Blogs

Arvada business recognized for contributions to the community

Arvada, Colo. — Faustson Tool (www.faustson.com), a worldwide leader in five-axis manufacturing technology, was recently honored by the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation (www.jeffco.org) at the 20^th Annual Industry Appreciation Awards Breakfast. At the March 21^st event, held at the Arvada Center for Arts & Humanities, Jeffco EDC presented Faustson with a Business Recognition Award for the company’s growth in primary employment and capital investment.

“Receiving an award like this requires the right combination of management, stellar employees, and the latest and greatest equipment, and I feel as though we have all of those elements in place,” said Faustson Director of Operations Heidi Hostetter. “We continue to take pride in our tenacity and commitment to remain pioneers in the precision manufacturing and machining industry here in Colorado. Watch what we plan to unveil in 2013!”

Faustson Tool was nominated for the award by the Colorado Association of Manufacturing and Technology, and was recognized based on the company’s substantial contributions to the community and its reputation for innovation and excellence. In 2012 Faustson Tool increased employment from 15 to 20 highly skilled employees, and added more than $850,000 in capital investment. Other organizations receiving Business Recognition Awards included Adaptive Innovations Corp., the Coleman Company, Datalogix, Rocky Mountain Bottle Company, SourceGas, and Sundyne Corp.

“As we try to encourage job growth and capital investment in Jefferson County, it is important for us to recognize the businesses and individuals who have made significant contributions in these areas over the past year. In Jeffco, we are fortunate to have a healthy mix of innovative and growing businesses. They have earned this recognition,” said Kevin McCasky, President and CEO of Jeffco EDC.

Faustson Tool has been a presence in the community for more than 30 years. Founded in 1981 by Paul and Alicia Svaldi, Faustson began as a small business in an 80-square-foot space, with one milling machine and two employees servicing off-load machine shops. The Svaldi’s keen insight into the future of high-precision manufacturing placed them on the cutting edge of manufacturing technology, where they have been ever since. In the 1980s, Faustson was the first manufacturer to demonstrate the benefits of electric discharge machining technology (EDM), also known as “spark eroding”. In the 1990s Faustson was the first to demonstrate the benefits of five-axis milling and its potential to change the face of manufacturing. Five-axis milling machines have a cutting accuracy of five millionths of an inch, smaller than a strand of hair.

Today, Faustson Tool has grown into a 16,000-square-foot facility with more than 20 highly skilled employees, and is owned and operated by Alicia Svaldi. Faustson Tool remains in the vanguard of the manufacturing industry, continuing a tradition of pioneering the newest technology and pushing its limits. Faustson Tool takes on the most challenging applications only a few U.S. companies can handle, using high-end precision machining to do things no one else in the industry thinks can be done. Faustson’s reputation for innovation and determination has earned the company prestigious clientele: Faustson Tool was called upon to manufacture a key component in NASA’s Kepler space telescope, and has worked with Bell Aerospace to produce parts for the U.S. F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter jet.

About Faustson Tool

Faustson Tool, a worldwide leader in the machining industry, provides services for clients worldwide in 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 small business. For more information, visit www.faustson.com, email hhostetter@faustson.com or call (303) 420-7422.

About Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation

Jeffco EDC was founded in 1955 and is the oldest economic development organization in Colorado. Jeffco EDC’s mission is to strengthen the economic vitality of Jefferson County through the creation, retention, and expansion of primary jobs. The Jeffco EDC Board of Directors represent a broad spectrum of industries, city and county government, and use their considerable experience and resources to attract and guide job creation in the county. Jeffco EDC is funded by the financial investment of its members. For more information, visit www.jeffco.org, email info@jeffcoedc.org, or call (303) 202-2965.

Business Provides State-of-the-Art Material Shaping Services to Customers

Berthoud, Colo. – Colorado WaterJet Company (CWJ), the leader in abrasive waterjet shape cutting in Colorado, announces the addition of new, state-of-the-art 5-axis waterjet technology to its precision machining and fabrication services. The company’s latest machine, the Mach 4C WaterJet from Flow, features the most advanced technology in the industry, and provides the most accurate bevel and 3D cutting capabilities available.

“This machine, combined with our highly-trained and experienced staff, gives us the most advanced material-shaping capabilities in Colorado,” says CWJ President Dan Nibbelink.

The Flow Mach 4c’s 5-axis capabilities provide up to 60 degrees of motion, which means faster, more intricate precision cutting of any shape, including interior cuts. The machine is capable of shaping virtually any composite material, regardless of thickness, including stone, steel, aluminum, tile, rubber foam and glass.

