McCain and Palin to campaign in Colorado Springs, Sept 6th

From KRDO.com

McCain/Palin to Visit Colorado Springs

Updated: Aug 29, 2008 12:36 PM

COLORADO SPRINGS - John McCain is making a trip to the Springs with his newly announced running mate and you could see them for free!

Multiple sources close to McCain's Colorado campaign confirm with NEWSCHANNEL 13's Marshall Zelinger the Republican ticket will make their stop in Colorado Springs right after the Republican National Convention.

On Saturday morning, September 6th, John and Cindy McCain along with Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will campaign at the airport.

For free tickets, head to 4525 Northpark Drive Suite 200 in Colorado Springs between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Monday thru Saturday. You can also call for tickets at (719) 264-0914.

All Day Blues Festival - Manitou Springs

Pike Peak Blues Community

Presents

Celebration of Music

ANNUAL FUNDRAISER

All day Music Festival and Silent Auction

Sunday September 14, 2008

From 1:00 p.m. till 7:30 p.m

The Business of Art Center (BAC) Venue 515

515 Manitou Avenue

$10 individual or $20 per family

$8 individual or $15 per family (for members)

Jeremy Vasquez & the Shuffletones

That Band

George Whitesell and his All-Stars, Featuring Jill Watkins

Brad Bietry Jazz Band

Dangerous Moods

High Risk

Awesome food available from Front Range BBQ!

Broadmoor Receives Recognition for Youth Job Program

The Broadmoor Receives Special Recognition for Participation in the 2008 Governor’s Summer Job Hunt

Colorado Springs, CO – The Broadmoor was recently honored at the Governor’s mansion in Denver for its participation in the 2008 Governor’s Summer Job Hunt (GSJH).

Kearstin McGinnis, Recruitment Manager for The Broadmoor, accepted the award from Donald J. Mares, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, at a reception held at the mansion. Companies and youth were recognized for their dedication to the GSJH program.

Ms. McGinnis was instrumental in offering many positions for Colorado Springs youth through the Youth Work Zone. “She is truly an advocate for our youth and was consistently dedicated to securing youth-friendly positions at The Broadmoor,” says Star Vasholtz, coordinator for the Governors Summer Job Hunt for the Pikes Peak region. “The experience of working at The Broadmoor during the summer will help these youth in their decision about future careers. Young people can develop into confident creative leaders if opportunities exist. By investing in these critical years, The Broadmoor greatly affects the future of our community.”

The following positions for youth were provided by The Broadmoor:

30 Pool Attendants

20 Bee Bunch Counselors (Concierge)

10 Turndown Attendants (Housekeeping)

5 Bussers (Various Restaurants)

5 Food Runners (Various Restaurants)

3 Convention Services Set Up Crew Members

2 Retail Sales Associates

More information about the Governor’s Summer Job Hunt can be found at http://www.coworkforce.com/sjh/About%20Us/default.asp

Mission Trace Shopping Center Grand Re-Opening

RE-OPENING OF THE MISSION TRACE SHOPPING CENTER

The Mission Trace Shopping Center , located on the corner of S. Academy Blvd , and Hancock, is announcing its Grand Re-Opening event this Labor Day weekend on Saturday, August 30th, 2008 between 11am and 2pm with prizes and giveaways, including a chance to win a $100 gas card! There will be family fun games and activities, including a stereo competition sponsored by The Alternate Source. Non-Perishable Food Donations to the Care & Share Program will also be accepted at this event. 96.1 FM (High Definition Radio) The Beat, Colorado , will be in attendance covering the highlights of this event. It’s fun for the whole family at the grand re-opening of the all new Mission Trace Shopping Center . It’s ALL at the Mission !

Press Release courtesy of Craddock Companies

Keller Williams and Hope Realty Merger

Keller Williams Premier and Hope Realty in Colorado Springs have combined to form Keller Williams Hope Realty, the city's newest multi-million dollar real estate company. By combining their two companies, Robert Edgin and Rick Guthrie aim to cut expenses while doubling their agent count to put them in the top 2% of Real Estate companies in terms of agents in Colorado Springs.

