Friday, August 28, 2009

Jackson Hewitt Tax School Begins

Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Courses Provide Individual Income Tax Information To Add Dollars to Your Pocket – Or Help Others Keep More Money in Theirs

Colorado Springs, Fountain, Security Wide Field, Monument, Falcon and Castel Rock, With over 500 tax law changes in place for the past tax filing season and new laws that will take effect this year for the 2010 Tax Filing Season, knowing about the credits and deductions that you may qualify for can help you make a difference to your income tax return bottom-line. The Jackson Hewitt Tax Service® office provides area residents the opportunity to learn about individual income tax preparation with its upcoming 10 week Basic Income Tax Course. By December, tax school students will have a better understanding of the fundamentals of basic income tax preparation as well as recent tax law changes and commonly overlooked deductions and credits. Whether learning more about income tax preparation for personal reference or to pursue a career in tax preparation*, Jackson Hewitt Tax School will provide students with an informative – and enjoyable – introduction to tax preparation.

“Especially in this economy, it’s all about educating and empowering area taxpayers so they are informed about the tax information that can make a difference to their bottom-line,” said Kathryn Kim Ramos, Field Operations Manager of Colorado Springs and surrounding areas for Jackson Hewitt Tax Service. “We’ve structured the Basic Income Tax Course to cover the fundamentals of tax preparation in a 10 week period with convenient class offerings, with most meeting twice a week for three hours, in the daytime or evening.”

The Jackson Hewitt Basic Income Tax Course is a progressive tax education program for the beginner student – no prior tax preparation experience is required. Students work through sample problems and learn how to complete tax forms and schedules, covering a range of topics, from filing status, credits, deductions and IRS e-file, and more complex topics such as interest, dividends, capital gains, IRAs, depreciation, Schedule E and basis of property.

Jackson Hewitt Tax School is also an affordable option for everyone from recent college graduates to those recently displaced from jobs and stay-at-home parents to seniors. Jackson Hewitt Tax School courses and fees vary by market. For example, in some markets, registration and tuition may be free, with low-cost fees only for books and supplies.

Call Colorado Springs Jackson Hewitt Tax Service today at (719) 352-9400 to learn more about this exciting opportunity, including course offerings and class schedules, or visit www.jacksonhewitt.com/tax-preparation-school.

* Enrollment in, or completion of, course is neither an offer nor a guarantee of employment. Additional training, experience or skills may be required. Most offices are independently owned and operated.

Pikes Peak Workforce Center September Youth Workshops

Youths Can Learn How to Study, Improve Memory and

Get the Job Search Results They Want from Twitter and Facebook!



Colorado Springs, CO – The Youth Zone at the Pikes Peak Workforce Center will offer the following workshops for youths, 14 through 21, in September. There is no charge to attend. Youth can register online at www.ppwfc.org (click on the Youth Zone) or call 719.667.3860.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009, Study helps and Test Taking Tips, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

This workshop is a must for youths having trouble studying for tests. Youths will learn the most productive ways to study and take tests in this fun filled, interactive workshop. The best methods of gathering and retaining information, along with what distracts and hinders improvement will be shared. The techniques used in this presentation will help youths during study and test-taking times; especially before ACT, SAT, finals, and midterms.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009, Understanding and Improving Your Memory, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Youths will learn and understand how memories are created; understand the physiologic nature of memory; and master several memory-improving techniques. These memory techniques will help youths study, especially before ACT, SAT, finals, and midterms. This workshop includes interactive activities and handouts that demonstrate memory techniques that can be used in everyday life.

NEW! Wednesday, September 23, 2009, the role of Social Networking for Job Search, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

This informative hands-on workshop will include mock social networking practice and demonstrations while reviewing the role of technology in social networking for job search. Concepts from the “7 Habits of Highly Successful Teens” by Sean Covey will be applied for use in effective social networking. Attendees will learn how to get the results they want from Twitter and Facebook.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009, Résumé Writing and Interview Etiquette, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Youths will learn to begin their career sooner rather than later! After this workshop, youths will 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. Youths will receive a resume and cover letter worksheet and complete a personality assessment to better understand how their personality fits with certain jobs and careers.

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.

Pikes Peaks 99s Member Patsy M. Buchwald Selected for the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame

Patsy Buchwald, President of the Colorado Balloon Classic and member of the Pikes Peak 99s, was recently selected to be inducted into the Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame of the Colorado Aviation Historical Society. Nominated by Pikes Peak Chapter of the International Ninety-Nines (licensed female pilots), Patsy will be formally inducted Saturday, October 3, 2009 in Denver.

The Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame was created in 1969 to honor individuals who have made significant contributions in the field of aviation in Colorado. The Hall of Fame was initially located at Denver Stapleton airport. The Hall of Fame is now at the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum in Denver. The criteria for selection are that an individual Colorado person, native-born or long-time resident, or a Colorado organization, has made significant contributions in the field of aviation in Colorado or has accomplishments in aviation that reflect great credit upon Colorado.

