Mountain Man Festival

 

Mark your calendar and plan to visit Rollinsville for a free Mountain Man Festival that takes place from noon until 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 11 and noon until 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 12 in Rollinsville at Highway 119 and Tolland Road.

Hosted by the communities of Rollinsville and Lincoln Hills Resort, this event showcases the skills needed to survive in the rough mountain terrain during the early gold rush.  Take part in the fun and watch mountain man re-enactors, black powder competitions, tomahawk throwing and blacksmithing demonstrations. The weekend also includes special ghost town jeep tours and historic tours of Lincoln Hills Resort.

"In celebration of our 150^th anniversary, we are excited to announce that Rollinsville will host a free Mountain Man weekend,"   Linda Jones, President of the Gilpin County Historical Society said.  "This is a great time to come up and enjoy the fun!"

Local mountain men, The Buckhorn Skinners, will be demonstrating blacksmithing, archery, tomahawk and knife throwing. Contests between the men will be held along with opportunities for guests to try their hand. Men in period costumes will be walking around talking about the early days of fur trapping and the rough lives in the mountains. A historic encampment with tepees and lean-to tents, cooking demonstrations including flint and steel making and fire starting along with leather making and other crafts will be demonstrated. Entertainment includes authentic blue-grass style music including jaw harps, fiddles, mandolins and guitar.

Visitors to the Gilpin County Mountain Man Festival can also take part in jeep tours of ghost towns in the region that include a rare insider's tour of the historic town of Baltimore with local legend Ben Slinger.  Free guided tours of Wink's Lodge at Lincoln Hills Resort- the first and only African-American resort west of the Mississippi is also included in the festivities.

While 2009 will find many celebrating the 150^th year of their first gold strike, Gilpin County's history is distinctive to Colorado in many ways. Within days of John H. Gregory's discovery of the first and most productive lode gold strike in the country, thousands of miners made the dangerous trek into the Colorado wilderness. Gregory's strike signaled an opportunity for instant wealth and had a profound effect on Colorado's national appeal, causing thousands to migrate west.

During its boom, the region saw population surges of close to 1,000 people per day. Soon the area rivaled Denver in population size and surpassed it in wealth and culture. Nicknamed the Richest Square Mile on Earth this rugged mountain region was home to Colorado's first grand opera house, the first use of a steam engine in mining and advances in smelting, which were pioneered only in the City of Black Hawk. Due to its opportunity Gilpin County drew some of the best and brightest minds and was home to many of Colorado's important historical figures including Henry Teller, Clara Brown, George Pullman and Dr. Florence Sabin.

Free family events are scheduled in Gilpin County all summer in celebration of the 150th Anniversary. For more Information and a complete event schedule, visit www.gilpin150.com or call the Gilpin County Historical Society at 303.582.5283.

Medicaid Director selected for national institute

DENVER – June 26, 2009 – The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing announced today that Sandeep Wadhwa, MD, Colorado Medicaid director, was competitively selected to participate in the inaugural Medicaid Leadership Institute along with five additional Medicaid directors: Toby Douglas, California; Carolyn Ingram, New Mexico; MaryAnne Lindeblad, Washington State; Lynn Mitchell, Oklahoma; and Carol Steckel, Alabama.

Dr. Wadhwa was chosen based on his commitment to public service and the improvement of public programs; his vision of Medicaid's role in promoting high-quality, cost-effective care; his individual goals for improving leadership skills, and a readiness to contribute data and analytics for national research.

The 12-month Institute is designed to enhance the strategic thinking, substantive knowledge, individual leadership, and technical skills that directors need to effectively lead and foster innovation, in their state Medicaid programs. The program will be managed by the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) and directed by Melanie Bella, senior vice president at CHCS and former Indiana Medicaid director.

"At a time when national health care reform decisions will greatly affect their programs and responsibilities, these six individuals form an exceptionally talented inaugural class for the Medicaid Leadership Institute," said Tommy Thompson, Former Governor of Wisconsin, who chairs the program's National Advisory Committee. "These directors will be perfectly positioned to lead their states and the nation in achieving better quality care for every taxpayer dollar invested in publicly financed health care."

