Bicycling Magazine Names Assault on the Peak “The Perfect Ride”

One of 22 Cycling Trips Featured in July 2011 Issue

(Colorado Springs, Colo.) – The July 2011 cover of Bicycling magazine features “The Perfect Ride: 22 Great Trips.” Included in this issue, is Summit Cycling Production’s very own Assault on the Peak. The article encourages cyclists to bag a “fourteener” (any mountain that exceeds a 14,000-foot elevation).

Scheduled for Sunday, August 28, the 2011 Assault on the Peak will provide cycling enthusiasts with the opportunity to ascend America's most famous mountain. The 24.5-mile route is one of the most challenging organized cycling events in the world, ascending close to 8,000 vertical feet from Manitou Springs, CO to the Pikes Peak summit at 14,115-feet.

The annual event will now include a running event. The Pikes Peak Road Ascent will be organized by the Pikes Peak Marathon, Inc./Triple Crown of Running. The two events will share the road, rest stops and post race party in Manitou Springs making this a truly unique participation event.

Last year, 340 riders from 18 states accepted the challenge to ride America's Mountain. The record time for a cyclist from the Manitou Springs start to the Summit is 2:17.33 by Leroy Popouski from Colorado Springs. Once again, this August, the Pikes Peak Highway, normally closed to public bicycle traffic, will be completely closed to motor vehicle traffic as cyclists and runners will climb the mountain on a securely closed course. The event expects to draw 500 riders for this year’s event.

Participants can register online at www.bikereg.com. More information on the 2011 Assault on the Peak and a full list of sponsors, visit www.ridespikespeak.com.

Governor’s Summer Job Hunt Program

(COLORADO SPRINGS) – As the thirty-first season of the Governor’s Summer Job Hunt Program moves forward, job counselors who assist teens at the Pikes Peak Workforce Centers report that the summer of 2011 is shaping up to be a tough one – perhaps one of the toughest yet -- for high school and college students looking for work experience. Approximately 3,000 young people are currently registered and looking for a summer job with Pikes Peak Workforce Center in Colorado Springs and its satellite office in Cripple Creek. Connecting those young people with job opportunities is a challenge for Workforce Center staff.

Youth-friendly employers are the strength of the Governor’s Summer Job Hunt program. Without them, there are no summer jobs, no exposure to the world of work, no access to career track employment opportunities. The best of these participating local business people aren’t merely providing summer employment, they are help teens succeed, helping students take that first transitional step from school to career.

Last year, when the average annual unemployment rate for Colorado adults stood at 8.7 percent, the unemployment rate for 16 to19 year olds was 25.3 percent. To put some perspective on it, five years ago, the annual average unemployment rate for adults was 4.2 percent. But even in that strong economy, teens between the ages of 16 and 19 still had a much higher unemployment rate (15.9 percent).

The fact is, in good times and bad, high school and college students are always at a disadvantage because they are less experienced, less confident and are usually looking to work for a limited number of weeks. Just as they were last summer, these usual disadvantages are compounded by the economic downturn.

When employers can offer teens a place to earn and learn, they are investing in the workforce of the future and impacting those teen more than they could have realized. The Council of Economic Advisors wrote in a 2010 report that deep downturns in the economy have a particularly adverse effect on young Americans. “Teens who first enter the labor market during a recession can have trouble getting their feed onto the first rung of the career ladder, leaving them a step or more behind throughout their lives,” the report says.

“There’s no question that the outlook for work has improved over last summer,” says Department of Labor and Employment Executive Director Ellen Golombek, “but things haven’t improved to the point that there won’t still be challenges ahead.” She notes that the Governor’s Summer Job Hunt is important in tough economic times “because it helps teens learn of job opportunities and understand how to market themselves to employers.”

Teens can learn more about the program by visiting the Department of Labor and Employment’s website at http://www.colorado.gov/cdle/youth. Employers who can give young people an opportunity to learn, to put skills to use and see firsthand how a business operates, should contact the Pikes Peak Workforce Center at 2306 East Pikes Peak Avenue in Colorado Springs (phone: 719-667-3700) or at the Aspen Mine Community Center, 166 E Bennett Avenue in Cripple Creek (phone: 719-689-3584 x13; call for hours of operation in Cripple Creek). Or go to http://www.ppwfc.org/ and click on the Youth Zone link.

