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Troubadour Bookstore sponsors Danse Etoile Ballet next performance March 6, 7 and 8 2009 Dairy Center for the Arts, Boulder

Posted by Danse Etoile Ballet on January 13, 2009 at 9:17am

Professional dancers Rebekah Arth and Kammie Deuschle and professional musicians and composers John Heins and Dechen Awk join the lively Danse Etoile company for a performance of live music and dance with something for everyone. The show will open with the classical Pas des Odalisques from Le Corsaire ballet, followed by 3 world-premiere contemporary pieces The Black Eagle, La Valse d’Amelie and A Place to be Together performed with live music. The show will close with the humoristic, jazzy Triplettes from Belville based on the 2003 award winner French movie. Beat the winter blues with Danse Etoile Ballet Ticket prices are $19 GA/ $15 seniors/students/groups and $10 for children under 10. Ticket fees included. Call 720 938 3030 or box office at the Dairy Center for the Arts 303 444 7328. Danse Etoile Ballet at the Dairy Center for the Arts, Boulder March 6 at 7pm, March 7 at 4pm, March 8 at 2pm.

Full Moonset and AlpenGlow on the Colorado Rockies ...

Posted by Alek on January 12, 2009 at 8:00pm

I went out this weekend to reshoot the full moonset over the Colorado Rockies. Unfortunately, some clouds obscured things a bit, but provided some wild AlpenGlow (reflected sunlight just before sunrise) on the mountains - the full-res versions of these images are gorgeous.7:05AM - parked just West of 75th street on Arapahoe overlook 2009_01_11 moonset 1

7:14 AM - Valmont Power Plant, Boulder, Foothills, and Meeker/Longs turn red in AlpenGlow 2009_01_11 moonset 2

7:15AM - Looking back to the East as the Sun is about to rise 2009_01_11 moonset 3

7:21AM - Closeup of AlpenGlow on Mount Meeker and Longs Peak 2009_01_11 moonset 4

7:24AM - Full Moon pops out of upper cloud bank ... but about to go into lower one - darn! 2009_01_11 moonset 5

Sunrise was at 7:22 and moonset (on a flat horizon) was at 7:55 - here's more info on the AlpenGlow over the Colorado Rockies.

“Project Working Mom…and Dads, Too!” Helps Working Parents go Back to School Through More than $2 Million in Scholarships

Posted by Erik Keith on January 12, 2009 at 11:16am

Ann Marie always yearned for a college degree, but she had to put her dream on hold. She is a 25-year-old mother who works to support her two-year-old and seven-year-old step-daughter, while their dad has been deployed overseas. And in addition to caring for her own family, she also serves as power of attorney for her best friend’s young daughter while both parents serve in Iraq.“With my former husband being deployed on and off over the past two years, I’ve had to double up and be Mommy and Daddy all alone. School couldn’t be a factor when I was alone to raise my family,” said Ann Marie in her Project Working Mom essay.However, Ann Marie’s greatest wish was granted when she recently applied for, and won, a Project Working Mom scholarship to attend an online college for free. Although she currently works at a retail store as a part-time manager, she longs for a steady career, especially with today’s economic woes. Without a college degree, Ann Marie fears she is being passed over for positions for which she would otherwise be qualified; she fears she is simply not competitive in the job market.Thanks to the Project Working Mom scholarship, Ann Marie will now get her degree in accounting from Everest University at no cost to her. Online classes grant her the flexibility to attend school from home at any time of day, which frees her from childcare worries. She is home for her children when they need her, and she is now serving as a role model for her children.“My goal is to do my best so that my daughter can see that if Mommy can do well in school, so can she,” continued Ann Marie.Ann Marie’s story represents just one of 93 Project Working Mom scholarship recipient stories from across the country. Each recipient is a powerful example of sacrifice and determination as women seek to provide a better life for themselves and their children through education.Following two successful Project Working Mom outreach campaigns that awarded more than $4 million in scholarships to nearly 100 recipients, Project Working Mom rolled out a third campaign on January 8, 2009, which will wrap up on April 30, 2009. This round of the program introduced a new twist: Fathers are now eligible to win a scholarship, a request logged quite frequently during the previous campaigns. The participating schools for Project Working Mom…and Dads, Too! are Ashford University, Capella University, Everest University, Virginia College, and Ashworth College.“We launched Project Working Mom as a response to staggering statistics indicating that working moms are an underserved population that simply need to overcome the obstacles of time, money and confidence to achieve the education they need to improve their lives,” said Helen MacDermott, content director for Project Working Mom. “But in today’s economy, we realize there are plenty of dads who are also in desperate need of financial aid and deserve a chance to tell their stories, too.”According to the U.S. Census Bureau, of the 2.1 million single dads in the United States only 16 percent have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Although the total number of single moms in the United States is much larger, the percentage of moms with a bachelor’s degree is about the same; only 15 percent of single moms have a bachelor’s degree or higher.According to the federal government, the number of students applying for student aid is soaring. In the first six months of 2008, the total number of Free Applications for Federal Student Aid submitted was about 1.3 million more than the same period in 2007. Project Working Mom has also witnessed this tremendous demand for financial aid. The first two campaigns in 2008 generated more than 120,000 applications for a full-ride online college scholarship.eLearners.com, an online education resource that connects learners with online education, which created the Project Working Mom campaigns, also created a complementary, interactive, and in-depth web site to help learners tackle their questions and fears about returning to school. The site is designed to empower working parents and it offers: advice on going back to school; self-assessment quizzes on numerous subjects, including how to determine what subjects to study; an online support community; numerous articles; and a database with $15 billion in financial aid opportunities.Project Working Mom…and Dads, Too! helps to remove the barriers many people face when deciding whether to go back to school, including the hurdles of money, time, and confidence. The scholarships provided by the participating schools allow the recipients to go back to school at no cost, eliminating the huge financial aid burden. By studying online, students can do classwork from home, during their lunch hour at work, and at any time of day. The flexibility of online classes fits perfectly with the lives of busy parents. And through the comprehensive Project Working Mom web site, working parents can get the knowledge they need to feel confident about returning to school.“I don't have a lot of family members that have gone to school and certainly none that have received scholarships. To my family and me, this is better than winning the lottery,” continued Ann Marie. “This is my time to finish all the way to the end.”Moms and dads, to learn more about Project Working Mom…and Dads, Too! and to apply for a full-ride, online education scholarship visit www.ProjectWorkingMom.com.

