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Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability, is now taking applications for its new two-year Power Utility Technician degree program focused on training power utility technicians. The program, which will launch in October, will help fill a need in the power utility sector as a growing number of power utility technicians are retiring from the field and highly trained employees are in demand. Ecotech has responded to this need by creating a practical program focused on the ever-changing power utility industry.

With input from subject matter experts who have more than 55 years of combined utility experience, Ecotech designed its Power Utility Technician program to prepare graduates for careers in power generation, with specialization in power plant operations and maintenance. Students will receive immersive and hands-on training that focuses on providing a solid grounding in, and a comprehensive understanding of, electric utility distribution systems, grid and smart grid.

“We are excited about the applicability and cutting-edge nature of this program and are thankful to industry gurus Dan Sachse and Mark Fox for sharing their expertise,” says Michael Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “Demand is at an all-time high for people who understand the grid and the future of power utilities and we look forward to leading the way in preparing students for jobs in this area.”

Upon successful completion of the Power Utility Technician program, students will be prepared to:

• Apply the fundamentals of power generation, so they can operate and maintain power plants
• Use their knowledge of high voltage systems to maintain and operate grid infrastructure, smart grids, and distribution systems
• Use the fundamentals of electrical theory and related knowledge to design, build, repair, calibrate and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls and machinery
• Meet industry standards within the electrical engineering, power production and distribution fields

Ecotech’s comprehensive Power Utility Technician program offers a balanced education of soft skills (communication, workplace etiquette), and math and science basics and technology skills, but the educational emphasis is on hands-on, practical training in modern labs.

Ecotech Institute’s website outlines each of its programs to help answer common questions such as, “Is this program right for me?”, “What will I learn?” and “Why Ecotech?”  In addition to offering curriculum information, the site explains what to expect from the program, which skill sets are most desirable for this field of study, and what careers are available in cleantech industries.

With the addition of the Power Utility Technician program, Ecotech Institute, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, offers six highly practical associate’s degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers. 

Ecotech’s next round of classes begins in October and applications are always accepted.

In addition to the Power Utility program, Ecotech Institute offers the following:

• Solar Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science
• Wind Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science
• Renewable Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science
• Energy Efficiency Program, Associate of Applied Science
• Electrical Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science

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Photograph © Teri Fotheringham Photography 2011

Loveland rail-safety company hires local CSU graduate

Loveland, Colorado – DataTraks (www.datatraks.com), which provides engineering and software solutions for companies around the world in the railroad, manufacturing and mining industries, today announced the hiring of Kathryn Moore, a Colorado State University graduate, as a development engineer.

“Kathryn is a talented developer that can provide fresh insight and grow with our team,” said Jim Bilodeau, president of DataTraks, “It’s great that we have such talent being cultivated in Colorado.”

Moore graduated from Colorado State University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Computing Technology. Her software development experience includes positions at Global Financial Review and TennisSource.net. Her work with SQL and C#/C++, as well as her experience developing mobile applications, fits in well with the work DataTraks is doing to serve its customers and make their industries safer.

“I’m excited to be working for DataTraks,” says Moore, “It’s a chance for me to help develop some cutting edge systems that can help save lives.” As a development engineer, Moore is managing all aspects of new projects including: proposals, design, documentation, implementation, troubleshooting, testing, and support. She is also helping the DataTraks team design and develop new digital signal processing and pattern recognition algorithms for complex mechanical systems to help diagnostics and decision making for preventative maintenance programs and other applications.

About Datatraks

DataTraks was founded in 1998 to help railroad operators make critical decisions regarding the development and maintenance of safe, effective rail systems. The company provides customized engineering and software solutions for companies around world, in the railroad, manufacturing, and mining industries. DataTraks clients benefit from an experienced team of electrical, mechanical and software engineers dedicated to helping those they serve operate safer and more efficiently. Areas of focus include Positive Train Control (PTC), wireless sensor systems, custom software, non-destructive evaluation, and preventative maintenance. For more information, visit www.datatraks.com, call (970) 461-1140, or email info@datatraks.com.