Overall, waterjet technology is more advanced and cost effective than comparative cutting technologies like band saws and lasers. The cold cutting process requires no heat and eliminates hardened edges, slag and warping. It allows for close nesting of parts for efficient use of material that reduces waste. The computerized, numerically controlled system significantly improves turnaround time and eliminates cutting and processing errors associated with non-waterjet systems.

“This technology is versatile, and opens up many possibilities to our clients in various industries because we can offer highly precise machining of almost any material in any shape or size,” says Nibbelink.

About Colorado WaterJet Company

Colorado WaterJet Company (CWJ) is the largest and most experienced abrasive waterjet shape cutting job shop in Colorado. Founded in 1997 by Dan Nibbelink, P.E., after 20 years of industry experience as a mechanical engineer, the company offers precision machining and fabrication services using the latest cutting technology to customers across the U.S. Colorado WaterJet serves the commercial construction, machine shop, manufacturing, architecture and art/sculpture industries. CWJ contracts with businesses that want access to sophisticated material shaping technology, including 5-axis capabilities, without the burden and cost of purchasing advanced equipment. With state-of-the-art computer-based machining system that allows for intricate design possibilities compared to traditional cutting methods. CJW works from customer-supplied computer files, drawings or sketches, enabling shorter lead and processing times, ultimately saving clients both time and money. For more information, call 970-532-5404, email dn@coloradowaterjet.com, or visit www.coloradowaterjet.com.

Emma Stutte, of Louisville, earned 1st place in Beginning Marching (ages 11-13) at the USTA Open Twirling Competition in Denver on March 17, 2013.  Emma is a 5th grader who began twirling a year ago.  She also received excellent comments on the evaluation of her solo twirling routine.  Emma is a student of Mindy Hurd, director of High Peaks Twirlers.

Retrofit upgrades with utility rebates help companies save on electric bills

Loveland, Colo. — Schlosser Signs, Inc. (www.schlossersigns.com), a leader in the design, manufacture and installation of signage in northern Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska, has announced the addition of a new energy efficiency service division. The new department will evaluate the energy efficiency of customers’ existing lighting and signage and replace inefficient lighting with energy-saving LEDs and other lighting technology. This type of retrofit can save customers thousands of dollars a year in energy costs.

The new department is the brainchild of Ian Senesac, who brings eight years of experience working with a national corporate sign company to the local, family-owned business based in Loveland, Colorado. Senesac contacted Schlosser Signs with the idea for a service team dedicated to evaluating the energy efficiency of customers’ existing signs and lighting, and performing retrofits to those fixtures to reduce energy costs by as much as 80%. Schlosser’s new service team also offers expertise in taking advantage of regional rebate and incentive programs through local utility companies, which help to offset the initial cost of the retrofit upgrade.

LEDs (light emitting diodes) used to replace existing light sources are powered by just 12 volts, compared to traditional neon or fluorescent fixtures, which typically use between 120- and 15,000 volts. LEDs can be used in parking lot lamps, canopy lighting, cabinet signs, and more. An LED sign uses up to 40% less energy than other electronic signage. Retrofitting a neon sign can lead to a 75% reduction in energy costs. While the initial cost of LEDs is more than the cost of older, less-efficient technologies, the differential is more than made up by the savings in electricity use over the lifespan of the fixture and the reduced level of maintenance required.

Traditional bulbs have a life span of about 20,000 hours, or about two and a half years. An LED, however, has a lifespan of 60,000 to 100,000 hours, or about 7 to 12 years. Because LEDs last longer, there are significant savings realized because they require less maintenance. This becomes especially important for places like parking lots, where changing burnt-out bulbs on tall pole lights can be a time-consuming and dangerous task. A car dealership can light their entire lot, display their merchandise under a more flattering spectrum, and save up to $30,000 a year on energy costs.

“Ian recently did an energy-efficient retrofit of the signs at my Fort Collins Perkins Restaurant & Bakery,” said Eric Spanier, managing member of Northern Colorado Pancake, LLC. “He recommended that I convert our signage from neon to LED. The project was seamless in every way from beginning to end. He even took care of the rebate paperwork, saved me $2,500 on the new lighting equipment, and $1,800/year in energy usage. The signs look like new again, and are much brighter.”