Pikes Peak 99s mission statement is to:

*PROMOTE world fellowship through flight ---

*PROVIDE networking and scholarship opportunities for women --- AND --aviation education in the community ---

*PRESERVE the unique history of women in aviation.

On a personal level, the Pikes Peak 99s encourage each member to reach her full potential as a pilot. The 99s also has a mentoring program for aspiring professional
women pilots.

Regularly scheduled meetings are held the second Monday of each month, 6:00 PM, at Colorado Springs Jet Center, 1575 Aviation Way, Colorado Springs, CO.

Free Bar-B-Que for Anyone Named Dave, David, or Davy from “Famous” Dave’s in Colorado!

Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que Restaurants Offer Free Finger Lickin’ Entrée in Honor of 15 Year Birthday Celebration

Know a Dave? Bring ‘em over for a free entrée at Famous Dave’s! Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que Restaurants are celebrating 15 years of delicious, lip smackin’ Bar-B-Que and in honor of the Founder, “Famous Dave” Anderson, participating Famous Dave’s are offering a free entrée to individuals with the first name of Dave, David or Davy (maximum value of $15) on Sunday, August 30, 2009. Anyone with the middle name of Dave, David or Davy can also join the fun and receive one entrée for half price (maximum value of $7.50). This one-day-only special offer is available for those dining in and those taking food TO GO. So bring your Dave, grab your friends and get ready for some tongue tinglin’ Bar-B-Que!

“Famous Dave’s is a fun and delicious Bar-B-Que dining destination for family and friends,” said Joel Bryant, Director of Operations for Famous Dave’s in Colorado Springs, CO. “We are proud to carry on this tradition with our fifteenth birthday celebration, and we invite all Dave’s, David’s and Davy’s to bring their friends and family to share this special day with us.”

In the spirit of the landmark 15 year birthday, Famous Dave’s is offering other wallet-friendly specials. Although the Dave’s Day special is offered for one day only, the following specials will be offered through September 15, 2009 at all Famous Dave’s locations in Colorado:

Buck-A-Bone - Guests add St. Louis-style ribs for $1 per bone to any $5 purchase (with a limit of six bones per person). The special is available seven days a week to those dining in the restaurant and those ordering Bar-B-Que TO GO.

Beer ‘n BBQ - Domestic pint beers are available for $1.15 Mondays through Thursdays.

For more information and access to our Dave’s Day video, please visit www.famousdavesblog.com.

All Four Famous Dave’s locations in Colorado are participating in the Dave’s Day promotion.
Stapleton - 7557 E 36th Avenue Denver, Colorado 80238
Thornton - 16539 North Washington St. Thornton, Colorado 80020
Colorado Springs - 8330 Razorback Rd. Colorado Springs, Colorado 80920
Grand Junction - 2440 Highway 6 & 50 Grand Junction, Colorado 81505

About Famous Dave’s

Famous Dave Anderson spent 25 years perfecting America's favorite styles of barbeque, like our hickory-smoked ribs and Georgia chopped pork slathered with our own Rich & Sassy® BBQ sauce. And if over 400 national and regional awards don't convince you - the great taste will. Our menu also features smokin’ sandwiches, mouthwatering burgers, garden fresh salads and home-style desserts all served up in a casual, down-home atmosphere with toe tappin’ blues. Open daily for lunch and dinner ― dine-in or grab a load and hit the road with Famous Dave’s TO GO. And don’t forget Dave’s catering, perfect for your next friendly or family get-together. For more information please visit www.famousdavesbbqco.com.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Anytime Fitness 1 Year Anniversary Celebration, Sept 16th

Fountain, Colorado

Anytime Fitness is celebrating their 1st year at 6436 Hwy 85/87
Suite F, in the Mart Shopping Center. Member appreciation will be Wed September 16 from 4-8pm with food, non alcoholic drinks, prizes, and free chair massages by Betty Pettis (331-4656) and Darce Dewitt (510-9980). We will also be revealing three new strength machines for our fabulous members.

Anniversary specials run throughout the month of September and include $1 enrollment, free t-shirt/water bottle with membership while supplies last and $10/month tanning for the first 50 new members.

Anytime Fitness
719-392-4430

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Pikes Peak Workforce Center September Workshops

The Pikes Peak Workforce Center announces the following workshop for September. There is no charge to attend workshops but attendees must register with Connecting Colorado, the state job search database. (www.connectingcolorado.com)

NEW Live Orientation: Overview of PPWFC services with Q&A

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 or 10:30 a.m.

Wednesdays, 1:00 or 2:30 p.m.