Keller Williams Hope is currently looking for a new downtown location. The feeling is that the centralized location and accessability for area professionals makes downtown an ideal office and meeting place. The company has established a "hot line" for interested Realtors at 877-455-9869. The grand opening should take place later this fall.

Dr. Elliott Cohn Receives Honor

Peak Vista Community Health Centers is pleased to announce that Colorado Community Health Centers has honored Dr. Elliott Cohn, a long time volunteer for Peak Vista, with the 2008 Volunteer Clinician Award.

Dr. Cohn has volunteered with Peak Vista for close to 20 years. During his first twelve years, he saw patients one half day every six weeks, rotating twice a month with two of his partners. Over the years, his physician partners joined in the rotation and in 2001 he helped recruit a second urology practice in Colorado Springs for their volunteer support. He has seen nearly 1000 urology patients while volunteering at Peak Vista and has performed countless urological procedures and surgeries for their patients.

Free HeadStart for low income and special needs families

The Urban League Child Development Center is currently enrolling children and families in its Free HeadStart Program (in partnership with Community Partnership for Child Development). If you or someone you know has a child, ages 3 or 4 years old, that qualifies (see info below), please call 471-1930.

Classroom activities are interactive and age appropriate, and all children receive medical and dental screenings and nutrition guidance. Families may participate in parenting workshops, a variety of literacy classes, and in their child’s classroom as a volunteer.

Who qualifies for HeadStart program? Children must be 3 or 4 years old for Head Start preschool. (Three years of age by October 1st for most school districts.

The child automatically qualifies for Head Start if:

* Family receives TANF
* Family received Food Stamps
* He/she is in foster care
* Family receives SSI
* She/he has special needs
* If none of the above applies, the child's family income must not exceed 100% of Federal Poverty Guidelines

As the nation’s premier early childhood education program, Head Start offers a broad range of services for children ages three to five who reside in low-income families, and children who have special needs and their families. The program assists each child to develop cognitively, emotionally, physically, and socially and involves the entire family in the child’s development.

The overall goal of the program is to work in partnership with parents to prepare each child for success in school so they will grow up to be contributing members of the community. Head Start assists parents in their role as their child’s first and best teacher by offering services and opportunities expressly for them.

Head Start classrooms provide children with a specialized curriculum that offers the opportunity to work and play individually and in small groups, according to their abilities and interests. “Learning through play” is an important aspect of the program and these experiences help to build basic pre-math and pre-reading skills, self-confidence, and a love for learning.

The Urban League confers with CPCD/HeadStart:
Now is the time to educate the child… What a child learns and experiences from the day they are born until the day they enter kindergarten directly impacts their success in school and in life. These experiences set the stage as development occurs rapidly and dynamically during the early years of life. Now is the time to provide and support comprehensive early care and education with family support for our community’s youngest children.

Affordable year-round child care is also available with Head Start or Early Head Start in center-based or family child care options for children six weeks to five years.

CALL URBAN LEAGUE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER AT 471-1930 NOW -
SPREAD THE WORD

THANKS,

Denise M. Wisdom, MPA
President and CEO
Urban League of the Pikes Peak Region, Inc.

Save a Bundle While Supporting the Fire Department - August 23d

American Mini Storage (Your Neighborhood Storage Center) would like to invite you to our combination Facility Garage Sale and Security Fire Department fundraiser. This event will take place on 23 August 2008 (rain or shine) between the hours of 8am and 1pm at our first Colorado Springs Facility, located at 74 N. Amherst St, Colorado Springs, CO 80911. We are opening our gates to the general public, so come and participate in what we expect to be a fun day. We are asking for a $1.00 donation at the door, and will also be selling Hotdogs and Sodas from which these proceeds will be donated to the Security Fire Department. We believe this is a great way to search for those hidden treasures and to help a great organization at the same time. Our phone number is 719-390-0800. We hope to see you at the event.

For over 50 years the Security Fire Department has provided emergency services to the residents of this community. The department is staffed with 25 Volunteers, a paid Chief, and a full time staff of 15 paid Driver/Engineers for the Department. The Department currently operates out of three stations. It prides itself in meeting a commitment, of answering 95% of our over 2,500 responses each year within 4 minutes of receiving the dispatch for service. A commitment the department is struggling to maintain with our current limited resources.