Customers considering retrofitting their signs can take advantage of rebates offered by regional utility companies to offset the initial cost of the retrofit. Programs like Platte River Power Authority’s (PRPA) LightenUP project provide funding for energy-efficient lighting retrofits at commercial and industrial facilities. LightenUP offers incentives on a first-come, first-served basis, to a maximum of $50,000 per customer per year. Rebates are offered as part of the growing clean energy movement along the Front Range and throughout Colorado, which has gained a national reputation for its commitment to converting inefficient energy technologies to solar, wind, LEDs, electric transportation, and more. The benefit is mutual, as customers save on their energy bills, and utility companies are able to put off building new plants by helping new and existing customers make more efficient use of the energy now being generated, making the capacity of the generating plants currently on line go much further.

About Schlosser Signs

Schlosser Signs opened in Loveland, Colorado in 1999. Our experienced team offers the ability to design, manufacture, and install a vast range of interior and exterior corporate signage — including monument signs, LED displays and electronic message centers, parking lot lighting, and awnings, among many others. Our goal is to create a top-quality, great-looking sign that will maintain the integrity of your brand while helping to promote your company to your guests and the general public.

Schlosser takes care of every aspect of each project for you, so you don’t have to worry about the details. From property surveys and visibility studies to permit acquisition, and maintenance long after the project is complete — we do it all, on a local, regional, and national scale.

For more information about all our products and services, call (970) 593-1334 or 888-309-5571, email info@schlossersigns.com or visit us online at www.schlossersigns.com.

Russell Brunson is the president and founder of DotComSecrets, Inc (DotComSecrets Review). He is an accomplished author, renowned speaker, software developer, business consultant, and one of the top online marketers in the world. He has been featured in magazines, on major TV networks like CBS, NBC, Fox, and speaking in front of some of the largest audiences in the world. Russell Brunson makes a full time living online. And he is excited to help everyone to be able to live that dream as well. It is my firm belief that the employment situation around the world has changed fundamentally. Technologies changing everything.

School superintendent Patrick Hickey said Wednesday that the Casino Night held by the Sunrise Rotary on March 9 at The Stanley Hotel went well.

"I'm grateful that people are willing to step up and do things to benefit kids and the schools," he said.

The money raised in the annual event will help support the Bobcat Athletic Club (BAC'ers) athletic programs at the middle and high schools.

Salary of retired US Presidents . . . . . . . . . . .$180,000 FOR LIFE
Salary of House/Senate members . . . . . . . . $174,000 FOR LIFE This is stupid
Salary of Speaker of the House . . . . . . . . . . $223,500 FOR LIFE This is really stupid
Salary of Majority/Minority Leaders . . . . . . $193,400 FOR LIFE Ditto last line
Average Salary of a teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $40,065
Average Salary of a deployed Soldier . . . . . . .$38,000
I think we found where the cuts should be made! If you agree pass it on, I just did.

Warren Buffett, in a recent interview with CNBC, offers one of the best quotes about the debt ceiling:
"I could end the deficit in 5 minutes," he told CNBC. "You just pass a law that says that anytime there is a deficit of more than 3% of GDP, all sitting members of Congress are ineligible for re-election."

The 26th amendment (granting the right to vote for 18 year-olds) took only 3 months & 8 days to be ratified!
Why? Simple! The people demanded it. That was in 1971 - before computers, e-mail, cell phones, etc. Of the 27 amendments to the Constitution, seven (7) took one (1) year or less to become the law of the land - all because of public pressure.

Warren Buffet is asking each addressee to forward this email to a minimum of twenty people on their address list; in turn ask each of those to do likewise.

 In three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message. This is one idea that really should be passed around. 
Congressional Reform Act of 2013
 1. No Tenure / No Pension.  A Congressman/woman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they're out of office.
2. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security.  All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American people. It may not be used for any other purpose.
3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.
4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.
5. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.
6. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people.
7. All contracts with past and present Congressmen/women are void effective 12/1/12. The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen/women.

Congress made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their term(s), then go home and back to work.

If each person contacts a minimum of twenty people then it will only take three days for most people (in the U.S.) to receive the message. Don't you think it's time?   THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!

If you agree, pass it on. If not, delete. You are one of my 20+ - Please keep it going, and thanks
   READY, SET, GO!!! Don't Procrastinate!!

On Friday, March 15, it will be the big 94 for the American Legion.  Our local post 119 was chartered on May 18, 1920, which makes the Estes Park American legion 93 years old. In another mere sweet 16 years, post 119 will be 119.

However you count the years, keep on keepin' on and lookin' good! Many happy returns!

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

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

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

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

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

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

BOULDER RESIDENT TO WALK OVERNIGHT

FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION

Out of the Darkness Overnight Will Take Place in Washington D.C. June 1-2

Boulder, Colorado – On June 1^st through 2^nd Dana Montgomery-Gair will participate in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) Out of the Darkness Overnight, a 16 to 18-mile walk from sunset to sunrise, to raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention.