Research has shown that life changes, such as the transitions to middle school, high school or college, can serve as triggers that may contribute to the development of an eating disorder. For this reason, Eating Recovery Center, an international center providing comprehensive treatment for anorexia, bulimia, EDNOS and binge eating disorder, encourages parents of children and adolescents making these life transitions to be vigilant for early signs of eating disorders.

“Children and adolescents who are high-achieving, perfectionists and who have highly sensitive temperaments are generally at a higher risk than other children for developing an eating disorder,” said Julie Holland, MHS, certified eating disorders specialist and chief marketing officer of Eating Recovery Center. “For these individuals, unhealthy coping mechanisms may be utilized to manage the stressors associated with significant life changes.”

A 2012 study from the Journal of Clinical Nursing found that significant transitional events, as well as a lack of support following traumatic life events, could serve as eating disorder triggers. Researchers identified school transitions as one of the six main factors that triggered eating disorders among the individuals who participated in the study.

School transition experiences such as adapting to a new environment, meeting increased academic demands, struggling with social pressures and grappling with the physiological changes that occur during adolescence can create a perfect storm in which an individual with a highly sensitive temperament or a genetic predisposition for an eating disorder may turn to disordered eating behaviors as an anxiety management tool or coping mechanism.

To help parents manage their children’s transitions to new school environments, Eating Recovery Center highlights five back to school tips to help parents promote healthy attitudes about food and body shape and size.

1.     Look for discreet warning signs. Although weight loss can be an indicator of disordered eating, it may not be immediately apparent. A child may be displaying signs of an eating disorder if his or her schoolwork and grades begin to suffer, if he or she becomes socially withdrawn and increasingly anxious, tired and lethargic. Parents should also be aware if their child begins wearing roomier or layered clothing, even on warm days.

2.     Avoid comments about your child’s body shape or size. When shopping for new school clothes avoid commenting on your child’s weight or body size and instead focus on his or her preferences regarding color, style, etc. 

3.     Have an honest conversation about peer pressure and the dangers of replacing food calories with alcohol calories if your son or daughter is getting ready to make the move to college. Discuss the physical consequences of disordered eating and drinking behaviors, such as liver damage from excessive alcohol consumption or the significant internal damage poor nutrition can cause.

4.     Remind your teenage athlete not to overdo his or her training in an effort to make a high school sports team. Watch for signs of over-exercise, such as sports preparation when he or she is injured or sick, or exercise that significantly interferes with daily activities and schoolwork.

5.     Be a positive body role model. When helping an adolescent recover from the body-focused bullying that can sometimes accompany going back to school, a parent who has positive body image will have far more credibility than one who consistently criticizes his or her own looks.

“It is important to remember that what triggers an eating disorder may not be what perpetuates it,” said Holland. “Though school transition pressures may have precipitated an eating disorder, the factors that enable its continuation are often complex. Early intervention and treatment from qualified eating disorders professionals are essential to maximize opportunities for lasting recovery.”

To help parents learn more about helping their children more effectively deal with pressures that could lead to the development of an eating disorder, Eating Recovery Center has launched a free Community Education Series for parents. In the first seminar in this series, “Helping Your Kids Deal Effectively with Back to School Stressors: Opportunities for Parents,” parents will learn about being a healthy role model, communicating effectively and identifying steps to intervene when they are concerned about their child’s eating behaviors. The inaugural seminar is Thursday, September 6, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Eating Recovery Center’s Partial Hospitalization Program for Children and Adolescents, 100 Spruce Street, Suite 200, Denver, Colo. 80230. To RSVP for the event, please contact Emili Coringrato by Tuesday, September 4, at ecoringrato@EatingRecoveryCenter.com or 720.258.4014.

2012 was another banner year for our peaches trees. Even after two rounds of pruning, we ended up with over a thousand peaches. It's too many to pick by hand, so we do a "big shake" onto a tarp - here's a time-lapse video of the comedy!
Some pictures below and click here for more from the 2012 peach overload!

Pretty much every flat surface in the house is covered in peaches!

And my wife Wendy spends countless hours dicing 'em up for freezing - peaches year-around!

Our trash doesn't smell too good with hundreds of pounds of peach remnants in there

But our freezer is stocked - in total, over 30 bags and 100+ pounds of peaches

Not only did we like 'em, but so did the wasps and rabbits!