"Colorado is a national leader in Medicaid reform because of Dr. Wadhwa's innovative health policy and management experience," says Joan Henneberry, executive director. "His participation in the Medicaid Leadership Institute will support the successful implementation of the Colorado Health Care Affordability Act expanding health care coverage to over 100,000 Coloradans."

The Colorado Health Care Affordability Act, signed by Gov. Ritter in April, will allow the state to generate an additional $600 million a year through a provider fee, and draw down $600 million in federal Medicaid matching funds. The combined $1.2 billion will support Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus expansions and be used to improve hospital reimbursement rates for services provided through the Medicaid and the Colorado Indigent Care Programs.

About the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing: The Department administers the Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus programs as well as a variety of other programs for Colorado's low-income, elderly and people with disabilities. The mission of the Department is to improve access to cost-effective, quality health care services for Coloradans. For more information about the Department, please visit Colorado.gov/hcpf.

Colorado Democratic Party, Colorado Organizing for America, Nurses, Concerned citizens and State legislators Hold Health Care Reform Kickoff Event at Eastside Family Health Center

Call for Reform Now and Discuss President Obama's Health Care Reform
Principles

Denver, CO- The Colorado Democratic Party and Colorado Organizing for
America in partnership with concerned citizens, nurses and state
legislators held a health care reform kickoff event at the Eastside
Family Health Center in Northeast Denver to discuss the health care
problems facing those in Colorado and pledged support for President
Obama's agenda for health care reform.

"As a nurse, I see first-hand the effect of our current system on
families today," said State Representative Sara Gagliardi (D-Arvada).
"People can't afford their basic supplies. This is wrong and we have
the opportunity to change it."

At the event two concerned Coloradans, Dawn Engle and Mae Toriola
spoke of the urgent need for reform and shared their personal stories
about how the broken health care system has affected them and their
families.

"My daughter died in March, 3 days short of her 41st birthday. First
she had a cold and then it turned into the flu and then into
pneumonia. She couldn't afford insurance or even the co-pay," said Mae
Toriola. "I think the President's plan is the right thing to do."

Dawn Engle's husband recently experienced a catastrophic health crisis.

"We are all walking this precarious tightrope with health care. We are
terrified what is going to happen to us," said Dawn Engle. "It's not
just people who can't afford health care insurance but its people who
have it as well. It's just not enough coverage. That's wrong."

"Sadly, there are stories like these all across the country," said Pat
Waak, Chair, Colorado Democratic Party. "In Colorado alone 17%
percent of people are uninsured and countless others have inadequate
coverage. Families, businesses, and local governments can no longer
bear the burden of rising health care costs. We need reform that will
reduce costs for families, businesses, and government, protect our
choice of doctors and insurers, and assure affordable, quality health
care for all Americans. And we can't afford to wait-Coloradans need
reform now. That's why we're working to highlight President Obama's
efforts to bring about change now before it's too late, and we believe
that there must be a private option included in the plan."

Throughout the summer months, the Colorado Organizing for America will
continue to work with folks across the state to share their stories
about how the health care system is broken and to call on their
members of Congress to support President Obama's principles for
reform. This Saturday, June 27, is a day of service throughout the
state. Gabe Lifton-Zoline, Colorado's OFA director, asked the public
to go to http://my.barackobama.com to find volunteer sites and join in
this public effort.

Reverend Rodney Perry spoke eloquently about his community's
disparities. "The diagnostic test for America's health care system is
in. The test reveals the system is broken. When you see the drastic
disparities from one community to the other, certainly the system's
broken."

