Blogs

The 2011-2012 CAR National Theme is “Living the American Dream.”  Quoted from the National Program Packet - “Our Founding Fathers had a Dream for what they wanted America to become, and great risk came with the action on that Dream for them and everyone else who gave aid to the American Revolution. As the Children of the American Revolution, we honor their Dream and their bravery, but their Dream and their fight for America did not end in the time of the American Revolution. We carry with us today the same core values of their Dream of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. What better way is there to honor their Dream than by supporting those who defend that Dream today? Thanks to the brave men and women of our Armed Forces, we are able to be Living the American Dream.”

Members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care.  A Fisher House is “a home away from home” for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.  The homes are normally located within walking distance of the treatment facility or have transportation available. There are 54 Fisher Houses located across the country and Germany. 

The CAR National Project this year is to raise funds for the Fisher House Foundation to use toward building a new Fisher House.  Locally, there is a Fisher House near the Denver VA Medical Center in Aurora.  This facility has nine rooms which accommodates about 20 people and is usually full year round.  William Smith Livingston CAR members contacted the director to see how they could provide assistance.   They are always in need of paper products such as paper towels, napkins and toilet paper.  On their wish list is new or used games for their Xbox 360 and Wii gaming systems.  Please consider donating any games that you don’t play anymore or purchasing used games from GameStop.  We are collecting these items and plan to deliver them along with holiday gift bags on December 10th after the wreath laying ceremony.

The Art Underground will present its production of Disney’s "Alice in Wonderland, Jr." on the stage of Platt Middle School (6096 Baseline Road) on March 17th and 18th, 2012.  Performances will be at 11 am, 3 pm, and 6 pm both days.  Tickets go on sale on February 24th, and are available at www.theartunderground.org ($6 for children, $8 for adults). 

New Belgium Brewing, maker of Fat Tire Amber Ale, is calling all filmmakers, beer-lovers and videographers! New Belgium’s Clips of Faith is in its third year and searching for short films of the tasty variety.

Clips of Faith is an 18-city tour where people can savor beers from New Belgium’s esoteric Lips of Faith series, along with some popular classics, while enjoying short films and raising money for local nonprofits.  Since its inception two years ago, the film festival has raised more than $91,000 for local philanthropic organizations and shown nearly 40 amateur films.

“We really enjoy working with all the creative folks in our community of beer drinkers to bring the event together,” said Christie Catania, Clips of Faith Manager-at-Large.  “The whole evening is a remarkable collaboration of passions – hand-made films with hand-made beer.  We look forward to bringing out some new unique beers and putting together the final cut of the 2012 show.”

Over the last two seasons, New Belgium has received nearly 200 film submissions, with approximately 20 selections making each tour. This year, all selected entries will receive a custom gift from New Belgium and screenings in 18 cities.   

To enter, upload your film by April 16 to www.clipsoffaith.com. The guidelines include:

• The film must be no more than seven minutes.
• Filmmakers must be at least 21 years old.
• The film can cover any subject/genre, but extra points go to films that include a New Belgium folly: craft beer, sustainability, whimsy, adventure or culture.
• Keep it clean.
• Filmmakers must secure rights for all elements included in the film.

In 2010 and 2011, some of the selected storylines included a paddling trip through whaling waters, a talking beer bottle sketch comedy and an absurdist spaghetti western. Film genres ranged from comedic shorts, animation and environmental documentaries to tales about the beloved bike.

Here is the 2012 Clips of Faith schedule; venues will be announced at a later date.

St. Louis, MO – Friday, May 18

Kansas City, MO – Thursday, May 31

Bloomington, IL – Friday, June 8

Des Moines, IA – Friday, June 15

Madison, WI – Thursday, June 21

Boulder, CO – Friday, June 29

Flagstaff, AZ – Thursday, July 12

Santa Cruz, CA – Friday, July 20

Seattle, WA – Friday, July 27

Portland, OR – Friday, August 3

Davis, CA – Friday, August 10

Missoula, MT – Friday, August 17

Asheville, NC – Friday, September 7

Atlanta, GA – Friday, September 14

Athens, GA – Friday, September 21

Charleston, SC – Thursday, September 27

Charlotte, NC – Friday, October 5

Knoxville, TN – Friday, October 12

For the latest information on Clips of Faith, go to clipsoffaith.com and for more information on New Belgium Brewing, visit newbelgium.com.