The almost-best of gifts

Posted by Forrest Hershberger on January 10, 2009 at 11:00pm

Not sure if I'm having some latent end-of-year emotions or what, but I've been thinking lately.Maybe this "Chicken Little" attitude isn't such a bad thing. Maybe people being creative with their money instead of buying little Johnny any and every thing he wants will come back as a blessing.I have to admit there's very little that I need right now; materially. I have a decent home, reliable transportation, recreation opportunities, and a sampling of the latest technologies. I have a lovely wife and some of my family still live close.What I don't have is answers to the future, and to parts of the past. I don't know why we were "chosen" to lose a daughter, our only child, barely out of high school. I don't know why we were blessed to witness the courts being played like a cheap toy. I don't know why life is sometimes treated as a common luxury.What I do know is this season I, and my wife, have had the opportunity to build a friendship. For me, it was like gettiing to know a couple we have "known" for years. My wife did know them, at least the mother, but I've never met either one -- until recently.The fun, the blessing is how well we connected. Sandwiched between Thanksgiving and Christmas, between being thankful and giving to others, is a day that I'm reminded of how old I am. Frequently, we've honored this day with the typical noise makers, sometimes as teenage "daughters" or friends. This year we didn't. The celebration was an evening out by four people; us and a couple we're becoming acquanted with. The evening was nice because everyone got to put away their masks and just be us. We could have the iced teas, coffees or... without any inhibitions or concerns. We could talk about virtually anything we wanted to.It was like these friends had been part of our life for years, although we were just getting to know them. The connect is our daughters were once inseparable. That changed when one moved and death claimed the other. But life does move on, and this year, only a few days after my annual day, our friends welcomed a new life into the world, and we were invited to the event as if family ourselves.It is the kind of event that is new and exciting no matter how many times it happens, and each time it is as much of a blessing as the first. It is also a time that witnessing the first, healthy mom and son, makes all else in the world pale in comparison. It is the kind of intmacy that is reserved for parents, the family and closest of friends. And somewhere in the mix, we were witnesses to an event that has all but been denied to us. The only thing that could have made this day better is also the one Christmas gift I know I can't ask for -- my daughter.It changes the world as we see it. It changes us because we recognize things and causes more important than the rise and fall of the market, or who has the slickest new gadget. It recognizes the value, and frailty, of life.

Front Range Colorado

Posted by Earlybird on January 10, 2009 at 8:54pm

Hi,I'm looking for everyone that lives, visits, works or plays on the Front Range of Colorado.I have started a new Social Network that will have mini sites within it for each City/Town on the Front Range as well as special Communities for other interest.The Communities already open are for Seniors/Boomers, Latinos and Gaming in Cloroado.Come join us and invite your local friends.Front Range of Colorado.

Danse Etoile Ballet offers quality ballet training with small size classes and special care to each student

Posted by Danse Etoile Ballet on January 10, 2009 at 6:30pm

Every student is unique and the classes focus on everyone of them.

Blanket drive for H.O.P.E during "Terra Nova"