“Employer participation is critical,” stresses Ellen Golombek. “The Governor’s Summer Job Hunt is depending on every community-minded employer to find just one job for a teen. Whenever a young person is encouraged, enlightened or empowered, each of us everywhere is enriched.”

Colorado Springs Coin Show June 30, July 1 and July 2

The annual Colorado Springs Coin Show will take place on Thursday June 30th from noon to 6pm, Friday and Saturday July 1 & 2 from 9am to 6pm, at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Colorado Springs.

There is no fee for admission and parking is free.

Over 60 vendors and traders from across the country will be on hand to display, educate and trade. Door prizes every hour.

For more information visit: http://csns.anaclubs.org/cs_coin_show.htm

Free Family Friendly Comedy from Shed G

Stargazers, Colorado Springs, June 30th, 7-9pm

Click on the image for details

Colorado Springs Women’s Express Network Monthly Luncheon

Colorado Springs (CO) –Calling all professional individuals who wish to develop enriching and empowering relationships with other community leaders.

Colorado Springs Women’s Express Network is a chapter of American Business Women’s Association, a non-profit organization connecting professionals of diversity.

The next luncheon is Friday, July 8, 2011 at 11:30 AM. Location is the Garden of the Gods Country Club.

For more information regarding this event, please visit www.cswen.org or call Becky Hume at (719) 632-4410.

Homes for Our Troops Event, Falcon, CO, July 16th

(click on the flyer image to expand)

Submitted by Ann McNeill, Proforma.com

The Eastern Plains Chamber & the Falcon Lion’s Club are planning a Fundraiser Recycling Event slated for July 16^th, 2011 just behind the BIG R located at 14155 East HWY 24 in Falcon. It will run from 10AM-2PM. Bring things to recycle or a cash donation.

Homes For Our Troops has built an adapted home for SGT Jeffrey Adams in Latigo Trails located at 12360 Conestoga Trail North and as part of SGT Jeffrey Adams role in this project, he has to raise funds as well. To learn more about this project, please go to the link: http://www.homesforourtroops.org/site/PageServer?pagename=JeffreyAdams

This Fundraiser Recycling Event is to benefit SGT Jeffrey Adams and his family’s home project in Latigo Trails. Also, there is a volunteer day on June 18^th to help with landscaping and clean-up around his new home and the key ceremony will be on June 25^th!

Many thanks and let’s welcome SGT Jeffrey Adams and his family into our community in style by making this event a HUGE SUCCESS!!!

Shredding helps end hunger

Submitted by Marsha Looper

ElderWatch Colorado and the Black Forest AARP Chapter #1100 recently partnered with Shred-It Colorado to help defeat identity theft and collect food for Black Forest Cares, a local food bank. Volunteers met at the Old Black Forest Fire Station from 9 to noon on June 11 to serve 347 individuals who responded with their personal documents to be safely and professionally shredded.

Those who brought their items to be shredded helped themselves avoid personal identity theft and at the same time contributed a total of 593 pounds of non-perishable food and $238 to Black Forest Cares. The shredded documents, almost 8,500 pounds of paper, will be recycled. This will save many trees and help keep our country green.

Submitted by Marsha Looper

Sixty-two people also signed up for the Colorado and the national Do Not Call list. The Do Not Call list will reduce the number of unsolicited telephone calls they receive in the future.

A special thanks is extended to Shred-It Colorado for donating a shredding truck and operator, Wal-Mart and King Soopers for their donations of snacks and water for everyone, the Black Forest Fire and Rescue for providing the site and facilities, and to the 29 Black Forest AARP Chapter Members and ElderWatch Colorado members who volunteered their time and services to make this the best ever Black Forest Shredding Event.

The Black Forest AARP Chapter works hard to serve the local community. The chapter motto is "To Serve Not to Be Served". Anyone interested in participating in community service should call Chuck at 719-749-9227 to learn how you can become a chapter member. All are welcome. There are no age restrictions.