American History Essay Contest! Arapahoe Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution's yearly awards program honors Boulder students.

5th grade 1st place Jordyn Hall, Peak to Peak Charter, 2nd place Jonah G. Munoz, Pioneer Elementary School

6th grade 1st place: Morgan Brantmeyer, Peak to Peak Charter, 2nd place Zachary Klaus, Centennial Middle School.

7th grade 1st place Evan Laugan, Centennial Middle School, 2nd Place Ben Gorgemans, Centenial Middle School.

8th grade 1st place Kaya Tone, Centennial Middle School, 2nd place Ilse Meiler, Peak to Peak Elementary

DAR's Junior American Citizens (JAC) learn  the principles of our democratic government and an appreciation for our great country. Through these opportunities and recognition of the student’s work, we hope to encourage today's Junior American Citizens -- the future leaders of our country.

The Christopher Columbus Essay Contest is a controversial contest.  Boulder High Senior, Erica Wiener, convinces judges she could tackle the question/theme of the contest "Christopher Columbus: In his own time, in history, and today" to win first in state for 12th grade. Erica will now compete with other seniors from around the country for the National DAR Christopher Columbus Essay Contest.

Peak to Peak Charter School 6th grader, Morgan Brantmeyer, wins Arapahoe Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution's American History Essay Contest! Latest news!! Morgan won first place in State for DAR American History Essay Contest.

Centennial Middle School 7th grader, Evan Laugen wins Arapahoe Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution's American History Essay Contest! Latest News! Evan won first place in State for DAR American History Essay Contest. Last year Evan won first place National DAR American History Essay contest for 6th graders. He was awarded $800.00

The theme of the essay was:  "Young America Takes a Stand: The War of 1812"

As published in www.PlasticSurgeryPractice.com

Christopher R. Cote, MD

by Schae Kane

A facial plastic surgeon to watch in the Denver area is Christopher R. Cote, MD. After a 12-year career in the US Army, he has brought impressive talents and experiences to his Colorado practice.

SOLDIER TO SURGEON

"I have always wanted to help others feel better about themselves," he says. "And every patient I see has a unique need or circumstance that ultimately impacts their self-esteem—whether it is a disease state, related to an accident or injury, or simply a desire to improve upon what nature provided."

Cote's career began with the Army, where he served overseas and gained extensive experience in facial reconstructive surgery. He served in several high-level assignments, including chief of otolaryngology for US Forces in Korea. He also treated many of the soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan and served as the otolaryngology consultant to the White House Medical Unit.

He holds dual certification in both otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery, which provides an uncommon perspective. His experience as a military physician offered the opportunity to solve problems and treat a wide range of surgical needs and patients.

"I served as chief of facial plastic surgery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and had the opportunity to be closely involved with the complex injuries affecting soldiers," Cote explains. "Seeing the kinds of injuries I saw and watching the way these brave men adjusted their lives always humbles me. Those emotions and empathy are what motivates me—and every patient deserves that kind of commitment."

IT'S ALL REAL

His experiences in the military had a significant impact on his approach to patients. "Seeing lives changed by injury in the blink of an eye really makes you wake up," he says. "I hope I am more empathetic as a result. I really understand that every patient has a challenge that affects their life and their self-esteem."

He believes the key to being a good plastic surgeon is developing an honest relationship with his patients. "I consider myself a physician first and a surgeon second," he explains. "And that's an important distinction. It's not just about cutting and changing something—it's about really understanding the patient and why they've come to me in the first place. I can't fix a situation if I can't diagnose it first."

He recognizes a need to educate his patients to help them make the best decision. With the multitude of noninvasive therapies available, it is important for patients to understand the facts and be aware of the kinds of questions they should consider.

While at Walter Reed, Cote used leading-edge 3D imaging and modeling technology to optimize craniofacial and microvascular reconstruction. "The Army was a cooperative environment where good ideas were shared," he says. "There are a lot of positive developments in plastic surgery, and as physicians we have a duty to guide our patients and provide appropriate treatment."

THE NOSE KNOWS

When it comes to procedures, Cote is an expert in rhinoplasty who has trained many surgeons. "Every nose is different," he says. "Some patients present with a cosmetic issue they want to address, and others have a breathing issue that needs to be corrected. The diverse needs of each patient are what makes each nose challenging and what makes it an important procedure."