“As someone who has experienced severe depression and come out the other side, I’m walking to show people it is possible to overcome this disease. Everyone deserves a chance at the life they want but some of us just need a little help to get there.”

According to AFSP close to one million people will make a suicide attempt and more than 38,000 will die by suicide in the U.S. this year.  “These statistics are troubling, but it is important to know that suicide can be prevented.  That is why I am walking in The Overnight, I want to take action to prevent suicide,” said Dana.  

The Foundation hopes that by bringing this event to the nation’s capital it will elevate a national conversation about suicide prevention as well as motivate leaders to take more action regarding this serious public health problem.

Proceeds from the Out of the Darkness Overnight support research and a variety of prevention, education and advocacy programs including distribution of the Foundation’s More Than Sad educational program on teen depression and suicide prevention to high schools across the country.

To support Dana Montgomery-Gair or to get more information about The Overnight, call 888-The-Overnight or visit www.TheOvernight.org.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, remember that help is available.  For more information about suicide such as risk factors and warning signs, visit www.AFSP.org.    

NEWS RELEASE

CONTACT: Niki Tudge.  Pet Professional Guild

ADMIN@PETPROFESSIONALGUILD.COM

413.648.7246

The Pet Professional Guild Welcomes Newest Member

The Pet Professional Guild, a professional pet industry member-association that advocates for force-free dog training and pet care, announced today that Julie Parker and Rocky Mountain Dog Training, LLC  has qualified for membership.

Broomfield CO  – The Pet Professional Guild (PPG) proudly announced today that Julie Parker and Rocky Mountain Dog Training, LLC  has met the required exacting standards and has therefore qualified for membership in the PPG.

According to PPG President, Niki Tudge, “The PPG is a member-association organization that was founded to represent dog training and pet care professionals who are committed to scientifically based, force-free training and behavior change methods. The PPG is the only professional pet industry member association that advocates for force-free dog training and pet care and requires that our members adhere to our “Guiding Principles. We also make these principles available to the public. This way anyone using the services of a PPG member can be confident of the methods and the philosophical and scientific basis of the training methods and pet care techniques used when caring for their pets.”

In the dog training and pet care world, force-free, according to PPG’s website, means that PPG members will never employ shock, pain, fear, physical force, physical molding or compulsion-based methods when training or caring for a pet. “PPG member’s methods are based on the most recent scientific research and focus on the physical, mental, environmental and emotional well being of each pet to ensure that every aspect of training and care contributes to the pet’s well-being; that is our holistic approach. These methods are incredibly effective, fun and most of all safe to use,” says Tudge.

Pet ownership continues to increase and the number of businesses providing products and services to the pet owning public is rapidly growing. Tudge says, “In a largely unregulated industry it can be difficult for the public to understand the differences between the many training and pet care methods that are now available. Even the terminology used to describe various training and pet care techniques can be confusing and misleading. We feel that the pet-owning public needs an educational resource to help them understand the differences in methods and techniques available. The PPG clearly defines the philosophies, methods and techniques its members use so the public can be confident that any Guild member will provide services in accordance with our stated philosophy and guidelines. The public can be assured that only force-free methods will be employed training and caring for their pets.” For more information on force-free training and pet care, visit www.PetProfessionalGuild.com.

About The Pet Professional Guild
 The Pet Professional Guild is an organization comprised of dog training and pet care professionals committed to holistic, force-free methods. Their mission is to help make every pet a valued member of its family and improve the relationship and the quality of life people share with their pets by providing the greatest value and highest quality, state-of-the-art, force-free, scientific based pet training and pet care for each client and by always demonstrating integrity, compassion and an uncompromising commitment to excellence in the care and support of clients and their pets. They will continually expand their knowledge and improve their skills to serve their clients by providing the most innovative pet training and pet care possible

cat%20rescue%204.jpg

When I was young, I believed that there was a vast pool of universal energy…maybe one for the dark and one for the light. And I thought that people, through their deeds and efforts were always contributing to one or the other. In my paradigm, whichever pool received the most input would determine the eventual outcome of the battle of light versus dark. 

           I am older now and I forgot about that until four days ago. This is the story of a little tree-lined neighborhood; one where we have a fall Scarecrow Festival at Mary Beth and Michael’s. Where we exchange whatever we’ve got too much of in the garden, and we are experimenting with the best recipe for apple and peach liqueurs.