Security Farmers Market at Fountain Valley Shopping Center

The Security Farmers Market began last week and will take place every Friday from 1pm to 7pm and Saturday from 9am to 2pm through October 1, 2011.

If you're interested in being a vendor, contact Lisa at 719-375-5131.

Fountain Valley Shopping Center
5520 S. US Hwy 85/87 (Main Street and 8587)

7th Annual Dump & Donate Day!

On Saturday, June 18th from 9:00 a.m. to noon in the Coronado High School parking lot, donations of gently used household goods & clothing will be accepted by Catholic Charities & Tax Receipts will be provided. Blue Star Recyclers will accept small appliances, washers, dryers & electronics such as computer components and AV Equip. **Note, due to their lead content, a fee will be charged for TV's & Computer Monitors. El Paso County Hazardous Waste will accept ONLY latex & oil based paint, household batteries & Fluorescent light bulbs, and The Springs Fire Dept will provide a chipper for tree branches up to 9" in diameter. Two Dumpsters will be available, however NO Tires, Refrigerators, Air Conditioners or Gas Powered Equip can be accepted. Please contact Harris Group Realty, Inc. at 719-227-9900 for more details.

Fountain Valley Senior Center BBQ, Friday June 24th

The Fountain Valley Senior Center, 5745 Southmoor Drive in Fountain (behind Albertacos off Hwy 85/87) will be having a BBQ to support their drivers, transportation and RAMP Departments on Friday, June 24th.

There will be food, live music, kid stuff, games and prizes

Click on the image for more information.

Manitou Springs Downtown Enjoys Full Merchant Occupancy

The 2011 Summer season kicks off in high style with new and expanded shops and restaurants for locals and tourists.

Manitou Springs, CO (Moxie Girl PR) -Though Manitou Springs has always been a popular seasonal destination, locals and visitors alike can now look forward to a summer filled with more---more shops, dining options, entertainment and natural beauty. The downtown district of Manitou is at full retail occupancy, with new stores and restaurants opening their doors for business. “The time, money and effort we’ve all put into Manitou’s infrastructure and downtown revitalization is really bearing fruit,” said Clint Hensley, President of the Business Improvement District and owner of The
Poppyseed and The Trippin’ Troll. “It’s vibrant, diverse and an exciting place in which to live, shop and play!”

Recently, the newly-consolidated Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce, Visitors Bureau and Office of Economic Development adopted the name “iManitou” in which to operate. “We thought that with all the progress Manitou Springs is making in promoting tourism and the business climate in town, that we needed a name that captured that spirit,” said Dave Symonds, President of iManitou. “It is our hope that iManitou will be able to build on the success the Business Improvement District has had in keeping vacancies nearly non-existent.”

Among the newest endeavors are GreenSoul, Wish, Naturally’s Market and Café and the Quacker Gift Shop. GreenSoul is a locally-owned retail shop that specializes in environmentally-friendly, local and socially responsible products. “We love the rich diversity of residents, businesses and activities that Manitou Springs offers and are very happy to be a part of this community,” said Kristen Lee, owner of GreenSoul. Angela Guido, owner of Wish, chose Manitou Springs as the location for her new business because it was the “perfect place, not only for me, but for Manitou. I think Manitou needed Wish as well. I really studied the stores, so I could offer items that weren’t available anywhere else,” she says. “This way, as businesses we can all work together instead of competing against each other.” Ronda Burke, owner of Naturally’s Market and Café, is an example of the Manitou approach to doing business. “We wanted to create an environment that would allow our customers the opportunity to treat themselves naturally and holistically to the highest quality homemade, organic food in a comfortable, enjoyable atmosphere.”

Other well-known Manitou stores have responded to the economy in an innovative fashion. Black Cat Books and Safron of Manitou Springs recently merged spaces in the Black Cat store, creating a unique shopping experience where fashion and literature
collide, with delightful results. The Stagecoach Inn recently built a deck on their front lawn in order to expand outside dining options for their patrons. The owners of the Quacker Gift Shop, Jennifer Brown and Steve Kudron, looked all over the state before deciding on Manitou Springs as the ideal location for their second store. “We explored Estes Park, Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs and Old Colorado City. What we found in Manitou was a year ‘round economy, reasonable rents and a welcoming
atmosphere.” Founded in 2006, the Quacker Gift Shop is America’s pre-eminent store in which to find rubber duckies of all styles and sizes.