NEW Online Job Search and Basic Resume

Tuesdays, September 1, 8, 15, 22 or 29, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Thursdays, September 3, 10, 17, or 24, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Beginners will learn how to write a resume, complete online job applications and set up a free email account. No registration necessary. Walk-ins welcome.

NEW Managing Stress

Tuesdays, September 1, 8, 15, 23, or 30, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.

Learn tips and techniques for dealing with stress. No registration necessary. Walk-ins welcome.

Job Shop: Interview Skills and Network Techniques

Tuesdays, September 1, 8, 15, 22, or 30, 9:00 a.m. to Noon.

Learn to mine and network for leads; prepare to interview, negotiate salary and more! Register online at www.ppwfc.org or call 719.667.3790.

Résumé ‘Righting!’ – Résumé and Portfolio Design

Mondays, September 14, 21, or 28, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Note: PPWFC is closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day!

Wednesdays, September 2, 9, 16, 23, or 30, 10:00 to noon. No registration necessary.

Resumes often are a report of past accomplishments when they should be an advertisement of future potential. Job seekers who are over or under-qualified struggle with how best to present themselves. Attendees will learn the latest trends in resume design and content. No registration necessary, but please arrive on time.

NETWORK GROUPS: Ongoing job search and support on trends and leads!

Job Search Group: Mondays, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon;

50+ Group: Thursdays, 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon

Veterans: September 2, 9, or 23, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

There is no charge to attend these workshops; however, registration is required for most. Register at www.ppwfc.org, click on the workshops under Employment and Careers or call 667-3790. All workshops are held at the main office, 2306 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Colorado Springs, 80909.

About PPWFC

The Pikes Peak Workforce Center supports business and promotes employment by providing market-driven solutions for our community to succeed in the global economy. PPWFC helps businesses solve their workforce-related business problems and helps residents with career transition. More information about the Pikes Peak Workforce Center can be found online at www.ppwfc.org.

Def Comedy Jam comes to Colorado Springs, August 29, 2009

Rhino/Uprizin Entertainment Press Release

Def Comedy Jam will be in Colorado Springs on August 29th at the Retired Enlisted Association, 834 Emory Circle, 80915.

Featuring: Marvin Dixon, Ralph Porter, Rukus, and Yuny Sy

Tickets are $20 at the door, $15 in advance, VIP tickets also available

Tickets can be purchased at Independent Records, Fort Carson ITR, Reverb, ticketleap.com, Xpressions Beauty Salon and Classy Salon de Cheveaux.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Better Business Bureau Alert - Magazine Sales Scam

BBB Not in Magazine Sale Business

Your Better Business Bureau has received reports of two men going door-to-door claiming they are selling magazines on behalf of the BBB.

Under no circumstances does the BBB sell magazines, nor do they visit the public in their homes.

The con artists show the consumer a folder containing a number of legitimate magazines. They are offering five-year subscriptions for $60 per year. They are reported to be very pushy and attempt to obtain the consumer’s financial information.

Crystal Park Fire Department Fund Raiser, August 25th at Whole Foods

Whole Foods Market, North Academy Store

Shop Tuesday August 25th and 5% of store profits for the day will be donated to our fire department for equipment purchases.
You do not have to be a Crystal Park resident to participate!
You do not have to mention anything at checkout its automatic.
Tell everyone you know!
Crystal Park Volunteer Fire Department
Thanks for your support!

Craft Lager Fest Winners Announced

Press Release - SEIKO MARKETING LLC

The 7th Annual Craft Lager Festival was held in Historic Manitou Springs on August 8th-9th, from 1-6 PM. Over 30 brewers from around the U.S. participated in this year’s festival with 54 different types of lagers. Also included for the first time was Michelob Brewing Company with a Sneak Preview of four new experimental lagers that never have been released out in the market.

Other brewers that participated during the 2-days event included Samuel Adams, Boulder Beer, Boulevard Brewing, Breckenridge Brewery, Carver Brewing, Del Norte Brewing, Dillon Dam Brewery, Durango Brewing Company, Full Sail Brewing, Kona Brewing, Lagunitas Brewing, Left Hand Brewing, McClelland Brewing, New Belgium Brewing, Pub Ryan’s Brewing, Rock Bottom (Colorado Springs), Rocky Mountain Brewing, San Luis Valley Brewing, Shmaltz Brewing, SKA Brewing, Trinity Brewing, Widmer Brothers Brewing, Wynkoop Brewing, Il Vicino, Tommyknocker, Good Old Boys Brewing Co-Op, and Phantom Canyon.

The Festival has enjoyed tremendous growth over the past 7 years and this year was no exception. Julian Heron, President of Craft Lager Festival, explains, “This year, in a recession, we've had tremendous growth and exposure that exceeds all of the six Craft Lager Festivals in previous years. Heron concludes, “All proceeds for this event support open space and parks in Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs. To date we have supported Section 16 and Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Friends of Cheyenne Canyon, and Soda Springs Park. The more tickets we sell, the more we can support our local parks. This year’s theme was DRINK A BEER – SAVE A TREE to show our commitment to help preserve the environment.”