Posted by Tracy Cravens on January 5, 2009 at 3:16pm

What: "Terra Nova" Directed by Jennifer GaydoshWhen: January, 9, 10, 11*, 16, 17, 18*, 22, 23, & 24, 2009Times: *Matinee at 2 PM, all other performances at 7:30 PMTickets: Adults $17, seniors $16, students (18 & under) $15, and $3 off per ticket of groups of 10 or more.Box Office:303-772-5200, www.longmonttheatre.orgWebsite:www.longmonttheatre.orgWhere: Longmont Performing Arts Center, 513 Main StreetBrief:"In the winter of 1911-1912, five Englishmen and five Norwegians raced each other to the bottom of the earth. Only the Norwegians returned. This is the story of the Englishmen."Terra Nova is the story of the ill-fated Antarctic expedition of Robert Falcon Scott. Author Ted Tally employs an ingenious combination of reality, fantasy and memory to capture the mood and personalities crucial to this compelling study of heroism in the face of bitter failure.The Longmont Theatre will be holding a coat and blanket drive during the run of the show. Please bring in gently used (or new!) coats and blankets that we can distribute to local shelters and aide organizations. Cash donations are also welcome.Pre-Show DiscussionsJanuary 10th and 22ndBoth are free and open to the public. Panels run from 6:00 until 6:50.January 10thSusan Solomon: AuthorThe Coldest March: Scott's Fatal Antarctic ExpeditionDr Bruce Paton: AuthorAdventuring with Boldness: The Triumph of the ExplorersAtsuhiro Muto: PhD student at CU and Antarctic ReshearcherThe panel will be moderated by LelandGiovannelliJanuary 22ndJohn Behrendt: AuthorInnocents on the Ice: A Memoir of Antarctic Exploration

Upcoming Group Therapy Opportunities

Posted by Moving to End Sexual Assault on December 30, 2008 at 10:22am

Art Therapy Group for Teen SurvivorsThis is a safe place and group environment to help the healing after experiencing sexual assault and abuse. Through the use of painting, clay, collage, and writing you will have the opportunity to release, express, and regain wholeness. No art experience necessary.Details:• For girls ages 13-17• Mondays from 4pm – 6pm starting February 2, 2008• 8 Week Program• Longmont, CO• $45 per session, Victim Compensation acceptedTo make a referral or for more information, please call Catherine M. Houston, MA, Art Therapist, 720.628.0158Catherine M. Houston, M.A. has been in private practice as an art psychotherapist since 2003, working predominantly with children, adolescents, and women. She uses art-making and body-centered practices as her main therapeutic modalities, and offers deep presence, connection, and faith in your healing process. Her training includes a graduate degree in Transpersonal Counseling and Psychology with an emphasis in art therapy from Naropa University, extensive Hatha yoga and meditation training and practice, and a deep and daily practice of art-exploration.Sponsored by Moving to End Sexual Assault (MESA)Part of the Mental Health Center serving Boulder & Broomfield CountiesArt Therapy Group for Adult Sexual Assault SurvivorsThrough the use of painting, clay, collage, and writing you will have the opportunity to release, express, and explore how sexual assault impacts you, your family, your partner and your friends.Unwanted sexual experiences can affect your emotional, physical, social and spiritual well-being. Group therapy is an effective way to heal from the trauma of sexual violence.No art experience necessary.Details:• Located in Longmont, CO• Saturdays, 1pm-3pm• 10 weeks starting February 7, 2009• $45 per session, Victim Compensation acceptedTo make a referral or for more information, please call Catherine M. Houston, MA, Art Therapist, 720.628.0158Catherine M. Houston, M.A. has been in private practice as an art psychotherapist since 2003, working predominantly with children, adolescents, and women. She uses art-making and body-centered practices as her main therapeutic modalities, and offers deep presence, connection, and faith in your healing process. Her training includes a graduate degree in Transpersonal Counseling and Psychology with an emphasis in art therapy from Naropa University, extensive Hatha yoga and meditation training and practice, and a deep and daily practice of art-exploration.Sponsored by Moving to End Sexual Assault (MESA)Part of the Mental Health Center serving Boulder & Broomfield CountiesTherapy Group for Adult Sexual Assault SurvivorsExplore how sexual assault impacts you, your family, your partner and your friends. Unwanted sexual experiences can affect your emotional, physical, social and spiritual well-being. Group therapy is an effective way to heal from the trauma of sexual violence.This 14-week group will provide: a safe, confidential environment to share feelings connection and support with others who have had similar experiences tools to help you work with difficult thoughts and feelings the opportunity to reconnect with your power and resourcefulnessWednesday evenings, 6:00-7:30pmBegins February 4thRuns for 14 weeksFor more information or to schedule a group screening appointment, please call or email MESA:303-443-0400info@movingtoendsexualassault.orgWild at HeartHorses and Healing Trauma: For those that have experienced sexual traumaBe a part of the mutual healing of horse and human. Moving to End Sexual Assault, Colorado Horse Rescue, and Wild at Heart are collaborating to partner individuals with a history of sexual trauma and horses who have experienced neglect and abuse. The extraordinary sensitivity of horses and their unique capacity to heal with patience and regain trust will inspire and challenge the work of men in recovery to regain mastery and confidence in their own lives. Each individual will partner with one horse for the duration of the group. No horse experience is required.Men’s Group beginning March 2009Women’s Group beginning February 21, 2009(10 am – 12 pm, Saturdays; Group will run until April 11th)Colorado Horse RescueLongmont, ColoradoFor more information and/or to register please contact Melissa : 303-443-0400 or melissa@movingtoendsexualassault.orgPlease note that space is limited and we encourage you to register early.