With the deadline of August 31 quickly approaching, people 50 and older are encouraged to submit their story to the Center for Productive Longevity’s (CPL) Later-Life Story Contest as soon as possible. The contest has two categories: (1) Entrepreneurship Success Stories and (2) Inspirational Life Stories, with one winner in each category who will receive $1,000 and a specially designed display trophy. CPL has selected a panel of three independent judges who will choose one winner in each category, and their selections will be announced on October 1, 2012.

“We have received a number of fascinating entries and are excited to share these stories with people of all ages,” says William Zinke, 85, founder and president of Center for Productive Longevity. “However, we know that there are more people out there who are moving the needle, making a difference, inspiring others and bringing new businesses to life. We want to hear from you, too!”

With 30 years added to longevity in the 20^th century, people are leading active and fulfilled lives into their 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond. The goal of this contest is to demonstrate that older people in America can continue to lead successful and inspirational lives. Once the contest deadline has passed, CPL will select a variety of entrepreneur success stories to post on its website, highlighting the stories of the two winners.

Entries should be under 1,200 words and are easy to submit. Visit www.ctrpl.org/laterlifestorycontest to complete a submission form. Entrants must be 50 and older and be willing to have their story posted on the CPL website for viewing and for possible publication. Stories may also be sent to James Hooks at jhooks@ctrpl.org.

For more information on CPL and the Later-Life Story Contest for older entrepreneurs, visit www.ctrpl.org or Facebook at www.facebook.com/CTRPL.

CPL is also currently working on the finishing touches for the next meetings in its “Spotlight on Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Baby Boomers” series. The meetings are designed to contribute to a national momentum for new-business creation, which enables Baby Boomers to remain productively engaged and also facilitates national economic growth.

The meetings, designed for people 50 and older, are being held at Babson College in Wellesley, MA on September 14, Northwestern University/Kellogg School of Management in Chicago on October 11, and the University of Denver on November 15. To register and view preliminary agendas, visit http://www.ctrpl.org/entrepreneurship-meeting/overview.

This fall, 20 lucky cycling enthusiasts will get the once-in-a-lifetime experience to take a ride with one of the world’s top pro cyclists. “Fast Freddie” Rodriguez, who is currently making his way through Colorado as a member of Team Exergy in this week's USA Pro Cycling Challenge, and who placed fourth in the race’s first stage, has committed to lead a group of 20 individuals in a ride and discussion at Living at Your Peak, the nation’s only interactive gathering designed to help health-conscious individuals and influencers discover how to live longer, better and impact the well-being of their world. The inaugural Living at Your Peak Summit is September 13-15, 2012, in Vail, Colo.

“It’s not every day that you get the opportunity to go on a ride with one of the world’s top cyclists,” said Jamie Stone, Living at Your Peak event champion and a board member of the Vail Symposium. “We are thrilled to present this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will enable cycling enthusiasts to learn valuable life and health lessons from one of cycling’s greats.”

Rodriguez, who will lead the ride and discussion on Friday, September 14, is recognized as one of the all-time leading U.S. cyclists, with a resume that includes three U.S. Pro Championships, a Giro d’Italia stage win, podium finishes at one-day classics including Milan-San Remo and Gent-Wevelgem, plus stage podium finishes at the Tour de France, Giro d’ Italia and Vuelta de Espana. His Fast Freddie Foundation supports young cyclists in their endeavors to pursue athletic goals while also encouraging them to remain committed to education.

Participants will road bike with Rodriguez through Vail and engage in an interactive lunch session in which he will discuss lessons from the Tour de France as applied to everyday life. To sign up for this unique interactive experience, individuals must register to attend Living at Your Peak. Participation in Rodriguez’s session is limited to 20 individuals. Spots will fill up quickly and those who are interested are encouraged to sign up early.

Event registration for the full two and a half days is $1,000. One-day registration is $549. Registration fees include:

• Lunch programs and dinners prepared by some of Vail’s world-renowned chefs.
• Interactive sessions led by some of the nation’s leading health, wellness, fitness and nutrition experts.
• Entertainment and VIP cocktail parties with event presenters.