Does the growing popularity illustrate increasing interest in unique, quality craft beers or enthusiasm for tree planting and open space? Enjoy a brew while you think it over. Here are some suggestions:

The following is the list of winners from this year’s judging:

PILSNER

1st Place: Left Hand Brewing-Polestar Pilsner

2nd Place: Pug Ryan’s Brewing- Bohemian Pilsner

3rd Place: Lagunitas Brewing-Czech Style Pilsner

STRONG LAGER

1st Place: Rock-Bottom Brewing-Silver Mullett

2nd place: Shmaltz Brewing-Human Blockhead

3rd Place: No Award Given

EXPORT/HELLES

1st Place: Kona Brewing-Longboard Lager

2nd Place: Full Sail Brewing-Sessions

3rd Place: Boulevard Brewing-Boulevard Pilsner

OCTOBERFEST/MARZEN

1st Place: Dillon Dam Brewing-Dam Straight Lager

2nd Place: No Award Given

3rd Place: Del Norte Brewing-Manana

BOCK:

1st Place: Rock Bottom Brewing-Goat Toppler

2nd Place: Carver Brewing- X Rock Bock

3rd Place: Samuel Adams-Double Bock

SPECIALTY LAGER

1st Place: New Belgium Brewing-1554

2nd Place: Rock Bottom Brewing-La Vida Es Buena

3rd Place: Widmer Brothers Brewing-Black Bier

The BEST OF SHOW Award is annually presented to the overall winner as voted by all the winners of each category.

BEST OF SHOW: Left Hand Brewing-Polestar Pilsner

If you’d like to sponsor this event next year with a donation or services, send a message to craftlagerfest@yahoo.com. Your sponsorship will be marketed on event materials (T-shirts, banners, cups, etc.), in media advertising (radio, print, cable, Internet, TV) and acknowledged during the two-day festival.

Colorado Springs Balloon Classic selects Qwest as presenting sponsor

Qwest Takes to the Skies with Presenting Sponsorship of 2009 Colorado Balloon Classic

Press Release

As the 2009 Colorado Balloon Classic launches with its theme, “Are you ready for this?”, Qwest Communications (NYSE: Q) answers with a resounding, “Yes!” and signs on as the presenting sponsor of the event. Qwest’s title sponsorship of the event helps ensure its continuing place as Colorado’s largest air show and balloon event.

“Being the presenting sponsor of this year’s Colorado Balloon Classic is a great opportunity for Qwest to show support for the communities in which our employees and customers live and work,” said Chuck Ward, Qwest Colorado president. “The Colorado Balloon Classic Presented by Qwest is a long-standing tradition and one that we’re proud to help support in Colorado Springs for the benefit of the many visitors. It also is a great opportunity to showcase Qwest’s technology products and services in a fun environment.”

Qwest’s technology and services for residential customers will be on display at the event. Qwest will have two tents at the Colorado Balloon Classic, as well as a Jeep Commander outfitted with a laptop and high-speed Internet service, wireless phones and a flat-screen TV with DIRECTV service. The first 100 people to visit Qwest’s sales tent and sign up for new service or upgrade their existing service will receive a free Web cam. And Qwest is giving away one Dell Mini Netbook computer each day of the event. Visitors just need to stop by the Qwest tent and enter to win.

“Award-winning events like the Colorado Balloon Classic continue to get better each year because of generous sponsors like Qwest, and we thank them for their support,” said Colorado Balloon Classic President Patsy Buchwald. “As we look forward to another year of great entertainment and beautiful sights, we are grateful to sponsors like Qwest whose involvement with the event is so important.” The Colorado Balloon Classic runs Sept. 5 through 7, 2009, in Memorial Park near downtown Colorado Springs. Admission is free to the public.

American Family Insurance offers free teen driver monitoring

Press Release - SEIKO MARKETING LLC

Lance Burton and his wife are the parents of five children and two grandchildren. Lance has been a Colorado Springs resident since 1994. Now in his eighth year in the insurance business, Lance recently joined American Family Insurance and opened a new office near the corner of Dublin and Academy.

As a parent of four teenage drivers, Lance understands the concern of parents as they watch their children gain their independence and get behind the wheel of a vehicle. It can be a scary transition for families. So many things can happen when your kids get behind the wheel.

Through his knowledge of insurance and passion for helping keep teens safe, Lance is showing parents a FREE program to help their kids drive safer. It’s called the Teen Safe Driver Program and involves some pretty high tech equipment and is proving to have a dramatic effect on teens driving habits.

Lance Burton states, “The TEEN SAFE DRIVER PROGRAM from American Family Insurance is an innovative way to help teens make better choices behind the wheel. It uses technology that lets your kids and you (but never us, the insurance company) see their risky driving behavior and learn how to correct it. It’s absolutely FREE to American Family auto policy holders.”