John & Cheryl Slevin
AMS1-CO
Resident Managers
719-390-0800

Rusinak Real Estate Celebrates 20 Years

(image - left to right, Joseph Michelli, Vince Rusinak and Jen Worden)




COLORADO SPRINGS, CO. Nancy and Vince Rusinak, owners of Rusinak Real Estate, held a champagne brunch for staff and agents today to celebrate 20 years serving the residential real estate needs of people in the Pikes Peak Region. Joseph A. Michelli, PhD, author of The Starbucks Experience – 5 Principles for Turning Ordinary in Extraordinary, spoke to Rusinak personnel, and signed copies of his best-selling book for everyone in the company, as a gift from the Rusinaks.

In addition, Jen Worden, who operates the Starbucks Coffee Co. at 6815 N. Academy, provided coffee and cake to celebrate this key milestone.

“Twenty years is a huge event in the life of a company,” Michelli said. He spoke of organizational excellence and the respect he has for companies who listen to the evolving needs of their customers.

Michelli recounted the impact Rusinak Real Estate had on him, first as a renter, and then as a home buyer.

“Service is not enough,” Michelli told the Rusinak audience. “There must also be a drive for transactional excellence and the ability to create an experiential impact.”

“Excellent businesses provide flawless product, delivered exactly as people want it, in a caring manner, much like what a child would experience in the home of a loving parent,” he shared.

Rusinak Real Estate opened as Rusinak House of Brokers in August 1988. Rusinak Companies also include Rusinak Property Services, meeting the needs of landlords and tenants with the full range of services for residential home rentals.

Rusnak Real Estate Inc, 7150 N. Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Centennial Grove Tree Planting at Ft. Carson Main Gate September 15

Colorado’s 77 Conservation Districts have donated trees; one tree for each district and children of Fort Carson Soldiers will release balloons to dedicate the planting of the first 10 trees.

The Mountain Post Historical Center Association (MPHCA) is a 501 (c)(3) organization whose mission is to support the efforts to build the Mountain Post Historical Center (MPHC). The MPHC will be a dramatic, state-of-the-art facility located outside the gates of Fort Carson and will preserve and commemorate the sacrifices of and honor the history of Fort Carson, its soldiers, and the community.

For more information about the MPHCA and how you can help make the Mountain Post Historical Center a reality, please visit www.FortCarsonMuseum.com


What: Mountain Post Historical Center Association (MPCHA) Ceremonial Tree Planting

When: Monday, September 15, 2008

Time: 9:00 am to 10:00 am

Speakers: Robert Cordova, Colorado Conversation Districts
Lou Mellini, MPHCA Board President

Where: Fort Carson Main Gate – Hwy 115 across from Cheyenne Mountain State Park entrance

Cost: Free, open to the public

RSVP deadline: September 10, 2008

More Markets for Mesa Ridge - Fountain

City of Fountain Press Release

Groundbreaking illustrates Fountain preparation for 5,000 new troops in 2009

Fountain races to meet demands of current residents and new troops’ families


Fountain is getting ready for the estimated 5,000 new troops expected to come in 2009. Studies have shown pent up demand for retail in the vastly underserved market of the Fountain Valley, so retailers are opening new stores.

“The Fountain valley is a market unto its own trade area,” says Lisa Cochrun, Fountain Economic Development Director. “People chose to live here because our small town atmosphere attracts them. We share two gates with Fort Carson; we expect retail to further boom as Fort Carson expands. It should be a highlight in an otherwise gloomy economy.”