IN GUNNISON, SPEAKER CARROLL ADDRESSES 62ND ANNUAL GIRLS STATE DELEGATES

Gunnison, CO —On June 15, 2009, Colorado Speaker of the House Terrance Carroll addressed over 200 delegates at the 62nd Annual Colorado Columbine Girls State.  Speaker Carroll greeted delegates and thanked them for taking an interest in politics.  Carroll captivated the Girls State delegates by reminding them that he takes his job seriously but does not take himself seriously.  Speaker Carroll's humor was well received by delegates, many commenting on how personable the Speaker was in addressing Girls State. Speaker Carroll shared stories about his childhood living in Washington, DC and the role his mother played in shaping his involvement in politics as early as 7 years of age.  Carroll shared, "I owe it to the community and state to create the same opportunities that I have had."   Delegates had an opportunity to ask Speaker Carroll questions on topics ranging from the state economy, renewable energy, unfunded federal mandates, and school finance.   "It was cool to hear him speak and hear his stories about his childhood that I can relate to growing up in northeast Denver, said Deidra Ward, Girls State Delegate from East High School in Denver.  "I was inspired when the Speaker said do not let your environment hold you back from what you can accomplish." Speaker Carroll noted he is in politics because he stands on other people's shoulders and wants to allow others to stand on his to help them rise to achieve opportunity. Kelsey McBeain, Girls State Delegate from Pueblo commented, "I really enjoyed the Speaker's presentation, he showed me that a background is not the most important thing in reaching your goals, it is what you believe in!" Highlights from throughout the week of Girls State will be available daily June 14 – 19th online at www.ColoradoColumbineGirlsState.com. Since the inception of the Girls State program in 1937, nearly one million young women have had the opportunity to learn firsthand how their state and local governments work.  During the week of June 14 – 19, 2009, delegates will participate in the mock Girls State government as citizens, where they will study local, county and state government processes.  "The goal of our staff and volunteers is to inspire the youth of our state about their role as United States citizens by teaching them the basics of civics" added Whitney.  "Girls State engages delegates in important aspects of being a citizen such as our right to vote.  We do this by providing a fun learning environment at Western State College with girls from across the state, which is truly a unique opportunity which a textbook cannot provide." Colorado Columbine Girls State is approved by the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA).  Founded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary is the largest patriotic women's service organization in the world, with nearly 1 million members, who are female relatives of wartime veterans. Girls State is one of a myriad of children and youth programs sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary.  Local American Legion Auxiliary Units work extensively with our nation's veterans and a variety of programs in their local communities. The organization sponsors volunteer programs on the national and local levels, focusing on three major areas: veterans, young people and the community.

Boulder-built and Operated QuikSCAT Provides 10 Years of Data on Earth's Climate

This month marks a decade of success for NASA's QuikSCAT mission,
one that continues to provide a wealth of information about Earth's
climate since its launch June 19, 1999. Although QuikSCAT's mission
life was designed for two years, the spacecraft continues to operate
into its tenth year and its groundbreaking research is being used to
help predict severe weather patterns, create wave-prediction models
and to observe global climate change. Observations taken by QuikSCAT
revealed the most extensive ice melting in the Arctic and Antarctic
regions since scientists began taking measurements from space 30 years
ago.

QuikSCAT, short for Quick Scatterometer, was built in a record-
breaking 12 months at Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. in Boulder,
Colo., for the Goddard Space Flight Center. The mission is managed by
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., with a team of
professionals and undergraduate students at the University of
Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP),
Boulder, Colo., performing mission operations.

"QuikSCAT has clearly demonstrated its reliability to both government
and commercial customers, providing quality forecasting data to
scientists and meteorologists - the type of data that could easily be
extended with a new scatterometer mission," said David L. Taylor,
president and CEO of Ball Aerospace.

QuikSCAT orbits the Earth 14 times per day, providing coverage of 90
percent of the planet's surface. The instruments aboard the satellite
measure sea-surface winds measuring the brightness of radar returns
over the ocean. Over the course of its mission, QuikSCAT has become
critical in detecting hurricanes and extra-tropical cyclones;
improving ocean forecasts and weather warnings; and identifying
changes in polar ice.