Registrants who sign up for the full event will have the opportunity to receive a Functional Movement Assessment with recommendations, a Cartoid Artery Check with nationally renowned doctor, Jeffrey Boone, MD, a Comprehensive Wellness Report from the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, reports that outside of the event are worth nearly $1,000 in value.

Living at Your Peak is organized by the Vail Symposium, a grassroots, non-profit organization providing thought-provoking, diverse and affordable educational programs to the Vail Valley community. Event sponsors include Vail Valley Medical Center, HealthONE, the Town of Vail, The Steadman Clinic, Vail Summit Orthopaedics, Vail Resorts, PGA TOUR, Triumph Development, the Vail Daily, Vail Beaver Creek Magazine, Antlers at Vail, Vitality Center, Opedix, Udi’s Gluten Free Foods, The Biegler Foundation, Colorado Access, Wendy and Paul Raether, the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, Vail Luxury Magazine, The Sonnenalp Resort and the Steadman Philippon Research Institute.

For more information about Living at Your Peak, please visit www.livingatyourpeak.org or call 970-343-9918.

Photo from Liz and Mike's wedding provided by Rocky Mountain Aperture Photography (formerly Dave Russell Photography)

When John and Terri met for dinner on a blind date that was set up by a mutual friend, neither of them expected to one day marry each other. Fortunately, the couple’s mutual friend had a great intuition that they would hit it off, and they tied the knot in an August wedding at The Wild Basin Lodge & Event Center in Allenspark. In an even more surprising turn of events, John’s son, Mike, would later meet the love of his life, Liz, and marry her at the same venue. The family’s tradition did not stop there, and Terri’s daughter, Kim, married her beau, Pete, in a scenic September wedding at (you guessed it) The Wild Basin Lodge.

The three weddings at The Wild Basin Lodge were mutually beautiful and had amazing moments, but after planning, hosting, and examining the weddings together, the families have agreed on the “best of” awards for their special days.

Best proposal: John and Terri had discussed marriage several times, but John had not chosen his bride-to-be’s engagement ring. He had hoped to propose on Christmas morning, so he taped the ringer onto every bell in the Christmas tree. After proposing, John asked Terri to examine the tree carefully until finally he laughed, “Get it? No ring!” The following day, the pair ventured to Samuels Jewelers (then in Greeley) to select Terri’s engagement ring.

Best rehearsal dinner: Liz and Mike chose The Fawn Brook Inn in Allenspark for their rehearsal dinner. The couple’s friends and family enjoyed gourmet food from the five star restaurant. Everyone enjoyed eating at The Fawn Brook Inn and still remembers how incredible the food and atmosphere was.

Best clothing: Kim, Pete, and their wedding party walked down the isle with confidence, class, and the help of The Bridal Connection in Longmont. Terri was very impressed with the shop, which outfitted the bridesmaids in vibrant orange and maroon dresses and assisted Kim with finding the perfect strapless gown. The families still talk about The Bridal Connection’s upmost standard of service and the fantastic specials the owner offered Kim for her wedding party.

Best hair/makeup:Kim had her hair and makeup done by Kat Bradshaw out of Ft. Collins. She looked beautiful with a classic up-do and a veil that was integrated into the style for the ceremony. Kat is part of the family and successfully runs a salon in the Ft. Collins area.

Best ceremony:Liz and Mike chose a lovely September ceremony at The Wild Basin’s outdoor meadow ceremony site. The family was very pleased with the beautiful weather and impressed with the ceremony, which included Celtic traditions such as music from The Colorado Bagpiper, Scott Beach, and a hand fasting ceremony.

Most creative reception food: All three couples opted for mid-morning ceremonies, but John and Terri decided on brunch selections at their early afternoon reception because they share a mutual love of breakfast foods. Their 70 guests dined on fresh fruit, breakfast pastries, a salad bar (Terri’s favorite meal is salad), scrambled eggs with vegetables, breakfast potatoes with rosemary, bacon, ham, sausage, and waffles with homemade syrups and whipped cream all catered by The Wild Basin Lodge.