He works closely with his patients to address their individual variables, and works hard to set common goals and expectations. "There are three keys to success," he says. "First, I have to be able to address patient needs technically and surgically. Then, we need to be able to work together to understand the healing process. And finally, we both have to be on a level plain when it comes to expectations."

Empathizing with patients and really connecting to understand their needs, wants, and desires is so important.

In Denver, Cote practices all aspects of facial plastic surgery, including full facial and eye rejuvenation. He is routinely called on for difficult skin cancer reconstruction, and has quickly gained the attention of his colleagues for his versatility and results.

"I'm in the 'Making People Happy' business," he says. "And I think that's a pretty good place to be."

Christopher R. Cote, MD
Faces First Cosmetic Surgery
850 E Harvard Ave, Suite 675
Denver, CO 80210
(303) 744-2300
www.facesfirst.com

Nordy’s BBQ & Graham’s Carpet Network Host Ultimate Fishing Experience Viewing Party February 23

Businesses helped reality show remodel wounded Brighton veteran’s home

Loveland, Colorado – Graham’s Carpet Network, northern Colorado’s traveling floor and window covering store, and Nordy’s BBQ’s Loveland location will host a February 23 viewing party of the reality show Ultimate Fishing Experience. The UFE episode, shot in early January, features materials and labor provided by Graham’s Carpet Network, while Nordy’s catered five days of lunches for the cast and crew when the show remodeled an injured military veteran’s Brighton home. The show is scheduled to premiere at 6:30 Mountain time Thursday, February 23, and be aired as a re-broadcast on March 22.

Ultimate Fishing Experience on NBC Sports Network (formerly Versus) is similar to Extreme Home Makeover, with dream fishing destinations and outdoor activities. The program chose Aaron Bugg of Brighton as the subject for episode #5. Aaron's wife Lisa, in cooperation with the show, went with him to Tampa, FL to fish and enjoy a trip to Disney.

While they were gone, a team – including Graham’s Carpet Network, their vendors, distributors, manufacturers and installer friends – retrofitted the Bugg home to make it more modern, accessible and user-friendly. Graham’s provided new carpet and hardwood floors, and the crew installed a new stove, refrigerator, washer/dryer, and jetted tub to help Aaron with residual pain in his legs from an IED injury. Aaron and Lisa returned home with a motorcycle escort to a celebration with the retrofit team, neighbors, family, and others.

“It was truly one of the most touching, moving experiences I’ve ever been a part of,” said Katie Ingram, Graham’s Carpet Network office manager. “The way the community rallied around this project to help a man wounded while serving his country was amazing.”

Graham’s was invited to participate in the show’s production through one of their commercial customers, Kirk Muhlenbruck of Century Three Senior Housing in Windsor. Kirk’s son, Blake, owns Naked Bait Co. Inc. in Evans, knows the show’s producers, and coordinated the project with local non-profit American Military Families.

Those who wish to view or record the program but can’t make the viewing party can check local listings or use their remote to search for “Ultimate Fishing Experience.” Local cable and satellite services carry the network on the following channels: CSU Channel 53; Comcast Channel 55 & 689; US Cable Channel 30 & 288; DirecTV 603; Dish 151 & 9466. The episode premiers February 23, and rebroadcasts March 22. See http://ultimatefishingexperience.com/ for details.

About Nordy’s Bar-B-Que & Grill

Nordy’s, with locations in Old Town Fort Collins and just off I-25 at Crossroads Boulevard in Loveland, is owned and operated by Les and Eric Nordhagen. Whether you are in the mood for fall-off-the-bone ribs, smoked brisket, fried catfish, juicy turkey, Carolina pork, BBQ chicken, or sausage, Nordy’s fits the bill. They offer catering, a gluten-free menu, and an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for just $9.95 (kids buffet $4.99). Visit http://www.nordysbbq.com/ for more information, or find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nordys-BBQ-Grill/158234544667.

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 (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Grahams-Carpet-Network/144560548949001) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/designdivacn), or connect on LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/in/monicagraham).

Auditions - Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Directed by Pat Payne

Make an evening of big fun work toward supporting impoverished children in a big way at A Precious Child’s first Carnevale! event from 7 to 11 p.m., Saturday, Feb 25^th at the Season’s Bliss Event Center, 665 Flatiron Marketplace Drive in Broomfield.