At LASP, students have played a vital role in the mission operations
of the QuikSCAT satellite. LASP is a rare institution in that it
offers this type of hands-on, mission training for undergraduate
students. Twenty undergraduate students work with mission operations
professionals at LASP's facilities in Boulder, Colo., controlling five
different spacecraft, including the recently launched Kepler mission.

"QuikSCAT continues LASP's long and successful history of having
professionals working side-by-side with students to operate spacecraft
for NASA and Ball Aerospace," said Darren Osborne, LASP's QuikSCAT
flight director. "We're extremely proud to be part of the QuikSCAT
team."

The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of
Colorado at Boulder, which began as the Upper Air Laboratory in 1948,
is dedicated to making discoveries through the research and technology
efforts of its atmospheric, space physics, solar, planetary,
engineering and mission operations divisions.

Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. supports critical missions for
national agencies such as the Department of Defense, NASA, NOAA and
other U.S. government and commercial entities. The company develops
and manufactures spacecraft, advanced instruments and sensors,
components, data exploitation systems and RF solutions for strategic,
tactical and scientific applications. Since 1956, Ball Aerospace has
been responsible for numerous technological and scientific 'firsts'
and is a technology innovator in aerospace.

Ball Corporation (NYSE:BLL) is a supplier of high-quality metal and
plastic packaging products for beverage, food and household products
customers, and of aerospace and other technologies and services,
primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its
subsidiaries employ more than 14,000 people worldwide and reported
2008 sales of approximately $7.6 billion.

Miners Alley Playhouse presents "Over the River and Through the Woods" June 12 through July 19 - press photos attached

 

Get ready to laugh out loud at this hilarious tale. Nick, a nice, single, Italian-American boy from Jersey. Nick dines with both sets of grandparents every Sunday. This Sunday he has to break the news that he has been offered his long-awaited dream job…2000 miles from Hoboken in Seattle. Watch them go into full action trying to find a way to keep Nick at home. Even to the extent of finding him true love! Don't miss this crazy and beautiful story of family and love…Tengo Famiglia!

 

Miners Alley Playhouse presents "Over the River and Through the Woods" June 12 through July 19. With performances every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday's at 6:00 p.m. Talk back with the director and cast after the performance on Saturday, June 20. Tickets are $20.00 and are available by calling 303-935-3044 or online at www.minersalley.com

 

Sunday July 19 performance will be at 2 p. m. There will be no evening show on this date.

 

Roger Simon and Sue Leiser return for this special reunion from last years favorite show…"Beau Jest" Chris Bleau and Emily Norman also return for this production. Added to the mix is the sensational performing couple, Bob and Wendy Moore which rounds out the cast. Rick Bernstein finishes off the reunion as he again directs this terrific group.

Playwright Joe DiPietro has become a very prolific writer, having penned four plays since 1995. He is best known for his witty musical"I Love You! You're Perfect! Now Change!" and "Over The River and Through The Woods," which have both been long running hits Off-Broadway in New York. Several critics have compared DiPietro's writing to Neil Simon's later autobiographical comedy-dramas. DiPietro says that while the characters are based loosely on his own four grandparents, the plot is completely fictional.

Miners Alley Playhouse presents

"Over the River and Through the Woods"

Love of family runs throughout this endearingly warm-hearted comedy by Joe DiPietro.

June 12 – July 19
Fri. /Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Sun. 6:00 p.m.

*Sun July 19 will be at 2 p.m. There will be no evening show on this date.

Miners Alley Playhouse
1224 Washington Avenue (corner of 13th & Washington - 2nd floor)

Tickets: $20
Call 303-935-3044 or online at minersalley.com

 

NASA Awards Contract for Aerospace Testing Support

WASHINGTON -- NASA has selected Jacobs Technology Inc. of Tullahoma,
Tenn., to receive a follow-on contract for Aerospace Testing and
Facilities Operations and Maintenance, or ATOM, at NASA's Ames
Research Center at Moffett Field, Calif. The contract has a maximum
value of $200 million.