Best color selection:Kim and Pete worked diligently on their wedding colors for their early fall ceremony and reception. They chose a vibrant blend of deep reds, bright oranges, sunny yellows, dark greens, and accents of purple. This blend of colors both complimented and stood out in the beautiful fall Rocky Mountain scenery.

Best floral arrangements: Kim and Pete worked with Floral Designs of Europe in Estes Park to make the vision of their wedding colors become a reality. The bouquets featured red roses and yellow calla lilies that were accented by purple and orange flowers with green leaves. The cake, boutonnières, corsages, and bouquets all included multi-colored ribbons and looked fantastic next to the white frosting of the cake and black tuxedos. (bouquet photo pictured to the right from MMB Photography)

Best cake:Both Liz and Mike and Kim and Pete utilized the services of Colorado Rose Cake Co, and both cakes looked and tasted amazing, but Liz and Mike’s cake was decidedly the winner of the best cake competition. The unique creation (pictured below from Rocky Mountain Aperture Photography) was decorated with green and white cherry blossoms as well as a large sage green ribbon. The shape and quality of the couple’s cake made it a winner among the family.

Best photographer:Of the three weddings, the families were impressed with two notable Colorado-based photographers: Rocky Mountain Aperture (formerly Dave Russell Photography) for Liz and Mike’s wedding and MMB Photography for Kim and Pete’s wedding. Both photographers were consistently professional, accommodating, and took stunning pictures of the venue and couples. Dave Russell loves shooting at the meadow site and was pleased with the weather on the day of Liz and Mike’s ceremony. Kim and Pete were impressed with MMB Photography for their flexibility to move inside and take as many family photos as possible in front of The Wild Basin Lodge’s fireplace. Therefore, the best photography reward is a tie between two extraordinary photography companies.

Best first dance:Kim and Pete selected a lovely variety of Beatles songs at their reception. They swayed to “Calico Skies” by Paul McCartney for their first dance. The song is beautiful, easy to dance to, and because it’s less than 3 minutes, it was the perfect length of a first dance.

Best honeymoon:John and Terri chose a cruise through Norwegian Cruise Line called the Inner Passage to Sawyer Glacier. They had a wonderful time whale watching, relaxing, and taking in some breathtaking scenery. John fondly remembers one highlight of the cruise, “a fabulously beautiful mist over the islands we saw.”

Best advice for couples in the planning stages:After assisting with the planning for all three weddings, Terri has a wealth of advice for engaged couples. She says that the best advice she could give is to, “plan far enough in advance so you don’t feel rushed and can enjoy the planning as well as the wedding.” John and Terri agree that marrying each other was the best decision of their lives and they remain best friends to this day.

How did they all choose the same wedding venue?John and Terri knew they wanted to get married in the mountains and visited several locations before choosing The Wild Basin Lodge. The lodge met all their requirements: it’s in a scenic mountain location, there is an in-house chef for all events with food, it is handicap accessible, the owners were warm and welcoming from the moment they stepped inside, and it was within their budget. They had a wonderful time at their wedding, but Mike and Liz (pictured left, photo provided by Rocky Mountain Aperture) did not decide on the Wild Basin until they arrived at the venue with Liz’s parents and fell in love with the quiet mountain retreat. Kim and Pete were engaged on a hike and choose The Wild Basin Lodge for the lodge’s stellar reputation and natural beauty. The families had a wonderful time at their weddings and look forward to visiting the lodge for a Thanksgiving reunion in the near future.

Best three words to describe your wedding:“Buddies in life!” John and Terri are best friends who look back fondly on all of their family weddings in Colorado. They feel blessed to have children who found their best friends and are starting families together.

The stereotypes abound: that Americans 55 and older are over the hill, on the shelf, and their headlights are getting dim. When the Social Security Act of 1935 established the retirement age of 65, average longevity was 62. In 2012, 77 years later, despite the reality that longevity for men is 78 and 80 for women, a pervasive negative sentiment remains about older workers and aging in America.

Our national focus is on hiding the wrinkles and shedding the years, thus perpetuating ageism thinking and encouraging people to conceal their age. We shouldn’t focus on the problems of an aging population, without understanding and taking advantage of the benefits and opportunities.