Commute time analysis shows new troops are most likely to locate close to the post.
The Markets at Mesa Ridge has scheduled a groundbreaking with the Fountain Mayor Jeri Howells at 8:30AM August 13th on the site at Mesa Ridge Parkway (Powers Boulevard) and Fountain Mesa Road. Shops D tenants include Ent Federal Credit Union, Little Caesars Pizza and Papa Murphy’s Pizza. Construction should take approximately 6 months – project complete in February of 2009.
The Markets at Mesa Ridge, LLC is a joint venture between a California-based real estate investment company and members of the Janitell family. The development started in 2001 with the construction of Safeway and Shops A, and will include over 500,000 SF of commercial development when complete. Current national tenants open and operating include Safeway, Lowe's, Walgreens, Advance Auto, Sonic, Subway, Wells Fargo, Chase Bank, Carl’s Jr. ... (the list goes on). Future phases of development include two approximate 6,700-SF pad buildings with drive-thru access to junior-box buildings that will accommodate larger users ranging from 10,000 to over 50,000 SF.

The Markets at Mesa Ridge are just 5 minutes away from Interstate 25 and Fort Carson gate 20, which handles about a quarter of the post’s traffic.

“What our studies show is sustainable demand for electronics, clothing, casual sit-down name brand restaurants, recreation and amusement centers, medical services, sporting goods, hobby stores, a movie theatre… all the things families want close to home.”

At build out, the Fountain Valley will have a population of 217,460. Right now the valley’s population is around 96,000. New apartment buildings and housing developments are planned and the I-25 interchange and bridge at Exit 132 is going up in faster than expected.

The August 13th morning groundbreaking at the Markets at Mesa Ridge is just the beginning,” said Rich Walker of First Properties, broker for the shopping center.

Fountain Valley Animal Hospital new home and services

By Linda Hobbs

The Fountain Valley Animal Hospital (FVAH) has been a fixture in the community for as long as anyone can remember. They finally outgrew their old facility, both in space and the range of services they want to offer. The hospital moved on May 28 to a larger facility just around the corner at 311 Main Street in Security. They now offer in-house surgical procedures, x-rays, orthopedic surgery, laboratory diagnostics, immunizations, pet supplies, a full-service pharmacy, emergency care and dentistry.

"We do it all here now," said Dr, Sheila Schaffer, DVM. "We've raised the quality of service available to all our clients."

FVAH used to offer mostly out-patient services. Now, animals can receive full medical care on-site, under the supervision of two experienced doctors, Dr. Schaffer and Dr. Monica Campos, DVM.

Providing service for cats, dogs and "pocket pets" such as rabbits and guinea pigs, the clinic's emphasis is preventative care, keeping animals healthy over the course of their lives, from puppies and kittens, through adulthood to the unique concerns of geriatric care. The staff of FVAH have joined the overall shift in veterinary medicine from emphasizing the curing aliments to preventing aliments altogether.

Immunizations: The first line of defense in preventing some of the common diseases in animals. FVAH staff will discuss which vaccines best fit your animal's lifestyle.

Internal Medicine: Pets can have a range of digestive problems, either from parasites like Giardia or from eating things they shouldn't eat. The important thing is to figure out what is making the animal sick as quickly as possible, for the least amount of damage.

Surgery: Now offering a state-of-the-art surgical suite, FVAH provides a range of veterinary surgical procedures.

Emergency care: FVAH is prepared to take on the special challenges of animal emergency care with a full lab, x-ray, pharmacy and surgical suite.

Laboratory: Having an on-site lab means the hospital can diagnose and treat immediately.

X-Rays: X-rays are vital in determining the cause and treatment of illness, and FVAH is now equipped with x-ray (called radiograph) equipment.

The list goes on, as Dr. Schaffer has worked hard to make FVAH a full-service veterinary facility. Dr. Schaffer purchased FVAH in August of 2007. She is a Colorado native, raised in Welby near Denver. She earned her BS at Regis and her DVM at CSU, Fort Collins in 1994.

When the new site became available, she stopped by to have a look. The lobby is spacious and conveniently laid out, and the floor plan is ideal for a medical facility.

"When I first saw it, I knew," Schaffer said.

Overall, leaving their previous home was not a time for sadness, although some had served at the old location for over a decade. The need to offer more options with more space for an operating room, kennels, a lab, pharmacy, offices and x-ray area were too great for hesitation. Clients and staff all made the transition over the course of a weekend.