This is a cost-plus-incentive-fee contract that begins July 1, 2009.
The base contract lasts two years and has three one-year options.

Jacobs Technology will provide support for aerospace testing, and
facilities maintenance and operations at Ames. Specific services will
include: aerospace testing, facility operation, project development,
operation of support facilities and maintenance of aerospace
facilities at Ames.

The facilities operated under this contract support a wide variety of
testing requirements for NASA and other government agencies,
including the Department of Defense, Department of Energy and
Department of Homeland Security. They also provide testing services
for industry and other non-government entities.

Denver Film Society Announces First Annual Denver French Film Festival

Denver French Film Festival to showcase 15 feature films over 10 days in June  Denver - June 2, 2009 -- The Denver Film Society along with the Alliance Française de Denver are proud to present the first annual Denver French Film Festival. The festival opens on Wednesday, June 17 and continues over the course of two weekends (ten days total). "The vast majority of films made in France are never seen in the US. This festival gives the people of our area a chance to see both films that will likely never be shown again in Denver, and to attend advance screenings of films before they are released more broadly," DFS Executive Director, Bo Smith commented. "I hope that Denver will seize the opportunity to experience this rich array of new French cinema."   Alliance Française de Denver has been a proud partner of the Denver Film Society which have co-presented the monthly series Ciné Club at the Starz FilmCenter since early in 2007. "This year's selection will bring the audience the double pleasure of being challenged by new cinematographic forms and entertained by the stories they tell," said Executive Director for the Alliance Française, Jean-François Duclos. "We're very pleased that Denver, as in many cities around the world, will have its own French Film Festival."   The 2009 Denver French Film Festival will present a showcase of contemporary French cinema that includes 15 feature films, the Denver French Film Festival is a lively combination of popular romantic comedies, historical dramas, and numerous other stunning works by artistic visionaries. Highlights include the latest achievements by veteran directors Agnes Varda BEACHES OF AGNES, Daniel Vigne JEAN DE LA FONTAINE, and Pascal Thomas' adaptation of an Agatha Christie story, TOWARDS ZERO. Acclaimed productions from mid-career artists Christophe Honoré's LA BELLE PERSONNE and Pierre Jolivet's COULD THIS BE LOVE will also be presented. Feature films will also be preceded by award winning shorts from the LES LUTINS DU COURT-MÉTRAGE collection.   Opening night features Rémi Bezançon's THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, a bittersweet and poignant comedy that follows five days in the lives of the members of a Parisian family that manages to both be unmistakably French but undeniably universal.   The Festival closes with the area premiere of Martin Provost's SÉRAPHINE the winner of seven César awards including Best Film and Best Actress (Yolande Moreau). "Ms. Moreau invests the tragedy and humor of the human condition with a spiritual luminosity." -The New York Times The festival also includes the area premiere of one of this year's most honored films on the international film festival circuit, Claire Denis's 35 SHOTS OF RUM.   Festival info:     Thursday, June 17 - Sunday, June 28, 2009.                             Complete list and schedule online at, www.denverfilm.org Location: Starz FilmCenter, 9th & Auraria Parkway, Downtown Denver                             *Free parking in the Tivoli surface lot with validation Tickets:  Opening & Closing Nights- $12 DFS Members                                                          $15 General Public                Regular Screenings-            $6.00 DFS Members                                                          $9.50 General Admission                 Ticket Packages & Festival passes available online                 Tickets on sale: Wednesday, June 3rd

Colorado Coalition of Cyberschool Families applauds remarks by US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on public school options and federal stimulus dollars

Federal stimulus dollars will go to states that embrace innovations in education

 

The Colorado Coalition of Cyberschool Families applauds remarks made yesterday (May 28, 2009) by US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in support of charter schools and parent choice in education.

 

Secretary Duncan indicated that states that block innovations like charter schools and place caps on enrollment would not be helping their chances to receive federal stimulus dollars. Too many children are stuck on waiting lists that prevent them from accessing charter schools. 