From the American Family Insurance’s website (www.amfam.com):

“The Teen Safe Driver Program helps parents identify risky driving and coach for improvement before dangerous behaviors lead to vehicle damage, personal injury or worse. The Teen Safe Driver Program uses a small device placed behind the rearview mirror of a teen’s vehicle. It captures the view out the front, and into the interior, of the vehicle but never saves any data UNLESS activated by an erratic vehicle movement – extreme braking, cornering, and acceleration or if there is a collision. When the device is activated, it saves an event comprised of the previous ten seconds and the following ten seconds showing not only WHAT happened but WHY it happened.

The event is transferred wirelessly to DriveCam’s Event Analysis Center where the video is reviewed by professional drivers’ education coaches, scored and coaching tips are added. Parents and teens log in to a secure Web site to view the video and tips for safer driving. In addition to the individual events captured, parents receive a weekly driver report card that shows their teen’s performance compared to their peers. Teens are coached for improvement in problem areas, and also praised for good driving events.

Results are dramatic and immediate. On average, teens reduce the frequency and severity of high risk driving events by more than 70% in the first four months. Driver seatbelt use improves from less than 40% to an unprecedented 100%--and passenger seatbelt rates increase dramatically, too.

The program is entirely free. It will not impact the teen's rates, even if risky driving behavior is recorded. Nor will it impact American Family's willingness to pay for a crash where the teen is at fault. The clips are not sent to American Family.

Teen Safe Driver helps make the transition to a safer, more mature driver an enjoyable experience for both the young drivers and their parents.”
Burton adds, “We had four teenage drivers in my family so I understand the importance of safety and the TEEN SAFE DRIVER PROGRAM provides me with additional comfort in knowing that I am doing all that I can to help my kids become better and safer drivers.”

For more information on the TEEN SAFE DRIVER PROGRAM or how to obtain a free review of your insurance, contact Lance Burton at 719-599-8838.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Job Fair Monday at Mr. Biggs in Colorado Springs

FALL JOB FAIR

WHO: Companies planning to attend: School District 11, AAFES (Army, Air Force Exchange Services), US Air Force Reserves, Pikes Peak Library District, Edward Jones (investment firm), Mission Chips of Pueblo, NextGen Information Services, Inc., Homeland Security Careers, HSS (security company), Ent Federal Credit Union, A Coach for Me (home health care), Metropolitan Life Insurance, Combined Insurance, Per Diem Nursing, Army National Guard, US Army, Aeroflex (DoD contractor), Mosaic (working with persons with disabilities), AngloGold, First Source (staffing agency), Colorado State Patrol, Progressive Insurance, Phil Long Ford Dealership, First Command Financial Planning, FEDSYS Inc. (DoD contractor, overseas jobs), Stevens Transport, Sage Truck Driving School, El Paso County Sheriff's Department, Colorado Springs Police Department, Affiliated Computer Services (ACS, call center), T-Mobile (call center), PRC (call center), US Navy, Denver Department of Safety, Cornell Companies Inc. (correction facilities, Canon City), ASC Global Technologies (staffing agency), US Truck Driving School, Pennica Financial Group Inc.

WHAT: Fall Job Fair sponsored by the Pikes Peak Workforce center, KKTV 11 News and Mr. Biggs

WHERE: Mr. Biggs Entertainment Center, 5825 Mark Dabling Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80919

WHEN: Monday, August 17, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

WHY: To connect Job Seekers and Employers

press release submitted by the Pikes Peak Workforce Center

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Colorado City Creamery Announces 30th Anniversary Birthday Bash

Carrie Burris, owner of the Colorado City Creamery has announced plans for a “30th Anniversary Birthday Bash” on Saturday, August 15, 2009.

“We have pulled out all the stops for this very special occasion,” said Burris. “Our family has owned the Colorado City Creamery for five years now, and we have tried hard to continue the tradition of a locally owned business featuring handmade ice cream served in a fun environment. To honor the Colorado City Creamery traditions, we have coined a new slogan, ‘Hometown, Handmade,’ which is a true reflection of what the Creamery is all about.”

The 30th Anniversary Birthday Bash will not only be a fun event, but also one that will help a very worthy cause, CHOA, Childhood Hematology Oncology Associates. From 11am-2pm on Saturday the 15th, Colorado City Creamery will donate 100% of its proceeds to CHOA; the rest of that day, in keeping with the “30th Anniversary Birthday Bash” theme, CHOA will receive 30% of all proceeds. CHOA nurses and staff will be “guest scoopers” throughout the day.

Other “Colorado City Creamery 30th Anniversary Birthday Bash” activities on Saturday, August 15 include:

-A live remote with the morning show team from 95.1 KCAT Cat Country FM from 11am-1pm. 95.1 Cat Country has been a big supporter of CHOA.