Upcoming Group Therapy Opportunities

Posted by Moving to End Sexual Assault on December 30, 2008 at 10:22am

Art Therapy Group for Teen SurvivorsThis is a safe place and group environment to help the healing after experiencing sexual assault and abuse. Through the use of painting, clay, collage, and writing you will have the opportunity to release, express, and regain wholeness. No art experience necessary.Details:• For girls ages 13-17• Mondays from 4pm – 6pm starting February 2, 2008• 8 Week Program• Longmont, CO• $45 per session, Victim Compensation acceptedTo make a referral or for more information, please call Catherine M. Houston, MA, Art Therapist, 720.628.0158Catherine M. Houston, M.A. has been in private practice as an art psychotherapist since 2003, working predominantly with children, adolescents, and women. She uses art-making and body-centered practices as her main therapeutic modalities, and offers deep presence, connection, and faith in your healing process. Her training includes a graduate degree in Transpersonal Counseling and Psychology with an emphasis in art therapy from Naropa University, extensive Hatha yoga and meditation training and practice, and a deep and daily practice of art-exploration.Sponsored by Moving to End Sexual Assault (MESA)Part of the Mental Health Center serving Boulder & Broomfield CountiesArt Therapy Group for Adult Sexual Assault SurvivorsThrough the use of painting, clay, collage, and writing you will have the opportunity to release, express, and explore how sexual assault impacts you, your family, your partner and your friends.Unwanted sexual experiences can affect your emotional, physical, social and spiritual well-being. Group therapy is an effective way to heal from the trauma of sexual violence.No art experience necessary.Details:• Located in Longmont, CO• Saturdays, 1pm-3pm• 10 weeks starting February 7, 2009• $45 per session, Victim Compensation acceptedTo make a referral or for more information, please call Catherine M. Houston, MA, Art Therapist, 720.628.0158Catherine M. Houston, M.A. has been in private practice as an art psychotherapist since 2003, working predominantly with children, adolescents, and women. She uses art-making and body-centered practices as her main therapeutic modalities, and offers deep presence, connection, and faith in your healing process. Her training includes a graduate degree in Transpersonal Counseling and Psychology with an emphasis in art therapy from Naropa University, extensive Hatha yoga and meditation training and practice, and a deep and daily practice of art-exploration.Sponsored by Moving to End Sexual Assault (MESA)Part of the Mental Health Center serving Boulder & Broomfield CountiesTherapy Group for Adult Sexual Assault SurvivorsExplore how sexual assault impacts you, your family, your partner and your friends. Unwanted sexual experiences can affect your emotional, physical, social and spiritual well-being. Group therapy is an effective way to heal from the trauma of sexual violence.This 14-week group will provide: a safe, confidential environment to share feelings connection and support with others who have had similar experiences tools to help you work with difficult thoughts and feelings the opportunity to reconnect with your power and resourcefulnessWednesday evenings, 6:00-7:30pmBegins February 4thRuns for 14 weeksFor more information or to schedule a group screening appointment, please call or email MESA:303-443-0400info@movingtoendsexualassault.orgWild at HeartHorses and Healing Trauma: For those that have experienced sexual traumaBe a part of the mutual healing of horse and human. Moving to End Sexual Assault, Colorado Horse Rescue, and Wild at Heart are collaborating to partner individuals with a history of sexual trauma and horses who have experienced neglect and abuse. The extraordinary sensitivity of horses and their unique capacity to heal with patience and regain trust will inspire and challenge the work of men in recovery to regain mastery and confidence in their own lives. Each individual will partner with one horse for the duration of the group. No horse experience is required.Men’s Group beginning March 2009Women’s Group beginning February 21, 2009(10 am – 12 pm, Saturdays; Group will run until April 11th)Colorado Horse RescueLongmont, ColoradoFor more information and/or to register please contact Melissa : 303-443-0400 or melissa@movingtoendsexualassault.orgPlease note that space is limited and we encourage you to register early.

Men Standing Up!

Posted by Moving to End Sexual Assault on December 30, 2008 at 10:18am

Men Standing UpTaking Action against Sexual AssaultThis program trains male volunteers from the community to conduct presentations to students in local schools and members of community groups. The focus is on how to end sexual assault, sexual harassment, and other forms of violence against women. Studies have shown that men are more likely to hear this message from other men.We are looking for a diverse group of men ages 16 and up. Volunteers that are interested in making presentations are required to attend a 40-hour training program. There are other opportunities in addition to presentations such as:Planning and participating in community projects to get the word out to other malesOutreach opportunities such as tabling at Farmers MarketMaintaining the Men Standing Up BlogWriting for the biweekly newsletterHelping at eventsIf you are a man concerned about the level of men’s violence in our society and would like to do something to make a difference, our Men Standing Up program may be for you.In the words of those in the program, “We are a group of men who are committed to understanding our unique responsibilities for ending violence against women and taking whatever steps toward change that we can. You can help us make a difference.”--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Upcoming Men Standing Up Training:Mondays – 5:30 – 8:30 pmFebruary 9, 23; March 2, 16Wednesdays – 5:30 – 8:30 pmFebruary 11, 18; March 4, 11, 18Saturdays – 10:00 am – 4:00 pmFebruary 21, 28, March 14You must complete the full application and have an interview to be accepted to the Men Standing Up 40 Hour Training. The 40 Hour Training is for Men Standing Up Volunteers that will be presenting in schools, there are other opportunities that do not require the same time commitmentCall 303.443.0400 or check out www.movingtoendsexualassault.org for more information!