 

"We are happy to see President Obama and Secretary Duncan take a strong stance in support of choice in public education," said Lori Cooney president of the Colorado Coalition of Cyberschool Families. "As parents, we want the best education possible for our children. This is a step in the right direction to encourage states to embrace innovations in education." 

 

There is clear, widespread, bipartisan support for charters and choice. Secretary Duncan's comments are an indication that the Obama administration is prepared to send federal tax dollars to states that support school choice.

The Colorado Coalition of Cyberschool Families is a committed group of parents who advocate for cyberschools. According to the Colorado Department of Education Unit of Online Learning there are currently 16 multi-district, full-time cyberschools and three single-district, full-time cyberschools in Colorado.

Cyberschools are public schools that serve students in grades K through 12. A cyberschool student learns using an online curriculum. Each cyberschool student has a licensed Colorado teacher they interact with frequently. Cyberschools provide books and materials and in most schools learning takes place at a home base with the support of parents or another adult.

SWINGLE RECEIVES CORPORATE RECOGNITION AWARD FROM FAMILIES FIRST

 

DENVER – On May 13, Families First presented its 2009 Outstanding Corporate Support Award to Swingle Lawn, Tree and Landscape Care at the Friends Spring Luncheon held at the Denver Country Club. Each year this award is given to a business that has shown its commitment to community involvement by supporting the work of Families First. Since 2006, Swingle has donated landscaping service to Families First including caring for lawn, bushes, trees, drainage and irrigations systems and creating a spectacular holiday light display at The Family Center each holiday season.

 

The award was accepted by Swingle's CEO, Thomas R. Tolkacz. He concluded his remarks by saying, "The entire team at Swingle is truly honored and appreciative of being recognized by Families First. We believe in the vision of the guiding principles the founders and board of Families First have set forth and think helping just one child or twenty is worth our contribution, seeing that over 4,000 phone calls annually have been taken by Families First regarding support, tells us we are doing the right thing."

 

For more information, visit www.myswingle.com or call 303-337-6200.

 

In Colorado, a child is abused or neglected every hour of every day. Families First has served the Denver community for over 20 years offering parenting classes, parent support groups, a support line in both English and Spanish and a residential treatment center focused on the prevention and treatment of child abuse. Families First strives to create a community that educates parents, nurtures children and strengthens families.

 

Tréluyer increases his championship lead!

Benoît Tréluyer increased his lead at the top of the Formula Nippon championship thanks to a runners-up spot in the second round at Suzuka on Sunday. Saturday's qualifying session had been a closely fought and unpredictable affair thanks to rain showers in Q1. The reigning Super GT champion mastered the conditions though to finish fastest before comfortably making the final knockout session with the fifth fastest time in Q2. With the rain having subsided for Q3, Tréluyer was able to go even faster and topped the session to grab pole position, despite trying to be conservative! "We made some set-up changes after Q2," said the Lawson-Impul driver, "but were careful not to be too aggressive because we are still learning how the car works."    Sunday morning brought with it dry conditions which Tréluyer used to fine tune his race set-up. "With a full fuel load and used tyres, we weren't that fast but still competitive enough to be confident. Ordinarily, it is quite difficult to find a good set-up at Suzuka because of the diversity of fast and slow corners, but it is even harder this season due to the phenomenal amount of grip generated by the new tarmac on the first part of the track."  In true Suzuka fashion however, the rain returned just two minutes before the start. With the entire field now opting for wet weather tyres, Benoît and his Lawson-Impul squad did likewise, adding a minimum risk set-up to the car to compromise for the lower grip levels.   At the start, Tréluyer made the most of his pole position to a build a comfortable cushion in the first 15 laps over the chasing pack. With his fuel levels getting ever lower however, so the car's weight decreased, increasing the ride height which had a dramatic effect on his levels of grip. Loic Duval's set-up was better prepared for this and the Frenchman was able to peg the gap to his fellow countryman.  "I maintained the gap back to him until the middle of the race before making a small mistake at the exit of the hairpin due to a lack of traction," confessed Benoît at the finish. "Loic was able to get on the inside where he was quicker and I did not want to take any risk. Straight away I radioed my pitwall to ask to stop and refuel, although I had to wait one more lap. I'd asked for a new set of wet tyres as I didn't know whether I had blistered the rears. I was stationary for about twenty seconds, which was a few more than Duval who didn't change tyres. I have no regrets as he was quicker towards the end of the race anyway." Holding on to take second, Tréluyer's excellent result moves him onto 19 points, actually increasing his lead at the top of the standings to four from Duval.  "Except for the Nakajima team, who seem to have a good understanding of how to make the Swift more stable over the bumps, everyone else is still learning," explained Tréluyer. "The chassis has more aero grip than the Lola from last year, and we need to integrate the mechanical grip without destroying that generated by the aero. We'll be working on this for the Motegi round in two weeks." An intensive fortnight now follows for Benoît who will be busy again at Suzuka this coming Wednesday and Thursday for test days with his Nissan Super GT squad before flying back to native France.  "After a quick visit to the Pescarolo Sport factory in Le Mans to have my seat fitting, I'll be at Magny-Cours for my first taste of Peugeot's 908 HDI," he added. "We'll have two days there to run through a programme, discovering the car and working on set-ups ahead of Le Mans." By the time he returns to Japan, the latest animated episode of "Benoit-poy" will have been uploaded to his blog(www.benoittreluyer.com). It may also not be long before the cartoon becomes available to a wider audience, with Japanese TV in talks to broadcast the series to promote its Super GT and Formula Nippon coverage. ENDS