           It all started the other morning after the big snowfall. I was talking on the phone and idly surveying the snowy scene just out my picture window. I noticed movement in one of the enormous cottonwoods across the street. I tried to focus on what kind of animal it might be, turning uncomfortably in the crux of a large branch and the main trunk. It was at least thirty feet up. At first I thought it might be a couple of amorous squirrels.Too big. Maybe a raccoon. No… too much white. I put on my boots and coat and ventured up to the base of the tree. It was a black and white cat with luminous crystalline eyes staring down at me. “Kitty…kitty…kitty. Here kitty, kitty…”  I called softly. I could read its eyes. They said, simply, “I can’t.” Boy, I know how that feels, I thought. When my neighbor came home he placed a very long ladder against the tree and tried to reach the cat, but had no luck. It had a black nose and a little black goatee. It was getting cold and dark and starting to snow again. So, we went back inside our respective houses. I was grateful to be warm and dry. I thought a lot about how much cats hate being cold and wet.

          The next morning I went back to check if the cat had found a way to descend the ladder. There it sat, miserably sitting and licking its fur while balancing precariously on the branch. By late afternoon it had settled into the little space for the onslaught of snowflakes which had again begun to drift down at an increasing pace. I borrowed a can of tuna fish from my neighbor and climbed to the top of the ladder to coo and coax. I climbed shakily back down, hoping the can of tuna I left up there would not dislodge and baptize me. I went to bed wrestling with the “not-my-problem” dichotomy, wondering how this poor kitty could survive another frozen night.

          The next morning I walked up and down the street asking anyone I saw if they were missing a cat or recognized it. I was about to walk down to the fire station when I saw one of their small service trucks coming down the street. I flagged the woman driving and asked hopefully, “Are you looking for a cat to rescue?” “No,” she replied regretfully after a great deal of discussion. “It’s a liability issue.” I’m sure she too now struggled with “Not my problem,” but I took it as a heavenly sign that she had even been driving down the street.

          I went inside and called the Humane Society and the recording referred me to the Animal Control dispatch. The girl on the other end was not engaged by me description and said simply “Our policy is that it will come down when it wants to.” Oh, it wants to, I thought as I hung up, muttering a few choice words about Norman Rockwell. Police. Firefighters. America. Kittens.

          I called my neighbor, Leah Bradley, a well-known and very imaginative artist. Aside from being talented, she also can lay claim to being “cat rescuer of the year.” She single-handedly has rescued dozens of feral neighborhood cats and paid to have them spayed and neutered. Never have I heard her say “Not my problem.” I doubt she even thinks it. I described the cat to her, hoping she might know where it belonged. “ It looks like a domino” I explained, citing the distinctive black dot on the cat’s nose. “It’s getting pretty dark and cold,” Leah commented as we stood in the street wondering what to do and assessing the options. None came to mind. If the cat was still alive in the morning…

          I got up to look apprehensively out the window. I would have been sick if it wasn’t there and sick if it was. There stood poor, miserable Domino trying to look dignified, smoothing its fur, and trying weakly to balance on the narrow branch. “It’s my problem”, I decided. “If not me, then who?” I prayed for the Domino-effect to kick in, put on my coat and boots and headed out. I walked toward Leah’s thinking about the power of intent. The great energy pool. The passage about if any three of you ask in my name. We decided to walk to the fire station. As she went in to get ready, I wandered along grateful for the beautiful sunshine bouncing off the snow. Just as I reached the corner where Domino stood contemplating its ninth life, a neighbor from up the street came swerving onto my corner drive. She owns “A Place To Be”, I recalled. I struggled to remember her name…Marinella. Just as she jumped out of her car, two trucks pulled up. One was marked “Artistree…your trees are our canvas.” 303-619-1612. I couldn’t believe my eyes! John Debolt, the owner, emerged with rope and carabiners. Out of the smaller truck stepped Randall Sorensen. Arborist Randall’s Tree Service 303-330-7922. He began to hook up all the ropes and equipment. My face must have looked like a little kids at a magic show. It all came together so fast. A nexus of angels willing to step up and make their contribution to the energy pool. More light and light it grows.

          Domino purrs with contentment in Leah’s studio, hungrily demolishing a dish of tuna and dry food. Funny how quickly it all came together. Several people decided it was their problem: Mariella opened the phone book and dialed the first arborist her finger was guided to, Artistree. John just happened to be an animal lover and he called Randall Sorensen who was his best climber and had just started his own business. “ Sure”, said Randall, “we’d do it for free” and the two of them just showed up. No problem.

          Norman Rockwell. Our America. Alive and well and still contributing to the energy pool.

-         By Dana Marshall.