Volunteer Crisis Counselor Opportunity!

Posted by Moving to End Sexual Assault on December 30, 2008 at 10:16am

Volunteer Hotline24 Hour Rape Crisis & Information HotlineVolunteer as an advocate on the 24-Hour Crisis Hotline. A Volunteer Hotline Advocate is often the first point of contact for those affected by sexual assault. You can make a difference by offering non-judgmental emotional support, crisis counseling, and resource information to victims of sexual assault and other interested parties. We offer a comprehensive training program for hotline volunteers, giving you the tools to feel comfortable and successful in this important position.“[Hotline training] has influenced me positively to make a difference and stand up for people.”Counselors (women and men) serve on the hotline and may accompany survivors to the hospital and police interviews.Training is 40 hours of intensive education on the psychological, medical and legal implications of sexual assault, as well as all forms of oppression and how they are interconnected. Crisis intervention and counseling skills are developed through discussion, role-plays and feedback.Volunteers must complete the application and screening interview process, attend all training sessions, and have access to a private telephone while on-call.Volunteers should also attend two evening meetings per month and fulfill at least a 6 month commitment. Hotline shifts can be scheduled around other commitments.“I feel very privileged to be a part of this program. The clear dedication and energy of staff and volunteers was tremendously encouraging.”Bilingual Counselors NeededMESA's 24 hour Rape Crisis & Information Hotline is also provided in Spanish and bilingual counselors are needed. MESA believes that our counselor should be aware of cultural differences, especially when working with diverse populations.Training includes education on the psychological, medical and legal implications of sexual assault, as well as all forms of oppression and how they are interconnected.Bilingual Counselors also become part of a team of volunteers that pursues creative ways of reaching out to the Latino community and collaborates in this process“I honestly feel this is the most worthwhile volunteer experience I have had.”--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Upcoming Rape Crisis & Information Hotline Training:Mondays – 5:30 – 8:30 pmFebruary 9, 23; March 2, 16Wednesdays – 5:30 – 8:30 pmFebruary 11, 18; March 4, 11, 18Thursday – 6:00 – 8:00 pmMarch 5Saturdays – 10:00 am – 4:00 pmFebruary 21, 28, March 14Call 303.443.0400 or check out www.movingtoendsexualassault.org for more information!

Summer Courses (Students ages 13-18)

Posted by Cottonwood Institute on December 29, 2008 at 8:15pm

Students!

Get out of the house this summer for an unforgettable adventure with the Cottonwood Institute. Practice cool survival skills, meet new people, and tackle local environmental issues to help change the world! Below are our 2009 courses for adventurous students. To register for a course, please go to www.cottonwoodinstitute.org and click the Register For A Course Today! link or call us at 303.447.1076. Scholarships are available. COURSES FOR STUDENTS 13 - 18 YEARS OLD:

WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER PROJECT We have the unique opportunity to work with Colorado Firecamp to learn about fire ecology, fire behavior, receive real wildland firefighter training, and practice wilderness survival skills, while completing much needed wildfire mitigation projects to reduce the fuel load and fire danger in the Upper Arkansas Valley. Date: June 13 - 19, 2009. Price: $895. Location: Near Salida, Colorado. Age: 15 – 18 years old. HORSE CARETAKER PROJECT

We will collaborate with Sundance Lodge to practice essential camping and wilderness survival skills, basic horseback riding skills, and we will work together to complete much-needed horse caretaking projects. Date: June 24 - 30, 2009. Price: $995. Location: near Nederland, Colorado. Age: 13 – 16 years old

STONE AGE SURVIVAL PROJECT We will team up with Earth Knack to learn stone-age survival skills, including: stone tools, stone knives, primitive weapons, friction fire, and shelter construction and complete environmental service projects, including: gardening, composting, fire mitigation, and green building projects, while learning how to reduce our environmental footprint in this modern age. Date: July 8 - 14, 2009. Price: $995. Location: Crestone, Colorado. Age: 15 – 18 ENDANGERED WOLVES AND ANIMAL TRACKING

We will work in conjunction with Mission: Wolf to learn about the ecology, habitat, reintroduction efforts, and controversy surrounding endangered wolves, while practicing essential wilderness survival skills and animal tracking and completing important projects to care for captive wolves and their habitat. Date: July 18 - 24, 2009. Price: $995. Location: Gardner, Colorado. Age: 13 – 16 years old. MOUNTAIN BIKING SURVIVAL PROJECT We are excited to partner with Singletrack Mountain Bike Adventures to offer a new course for 2009. We will spend the week mountainbiking and exploring the trails in the mountains west of Boulder, practicing survival skills, learning how to use components of our bikes to survive, and completing trail maintenance and restoration work to give back to the land. Date: August 1 - 7, 2009. Price: $995. Location: West of Boulder, Colorado. Age: 15 – 18 years old.