-Announcement of the winner of the “Name the Cow” contest sponsored by Colorado City Creamery. A life-size replica of a cow, the Creamery’s new “official” mascot, has been on display on the patio of the Creamery all summer long. Customers have been suggesting names and the winner will win a “Sundae Bar Party” for 30 from Colorado City Creamery. “We’ve gotten hundreds of suggestions, so many that we have added a 2nd and 3rd prize,” exclaimed Burris. Burris added, “Every day people stop to have their picture taken with our cow…she is Old Colorado City’s newest celebrity!”

-The “A Moozing” Prize Wheel will be spinning all day for prizes from Colorado City Creamery, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and other Old Colorado City businesses.

-Original Colorado City Creamery owner Bill Grimes will be on hand to scoop ice cream and talk about the “good old days” of the Creamery.

-Every 30 minutes from 11am-2pm one lucky customer celebrating “anything 30” on that day will win a free ice cream cone.

-Entertainer Skyy High Music will be on hand during the celebration with family style music and activities and the new Bubble Machine!”

-Blue Moon Ice Cream, an original recipe created for the Creamery’s 30th Anniversary will be served all weekend. The flavor will be retired at the end of summer, but will be brought back briefly in December in celebration of 2009’s TWO Blue Moon’s taking place that month.

-On Sunday, August 16th, to celebrate the Good Times Car Show in Old Colorado City, Colorado City Creamery will be giving away one free car wash per hour from 11am-5pm.

For more information on the 30th Anniversary Celebration of Colorado City Creamery, please contact Carrie Burris at 719-634-1411.

OLD COLORADO CITY HOSTS 18TH ANNUAL GOOD TIMES CAR SHOW

Old Colorado City, Colorado Springs, CO
(West Colorado Avenue & Bancroft Park)

When: Sunday, August 16, 2009
Open to Spectators from 9 am to 3 pm

Cost: FREE

The merchants of Old Colorado City are proud to host the 18th annual Good Times Car Show, which will be held in Old Colorado City, on Sunday, August 16th, 2009. The Southern Colorado Mopars, the Colorado Cruizers, Cruisin' Mamas, and the Rocky Mountain Mustangers have returned as host clubs for this year's show. The show draws over 380 entries from Colorado, and throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Over eighty trophies were awarded in various classes for original, restored, and modified cars and trucks during the 2008 show.

The Good Times Car Show has donated $40,000.00 in proceeds in recent years to Canine Companions for Independence, and has chosen Canine Companions to be the recipient of the proceeds from the 2009 show.

Please join us this year in Historic Old Colorado City for a day of cars, shopping, and dining. You will have the opportunity to see cars such as Ford Model T’s, Vintage Classics, Street Rods, Muscle Cars, Customs, Corvettes, Mustangs, and Foreign cars, as well as Trucks. Free spectator entry!

Sunday, August 16, 2009 in Old Colorado City and Bancroft Park on West Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO.

Please contact Charlie Irwin, at 719-302-2962 for more info on the Good Times Car Show.

Colorado Springs Welcomes the National Council of Corvette Clubs

Colorado Springs Welcomes the National Council of Corvette Clubs

Economic Impact to the City will be Over Half a Million Dollars

The Colorado Springs Crowne Plaza Hotel is hosting the National Council of Corvette Clubs (NCCC's) 50th Convention through August 15th. This isn’t “just another car show;” these enthusiasts are expected to bring an amazing economic impact of well over a 1/2 million dollars into our city at a time when it is needed. Nearly 400 Corvettes and 750 participants from over 30 states have gathered for a weeklong birthday celebration. In today’s economic recession, it is extremely notable that a group meets attendee expectations and decides to extend their vacation in our beautiful Pikes Peak region. For example, this group has well exceeded their original projection of room nights by picking up over 2,000 room nights at the host hotel, the Crowne Plaza this week alone. That is over 600 room nights more than they originally expected. Attendees will be visiting our attractions, eating in our restaurants and hopefully they experience our Colorado Springs hospitality. You may see the volunteers around town wearing bright orange t-shirts displaying the "Corvettes with Altitude" logo. You can't miss them!

The NCCC has a full week planned of activities throughout the region. Most participants will arrive today, but the kick off really begins Saturday night. Monday will be full of judging for the Concourse car show, Funkhana and People's Choice Car Show. The Rally will start at 9 a.m. at the front entrance of the Crowne Plaza. It should be quite a site! The event ends Monday with a trek to the Flying W Ranch. Tuesday and Wednesday promise more fun with both high and low speed autocrosses at the Pikes Peak International Raceway. Spectators who are not part of the convention can pay $5 to see some great action. Tuesday evening festivities will feature an escorted parade starting at the Crowne Plaza and ending in Woodland Park with a delicious BBQ. Thursday offers drag racing at Bandimere Raceway in Morrison. Again, spectators can enjoy this for just $5. Friday is busy with the Awards Breakfast and NCCC Awards Dinner and saying goodbye to friends old and new. The majority of the group will be leaving town toward the end of the week but many have also decided to stay and continue to enjoy Colorado Springs.