“We are going to make it a night of revelry in Carnevale style with live jazz, dancing and magic – it truly will be a Carnevale event,” said Taylor Keyes, the business and event manager at A Precious Child, which supplies basic clothing, school needs and used sporting equipment to more than 10,000 Colorado children annually. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operates a 6,000-square foot warehouse and donation center at 557 Burbank Street, Unit E in Broomfield and is currently funding an expansion of its Boulder donation center at 2775 Valmont Street.

The evening includes music by the Queen City Jazz Band and DJ Ted Chavez, magicians and entertainers from Illuminated Art and Entertainment, decorations by Décor n More, a live auction, drinks, hors d’oeuvres, mingling and dancing in a cocktail-attired or masqueraded setting. Tickets are on sale for $50 per person. To register or to find out more information go to www.preciouschildcarnevale.com, or call 303-466-4272.

This great opportunity for stepping out is also a great opportunity for A Precious Child to step out into the community, as well, Keyes said. The festive Carnevale theme funding assistance for less-advantaged children is somewhat appropriate, she said, given that it is a celebration during which many Catholic cultures make merry before the weeks of Lenten fasting and penitence in preparation for Easter.

“We’ve never had a fundraiser that was this intricate in planning and funding, so we’re really hoping for a huge turnout,” Keyes said.

A Precious Child collaborates with schools, organizations, social services, fire and police departments, churches and shelters to ensure that all children in the State of Colorado have their basic needs met.  For more information about A Precious Child and to learn how you can help make a difference, visit www.APreciousChild.org or call 303-466-4272.

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Colorado-Based Chinese Learning Website Seeks Users for Free Beta

After a rigorous, self-taught course from a travel book, an upstanding Colorado man traveled to China. The trip to Beijing went smoothly, and he was able to make simple requests with the flight attendant. He got to the airport, found his client’s representative, and introduced himself with confidence. To his surprise, the representative was horrified and his business dealing had turned sour at its very inception.

Now, what went wrong? Later on, the man found that the greeting and speech he used was unfortunately suggestive and colloquial. This was a huge affront to the representative, and later, his client. When the man returned to Colorado, he took one look back at his travel book of phrases and words and promptly trashed it.

Language learning shouldn’t have to stop with general-purpose vocabulary and phrases. A member of our community, Dr. Amber Navarre--former Coordinator and Senior Instructor of Chinese at the University of Colorado at Boulder--has launched her “purpose-driven” Chinese learning website, Lantern Institute, Inc, at www.lanterninstitute.com. Lantern offers customized Mandarin Chinese curriculum and consultation for any learners who have access to the Internet. The site has recently been launched for public testing, and the lessons will remain free through its January-March beta.

What’s so special about a “purpose-driven” curriculum?

Through her 15 years of language teaching experience, Dr. Navarre has concluded: current Chinese language learning tools and generic curricula do not serve individual purposes. For instance, there is an array of linguistic and cultural resources that are necessary for talking to a business client that are different from those for a conversation at a bar. Depending on the purpose, a professional cyclist’s language need is clearly different from that of a medical device representative.

Such individual needs drove the creation of Lantern, which aims to cover the ground from simple greetings to complex business conversations; from hospital visits to environmental sustainability; for learners’ educational, social, and professional pursuits.

Now let’s come back to our Coloradan fellow. What can Lantern offer to help with his specific needs for communication? He can find what he is looking for in Unit One, in which the instructor teaches greetings. Alternatives are taught through contextualized videos, and their distinctions are clearly emphasized: from business meetings with a client to private conversations to introductions in a public speech. Such depth and cultural insight are the strengths of Lantern lessons.

Some embrace the abundant opportunities the cyber world has to offer, and some believe you can never learn in a remote setting. But it never hurts to try, especially when it is free. Sign up for the free beta at www.lanterninstitute.com and try it for yourself.

(Golden, CO) - The Applewood Permaculture Institute (API) in Golden hosted a Warre Hive Building workshop recently and created seven new homes for honey bees.   The day long workshop, led by garden coordinator David Braden and beekeeper Don Studinski, involved hands-on building and learning about raising bees to about dozen eager  beeavers from around the Denver metro area.

Late winter is a good time to prepare and set out new hives because honey bees will be looking for new homes in the spring to create a new colony, in preparation for the pollination feast ahead.

Bees play an integral role in the pollination of our food, and new bee homes are needed for several reasons.  First, there is a decrease in their natural habit, especially in urban and suburban environments that often yield their space to more human development.  Second, with that increased development comes an increasing use of gardening and landscape products that are fatal to bees (and pollination). 