Dr. Monica Campos is also a CSU graduate. She was born and raised in the Fountain Valley region, and was the doctor at Cheyenne Mountain Animal Hospital before joining the FVAH team.

Also on staff are Karen Winters, VT, Rebecca Quick-Billings, CVT, Kozelle Peterson, VTA, Kimberlee Blair-Suder, Administrative Assistant, Traci Maldonado, VTA & Assistant, Heike Write, VTA and Administrative Assistant, Julie Horbath, Administrative Assistant and their newest member, Brittany Buening, Receptionist & Client Care.

In the future, FVAH may add another doctor and possibly offer animal grooming and day care.

"We want to encourage everyone to stop by and see what we have to offer," Schaffer said.

FVAH's office hours are Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sat. from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

For information, call 392-4213 or visit their website at http://www.fvah-co.com.

CASA Launches "Extra Mile" Campaign

Court Appointed Special Advocates seeks to relieve pressure of high gas prices on volunteers

As drivers reel from sticker shock at the pump, volunteer organizations in the Pikes Peak Region are starting to feel a ripple effect. Nonprofits are struggling to control transportation costs. From youth sports leagues to meals-on-wheels programs, many organizations rely on owned or rented vans and buses to provide services.

But while their transportation budgets are stretched, they do have budgets—and a highly visible need on which to base special appeals to their supporters. Not so, for those organizations whose volunteers pay for extensive travel out of their own pockets.

Trudy Strewler, CASA of the Pikes Peak Region Executive Director, announced the organization is establishing an “Extra-Mile Club” to raise funds from individual donors and companies in the community. Proceeds will be used to buy gas cards for local CASA volunteers, who often travel hundreds of miles a month to investigate and advocate on behalf of neglected and abused children.

Volunteers working with CASA programs are specially trained to speak in court for the best interests of abused and neglected children. “Our volunteers do what no one else really can do,” according to Strewler.

“They’re officers of the court, but they stand outside the child protective services and foster care systems. They provide judges with a truly objective evaluation of what’s happening outside the courtroom from a community perspective.”

Their duties often involve extensive travel. CASA volunteers visit social service agencies, caregiver homes, homes of origin, and schools, among other destinations. “They are the eyes and ears of the court, and the child’s voice,” says Strewler. “When your mission is to make sure that everyone involved is not only following the court orders, but doing what’s best for a child, it amounts to a huge investment in the future.”

CASA volunteers in Colorado Springs are currently traveling an estimated 50 miles per week. With ongoing hikes in gas prices, CASA is worried that they may have to cut back on their activity, which will have a direct impact on the children we serve. “This work is just too important, and too effective, to let anything get in its way,” says Strewler. “So, since I know our volunteers would never ask, I’m asking for them. They should never have to think twice about making a trip that will help a child.”

To make a donation to CASA’s “Extra-Mile Club” please contact Jill Wright at 447-9898, x1002.

Peak Vista Public Service Announcement, Dental Care for Low Income Children

Public Service Announcement
Dental Services for Children from Lower Income Families


ALTHOUGH NEARLY ONE HUNDRED PERCENT PREVENTABLE, ORAL DISEASE CONTINUES TO GROW AT A RAPID PACE AMONG COLORADO CHILDREN. UNFORTUNATELY, SEVENTY SIX PERCENT OF CHILDREN ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICAID HAVE TROUBLE ACCESSING DENTAL HEALTH CARE. DON’T LET ORAL DISEASE PREVENT YOUR CHILD FROM SUCEEDING IN SCHOOL. BRUSH AND FLOSS YOUR TEETH DAILY AND USE A PRODUCT CONTAINING FLUORIDE DAILY, AVOID SWEETS, EAT A BALANCED DIET, AND VISIT YOUR DENTIST REGULARLY. IF YOUR CHILD IS ON MEDICAID, C-H-P-PLUS, OR YOU CAN’T AFFORD A DENTIST, CALL PEAK VISTA COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS TODAY AT 6-3-2-5-7-0-0 TO SCHEDULE YOUR CHILD FOR A DENTAL APPOINTMENT. THAT NUMBER AGAIN IS 6-3-2-5-7-0-0.