May & June Features The Hottest Jazz and Swing Bands at the Mercury Cafe

Sunday Jazz Dance

2009 Features The Hottest Jazz and Swing Bands

 

Every Sunday at 8:00 p.m. you will find the region's premier Jazz Bands and Musicians at the Mercury Café. Local favorites Hot Tomatoes Dance Orchestra, Queen City Jazz Band, The David Booker Swingtet, Impromptu with Katy Glassman and The Shuffletonesperform on a regular basis and the dancing is HOT. Admission is $8 and includes dance classes at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. to get you ready for the evening. They guarantee that everyone can learn to dance! All ages are welcome.

 

May 3           The Queen City Jazz Band

May 10          Hot Tomatoes Dance Orchestra

May 17          The David Booker Swingtet

May 24          The David Booker Swingtet

May 31          Impromptu with Katy Glassman

 

June 7           The David Booker Swingtet

June 14         The Queen City Jazz Band

June 21         15 Piece 5280 Big Band

June 28         The David Booker Swingtet

 

July 5            Impromptu With Katy Glassman

July 12          The David Booker Swingtet

July 19          The Shuffletones

July 26          The David Booker Swingtet

 

Sunday Jazz Music & Dance

at the Mercury Café, 2199 California St., Denver.

Sunday's at 8 p.m.

Dance lesson at 5:30 Swing dance and 6:30 p.m. Jitterbug

Information is available by calling 303-294-9281

Reservations at 303-294-9258

Admission and Dance Lesson $8.00

******

Free at the Mercury Café:

Guitar Virtuoso Doug Switzer and Nexus Play:

Friday   May 8 at 10 p.m - Free

Sunday May 24 for Brunch 10 a.m. - Free

Friday   May 29 at 10 p.m - Free

Friday   June 12 at 10 p.m - Free

Sunday June 14 Brunch 10 a.m - Free

Friday   June 26 at 10.p.m – Free

******

Thursday May 28 at 8 p.m.

Conjunto Colores

$5.00

Mercury Café, 2199 California St., Denver.