In addition to spending the week in our area, they are also a proud Gold sponsor of the NKF's (National Kidney Foundation) US Transplant Games. NCCC has chosen the National Kidney Foundation as its charity for around 10 years. They are raffling off a 2009 Corvette this week and 100% of the proceeds go to the National Kidney Foundation. In 2008, they donated over $85,000 to the very deserving organization. You can purchase your single raffle ticket for just $10 or 3 for $25 from the volunteers in front of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The car is proudly displayed and the money goes to a great cause.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Town Hall Meeting - Security, Widefield Colorado, August 22, 2009

Town Hall Meeting

· AUGUST 22, 2009 @ 9:00 –11:00 AM

· SECURITY FIRE STATION 1

· 400 SECURITY BLVD, SECURITY

State Rep. Looper, Senator King, Commissioner Hisey & Mayor Howells want to hear what’s on YOUR mind.

HEALTH CARE, TAXES, CAP & TRADE, AUTO FEES & MUCH MORE!

FOR ADDITIONAL INFO CONTACT MARY ELLEN BRIDGES AT 719-351-9930 OR VISIT WWW.GOMARSHA.ORG, COFFEE & DONUTS WILL BE SERVED

Goodwill Industries Volunteers Cleans Up Old Colorado City

On Mondays and Fridays, barring inclement weather, a group of volunteers from Goodwill Industries are cleaning up debris from the sidewalks in Historic Old Colorado City along W. Colorado Ave., from 23rd to 28th St. These volunteers are people with disabilities through Goodwill Industries Employment and Training for Individuals with Disabilities.

Becky McCain, Case Worker from Goodwill Industries said, “All of this effort was initiated based upon the hopes and wishes of our folks with disabilities during the Dream City 2020 meetings. Here at Goodwill’s main location in Old Colorado City, we have workers who described how much they cherished Old Colorado City and how they wanted to see it ‘look nice’ in the year 2020. To that end, last week we cleaned up over four pounds of trash last week, most of which was cigarette butts.”

McCain continued, “We typically go in the mornings from 9:15am to 10:30am, but times may vary based on special events. Our intent is to help keep Old Colorado City tidy before and after weekend events. Another project we have going here in town is at our Old Colorado City Historical Center. Our volunteers this summer have helped clean flower beds, sweep, weed the patio, and dust. Overall, our volunteer workers are very pleased with their efforts, and look forward to other projects in town.”

Charlie Irwin, President of the Old Colorado City Association of merchants said, “Unlike our recent Old Colorado City Cares project where businesses in Old Colorado City raised thousands of dollars for local charities, our friends at Goodwill offered us another way to give back. Goodwill asked us to provide something worthwhile for the individuals to do for their community. We loved the idea and we felt it was an opportunity for us to provide a worthwhile task so each person involved can feel needed. The various projects they do for Old Colorado City are truly something the merchant association and our members are grateful for. It truly is an inspiration and heart-warming to all.”

Mazie Baalman, Owner of four local Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory locations in the Colorado Springs area, provides rewards to these volunteers with chocolate treats after they have completed their work. In thanking Mazie for her donation, McCain said, “Our folks with disabilities felt recognized and appreciated for their efforts as community members, and thanks to you and the Old Colorado City Association, there are people going home today thinking, ‘Today I helped out by making Old Colorado City nicer. Today, someone’s life was better because of me.’ Because of people like you, Mazie, others have a chance to recognize and celebrate their value. Those thoughtful things we do for one another have huge meaning for our clients/customers at Goodwill.”

For more information on Goodwill Industries or to donate to this special project, please contact Becky McCain at 719-635-4483, extension 1254 or go online at www.goodwill-colosprings.org.

Trendy boutiques, classic jewelry, gourmet restaurants, exquisite art and a lovely, tree-lined avenue invite the children and their families to come and see what Old Colorado City has to offer visitors and guests.

Please visit www.shopoldcoloradocity.com for more information about Old Colorado City and its 100 members. To learn more about the fascinating 150 years of Old Colorado City history and celebrate the sesquicentennial, visit the History Center located at 1 South 24th St. or www.history.oldcolo.com.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Fountain citizens invited to City Hall on Monday, August 17

Press Release courtesy of Gain-Stovall Inc., Colorado Springs

A meeting on a proposed ballot question on August 17 at 7:00 pm in the City Council Chambers will provide more detailed information about ballot the question under consideration.

Fountain City Council is looking at taking a ballot question to the voters this November regarding transportation.