Manitou Springs has its roots as a health resort and an artists’ colony and boasts a diverse population; support for the culinary, holistic, visual, literary and performing arts; and a colorful history. Lauded as one of the coolest small towns in
the country by Budget Travel magazine, Manitou lives up to its reputation with cool shopping/dining options, inviting art galleries and live entertainment venues.

About the Business Improvement District
It is the purpose of the Central Manitou Springs Business Improvement District to be a strong collaboration of business, government and community. Merchants in the district work together to insure a long-term goal of a clean, safe, vibrant
visitor destination area reflective of its historic heritage that is attractive and welcoming to both visitors and residents, and contributes to the economic prosperity of Manitou Springs. For more information, call Susan Wolbrueck at 685-2475 or email her at susan@caferace.com.

Pikes Peak Workforce Center Seeks Volunteers

Workforce Center Seeks Skilled Individuals
to Help with Workshops

Colorado Springs, CO - - The Pikes Peak Workforce Center is seeking skilled individuals to help with one-on-one resume review, mock interviewing, and employment workshops. These are volunteer positions.

Volunteers can be employed, unemployed, or underemployed, but must enjoy helping people. Volunteering is a great way for the unemployed to keep their skills current.

Interested persons should apply online. Go to www.ppwfc.org and click on about us, then on volunteer opportunities.

About PPWFC

The Pikes Peak Workforce Center connects vital businesses with work-ready job seekers and employer-driven services.

Curbow Recognized for Quality Service by Century 21

Focus on Customer Satisfaction Earns CENTURY 21 Curbow Realty CENTURY 21® System’s National Quality Service Award

Colorado Springs,CO -- Century 21 Real Estate LLC, franchisor of the world’s largest residential real estate sales organization, has announced that CENTURY 21 Curbow Realty is a recipient of the 2010 CENTURY 21 Quality Service Office award for its commitment to providing quality customer service to its clients.

"Receiving this award is a great honor and a testament to the focus and attention we commit to our clients in ensuring that they understand each and every step of the home buying and selling process," stated Jacob & Mercie Curbow, owners of CENTURY 21 Curbow Realty.  "This award is the collective result of the efforts of each and every member of our office."

Based on customer feedback received from the CENTURY 21 System’s Quality Service Survey (QSS), the award recognizes those CENTURY 21 System offices nationwide that earn a minimum customer satisfaction index of 85 percent or better on real estate transactions they closed from January 1, 2010 - October 31, 2010.   The Internet-based survey is e-mailed to consumers immediately after the purchase or sale of a home through a CENTURY 21 System office.

"A commitment to quality customer service is crucial in today’s competitive real estate market," said Rick Davidson, president and CEO, Century 21 Real Estate LLC. "CENTURY 21 Curbow Realty has demonstrated the dedication to the consumer is the hallmark of the CENTURY 21® System’s franchise offices."

Located at 3659 Star Ranch Rd in Colorado Springs, CENTURY 21 Curbow Realty is a full service brokerage firm specializing in Residential and Property Management property listings helping first time home buyers, military, and relocation.

© 2011 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. CENTURY 21® Is A Registered Trademark Licensed To Century 21 Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each CENTURY 21 Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

Actors and Actresses Wanted - Colorado Springs

The Gospel play "Speaking To The Heart Of A Man"

Casting Call

19 E. Kiowa Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Seeking (Amateurs & Seasoned Actors):
• 9 African-American males ages 25 - 50
• 1 multi racial male age 35 - 50
• 8 African-American females of any size between the ages of 28 - 50
• 1 African-American plus-size female between the ages of 28 - 35
• 2 multi racial females between the ages of 28 - 50

Requirements:
• Must have a prepared monologue - no longer than 1.5 minutes
• Be prepared to do a Cold Reading from the script
• Bring a head shot to the audition - they do not have to be professional, but they must have good resolution

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 719-287-9100