With tip sheets and links to other tools, ThinkAboutItColorado.org gives consumers what they need to “know before they go.” This knowledge can reduce the stress of visiting a doctor, checking into the hospital, or going for an outpatient treatment. Consumers can prepare to ask and answer important questions that reduce the chance for mistakes. Topics include how to prepare personal medical histories, keep drug and allergy records, fill prescriptions and take medications properly, and practice better hygiene to prevent infections. The site also links to Colorado hospital and provider rating data for health care safety.    

 Think About It Colorado is a nonprofit public awareness program designed to spark a statewide conversation about health care safety and to drive reform in this critical area. Formed in 2010, the organization is led by a board of advisors representing the support of a broad coalition of dedicated and knowledgeable leaders from the patient advocacy, health care and business communities. Think About It Colorado encourages and enables Coloradans to “Team up for safer health care,” and provides education, information and resources to help consumers and providers accomplish this goal. 

Needing a wildlife encounter? Visit the Boulder Public Library to enjoy J. B. Sullivan’s exquisite drawings of wildlife and animals of all kinds.  A Colorado native, Sullivan enjoys drawing birds, elk, coyotes, moose, bears and other animals he discovers in our local environment.

Each drawing requires hundreds of hours to complete the contrast, shading, and immense detail. Working with just pencils, he creates life like drawings that reflect each animal’s unique characteristics. Occasionally he adds a touch of color by adding a highlight in colored pencil.

Growing up on a ranch in Meeker, Colorado, Sullivan learned to appreciate wildlife when he worked outdoors. Today, he is an accomplished artist living in Lafayette, Colorado who shows his work in local venues, at summer art festivals, and on his web site, www.jsullivanart.com.

The current exhibit is sponsored by Boulder Arts Resource and located in the main Boulder Library at 1001 Arapahoe Avenue in downtown Boulder, March 6 – April 30.

Local business offers summer camps, horseback riding instruction & horse training services

Longmont, Colo.– Cornerstone Farm (www.CornerstoneFarmLLC.com), a local business offering horseback riding lessons and horse training services to area residents for 16 years, has announced its 2013 summer horsemanship camp schedule. Cornerstone Farm specializes in hunter/jumper instruction for beginning through advanced riders and offers camps, lessons and training at Triple Creek Ranch.

Two types of camps are offered:

Introduction to Horses & Riding, ages 7+ with little or no riding experience

Horse Show Camp, ages 7+ for all levels of riders, a Saturday horse show caps the week

2013 Cornerstone Farm Summer Horsemanship Camps

June 3-8 – Horse Show Camp

June 17-21 – Introduction to Horses & Riding

July 1-6 – Horse Show Camp

July 29-August 3 – Horse Show Camp

Instruction is tailored to each student’s needs and riding ability, and enrollment is limited. An indoor arena allows riding rain or shine. Introductory Camp runs Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to2:00 p.m. Horse Show Camp sessions have the same schedule, and culminate in participation in an on-site schooling horse show on Saturday of camp week. Cost for camp is $400/week (plus show fees for Horse Show Camp).

Camp with Cornerstone Farm is designed to teach English riding and stable management skills in a safe, friendly and fun learning environment. A time-tested program teaches not only horsemanship but also teamwork, confidence and self-reliance. Knowledgeable instructors guide campers to develop new skills, both on and off the horses. Cornerstone Farm school horses are trustworthy and kind, and come in a variety of sizes and ability levels.

About Cornerstone Farm

Cornerstone Farm is run by Head Instructor Jennifer Shannon, a graduate of the Colorado State University equine science program (http://equinescience.colostate.edu/) and a certified English and Western riding instructor. She has been riding for more than 30 years, and has taught riding and trained horses for 22 years. She specializes in hunter/jumper instruction, and offers private and group lessons, as well as horse training services. Lessons can be taught on one of Cornerstone Farm’s trustworthy horses, or riders can take lessons atop their own horse.

For more detailed information on lessons, training or camps, contact Cornerstone Farm at (303) 828-9040, email Jen@CornerstoneFarmLLC.com, or visit www.CornerstoneFarmLLC.com. Find Cornerstone Farm on Twitter atwww.twitter.com/CornerstoneFarm.

Directions

From Longmont, take Nelson Road west approximately five miles from Hover Road and look for the Triple Creek Ranch sign on the north side of the road. For more information, visit www.triplecreek-ranch.com.