This effort, called “Moving Fountain Forward” is designed to provide funding for:
• Specific capital improvements such as intersection improvements, Railroad Quiet Zones, and ADA ramps on sidewalks
• Continuation of bus services
• Ongoing maintenance for our deteriorating streets

The Fountain City Council wants to ensure that the citizens have this information, are able to share their thoughts and ideas and ask questions relative to this ballot question.

Everyone has an interest in maintaining and improving the great quality of life in Fountain

Please take the time to become informed and to keep Moving Fountain Forward. Check this link Information regarding potential Transportation Ballot Issue for 2009 on the City of Fountain website http://www.ci.fountain.co.us/ for Frequently Asked Questions and other information about this important measure.

For information call Connie Sanford at 322-2020, email MovingFountainForward@gmail.com or look for the Moving Fountain Forward group on Facebook.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY PAIRS CHOCOLATE AND BEER AT THIS WEEKEND’S CRAFT LAGER FESTIVAL

Colorado Springs, CO (August 6, 2009) — Mazie and Ron Baalman, owners of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, with four locations in the Pikes Peak region, are happy to announce that they will be pairing chocolate and beer at this weekend’s 7th Annual Craft Lager Festival which will be held at the Memorial Park in Historic Manitou Springs, Colorado, on August 8th-9th from 1-6 PM. Over 30 brewers from around the U.S. will participate in this year’s festival with 54 different types of lagers.

Mazie stated, “We will have Raspberry Truffles & Bourbon Truffles available at our booth at the Craft Lager Festival so people can get them and actually pair them with the different brews! We will also have pretzels and 10 different varieties of Chocolate Caramel Apples for all those that would like to clean their palate between sampling the 54 different brews. For the gourmand, we will also offer Chili Almond Brittle, Chocolate Dipped Bananas, Strawberries and Jalapenos. Last but not least, we will offer Peanut Butter, Walnut and Double-Chocolate Fudges.”

Please contact Mazie Baalman of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, at 719-635-4131 for more info.

The 7th Annual Craft Lager Festival, held for two days this year, will feature:

* America’s first solar-powered beer festival
* The finest hand-crafted lagers in the U.S.

* Live music and dancing in Memorial Park
* Discounted tickets for sponsors!

* A non-profit event staffed by volunteers
* Brewers from more than 20 states on hand

* Rain or shine! Party tents for shade or shelter
* Solar-powered, sustainable, Earth-friendly!

* Free soft drinks for designated drivers
* Free parking, first come first served at the park

* Live music with Big Paddy & Grass It Up on Saturday and The Jack Trades & Creating a Newsense on Sunday

To pre-order discounted tickets or for more information, go online today at www.craftlagerfestival.com.

BBB Cash for Clunkers Alert

Car Dealers, Not Consumers, Get Cash for Clunkers

Con artists are taking advantage of consumers who would like to participate in the well-publicized Cash for Clunker’s program offered by the U.S. government. It allows consumers to trade their old gas guzzlers for credit towards a new fuel-efficient car. The House has voted to extend the program and the Senate is predicted to do so later this week. In the meantime, your Better Business Bureau advises the public to do their homework before trying to cash in on a new car.

The current scam is a take off on the usual attempts to obtain consumers’ personal information in order to steal their identity. The twist: con artists ask for social security numbers claiming they will give the consumer a voucher or have their name added to an application list. The catch: voucher’s don’t exist.

The program’s full name is the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS). According to CARS.gov, it is the registered dealer who may apply for the program. The auto dealer gets reimbursed, not the consumer. If the consumer’s car meets certain requirements, a credit of $3,500 or $4,500 is deducted from the purchase price of the new vehicle by the dealership. The credit amount depends on the type of vehicle purchased and the difference in fuel economy between the old and new vehicle.

Your BBB has the following tips about the CARS program:

• Don’t do business with anyone offering a money order, check or direct deposit. Consumers can only benefit from the program by getting the reimbursement amount reduced from the purchase price of a new vehicle.
• Find out the current value of the car. If it exceeds $4,500, selling it or using it for a normal trade-in may be more cost-effective.

More
• Know the scrap value. When the dealership takes possession of the car, it may be able to sell specific parts, however the majority of the vehicle must be destroyed. As a result, consumers can negotiate the new vehicle price with the clunker but it will only be worth the scrap value to dealerships, which are required to give consumers a scrap value estimate.
• The program only works for purchasing or leasing new vehicles from a dealership. The program does not apply to used vehicles.
• Protect your personal information and understand contracts before signing. When purchasing a vehicle, get buying tips and a free BBB Reliability Report on the business at www.bbb.org.

Consumers can learn more by visiting the Transportation Department’s Web site at www.cars.gov or by calling their toll-free number, 866-227-7891.

CARS-related schemes at www.cars.gov. Internet or e-mail based scams can be reported by visiting www.ic3.gov.