Thursday, March 26, 2009

Have a ball supporting our troops

Fort Carson Morale and Welfare needs your support for the upcoming 234th Army Birthday Ball.

Your sponsorship is not only a great promotional opportunity for you company or organization, but it enables soldiers and their loved ones to attend the ball at greatly reduced ticket prices.

There are a variety of sponsorship levels available. We can never do enough for these men and women, but we can demonstrate our gratitude.

For more information please download these pdf's:

Army Ball Sponsorship Information

Army Ball Sponsor Registration Form

You may also call 719-526-3161

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

April Youth Workshop Schedule - Pikes Peak Workforce Center

Press Release

Colorado Springs, CO – The Youth Zone will offer the following workshops for youth, 14 through 21, in April. There is no charge to attend. Youth can register online at www.ppwfc.org (click on the Youth Zone) or call 719.667.3860. All youth workshops are held at the Pikes Peak Workforce Center main office, 2306 E. Pikes Peak Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.



Wednesday, April 1, 2009, Customer Service Tips for Teens in the Workplace, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.



Customer service skills are a vital part of any job. If youth have had limited work experience, this workshop will prepare them to not only be a good employee, but one supervisors and peers will be proud of! This fun and interactive workshop teaches the basics of customer service, and helps youth understand why customer service is so very important. Youth won’t want to miss this workshop because advancement in a job now and in the future depends upon good customer service!



Wednesday, April 8, 2009, The Importance of Volunteering and Mentoring, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.



Youth often wonder why volunteering in the community is so important and rewarding. This workshop will answer those questions and so much more! Youth will learn how to begin, where to look, and the positive impact giving of themselves can make in other people’s lives; not to mention their own! For youth who are ready for a challenge; ready to do something that will make them feel good about themselves! This workshop will help youth begin an exciting new chapter in their life!



Wednesday, April 15, 2009, Money & Time Management: Taking Control of Your Future, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.



Learn how to budget your money and how to apply for and use credit responsibly. Understand how to become a financially stable young adult! Time is money too. Youth will complete an activity to help them discover the actual value of their time. Youth are encouraged to join this fun and entertaining workshop to learn how to start off on the right foot, financially!



Wednesday, April 22, 2009, Resume Writing and Interviewing Etiquette,

4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.



Youth can begin their career sooner instead of later! Understand the benefits of any job and the experience that is gained through a job. This workshop focuses on the importance of writing a resume along with proper interview etiquette. Youth will receive a resume and cover letter worksheet and complete a personality assessment to better understand how they fit with certain jobs and careers.



Wednesday, April 29, 2009, Motivation: Choosing Success,

4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Everyone wants and deserves to succeed. Youth do too! Maybe youth just need some help with motivation? If so, this is the workshop for them! This workshop focuses on the importance of setting long-term, short-term, and immediate goals. How to overcome obstacles and worry will also be discussed. Youth will learn about different types of colleges and the importance of choosing a school that fits their needs and goals. And, youth will receive a personality assessment along with a list of jobs and careers that would be good to pursue in reference to their personality type.

About the Youth Work Zone

The Youth Work Zone supports education and promotes employment for youth in El Paso and Teller counties. More information about the Youth Work Zone can be found online at www.ppwfc.org.

World-Class Foster Care Program Needs Host Families

Press Release

Savio receives grant funds to support continuance of Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care program

Savio announced its decision to move forward with full implementation of the Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care (MTFC) program with newly granted support from The Colorado Health Foundation and the Nord Family Foundation. In order to realize this goal the organization will need families on the Colorado Front Range to step forward to host the children in need of these services.

MTFC is a well-researched and highly effective program for adolescents who have problems with chronic antisocial behavior, emotional disturbance, and delinquency. In the MTFC program, youth are placed in a family setting for six to nine months. Foster parents are trained and supported around the clock to become part of the treatment team. They provide close supervision and implement a structured, individualized program for each youth that builds on his or her strengths and at the same time sets clear rules, expectations, and limits to manage behavior. Foster families receive a stipend and expenses.