Nicotine bad for bees too

Many insecticide products, often labeled ‘green’, contain nicotine-derived chemicals - neonicotinoids - such as clothianidin and thiamethoxam, which are one of the factors linked to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). CCD is fatal to bees and negatively impacts the subsequent systems that rely on bee pollination, such as food production.   “Neonicotinoid pesticides are systemic – the whole plant remains toxic right through to flowering. If spray drift doesn’t kill them, bees could be poisoned by pollen, nectar, and drinking water. Even sub-lethal doses weaken bees’ reproduction, immune systems, navigation, and memory,” said New Zealand writer and beekeeper Raymond Huber. (http://www.raymondhuber.co.nz/2011/06/23/poisoning-our-partners/) 

In addition to neonicotinoid usage, other factors are suggested to contribute to weakened honey bees and subsequent CCD: monoculture (the widespread specialization in single crops), genetic engineering, and the world's changing landscape.  All this points to the fact that we live in a complex and interconnected world, and that change occurs at all levels. As can be seen from the history and usage of DDT, starting in the 1940s, it may take decades before governing bodies to officially recognize the harmful effects and take appropriate action to safeguard the public at large. “In the meantime,” said Don the beekeeper, “it is up to us to increase our awareness of the risks and start where we can have the most immediate impact: act individually from an informed perspective, honor nature’s intelligence, err on the side of preserving life for all, now and in the future, and discontinue insecticide use.”

Building Warre bee hives

A Warre bee hive is a vertical top bar hive that is simple to build, easy to manage and maintain, and less expensive than other types of hives, such as a Langstroth hive.  The API set up six stations that allowed participants to work in teams, shifting to different areas, and learn about the different aspects of the Warre hive.

Building community for all, bees and people alike

After the full day of building new hives and connections, David reflected: “It's wonderful to see our community coming together to cooperatively support honey bees, one of the many insects that form an important layer of our food chain.  Hopefully, others can use this successful event as a model to create community sufficiency activities which will build more resilience into all our lives, including bees.”  Attendees walked away with a completed hive and accompanying plans, a full belly from a homemade lunch, and increasing interest in contributing to a healthy and bee-utiful community.

About the Applewood Permaculture Institute

The Applewood Permaculture Institute was started in Golden in 2010 by gardener David Braden IV, a retired lawyer.  Its focus is teaching programs in sustainable living and practical holism.  For more information about the API and future classes, visit http://www.organiclandscapedesign.org/content/applewood-permaculture-institute, or email David: d-braden@comcast.net.  For more information about bees, beekeeping, or swarm collecting, contact Broomfield beekeeper Donald Studinski: dstudin@yahoo.com

This article came out yesterday in Westword and needs as much attention as possible. It could affect anyone that creates art for a living and Denver/Boulder have a huge Arts & Entertainment commuity. Please take a minute to read this and comment. Also feel free to contact the radiostation or leave comments on their facebook page. They need to know they will not get away with this!

Thanks you!

http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/2012/02/jason_aldean_photos_country_station_takes.php#Comments

Windsor’s Motorcycle Armor Receives National Powersports Business Nifty 50 Award

WINDSOR, CO. (Feb 7, 2012) — Windsor-based, family-owned Motorcycle Armor, producers of precision-cut paint-protection-film kits for motorcycles, has received a Nifty 50 Award from Powersports Business. The company’s “Hard Bagger Lid Kit” in matte film was named a 2012 award winner by the magazine’s editors.

“We’re proud and excited to have the work we do here locally recognized by industry experts,” said Christine Detwiler of Motorcycle Armor. “As matte or ‘denim’ paint has become popular, owners and dealers across the country and around the world have discovered that maintaining and repairing this finish can be a challenge. Our kits make it easy to protect and preserve any motorcycle’s finish, matte or glossy.”

Motorcycle Armor’s two-piece Hard Bagger Lid Kit provides owners with a copyrighted design that covers the entire top of hard side saddle bag lids, as well as all side edges. It is available in matte film, for bikes with denim paint, and optically clear film for bikes with glossy paint. The kit, like all Motorcycle Armor products, is designed to fit a variety of Harley-Davidson^TM motorcycles from 1993 through current models.