Base Camp Bash

Posted by Cottonwood Institute on December 29, 2008 at 7:16pm

Base Camp BashThe Cottonwood Institute is proud to host our 4th Annual Base Camp Bash Fundraising Event on Friday, April 17, 2009 from 7 - 10pm at the Wynkoop Brewing Company in Lower Downtown Denver and we would like to invite you to participate in this wonderful community event! The Wynkoop is graciously hosting our event in the Mercantile Room. During the Base Camp Bash, we will host a silent auction to raise money to help underwrite the Community Adventure Program at public schools in the Boulder/Denver area and to help raise money for our Jason F. Griffith Scholarship Fund for students to attend our 2009 Summer Courses.Tickets: Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door and can be purchased directly through the Cottonwood Institute. Your ticket will grant you entrance to our silent auction, live music, free appetizers, fabulous giveaway prizes, and a cash bar! To purchase a ticket, please go to www.cottonwoodinstitute.org and click the Donate Now button below. In the message area, please write Base Camp Bash and share your information with us so we can add you to the guest list.

Essential Survival Skills Overnight

Posted by Cottonwood Institute on December 29, 2008 at 7:10pm

Essential Survival Skills Overnight

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Popular shows like Survivorman and Man Vs. Wild are captivating audiences nationwide, but do you have what it takes to survive? Survival stories of missing people make headlines on a weekly basis and we are faced with the sobering reality that anyone can be caught in a real survival situation. Essential Survival Skills is an action-packed course designed to teach participants how to stay alive during a real survival situation.

During this 2-day course we will hike to a base camp where we will most of the first day practicing nature awareness skills, minimum impact camping techniques, learning survival priorities, building natural shelters, and starting environmentally responsible fires using primitive and modern methods. We will then break into smaller groups and participate in a 24-hour survival scenario to put our skills to the test in a controlled environment. During our last day we will debrief our scenario, talk about long-term survival considerations, and complete an environmental service project to walk our talk and give back to the land. To register for this course, please go to www.cottonwoodinstitute.org and click the Register For A Course Today! link or call us at 303.447.1076. COURSE ITINERARY: Introduction, Essential Camping Skills, Introduction to Wilderness Survival - We will meet at a central location in Boulder, CO for quick introductions, to check our gear and equipment, and to head to the mountains near Nederland, Colorado. We hike in a short 1-2 mile hike to our base camp where we will set up camp, practice nature awareness skills, and learn minimum impact camping skills. We have an introduction to wilderness survival skills, learn from real survival stories, and cover survival priorities, basics of natural shelters, primitive and modern fire methods, and survival kits. Shelter and Fire - We will dive in deep in the afternoon spending our time building natural shelters, such as the pine needle bed, a lean-to survival shelter, and the classic debris shelter. We will also work on primitive and modern fire methods such as 1-match fires, magnesium striker/petroleum cotton ball fires, and friction fire methods including the bow-drill, hand-drill, and fire plow methods. We will also demonstrate and give suggestions on how to set up a survival camp. Survival Scenario - We will split into smaller groups and put our skill and knowledge to the test. Each group will shed their modern gear and participate in a real 24-hour survival scenario. Participants will need to come up with an action plan, address their survival priorities, set up a survival camp, create a natural shelter, start an maintain a fire, collect water, and identify rescue/signaling options. Debrief Survival Scenario, Long-Term Survival, Environmental Service Project, Final Celebration - In the morning we will debrief our survival scenario, take a tour of our survival shelters, discuss long-term survival considerations, break down our camp and complete a mini environmental service project to give back to the land. NUTS AND BOLTS: Age: 18 or older unless accompanied by an adult. Host Organization: TBA Location: Near Nederland, Colorado Date: June 6-7, 2009 Course Code: SO-1 Price: $295. Please Note: This price does not include airfare to and from Colorado, airport shuttles, hotel lodging, or transportation. We will meet at a central location and carpool to the Gates Camp. Difficulty: You do not need any prior camping experience or survival training, so beginners are welcome! Be prepared to hike up to 2 miles at altitude and work hard practicing survival skills and completing environmental service projects that may involve removing invasive plants, sawing and hauling wood, and clearing debris. Again, at the Cottonwood Institute, we encourage folks to work at their own pace to make the course as mild or as wild as they would like, even if it is slow and steady! Average Temperatures: High 80ºF / Low 50ºF. Be prepared for any kind of weather in the mountains of Colorado. Course Book: 98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive!, by Cody Lundin. AFTER THIS COURSE, YOU WILL: Practice essential camping and wilderness survival skills that could save your life. Complete a 24-hour survival scenario. Complete an important environmental service project to positively impact the natural world. Learn more about the Cottonwood Institute, its mission, educational programs, and philosophy.