Savio is actively searching for families across the Colorado Front Range to host the children. “This is not an easy job, but it is rewarding and the support of the Savio staff is outstanding. You cannot believe how good it feels to give a hurting kid a safe place to grow. If you or someone you know may be a good fit for fostering a kid who needs you, don’t hesitate to call Savio,” said Janice, one of Savio’s foster mothers. (Last name withheld for privacy purposes.)

MTFC has been endorsed by US Attorney General and Surgeon Generals, as well as a long list of national academic and policy organizations as one of the most effective “evidence-based” programs available.

Savio House launched its MTFC program in 2005, and is the only provider of this program in Colorado . Savio Executive Director Bill Hildenbrand said, "This is a difficult and costly program to put in place, but the Savio Board and staff are committed to the success of MTFC. The long term benefit to the individual youth and families and their communities, as well as the substantial savings to taxpayers because of the lessened burden on the justice system is well worth it. This is the work that Savio is here to do".

Savio is the leading name in youth and family services on the Colorado Front Range. We are dedicated to eliminating violence, crime, drug and alcohol abuse, child abuse and neglect, and other destructive behaviors in families through care, support and education. Following our start as an orphanage in 1966, Savio has developed a full continuum of care for children, adolescents, and their families. Savio is known for excellence and dedication to studying and improving outcomes of our programs. For more information please see www.saviohouse.org.

MTFC endorsement: http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_11854077. For questions specific to the MTFC program, or to become a foster parent, please contact Lisa Rosen , 303.225.4105 or lrosen@saviohouse.org

Colorado Springs to be Featured on The Weather Channel®

Colorado Springs, Colo. – Colorado Springs will be showcased on upcoming Weather Channel segments at the end of the week. The Weather Channel® is currently featuring a special spring theme week with a combination of on-air and online content to help culminate the arrival of the season. Colorado Springs will be included in the “Why I Love Spring” program.

Colorado Springs will be in the travel ideas segment of “Why I Love Spring” entitled “One Tank Getaways” which will begin airing during the 9am EST hour this Thursday the 26th. It will air again on Friday the 27th during the 5pm, 8pm and 11pm EST hours.

About The Weather Channel

The Weather Channel® is based in Atlanta, GA and is seen in more than 98 million U.S. households. For more information visit www.Weather.com.

Experience Colorado Springs is the leading marketing organization for group travel and tourism to Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region. We are dedicated to a strong national and international presence so that tourism is a primary contributor to a thriving local economy. We maintain a visible presence as a community leader so that our industry members grow and prosper.

Springs Newsletter wins Honors

The Colorado Springs Women’s Express Network’s (CSWEN) newsletter was recognized as outstanding in the annual newsletter competition at the recent American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) District VI Conference held in Tuscon, AZ. Cynthia Leonard, Vice President of Communications, is the editor of the newsletter. Cris Carter, President, received the honor on behalf of the group which meets at the Garden of the Gods Club on the second Friday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for networking, educational development and program. The mission of the American Business Women's Association is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition. See www.CSWEN.org for more information

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

The "9-12" project (formerly the "we surround them" meet up group

Date: 1st meet up: April 4th from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
2nd meet up: April 18th from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Place: Colorado Springs Police Department
Stetson Hills Area Command (community meeting room)
4110 Tutt Boulevard
Colorado Springs, CO 80922

An organizational and informational gathering for all in the community, that believe in the 9 Principles & 12 Values found at http://www.the912project.us/ and believe that our governing representatives should do the same. This is the "We Surround Them" Colorado Springs Group


RSVP to The912Project.CO.District5@gmail.com

Colorado Springs Tea Party

The nationwide protest against runaway government spending, bail outs and much anticipated tax and fee increases is coming to Colorado Springs April 15th at the Pioneer Museum from noon to 1:30pm.

For more information...show up.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Free tax prep for Social Security recipients

Press Release

Liberty Tax Service in Fountain Colorado is offering FREE tax preparation to people that are on Social Security Disability and Social Security Income. To receive the free service you must not have any other income. You need to file a 2008 return to receive the stimulus package that President Obama will be giving out and also for your rent & heat rebate. On Tuesday and Thursday all other returns will be done for $99.00. We On Tuesday and Thursday all other returns will be done for $99.00e are located at 5195 Fontaine Blvd. Fountain, CO 80917. If you have any questions please feel free to call 719-390-1041. This offer is good until April 15, 2009.

