment, and we were happy to respond.”

This new service at Faustson Tool allows its customers to augment the capabilities of their in-house development team and improve their competitive position in their respective industries. The experts at Faustson review prototype designs and make suggestions that may make manufacturing faster, easier, and reduce costs, helping to keep new product lines moving forward and reducing time to market.

New CMM Supports Rapid Prototyping

The company’s new Zeiss Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) provides an upgrade in speed and size for the Faustson quality inspection team.

“This new instrument gives our quality inspectors the ability to work faster and program final part inspections with fewer setups than ever before,” said Faustson’s Director of Operations Heidi Hostetter. “It helps us keep up with a growing volume of work, including rapid prototyping, which has customers relying on us to meet or exceed specifications on every part.”

The Zeiss CONTURA G2 Bridge CMM features VAST scanning for form inspections at maximum speed with high-quality results. Its fully articulating probe head is a great match for the complex five-axis mill work Faustson specializes in. Parts can be inspected in a manner similar to the way they are machined, and complex profiles can be easily verified. Ceramic guideways in X and Z, along with air bearings on all axes, provide rigidity and high stability at high travel speeds.

The new Zeiss CMM offers a measuring range, in inches, of 39.4, 63.0, and 23.6 for the X, Y, and Z axes, respectively. This enormous footprint compliments Faustson’s large five-axis mills. It uses CALYPSO metrology software, and both inspectors at Faustson have recently completed Calypso Advanced Training from Carl Zeiss metrology. The software allows inspectors to program from a CAD model before a physical part is even available, adding to the company’s quick-turn abilities.

Faustson’s role as a trusted partner allows many of its clients to streamline the inspection process and other administrative routines that can slow the creation and delivery of products. The company’s expanded prototyping services are ideal for clients seeking quick-turn access to high-mix, low-volume, high-precision mechanical parts.

Faustson is a woman-owned and -operated business that serves customers across the nation and internationally. The company holds a number of government contracts, and manufactured the optical substrate for the Kepler space telescope launched in 2009 to find earth-like planets scattered across the galaxy. Faustson is currently performing work related to the United States’ F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter development effort, as well as commercial and military missile-deflection efforts now underway. Plans are underway to provide more services to Europe starting in 2012.

Call Faustson at (303) 420-7422 to arrange for a tour of the company’s Arvada, CO facility and a demonstration of some of its cutting-edge manufacturing and machining technologies.

About Faustson Tool

Faustson Tool, a worldwide leader in the machining industry, provides services for clients worldwide in the medical, aerospace, aeronautics, defense, semiconductor and other industries. The company, founded in 1982, provides 3-, 4- and 5-axis milling and 5-axis EDM services, as well as turning capabilities for cutting-edge custom part production, and efficient production of standard parts. Faustson Tool is woman owned and operated. For more information, visit www.faustson.com, email info@faustson.com or call (303) 420-7422.

Graham’s Carpet Network Named as a Finalist by Colorado Companies to Watch

Loveland, Colorado’s own demonstrate their ability to grow

April 3, 2012 Loveland, Colorado – Graham’s Carpet Network, Northern Colorado’s traveling floor and window covering store, is pleased to announce that the company has been named a Colorado Companies to Watch finalist. The CapitalValue Advisors program recognizes second-stage growth companies throughout the state.

“We are honored to be a part of such an elite group of nominees. I am so proud to be a part of this community and it is wonderful that our team has done so well,” said Monica Graham, co-owner of Graham’s Carpet Network.

It has been a great year for Graham’s Carpet Network in Loveland, Colorado. Owners Scott and Monica Graham have led their team of employees to create an award winning company and culture. As a 2012 Colorado Companies to Watch finalist, Graham’s Carpet Network is honored to represent the Northern Colorado community and be recognized as a company developing valuable products and services.

As a locally owned company, Graham’s Carpet Network has increased sales, added new employees, and developed a goal-oriented atmosphere that truly adds value to their employees’ lives. The nomination and selection as a Colorado Companies to Watch finalist comes as a bit of a surprise, but the Grahams have worked diligently to grow and improve their business since its founding in 2003. Their hard work and dedication has paid off, as they reached all of the COCTW guidelines, including having more than $750,000 in sales or working capital. The Graham’s exceptional entrepreneurial leadership has earned the company a number of local and regional honors, and the team looks forward to keeping the momentum going.

Tomorrow evening, the Grahams will be attending an exclusive reception at the Governor’s residence in Denver to celebrate and network with other nominees. This reception will formally announce the remaining finalists that will be recognized at the main Colorado Companies to Watch event on June 22, 2012.

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About Colorado Companies to Watch

Colorado Companies to Watch, presented by CapitalValue Advisors, energizes the state of Colorado by recognizing second-stage companies that are developing valuable products and services, creating quality jobs, enriching communities, and creating new industries throughout the state. Second-stage companies fuel the economic fire of Colorado by accounting for much of the economic growth and economic independence of individuals throughout the state. These companies possess attributes such as:

• Growth focused
• Privately-held, headquartered in Colorado
• 6 to 99 full-time equivalent employees
• $750,000 to $50 million in sales or a similar range of working capital

This unique awards program, developed by the Edward Lowe Foundation, produces a multitude of benefits for all stakeholders. Participating companies have the opportunity to gain increased visibility in local and state communities as well as to improve stakeholder relationships and contribute to a dynamic business environment. Citizens will have increased access to rewarding income opportunities and be able to build pride in innovative and valuable entrepreneurial companies. The state of Colorado will be able to showcase trend-setting leaders in diverse entrepreneurial fields that strengthen the state's economy. For more details, visit http://colorado.companiestowatch.org/.