Survival Fire Workshop

Posted by Cottonwood Institute on December 29, 2008 at 7:03pm

Survival Fire Workshop

The Cottonwood Institute is excited to present a one-day Survival Fire Workshop for adventurous adults that want to hone their survival skills and practice a variety of fire making techniques. During this course you will participate in an interactive survival scenario, learn about survival priorities, tips, strategies, and techniques, practice fire building techniques, 1-match fires, striker and cotton ball fires, friction fire, bow drill fires, and you will learn how to make a survival kit. This day will be action packed, so get ready to learn how to make a survival fire that could save your life! To register for this course, please go to www.cottonwoodinstitute.org and click the Register For A Course Today! link or call us at 303.447.1076. COURSE ITINERARY: Meet at Chautauqua Park in Boulder at 8:00am Check/issue gear Load gear and carpool to base camp location Review safety issues Hike to our base camp location Survival scenario, debrief the scenario, go over survival priorities Principles of fire building Positive impact fires Natural tinder 1-match fires Striker and cotton ball fires Lunch Friction fire Rescue methods and techniques Survival kits Break down fire pit and base camp Complete course by 5:00pm NUTS AND BOLTS: Age: 18 or older unless accompanied by an adult. Location: Near Ward, Colorado Date: Saturday, May 23, 2009 Course Code: SF-1 Price: $100. Please Note: This price does not include airfare to and from Colorado, airport shuttles, hotel lodging, or transportation to base camp location. Lunch is included. Difficulty: Be prepared to work hard practicing survival skills at altitude. The Cottonwood Institute encourages folks to work at their own pace to make the course as mild or as wild as they would like, even if it is slow and steady! Average Temperatures: High 70ºF / Low 40ºF. Be prepared for any kind of weather in the mountains of Colorado. Course Text: Bushcraft: Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival, by Mors Kochanski.

Survival Shelter Workshop 5/9/09

Posted by Cottonwood Institute on December 29, 2008 at 7:00pm

Survival Shelter Workshop

The Cottonwood Institute is excited to present a one-day Survival Shelter Workshop for adventurous adults that want to hone their survival skills and practice a variety of shelter building techniques. During this course you will participate in an interactive survival scenario, learn about survival priorities, tips, strategies, and techniques, practice making a pine needle shelter, a lean-to shelter, and a debris shelter, and you will learn how to make a survival kit. This day will be action packed, so get ready to learn how to survive in the night in a plush survival shelter! To register for this course, please go to www.cottonwoodinstitute.org and click the Register For A Course Today! link or call us at 303.447.1076. COURSE ITINERARY: Meet at Chautauqua Park in Boulder at 8:00am Check/issue gear Load gear and carpool to base camp location Review safety issues Hike to our base camp location Survival scenario, debrief the scenario, go over survival priorities Principles of shelter building Pine needle shelter Lean-to shelter Lunch Debris shelter Rescue methods and techniques Survival kits Break down base camp Complete course by 5:00pm NUTS AND BOLTS: Age: 18 or older unless accompanied by an adult. Location: Near Ward, Colorado Date: Saturday, May 9, 2009 Course Code: SS-1 Price: $100. Please Note: This price does not include airfare to and from Colorado, airport shuttles, hotel lodging, or transportation to base camp location. Lunch is included. Difficulty: You do not need any prior camping experience or survival training, so beginners are welcome! Be prepared to work hard practicing survival skills at altitude. The Cottonwood Institute encourages folks to work at their own pace to make the course as mild or as wild as they would like, even if it is slow and steady! Average Temperatures: High 70ºF / Low 40ºF. Be prepared for any kind of weather in the mountains of Colorado. Course Text: Bushcraft: Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival, by Mors Kochanski.

FREE Survival Skills Clinics

Posted by Cottonwood Institute on December 29, 2008 at 7:00pm

Free Survival Skills Clinics

Free Winter Survival Skills Clinics - Whether you are an experienced winter camping guru, backcountry snowboarder or skier, casual snowshoer, or a beginner, this winter survival clinic could save your life. During this clinic you will participate in an interactive survival scenario, learn about winter survival priorities, tips, strategies, and techniques, learn how to make basic snow shelters, and will learn how to make a personal survival kit. This free clinic is brought to you by the Cottonwood Institute, a non-profit in Denver, CO that inspires students how to change the world through an exciting blend of adventure, wilderness survival, and environmental service. Voluntary donations to help underwrite our public school programs will be accepted. Below is a list of our upcoming survival clinics: REI - Boulder Store, Tuesday, January 13th, 2009 at 7pm located at: 1789 28th Street, Boulder, CO 80301. REI - Engelwood Store, Tuesday, January 20th, 2009 at 7pm located at: 9637 E County Line Road, Englewood, CO 80112. REI - Denver Flagship Store, Friday, January 30th, 2009 at 7pm located at: 1416 Platte Street, Denver, CO 80202.

Free 3-Season Survival Skills Clinics - Popular shows like Survivorman and Man vs Wild are captivating audiences nationwide, but do you have what it takes to survive? The Cottonwood Institute is excited to host a series of FREE Survival Skills Clinics at REI in Boulder and Denver. During these clinics you will participate in an interactive survival scenario, learn about survival priorities, tips, strategies, and techniques, and will learn how to make a personal survival kit. This free clinic is brought to you by the Cottonwood Institute, an educational nonprofit in Denver, CO that inspires students how to change the world through an exciting blend of adventure, wilderness survival, and environmental service. Voluntary donations will be used to help underwrite our educational programs at public schools in the Boulder/Denver area.Below is a list of our upcoming 3-season survival clinics: REI - Denver Flagship Store, Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 7pm located at: 1416 Platte Street, Denver, CO 80202. REI - Boulder Store, Thursday, April 2nd, 2009, at 7pm located at: 1789 28th Street, Boulder, CO 80301.