Shelter Mutual Insurance reaches auto policy milestone

Press Release

Shelter Mutual Insurance Company has reached a major milestone. As of February 2009, Shelter Mutual has more than one million auto insurance policies in force.

Shelter was founded in 1946 to provide affordable auto insurance protection to Missourians. Today, Shelter Insurance® is a group of companies with two direct personal lines property and casualty companies, a reinsurance company, a life and annuity insurer, and a thrift bank.

Shelter’s direct business is written through 1,300 agents in 14 states and is supported by 1,800 employees. Shelter Insurance Companies’ Home Office is at Columbia, Missouri. Shelter is rated “A” Excellent by AM Best and Api by Standard & Poors.

For more information, visit our website at: www.ShelterInsurance.com
In Colorado Springs, contact Michelle Thompson at 719-574-0507

Free Music Workshops from the Pikes Peak Blues Community

The Pikes Peak Blues Community Presents

“OUR NEXT GENERATION”


When: April 25, 2009, 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Where: Hillside Community Center, 925 South Institute, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

What: Focuses on the musicians of tomorrow, Our Next Generation is a full day of free instruction and practice in composition, improvisation, vocal, and performance arts hosted by local, professional musicians and educators.

Who: Youth and adults who want to have fun, learn, and develop a passion for the unique traditions found in American improvisational music.

How: Concurrent sessions in vocal performance, songwriting, music theory, guitar, harmonica, bass, percussion, saxophone, piano and more will run throughout the day culminating in a group jam session, allowing students to practice what they’ve learned in a fun and forgiving environment.

FREE music workshops for all ages
** ** Food and drink available from Front Range BBQ at lunchtime. ****
With:
John Alex Mason (slide Guitar)
Jim Adams (acoustic guitar)
Jeremy Vasquez (electric guitar)
Brad Eastin (saxophone)
Stacy Dyson (songwriting)
Rex Peoples (vocal)
Ronnie Shellist (advanced harmonica)
Tim Zahn (piano &keyboards)
Mark Woody (Intro to harmonica)
Dave Deason (Intro to percussion)
Emily Pearson (Women & the blues)
(Advanced percussion)
Stefan Flores (intro to drums)
And much more

An all Guitar showcase/workshops with
John Alex Mason,and Jim Adams

Grand Finale
A two hour all star jam
The students will be the stars

For more details visit www.PikesPeakBlues.org
A 501(c) 3 non-profit charitable organization

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Bill proposes disclosure of home energy costs by sellers

House majority communications press release

(DENVER) – Just as you would never buy a car without first inquiring about how much mileage it gets per gallon, a homebuyer deserves to know how much their home may cost them in energy costs. Rep. Dennis Apuan’s (D-Colorado Springs) House Bill 1247 will do just that, by providing prospective homebuyers with a window into their monthly energy bills. It passed on an initial voice vote today.

House Bill 1247 directs a home seller to provide a homebuyer with the utility history for the home they are buying for the previous 12 months when the homebuyer requests it. By providing this information to a new homebuyer up front, a homebuyer has a better opportunity to make smart financing decisions for important efficiency improvements and save money.

“By arming buyers with important data on average energy costs, this bill ensures that critical information doesn’t fall through the cracks, and that Coloradans know what they’re buying,” said Rep. Apuan. “They’ll be able to see whether that old furnace in the basement really will lead to an energy spike in winter, or weather that huge south-facing window means bigger air conditioning costs in July and August. The bill also paves the way for more energy efficient homes in Colorado.”

The legislation would give potential homebuyers energy consumption information up front, which they can then use to compare that home’s history to other, similar homes, in order to figure out what their utility costs should be. They could also use that information to help determine where the hidden inefficiencies in a home may lie, as well as the cost-effectiveness of installing new energy efficiency measures such as high efficiency furnaces, attic insulation and water heaters.

Rep. Apuan continued: “Families need to have all the information out there in order to budget for their household bills. This is a foreclosure prevention bill.”