About Graham’s Carpet Network

Graham’s Carpet Network operates on the principle that there's no place like your own home or office to make important decisions about the floor and window coverings that are best for your environment. Consultants bring a pallet of personalized colorful samples right to your home or office, so you can select from a wide variety of carpeting, vinyl, hardwood, natural stone, ceramic tile, area rugs and laminates, as well as designer blinds, shutters and shades, right in the rooms where the materials will be installed and enjoyed. Graham’s Carpet Network's low overhead and volume buying power help ensure that clients receive superior flooring and window fashion values, along with high-quality, professional installation by trained craftsmen dedicated to providing “Red Carpet Service.”

Scott & Monica Graham opened Graham’s Carpet Network to serve the northern Front Range in 2003. They are graduates of Carpet Network College and are Hunter Douglas Certified Professional Installers. Their business has been honored by the Loveland Chamber of Commerce as multi-year nominees for ‘Business of the Year.’ The Grahams work hard to be the most convenient, knowledgeable, professional and informative resource for residential and commercial consumers of carpet and related products in northern Colorado and southern Wyoming. They strive to provide their customers with the most pleasant and professional shopping experience, acting as advocates and establishing relationships to help ensure repeat customers and referrals.

For more information, call (970) 612-0214, visit www.grahamscarpetnetwork.com, or email graham@grahamscarpetnetwork.com. You can also find them on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/GrahamsCarpetNetwork) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/designdivacn), or connect on LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/in/monicagraham).

Loveland Sculptor Rosetta’s Latest Work Unveiled at Salt Lake’s City Creek Center

Artist’s largest piece graces new downtown mixed-use redevelopment project

Loveland, Colorado – Loveland’s Rosetta, an internationally-known sculptor of animals, is pleased to announce the unveiling of her latest and largest work to date, “Stream of Life,” as part of the grand opening celebration for Salt Lake City’s new City Creek Center, one of the nation’s largest mixed-use downtown redevelopment projects. The piece was commissioned through the efforts of Missouri’s Public Art & Practice and the project was awarded to Rosetta in October of 2009 after a nationwide request for proposals.

According to City Creek Reserve Director of Architecture Bill Williams, “The intent was to capture the unique ecological makeup of the Salt Lake Valley in multiple media. In particular, we wanted a large sculpture that represented the fauna of the valley before the pioneers arrived in 1847. After extensive evaluation, we concluded that Rosetta’s work fit our aesthetic the best – particularly her ability to capture the character and personality of animals in a modern technique that is not so abstract that the animal is lost.”

For two years, Rosetta shepherded the creation of “Stream of Life” from conception to sculpting and casting, culminating in the installation of the work in February. The 14-foot-long bronze, created exclusively for City Creek Center, is surrounded by a beautifully landscaped creek that runs through the entire three-city-block project. The piece incorporates ten animals in a creek-side habitat, arranged in a montage-style composition rather than a realistic tableau.

“City Creek Center is an impressive and beautiful project right across from Temple Square,”notes Rosetta.  “I love the setting for the sculpture and the opportunity to provide residents and visitors in this urban area the fun of mingling with wildlife as a non-threatening and visually stimulating experience.”

All of the included species are residents of riparian habitat, and some are iconic Utah natives, such as the state mammal, elk; the state bird, seagull; and the state fish, cutthroat trout. Rosetta’s interest in filling a space below the crowning bald eagle provided the opportunity to include the state emblem, the beehive. Three river otters and a black bear are there for the fun of it and for the added design opportunity incorporating them provided. The elements of the waterfall and the flowing creek tie all of the animals together and allow the design of the sculpture to flow smoothly throughout.

Key Contributions from Loveland’s Art Community

Bringing “Stream of Life” to fruition was a shared effort between Rosetta and many skilled artisans who contribute to Loveland’s reputation as one of the nation’s leading art bronze producing communities. Independent contractors who were part of the project include Gary DuChateau, enlargement; Dan Ochs, mold making and wax pouring; Kathy Page, wax chasing; Dragon Castings, which cast the bronze; Eric Mesplé who tackled the formidable task of welding and chasing the 58 pieces of the puzzle into a beautiful finish; Patrick Kipper, who created the gorgeous patina; Bryan Wright, transport and installation; and Rosetta’s photographer, driver and all-around support system, husband Mel Schockner.

About City Creek Center

Owned by the LDS Church and run by Taubman Centers Inc. (which also runs the Cherry Creek Mall in Denver), City Creek Center is a mixed-use retail, residential and office complex. It is the first enclosed shopping center to open in the U.S. in six years, reflecting the vibrant Salt Lake economy and transforming the downtown area. Located across the street from Temple Square, City Creek Center’s amenities include luxury condos and apartments, two levels of retail with 100 stores, restaurants, an outdoor fireplace and heated sidewalks, a retractable skylight roof, waterfalls and lively fountains, as well as several sculptures, of which “Stream of Life” is the most prominent. More than 50,000 people attended the City Creek Center Grand Opening on March 22.

About Rosetta

Known internationally for her stylized sculptures of animals and exhibited in a multitude of galleries, museums and art organizations across the country, Rosetta has completed large commissions for corporations, universities, cities and museums as well as individual collections, with “Stream of Life” in City Creek being her largest in both size and scope. For more information about the artist and her work, visit http://www.rosettasculpture.com, call (970) 667-6265, or email rosetta@rosettasculpture.com.