About Triple Creek Ranch

Triple Creek Ranch, at 4255 Nelson Road in Longmont, was established in 1991 and is one of Colorado’s premier equestrian facilities. The 64-acre facility is along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, just north of Boulder on the west side of Longmont. Triple Creek Ranch is owned and operated by Lynn McChesney, and features two outdoor arenas and one indoor arena, access to trails and a cross-country course. Full-service boarding and training is available, along with western, dressage and hunter/jumper lessons for children and adults, beginning through advanced levels, in private or group class settings. Lesson horses are available. For more information, call 303-444-4291, email lynntriplecreek@cs.com or visit www.triplecreek-ranch.com.

The 26th Annual Denver Home Show: March 15 – 17, 2013

Celebrity Landscaper Ahmed Hassan Will Offer Tips for a Beautiful Yard

Denver Home Show Honors Military, Fire and Police Departments

with Hero Day Friday

Spring is in the air; the season for spring cleaning, home makeover projects and early-bird landscaping projects. Whether you have a green thumb, a knack for do-it-yourself renovations or a desire to create your own vegetable garden, the 26^th annual Denver Home Show has something for everyone. This year’s home-focused extravaganza will be held March 15 - 17 at the National Western Complex in Denver. More than 500 experts in home décor, gardening, landscaping and remodeling will be on-hand to provide visitors with expert advice and inspiration.

With everything from beautiful Japanese flower arrangements to the newest home improvement gadgets that will be launched this year, the Denver Home Show is a perfect weekend event for everyone in the family. 2013 show highlights include:

The Truth about Landscaping

With 22 years of experience, Ahmed Hassan, past host of DIY Network’s Yard Crashers and regular guest contributor for the CBS Early Show and NBC’s Today Show, is an expert in landscape design, installation and maintenance. At this year’s show, Ahmed will be presenting “The Truth, The Whole Truth and Nothing But The Truth About Landscaping.” With his vast experience as a Landscape Contractor, Home Improvement Salesperson, Certified Landscape Maintenance Technician and Qualified Applicator for pest control, this is a must-see presentation! Presentations will be given on the Main Stage at 11:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and 12:00 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Day and Night in the Garden

Take a stroll through the extraordinary Gardens of Excellence, designed and created by Colorado's top landscape professionals. From lovely lilies to dazzling dahlias, show goers will discover the latest in creative design concepts, sustainable landscaping ideas and outdoor entertaining.

Hero Day Friday

In honor of all service members who help keep our homes, our neighborhoods and our country safe, the Denver Home Show is offering FREE admission to anyone currently serving in the military, fire department or police force. All service members must show a valid service ID at the Show Office to receive a complimentary admission. This offer is only valid on Friday, March 15.

Innovation for the Modern Home

Boulder's Wynn Waggoner, of Wynn Interiors and the Rocky Mountain Design Collective will be showcasing 2,000 square feet of new designs, materials and ideas. With the help of an entire collection of local industry professionals, visitors will learn what is needed to bring a homeowner's remodeling dreams to completion. Special attention has been placed on the combination of light, glass and water to bring a home to life.

Competing for the Cup

This year the Floral Association of the Rockies, a statewide organization of florists within Colorado, will be holding their Rocky Mountain Cup contest at the Denver Home Show. This contest will crown the "Designer of the Year" in Colorado. The contestants will be given the same materials, three categories and a set time to design within. They will design three pieces on site from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, and judging will immediately follow. Then Premier Competition will take place at 3 p.m. These five finalists will only have one hour to design their beautiful creations. From novice to experienced designer, all entrants have a chance to win a monetary prize, the Rocky Mountain Cup, and of course, bragging rights.

Look What’s Cooking at the Show

The Denver Home Show Kitchen Stage will be holding fun demonstrations and contests throughout the weekend. Visitors can watch local Chef Richard Glover, chef entrepreneur and co-creator of the Hulee Super Cookie, as he demonstrates his cooking talents. 5280 and their street team will be on site Saturday between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. next to the Kitchen Stage sampling 3 ounces of their signature O’dells 25^th Anniversary beer. And join us for a ‘Crockpot Cook-Off” with Jeremy Padgett from KIMN. Jeremy will compete against three lucky on-air winners to create a simple dish; stop by to see who can cook up the best crockpot creation. Join us for all of this and more at the Kitchen Stage!

Sogetsu – The Art of Flower Arranging

Learn the art of Ikebana from the masters of Sogetsu Colorado! This is one of the Denver Home Show's most popular demonstrations and displays! Ikebana is the Japanese art of arranging flowers, leaves, branches, grasses and pods, so thoughtfully and skillfully, they rival paintings and sculptures. Numerous presentations will be given throughout all three days of the show.

Ask-A-Designer!