Myths and stereotypes about aging are prevalent, despite a massive amount of contrary data. Here are some of the disconnects that create dilemmas:

1. America’s focus is on marketing to younger people, while older people have the money. According to the Harvard Business Review, people 55 and older own or control more than 70% of the total accumulated private wealth in America and account for 50% of total discretionary spending.

2. Companies spend much more on training and development of younger workers than on older workers, despite the reality that investment in the older workers would have a better pay-off because younger workers 20-34 have more than three times the turnover of workers 55-64.[1]

3. Employee benefit programs, particularly defined pension plans, encourage people to retire earlier, even though many would like to continue working longer and are able to add substantial value. In fact, laws and public policies often discourage or provide a disincentive for companies to continue using workers 55+ and for people 55+ to continue working, instead of encouraging both groups to do so.

4. National economic growth and our standard of living may be reduced if workers 55+ are not provided with opportunities to continue working (i.e., they will be drawing from instead of contributing to the economy), yet there is no strong recognition of the need to do so.

5. Research shows that millions of Americans want to continue working after retirement (80% of the Baby Boomers indicate that they intend to do so[2]), the largest percentage on a part-time basis, but most companies aren’t providing phased retirement and other flexible workplace options that will help them retain and recruit workers 55+ who can continue adding value.

6. Medicare and Social Security are financially unsustainable, yet we only apply band-aids.  The retirement age must be changed to reflect that people are living longer, in better health and able to continue working for substantially more time. Helping workers over 55 to remain productively engaged would ease Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid problems and would contribute to the country’s economic growth.

The reality is that Americans are living substantially longer lives and in better health, but our thinking about aging and retirement remains largely unchanged. We are doing our country a disservice when we view people in terms of chronological age rather than considering their overall capabilities and their ability to add value. It’s time to change this paradigm.

In support of this paradigm shift, the Center for Productive Longevity (CPL), an organization serving as the bridge between people 55 and older and opportunities that enable them to continue in productive activities, has initiated a national competition, the Later-Life Story Contest, for people 50 and older. The competition has two categories: Entrepreneur Success Stories and Inspirational Later-Life Stories. A panel of three independent judges will select one winner from each category who will receive $1,000 and a specially designed trophy. CPL will post the best stories on its website (ctrpl.org) under “Success Stories.” The contest deadline is August 31, and winners will be announced on October 1, 2012.

To submit a story, visit http://www.ctrpl.org/laterlifestorycontest and complete a submission form. Entrants must be 55 and older, have a compelling story to share, and be willing to have it posted on the CPL website for viewing and for possible publication. Stories may also be sent to James Hooks at jhooks@ctrpl.org. 

     Thanks to Buffs coach Tad Boyle for hosting me and my family and showing us the Coors Event Center. What a magnificent BBall facility. The surprising Buffs of the last two years are still flying under the national radar. They are currently playing in Europe and I will be writing about them this year as they integrate 6 excellent new freshmen into the team. They will continue to surprise people as coach Boyle continues to develop the team into a top 25 national contender.

The Center for Productive Longevity (CPL) has decided to expand the Later-Life Story Contest to include entries from people 50 and older, down from the 55+ age requirement, due to substantial interest expressed by people in that younger age bracket. While CPL generally focuses on people 55 and older, many people are also starting businesses and living inspirational lives within the prime years of 50-55. Over the course of the contest, CPL has received feedback asking for the age qualifications to be lowered and so CPL decided to honor that request.

A panel of three influential, highly regarded judges will select one winner in each of the following two categories: (1) Entrepreneurship Success Stories and (2) Inspirational Life Stories. The winners will each receive $1,000 and a specially designed trophy. From the entries, CPL will select a variety of entrepreneur success stories to post on its website, along with the stories of the two winners.

The essential purpose of this contest is to demonstrate that older people in America can continue to lead successful and inspirational lives. With 30 years added to longevity in the 20^th century, people will be doing so into their 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond.

The deadline to enter the contest is coming up quickly, August 31, 2012.  CPL will announce the two winners on October 1, 2012.