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Public Meetings regarding the Colorado Springs Police Department

Leadership Pikes Peak (LPP), in partnership with the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD), is conducting a series of public comment sessions regarding future services and plans for the CSPD. Meetings will be facilitated by LPP class members to solicit feedback regarding community concerns and public perceptions of the performance of the CSPD.

The next scheduled meeting will be held Saturday March 14, 2009, 10 am – 12pm, at the South East Branch YMCA located at: 2190 Jet Wing Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80916.

If you are interested in getting your voice heard and participating in this or future meetings, please send your contact information via email to CSPDPlanning@springsgov.com or visit www.springsgov.com and go to the Colorado Springs Police Department link under Public Safety. There you will find additional information.

AMAZING WOMEN LEARNING TO SOAR

Press Release

The *AMAZING WOMEN CENTER* is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote self-sufficiency and spiritual support for women of military families who are wives, mothers, sisters, or daughters of loved ones serving in the military. *AMAZING WOMEN* helps military women and families by providing various programs offered at no or low cost with the goal of helping women discover their hidden talents. *AMAZING WOMEN *achieves its goals offering self-development programs and outreach events.

Donations to charities have dropped sharply due to the current economy, but the need to support our military families is greater than ever. *AMAZING WOMEN* asks you to challenge yourself and friends to give to *AMAZING WOMEN,* so that we can continue to help and inspire our women of military families. If you are unable to attend the fund raising event on March 14^th , 2009 at the First United Methodist Church, located at 420 North Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, we greatly appreciate your donations or sponsorship of one military woman for the cost of $10.00. Your $10.00 donation will go toward education and mentoring programs to help promote self-improvement and spiritual support for women of military families.

If you cannot donate or sponsor *AMAZING WOMEN*, then there are opportunities to volunteer your time or special talents. Your help is needed for the upcoming fundraiser event. You can become part of this celebration whether you are affiliated with a church, organization, business or private party. Contact Sharon at 719.447.9607 or email officeawc@yahoo.com for more information about volunteering or donating items.

The Executive Director and founder of *AMAZING WOMEN*, Sharon Anthony, invites you to make a difference in the lives of women of military families. Thank you in advance from *AMAZING WOMEN* as we endeavor to improve lives with your help!

Mail your donations to:

AMAZING WOMEN CENTER
P.O. Box 9303
Colorado Springs, CO 80932

Contribution needed for the Amazing Women Upcoming Fundraiser, March 14^th ,2009

1. Food donation
2. Silent auction donations
3. Gift-in-kind
4. Gift certificates

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Job Posting - Colorado Springs

Casual office needs real closer, will train, make great money quickly. Call 1-720-218-3465.

New Pilates classes available at the Fountain Arts Center

Press Release:

Liz Ikard-Magalong is the new teacher training coordinator and instructor for PhysicalMind Institute a national certifying agency for Pilates in Denver. New group courses are now being offered at the Fountain Arts Center.

Circular Pilates
The Center at Fountain is one of only 8 Pilates’ studios nationally to offer Circular Pilates” This class stretches the back, as well as strengthen the core. Fridays 6:30 pm

Equipment Classes
Chair Classes: Finding your center never felt so good! Small personalized classes to lengthen and shape your muscles. (Cheapest Pilates equipment classes in Colorado Springs!)
Wednesdays 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm

Early bird classes
Mat with Props Tuesday 6:00 am
Intermediate Chair class. Thursdays 6:00 am


Free Lecture/Demonstration: April 3rd 7:30 pm “How to Get Your Body Back After Baby”
Free Lecture/Demonstration: May 1st 7:30 pm “National Pilates Day!”

All classes held at the Fountain Arts Center 113 S. Main Street Fountain 80817

"Troops to Teachers" bill moves forward

Press Release:

(DENVER) — A bill removing barriers for military veterans who want to become teachers, especially in rural and high-needs areas, passed out of the Education Committee today on a 10-0 vote.

Senate Bill 62 adds armed forces veterans to individuals the Colorado Department of Education considers when allocating scholarship money to colleges and universities getting teacher-training funds from the state’s Teach Colorado initiative.