Considering renovations?  Looking to repaint, refresh and update your home’s interior? Just “Ask-a-Designer!” Denver Home Show Interior Designer Wynn Waggoner will be conducting FREE 10-minute consultations.  Bring color swatches, design plans or pictures from home magazines and Wynn will help get you on track to creating the home you’ve always wanted. Visitors can email wynninteriors@wispertel.net before the show to sign up for the FREE consultation or stop by booth # 1741 to sign up for a time.

For Sale, For Good

In an exciting new twist for this year’s show, everything in the Wynn Interiors/Rocky Mountain Design Collective booth will be for sale to show attendees. As the official non-profit of the Denver Home Show, Brent’s Place will receive a portion of all proceeds from these sales. Brent’s Place is a Children’s Hospital Colorado approved “Safe-Clean” housing facility for immune compromised patients and their families, providing a living environment that is essential to healing and recovery. For more information, visit brentsplace.org.

Colorado Proud

With an extensive selection of products made right here in Colorado, visitors will have the opportunity to shop for wonderful products that help support the local economy.

Show Dates and Hours: March 15th: 10-9pm; March 16th: 10-9pm; March 17th: 10-5pm

Tickets: $9.00 discount tickets online; $11.00 at the door; children 12 & under FREE

Website: www.homeshowdenver.com

Show Location: National Western Complex, Expo Hall and Arena

4655 Humboldt Street

Denver, CO 80216

Located just east of 1-25 and 1-70 and easily accessible by taking Brighton Blvd. or Coliseum exits.

Show & Sale continues through June 2; opening weekend features a variety of events to support the activities of the Loveland and Thompson Valley Rotary Clubs

The 22^nd Annual Governor’s Invitational Art Show & Sale to benefit the Loveland Rotary Foundation will host its Opening Night Gala Saturday, April 27^th. The event takes place from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Loveland Museum & Gallery, 5^th Street & Lincoln Avenue, Loveland, Colorado. A VIP preview of the show will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the Museum, and is open to the exhibiting artists and ticket holders. Local artist Scott Freeman will be hosting his Art Theatre performance from 2:00 to 2:30 p.m. at Bill Reed Middle School, which is free to the public. Art featured in the show will be on display to the public with museum admission from April 28 through June 2.

This year’s Governor’s Art Show & Sale features 55 Colorado artists. The exhibit’s downstairs gallery showcases works by local artists with a broad range of styles and influences, including more contemporary and avant-garde works. New artists participating in the show this year include international award-winning watercolor artist Selina Karim and nationally renowned painter Alyson Kinkade, whose art is displayed in the Colorado State Capitol as well as Colorado State University and Denver International Airport. David Nittmann, whose woodcarvings have been featured in The Smithsonian and The Philadelphia Museum of Art, returns for another year, along with painters Ross Busby and David Mayer. 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.

Opening weekend for the Show & Sale begins Saturday, April 27 at 10:00 a.m. with a VIP preview of the artwork at the Loveland Museum and Gallery. Exhibiting artists and ticket holders can enjoy coffee and pastries while getting the first look at the art on display.

That afternoon, local artist Scott Freeman will perform his signature, captivating Art Theatre at Bill Reed Middle School, 370 West 4^th Street, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The performance, where Freeman will create a large-format painting as the audience watches, is open to the public. Tickets are available at RE/MAX Alliance, 750 W. Eisenhower Blvd. in Loveland. Freeman is known for the “Loveland Mosaic” mural on display at the Loveland Public Library, and for his performance at last year’s TEDxFrontRange.

The Show’s Opening Night Gala will be held from 5:00 to 9:00, and will include tapas, local fine wines and beer, and a color catalog of selected artworks displayed and offered for sale. Ticket holders receive a catalog with ticket purchase. The catalog will also be for sale during the show, available on the show’s website as a PDF. Attendees of the Gala will be among the first to have the opportunity to purchase paintings and other works of art. To purchase tickets, visit www.GovernorsArtShow.org, email governorsartshow@gmail.com, or call (970) 663-0919.

Tickets for opening night are available for $65/person when purchased in advance through the website by April 20, and $75/each at the door. The Show & Sale continues at the Loveland Museum & Gallery from Sunday, April 28 through June 2, 2013 during normal hours for the facility.

Beneficiaries of Sale Proceeds

This event is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Loveland and Thompson Valley 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, RE/MAX Alliance Loveland, and Loveland Ready-Mix Concrete; Silver-level sponsors Art Works Loveland and Shannon Marketing Communications; 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 governorsartshow@gmail.com. You can also learn more at the event’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GovsArtShowandSale.