Both the clear/glossy and matte versions of Motorcycle Armor kits not only protect the paint finish they cover, they also help hide any existing minor scratches or scuffs. Installation takes 15 to 20 minutes, and kits include everything needed for application except a spray bottle. An online step-by-step video instruction is also available on the website to aid installation.

The complete product line of Motorcycle Armor kits available include kits for hardbagger saddle-bag lids, hard bagger backs and fronts, front fork sliders and upper slider covers, fuel tanks, side covers, front fenders, and trike rear wheel fenders. Additionally, a 13-piece kit is manufactured to provide complete protection for Street Glide© or Tri Glide© Trikes.

In its 13^th year, the Powersports Business Nifty 50 Awards annually selects 50 new products or services it believes worthy of prominence. Winners are highlighted in the magazine and in the Powersports Business booth at the Indy Dealer Expo.

About Motorcycle Armor

Motorcycle Armor provides high-quality, precision-cut film kits designed and made in the USA specifically to protect, preserve and improve the appearance of saddlebags, fuel tanks, and fenders on Harley-Davidson^TM Touring and Trike motorcycles for the lifetime of the vehicle. Individual owners, as well as dealers and rental fleet owners, are discovering that Motorcycle Armor kits are an inexpensive and easily applied solution that preserves and protects a bike’s paint finish. Motorcycle Armor kits come with a transferable limited lifetime warranty that replaces any damaged film. For more information, visit http://www.motorcycle-armor.com/.

Health Education Solutions, a leading provider of advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and pediatric advanced life support (PALS) online certification, today released new PALS certification practice tests and a Pediatric Nursing Programs special section to help individuals who provide emergency care to children prepare for certification success and career advancement.

“Proper certification is vital for individuals who provide emergency care to infants, adolescents and children,” said Melissa Marks, president of Health Education Solutions. “Health Education Solutions’ practice tests and online resources are designed to help busy healthcare professionals learn more about the certifications they need and refresh their skills prior to the certification exam.” 

The Pediatric Nursing Programs special section offers helpful information, resources and data to help pediatric nurses and those interested in pursuing a career in pediatric nursing stay informed about healthcare trends and career opportunities. This series of articles is available in Health Education Solutions’ online research library at healthedsolutions.com.

The PALS certification practice tests, available now at healthedsolutions.com, each offer questions similar to those found on the actual certification exam. Free PALS certification and recertification practice quizzes each offer three five-question sample tests. A full PALS certification practice test and a PALS recertification practice test, both complete with 50 timed multiple-choice questions, are available for $35. A portion of this fee can be applied to the purchase price of the full certification course.

Practice test-takers are immediately provided with answers to the questions that were incorrectly answered following the test to help them identify the areas that may need more study time and attention prior to the full certification exam.

Health Education Solutions additionally offers online ACLS, stroke, basic life support (BLS), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED), bloodborne pathogens and first aid training for healthcare professionals and individuals seeking to be prepared for an emergency. Practice tests and quizzes are also available for the ACLS exam.

For more information about pediatric nursing programs, online ACLS certification, online PALS certification and practice exams, please visit healthedsolutions.com.

Graham’s Carpet Network Adds New Team Members

Office manager and project manager handle things at headquarters and in the field

Loveland, Colorado – Graham’s Carpet Network, northern Colorado’s traveling floor and window covering store, is pleased to announce the addition of two new members to its team. Katie Ingram is now the company’s office manager, while Mark Chaput is its newest project manager.

Chaput has been in the flooring industry for nearly 20 years beginning as an installation craftsman at the age of 20. After six years working hands on with carpet, vinyl, tile and wood products, he moved into an estimator and warehouse role with a small store in Fort Collins. Rounding out his skills and experience, it wasn’t long before he took on a sales role and later was promoted to store manager.

Ingram grew up in northern Colorado and absolutely loves the community. It is important for her to be involved, and she enjoys being a Loveland Chamber of Commerce Ambassador and participating in organizations such as Realities for Children, Business Women’s Network of Fort Collins, Fort Collins Board of Realtors and many more. She strives to be an enthusiastic source of information on the flooring industry and the local community. Katie enjoys helping others achieve their goals and perform at their best, and is always eager to take on a new task or challenge. She enjoys spending time with her family, her fiancé, and Niko, their Siberian Husky puppy. Katie and her fiancé are new home owners and enjoy doing all the little things to make their house a home. Their families are Loveland residents and they feel lucky to have them close by.