To submit a story, visit www.ctrpl.org/laterlifestorycontest and complete a submission form. Entrants must be 50 and older and be willing to have their story posted on the CPL website for viewing and for possible publication. Stories may also be sent to James Hooks at jhooks@ctrpl.org.

For more information on CPL and the Later-Life Story Contest for older entrepreneurs, visit www.ctrpl.org or Facebook at www.facebook.com/CTRPL. 

Longmont Firefighters helping orphans.

The Orphan’s Bridge Shoreline 5K

Two Longmont firefighters are trying to make life better for orphans.Jeff Moll and Jeff Peterson are career firefighters with the Longmont Fire Department.The two firefighters are organizing the third annual Orphan's Bridge Shoreline 5K to raise funds for orphans in need.

Moll, an avid runner himself, came up with the idea for the 5k race as a fundraiser.Moll has run several marathons and even a 50 mile mountain endurance race.He wanted to create a fun race where families could run or walk together and enjoy a great morning around the lake. All proceeds go to orphans in need.

Peterson, his wife Katie and a few family members founded Orphan's Bridge, an orphan relief effort, after a trip to central Mexico in 2007.The idea for the organization came while on a humanitarian trip near the Sierra Madre mountains in Mexico. The group spent three days at an orphanage working on the facilities and playing with the kids. "we warned ourselves not to become attached" Peterson said, but that was impossible.He continued "These bright energetic kids, through no fault of their own, live inside these four grey walls, malnourished and with little chance to ever improve their life.We just wanted to enrich their lives. We want to give them a chance at a successful life".

Orphan’s Bridge provides support for children’s centersin Longmont, Denver and in Mexico."We are looking forward to start working in Haiti in 2013" Peterson said.This race will help reach that goal. A trip to Haiti in 2011 was a life changing event for Peterson "we don't realize how wealthy we are here in the USA, I was able to visit families that lived in an 8 foot by 8 foot tin shed with no furniture or beds.I visited an orphanage where 12 boys slept on a rough concrete floor. They would roll out a rug at bed time and all curl up together to stay warm."Haiti was devastated by an earthquake in January of 2010. The orphan population grew from 300,000 to over a 1,000,000 in that disaster. Progress has been slow in Haiti and only 50 percent of promised aid has been delivered.

The main focus of Orphan's Bridge is education, facility improvements and basic needs.This year they are providing scholarships for students to continue their education, sponsoring a tutoring program to help students prepare for the new school year, plus providing basic needs for the homes such as food and clothing.Orphan’s Bridge hopes to expand their work to more orphanages in needy areas of the world.

Come join us on August 25 at 8:00.Run or walk this fun event located at picturesque McIntosh Lake in Longmont. Help us help kids.You can run or walk and if you want to help more you can collect donations for the cause.Participants can work alone or in groups to raise donations.The person or group that raises the most donations wins a Suite at the Pepsi Center for a Nuggets game or an Avalanche game.The suite holds 20 people and is valued at up to $4,000 dollars.

Registration is at     http://www.runningguru.com/EventInformation.asp?eID=3601

There are trophies for the fastest participants in each category, plus great prizes for those who raise the most donations.

Orphan's Bridge

PO Box 223

Louisville, CO 80027      303 665 2863         www.theorphansbridge.org

Jeff Moll Longmont 720 652 6406

Jeff Peterson Lafayette 720 323 2422

Pet lovers can agree that inside every good dog is a great dog. Passionate pet owners now have the chance to show the shining examples of what makes their dog so incredible for the chance to have their winning video featured in an upcoming Purina Pro Plan commercial.  Learn more about the great dog video contest by watching this video: http://youtu.be/A8rQEyNLR5U

Whether your dog is a flying disc champion, a reliable running companion or a therapy soother, all dogs achieve greatness in their own unique way. The grand prize winner who best captures the inherent greatness within their dog will have their winning video featured in an upcoming Purina Pro Plan commercial, to be unveiled at the 2013 Westminster Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show, and receive a year’s supply of Pro Plan brand dog food. Purina Pro Plan serves as the official pet food sponsor of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

“Premiering the winning video on the dog world’s ultimate stage, the 2013 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, gives us the opportunity to recognize incredible dogs from all walks of life,” said Robert Tochterman, brand manager of Purina Pro Plan. “We hope to inspire all dog owners to discover and celebrate the greatness that lies within their dogs.”