“Veterans sacrifice so much for us, and the ‘Troops to Teachers’ bill provides an opportunity to offer a token of our gratitude,” said Rep. Dennis Apuan (D-El Paso), sponsor of the bill. “By providing scholarships for our troops to become teachers, everyone wins: veterans are more able to afford schooling and get a good job, schools that are having trouble hiring teachers will have a larger pool to choose from, and our economy and education systems are strengthened. And veterans can continue serving their community – as a teacher.”

The Teach Colorado Grant enabled state colleges and universities to establish a scholarship fund to help students go into teaching. If a student obtains the grant, that student is required to fill a teaching job in a high-needs area like special education or high school math. Or, the recipient would have to work in a rural area where there are teacher shortages in virtually every subject.

The bill now goes to the House floor. The Senate sponsor was Sen. Brandon Shaffer.

Coalition for a Conservative Majority, April Meeting

The Colorado Springs chapter of the Coalition for a Conservative Majority will hold its next meeting at the 3 Margaritas Restaurant, 3956 N. Academy (Academy and Austin Bluffs), at 6:00pm, Tuesday, April 7th.



The Coalition for a Conservative Majority (CCM) was founded specifically as a voice for Conservative Ideals, ideals such as individual liberty, sanctity of life, personal responsibility, limited government, free markets, and individual right to keep and bear arms. All Conservatives and those who think they might be a Conservative are welcome to join us. CCM is a nonpartisan 501 (c) (4) issues-oriented organization.

Two bills supporting military families move forward

HB 1054 and HB 1058 pass Senate

DENVER— Two important bills to protect the rights of military families unanimously passed the Senate and will head to the Governor’s desk soon. Senator John Morse (D-Colorado Springs) is the Senate sponsor of HB 1054 which gives unemployment insurance to the surviving spouse of anyone who has been killed in combat while on active duty. He is also the Senate sponsor of HB 1058 which protects the abandoned remains of veterans of the armed forces.

HB 1054 ensures if someone’s spouse is killed in combat, that person would be eligible for unemployment insurance even if he or she has left a job to move to a new place after the death. HB 1058 allows veterans groups to claim abandoned remains of any veteran and give it a proper military funeral.

“It is too easy to forget,” said Senator Morse. “We need to honor the service of our veterans no matter how long ago their service. Today, we took a giant step to do just that.”

HB 1054 will head to the Governor’s desk to be signed. HB 1058 will go back to the House for consideration.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

STATE OF THE COMMUNITY TOWN HALL SET FOR THIS SATURDAY

NEWS RELEASE from Committee for True Prosperity

Heimlicher declines invitation

The Committee for True Prosperity (formed to elect Dave Gardner to Colorado Springs City Council in district 3) has scheduled a State of the Community Town Hall for Saturday, March 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Carnegie Reading Room at Penrose Library downtown. The Committee invited every City Council candidate (all districts, including unopposed incumbents) to attend this town hall.

Candidate Dave Gardner wants citizens to know they are welcome to attend. In fact, according to Gardner, “attendance of citizens is a vital part of this meeting. This town hall is designed to give the everyday citizen a voice in the destiny of our community.” Gardner wants citizens to come with suggestions as well as questions.

Gardner's opponent in the Council Race, Jerry Heimlicher, e-mailed Gardner on Feb. 27, declining to attend. He offered no explanation in that email, though in earlier e-mails to Gardner he had expressed some concern about how questions would be moderated. Gardner explained to Heimlicher that his intention is specifically not to have a gatekeeper censoring citizen questions and comments. Gardner indicated he hopes Heimlicher will reconsider and attend.

City Council candidate Dave Gardner has long felt the way citizens are treated in City Council meetings is not conducive to true community dialogue. Each citizen comment is limited to three minutes, and Councilors refuse to answer questions or allow any give and take. Gardner has set up the State of the Community Town Hall to give the community the benefit of that interactive dialogue missing in City Hall.

Of the other candidates, Bernie Herpin declined due to the wedding of his daughter, Scott Hente declined with no explanation, Darryl Glenn has not responded, and Tony Carpenter has indicated he will attend.

STATE OF THE COMMUNITY TOWN HALL
Saturday, March 7
2 to 4 p.m.
Penrose Library (downtown Colorado Springs)
Carnegie Reading Room
20 North Cascade Ave
Colorado Springs, CO 80903