“We’re very pleased to have found these two new team members to help us better serve our commercial and residential customers in the area,” said Monica Graham, owner of Graham’s Carpet Network. “They fit in great and are already making a positive impact.”

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 (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Grahams-Carpet-Network/144560548949001) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/designdivacn), or connect on LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/in/monicagraham).

PATTERNS OF RELATIONSHIPS with MATRIWORKS™
A Weekend Workshop on Living a Life of Deep Relatedness and Contentment with Mukara Meredith, MSW.

The Patterns of Relationship workshop offered by MATRIXWORKS™ is for all types of relationships - couples, mother-daughter, father-son, siblings, families, business and even community groups who wish to discover new levels of creativity, collaboration and connection. Explore the Living Systems principles of Matrixworks™ as they apply to your close relationships. Discover new levels of creativity, collaboration and connection. Workshop will be held in Boulder, Colorado from Friday, March 23 through Sunday, March 25.

MATRIXWORKS™ is a revolutionary process that utilizes principles of New Science, Whole Systems Thinking, Spirituality and Contemporary Psychology to understand and support the growth and development of healthy functioning groups.

Explore the 3 essential stages relationships go through to become a living system, experience the multi-levels of interconnectedness and how to successfully cultivate them, embody the fulfilling capacities of high functioning relationships. Using Hakomi and MATRIXWORKS™ to cultivate and strengthen the resources available to these types of systems, this dynamic workshop will renew, restore and revitalize your ability to create relationship as sanctuary for each other, your family and community. Register in advance. Suggested donation $350.00 to $550.00 (does not including housing and food). Some financial assistance is available.

Mukara Meredith, MSW, certified Hakomi Therapist and Trainer with 30 yrs experience working with Groups, Teams and Organizations such as Mattel, Procter and Gamble, Hershey, GE, GAP, Old Navy and Banana Republic. A practicing Buddhist, she is devoted to the practical application of World Wisdom Traditions in everyday life.

Visit our website: http://www.matrixworkslivingsystems.com/

“Simply put, this MATRIXWORKS™ training has changed my life and how I do my work. Colleagues ask me what I have been doing.”
—Liz Stuart, Teacher for Guild for Structural Integration

“MATRIXWORKS™ is the best training I have ever taken! It uniquely and pointedly strengthens the basic goodness of each participant, so that leadership skills rest in trustworthy relational ground. From this place of trust, amazing work seems normal and natural.”
—K.P., Clinical Supervisor, Boulder, Co. March 2010

For more information, contact: 303-819-5289

Kruzic Communications, Inc. and McCullough Marketing have joined forces with Communications Strategy Group (CSG|PR), one of Denver’s largest Influencer Relations firms, to create a tourism and hospitality powerhouse. Combining the extensive level of travel and hospitality industry connections of Kruzic and McCullough with the greater depth of resources of CSG, the newly formed CSG Tourism & Hospitality Practice will deliver a premier suite of traditional and online influencer relations, and social media services.

“Today, public relations has evolved into influencer relations, where the right strategic communications plan contemplates all of those individuals and organizations that can have a meaningful impact on business, online and off,” said Steven Shapiro, CSG Founder and Principal.  “To do it right, an agency has to have deep roots and an understanding of the industry it serves. Kruzic and McCullough, with so many years of tourism and hospitality industry experience, know the players that can make a sustained difference in their clients’ success.”

Over the past 15 years, Cathy Kruzic and Janie McCullough, owners of Kruzic Communications, Inc. (est. 1994) and McCullough Marketing (est. 1997), have frequently combined the resources and expertise of their companies to serve the needs of destinations, attractions, marketing organizations, government agencies, restaurants, hotels, resorts and others in the tourism and hospitality industry.

“Kruzic Communications has had the good fortune to establish a highly successful and widely respected boutique PR firm that has consistently delivered solid, proven results for our clients,” said Cathy Kruzic. “Now it’s time to ‘triple-up’ our capabilities and expand our influencer relations services through our new partnership with Communications Strategy Group and McCullough Marketing.”

“This opportunity to create CSG’s Tourism & Hospitality Practice is a perfect next step,” said Janie McCullough. “We now offer a highly specialized team with an arsenal of tools to meet and exceed measurable objectives for our clients.”