Winter Survival Skills Courses 1/24/09 & 3/14/09

Posted by Cottonwood Institute on December 29, 2008 at 6:57pm

Winter Survival Skills Workshop

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The Cottonwood Institute is excited to offer a one-day Winter Survival Skills course to practice the hard skills that will keep you alive during a short-term winter survival situation. Whether you are an experienced winter camping guru, snowboarder or skier, casual snowshoer, or a beginner, this Winter Survival Skills course could save your life.

During this course you will participate in an interactive winter survival scenario, learn about winter survival priorities, tips, strategies, and techniques, learn how to make emergency snow shelters, learn modern fire making techniques, learn how to make a winter survival kit, and you will practice a winter medical scenario. This day will be action packed, so dress in your warmest outdoor gear and get ready to learn how to survive in the winter! COURSE ITINERARY: Meet at Chautauqua Park in Boulder at 8:00am Check/issue gear Load gear and carpool to base camp location outside of Ward, CO Review safety issues and tips on staying warm Snow shoe to base camp location Winter survival scenario, debrief the scenario, go over survival priorities. Quinzhee Snow Shelters Medical Scenario Lunch Snow trench emergency snow shelter Modern fire methods Winter water procurement Rescue methods and techniques Winter survival kits Break down base camp Complete course by 5:00pm To register for this course, please go to www.cottonwoodinstitute.org and click the Register For A Course Today! link or call us at 303.447.1076. NUTS AND BOLTS: Age: 18 or older unless accompanied by an adult. Location: Near Ward, Colorado Date: January 24, 2009 and March 14, 2009 Course Code: WSS-2 and WSS-3 Price: $100. Please Note: This price does not include airfare to and from Colorado, airport shuttles, hotel lodging, or transportation to base camp location. Lunch is included. Difficulty: You do not need any prior camping experience or survival training, so beginners are welcome! Be prepared to work hard practicing survival skills at altitude. The Cottonwood Institute encourages folks to work at their own pace to make the course as mild or as wild as they would like, even if it is slow and steady! Average Temperatures: High 40ºF / Low 0ºF. Be prepared for any kind of weather in the mountains of Colorado. Course Text: Bushcraft: Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival, by Mors Kochanski.

Boulder Flatirons Rotary helps Bright Beginnings

Posted by Bill Hendrick on December 29, 2008 at 5:29pm

The Flatirons Rotary Club of Boulder recently awarded a $1,000 grant to Bright Beginnings of Boulder. Bright Beginnings provides a free packet of materials (available in both English and Spanish) to any interested Colorado family with a child, prenatal to age three…without regard to income, age or any other eligibility criteria. There are several different Bright Beginnings packets…0-12 months, 12-24 months and (coming soon!) 24-36 months.85% of brain development occurs during the first three years of life. Providing stimulation and nurturing through reading, conversing and playing games with your child are invaluable in laying the groundwork for his or her future emotional, social and intellectual good health and well-being.

Lifetime Warrenty? -

Posted by M on December 26, 2008 at 9:30pm

Lifetime Warrenty? -I have been buying various car parts at a auto parts here in Broomfield for over 10 years. They are located at 120th and Main in the Safeway shopping center. When you buy some of the items they offer a more expensive model that includes a “Lifetime Warranty.” This extra expense is usually only a few extra bucks. What they should say when they sell you the more expensive product is “Would you like to purchase a more expensive model that has a limited lifetime warranty that does not cover the part if it wears out?”Why would I pay extra for a product that is not covered if it wears out? (they dont tell you this when you pay the extra money for the product with the lifetime warranty) I think the point of a warranty is to cover a part if it no longer works. I have bought brake pads from the same place for years. In the past when the brake pads were worn out I brought them back and they gave me a set of brake pads for free. This was a great deal for me and it was the reason I paid extra for the brakes.They have changed their policy and no longer warranty the brake pads when they wear out. I purchased some brake pads just a few days ago the sales woman told me to bring back the worn out pads and they would refund my money. When I brought them back she avoided me at first I went to the manager and told me the “Limited Lifetime Warranty Excludes Wear”. So he could not refund my money for the brakes.I was also told by one of the employees that it was the “managers call” weather to warranty the brakes. When I bought the brakes I was not told “ this warranty is also only covered if the manager wants to cover it”I called Customer Service and also got no where. I told the customer service agent that the warranty was misleading. I was told that calling it misleading was my opinion. I also let him know that I was told when I bought the brakes I was told to bring the worn out ones back for a refund. he said it didnt matter what the employee said. He said their policy changed a few years ago, and there was nothing he could do.I have never been a believer in purchasing extended warranty’s. After this experience I will look closer at the purchases I make and what I am “Promised” at the time of the sale. I will also look closer for deceptive sales techniques. In this economy it is sad to see that corporate cpmpanies can have such little reguard for their customers.I am aware that there are other choices available in Broomfield to purchase car parts. Advance Auto Parts and NAPA seem to have good prices and I know they have great people working there. I think I will start going there for my purchases.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.