To enter, pet owners can go to the Purina Pro Plan YouTube channel and upload a short video, less than two minutes in length. Entries should demonstrate moments along their dog’s journey toward greatness that inspire others to discover the greatness in their dog. The contest runs until August 27.

A total of 10 finalists will be chosen by an independent panel of judges who will evaluate each entry based on the originality, creativity and composition of the video. Then the top 10 finalists’ videos will be open for the public to vote for their favorite, starting on or around Sept.10, through Oct. 8, on the Purina Pro Plan YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/ProPlan).

The grand prize winner, chosen by a combination of the public’s votes and an independent judging panel, will have their video featured in an upcoming TV commercial for Purina Pro Plan.  The video contest winner will also receive a trip for two, plus their winning dog, to the 2013 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York, including round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations. All 10 finalists also will receive a one-year supply of Purina Pro Plan dog food to help support their dog’s continuing journey toward greatness with high-quality nutrition.

Details at a glance:

• Video Content: How is Your Dog Great?
• Video Length: Two (2) minutes or less
• Deadline: August 27, 2012
• Winners: 10 finalists; one grand prize winner
• Grand Prize:
  • Feature in Purina Pro Plan national TV commercial
  • Trip for two plus their winning dog to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York, including round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations
  • One-year supply of Purina Pro Plan dog food
  • Finalists’ Prize:
    • One-year supply of Purina Pro Plan dog food

For additional information and full contest entry details and rules, please visit the Purina Pro Plan YouTube channel. Visit http://youtu.be/A8rQEyNLR5U to view the video announcement.

At Kiddie Academy of Broomfield, reading together is an essential part of preparing for school and for life.  Join us for Storytime LIVE!  

Saturday August 4  10:00 a.m. 

Curious George will be here at 11:00

Arrive early and join in our fun.  A jumping castle, Scholastic Book Fair, Happy Feet Enrichment Program, SnoCones, Arts and Craft activities.

Please come join our fun!

Register Today to reserve your spot by visiting  www.KAstorytime.com

Ecotech Institute’s first group of graduates crossed the stage on June 21, 2012 and dozens of graduates are already working in the cleantech industry. Three companies have hired a combined 20 graduates, five additional companies have hired one or two graduates, and several students have offers pending.  The companies range in size and specialty, with renewable energy graduates receiving jobs in six different states.

In addition to demand from hiring organizations and job placements across the country, positive feedback from new employers about the graduates has been tremendous.

“Hiring managers across the board have been extremely complimentary about the quality of our graduates and their job readiness,” said Michael Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “One company even said that Ecotech graduates are the best new hires he has ever worked with. Another company actually created a new position to better utilize the skills and knowledge of an Ecotech graduate. We are thrilled to see our alumni already experiencing great success and making an impact in the workplace.”

Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in clean technology and careers in sustainability. At the school’s first-ever graduation, forty-one students received their associate’s degrees in the following areas: Wind Energy Technology, Solar Energy Technology, Renewable Energy Technologyand Electrical Engineering Technology.

Former Governor Bill Ritter, who currently serves as the Director of the Colorado State University Center for the New Energy Economy, delivered the commencement speech. He offered perspectives from his position as governor, discussed Colorado’s aggressive role in the new energy economy, and applauded the promising future of the cleantech and clean energy industries.

“We were in the worst recession since the Great Depression and the only part of the private sector that grew during that was the cleantech/clean energy [sector],” said Ritter. “For your purposes, you chose right. You chose well. You chose the thing that grew, it has the potential to grow and grow and grow.”

The Ecotech curriculum is focused on the development of soft skills (communication, workplace etiquette), and math and science basics and technology skills, but the educational emphasis is on hands-on, practical training. Ecotech’s national board of advisors, who all work in cleantech industries, helped design the school’s curriculum, providing coursework that reflects what students will experience upon graduation.

Ecotech Institute, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, offers five highly practical associate’s degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energyemployers. Ecotech’s second commencement will be in September.

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