Communications Strategy Group (CSG) is an influencer relations agency serving clients nationally in financial services, education, health & wellness, tourism & hospitality, corporate training & talent management and consumer products on a mission. Its experience in each of these practice areas enables the firm to provide influencer relations counsel and strategic communications services that make a real difference to its clients — building genuine relationships with key stakeholders; raising brand awareness; generating leads and new business; and retaining existing clients. CSG helps clients build sustainable brands and profitable businesses through a premier suite of traditional and online influencer relations, and social media services. For more information visit: www.csg-pr.com or call 303-433-7020.

I'm sure you've heard or read about the 20 year old CU student who got ticketed for falsely reporting an attack on University Hill. You can read more about it here.

Her initial story was that she was walking alone when she was grabbed by a 200lbs. knife wielding man. After a struggle, she got away with some minor scratches.

Doesn't add up does it? It may be possible if she was very lucky and the attacker only had the intention to scare her with the knife but did not plan on actually using it. It is definitely possible if she acted and overwhelmed her attacker (you want to take away the attacker's confidence, therefore the Golden Rule of self defense: ACT CRAZY). However, if a 200 lbs. man was wielding with a knife, it would be extremely hard to walk away the way she did. Not just for her but for anyone, including me!

False reports are unfortunate and prevent law enforcement from investigating real crimes. For example:

The armed robbery which turned fatal for Todd Walker (March 2011)

The gunmen who robbed multiple people and sexually assaulted a woman (August, 2011)

A gunman outside the Boulder Community Hospital (April, 2011)

Bank robbery in North Boulder (September, 2011)

CU campus robbery (January, 2012)

Sexual assault attempts (October, 2011)


Does this mean Boulder is an unsafe or bad place to live? Absolutely not! However, as in every big town (and college town), you need to be aware and more importantly, not be naive. Not everyone is trustworthy, you need to be cautious and use common sense. 

After all, things happen and you don't control everything or everyone. None of the above victims ever thought this would happen to them but unfortunately it did. We should all try to keep ourselves and others safe. There are many ways to do this but the first step is to realize bad things do happen. Being prepared doesn't hurt. The last thing you want to do is putting yourself in a situation in which bad things can happen.

As a self defense instructor, I spend a lot of attention to all aspects of self defense. It is not simply about the techniques and how to get back to safety but it's also about preventing, scanning, communication (verbal and non verbal), knowing vital points and very important: your mental state.

My wife pointed out an article about self defense a few weeks ago and Linda Fairstein (a former sex crimes prosecutor) addresses a few very bad choices that turned for the worst.

- Kenia Monge from Denver was planning on going to college to become a crime scene investigator so she was an intelligent woman. When she left her friends to go to the restroom when partying, she never came back. Travis Forbes was found guilty for the murder of Kenia. She made one mistake but it cost her and her family dearly. It is very important to use a buddy system when leaving the group, no matter how close or easy your destination is.

- Holly Bobo, a 20 year old student was kidnapped outside her Tennessee home. It seems like Holly did not resist enough, at least not in the initial part of her kidnapping. Traces of resistance were found but it was probably too late. If you feel unsafe, draw attention to yourself. It will lower your attacker's confidence and other people may be able to assist or call 911. Do whatever you can to draw attention and target vital points to maximize damage and pain. Please note that every situation is different and everyone's response is different. When there are weapons involved, it is also a very different scenario so this response may not fit all situations!

- Paula Sladewski had a fight with her boyfriend in a club, it came to a point that her boyfriend was thrown out and she stayed. When she left later, cameras show a man was following her. She didn't make it and up to this day, there is no suspect. Paula made the mistake of making a decision based on her emotions at that time. This affected her safety and it turned for the worst. Always be careful and don't take risks, even if you are upset.

The article focussed on these three situations that were caused by a certain decision. Other people doing the same actions may be fine and many other decisions will also turn out to be the wrong one. Should you lock yourself up and don’t take any risks? No but take calculated risks and please use common sense. It’s better to be safe than sorry. In my mind, every person should take a proper self defense course and know the basics (not because we teach these but I believe things can happen and you should be able to help yourself if needed).

We teach self defense classes 4 times a week and offer punch cards to give our clients the freedom to choose their own times. We focus on every aspect of self defense and make sure you leave with a strong basic knowledge and skill set. All levels and ages are welcome. More info about our self defense classes and workshops here.


By Sander Vanacker, Define Defense’s certified personal trainer and head martial arts instructor, based in Boulder, Colorado. Take a look at www.DefineDefense.com