Reservations at 303-294-9258

 

Embrace! 17 artists take over Libeskind's architecture

17 artists take over Libeskind's architecture

Denver Art Museum to debut new site-specific commissions celebrating Hamilton Building

 

(Denver, Colo.) April 21, 2009 —This November, the Denver Art Museum will present Embrace!, an exhibition of unique site-specific installations in the museum's Daniel Libeskind-designed Frederic C. Hamilton Building. Featuring 17 new works in a range of media, Embrace! marks one of the largest exhibitions of site-specific commissions in a U.S. museum, including never-before-seen works from Katharina Grosse, El Anatsui, Shinique Smith, Matthew Brannon, Jessica Stockholder, Lawrence Weiner and Tobias Rehberger, among others.

 

Working with Christoph Heinrich, DAM's deputy director and Mark and Polly Addison curator of modern and contemporary art, each artist has chosen a particular space in which to realize and exhibit an individual work. With projects ranging from Katharina Grosse's four-story spray painting in the museum's atrium to a multimedia presentation by Charles Sandison, the exhibition introduces an extraordinary dialogue between the art and the building's architectural elements. Embrace! is organized by the Denver Art Museum and will be on view throughout the Hamilton Building November 14, 2009 to April 4, 2010.

 

"To realize 17 new works from such a talented list of artists is quite spectacular," Heinrich said. "The artists are excited by the opportunity to work in an engaging and sculptural environment, and each has presented a very individual way to embrace the unique spaces inside the museum and communicate with the architecture. We look forward to seeing how their work will transform the museum and connect visitors with living, breathing artists."

 

DAM has commissioned works from an international list of artists, ranging in age from early-30s to mid-70s, with projects encompassing painting, sculpture, drawing, new media, and interactive works. The full list of Embrace! artists includes: El Anatsui (Nigeria/Ghana), Kristin Baker (U.S.), Matthew Brannon (U.S.), Rick Dula (U.S., Denver), Katharina Grosse (Germany), Christian Hahn (Germany), Nicola López (U.S.), John McEnroe (U.S., Denver), Rupprecht Matthies (Germany), Tobias Rehberger (Germany), Charles Sandison (Finland/U.K.), Dasha Shishkin (U.S./Russia), Shinique Smith (U.S.), Jessica Stockholder (U.S.), Timothy Weaver + eMAD (U.S., Denver), Lawrence Weiner (U.S.) and Zhong Biao (China).

 

The Denver Art Museum will present programming throughout Embrace! designed to break down traditional barriers between the artist and visitor. The museum has engaged the artists to develop and install their work throughout the Hamilton Building beginning this August, allowing visitors the unique opportunity to participate in the art-making process and witness the creation of influential contemporary works. One particularly interactive installation by Denver artist Timothy Weaver will be a collaboration with university students, combining a visual, audio and spatial experience that will respond and change as each visitor moves through the space.

 

"As we continue to explore the role of the artist in the museum setting, we have organized what promises to be an engaging and unexpected exhibition," said DAM Director Lewis Sharp. "We are thrilled to be able to invest in new works and bring such a diverse and important group of contemporary artists to our community."

 

Projects include a hyper-realistic, true-to-scale painting, created by Denver artist Rick Dula, which appears to penetrate the building and peel back the interior to expose the steel girders and underpinnings of the Hamilton Building.  Renowned conceptual artist Lawrence Weiner's sculptural wall installation will be mounted on a dramatic wall atop the 120-foot atrium. Perhaps the most visible and expansive  installation, by Katharina Grosse, will feature airbrush painting that spans the four-story atrium and is visible from every floor.

 

Embrace! will inspire classes, lectures and programming tied to the exhibition and its artists. Interpretive materials and educational programs will provide audiences with the artists' perspective on the creative process and a personal interpretation of their works, as well as documentation of the installation process.

 

Embrace! Publication

The exhibition will be accompanied by a two-volume catalogue, the first of which will include two essays on the history of installation art and the curatorial premise of Embrace!, as well as an introduction to each of the 17 participating artists. The second volume will document the commissions as they are realized in the museum, from concept through installation, and the artists' perspectives on the final works. The first volume of 120 pages will be available Nov. 14; the second volume of 140 pages will be developed and produced as the works are finalized this fall.

 

Embrace! is organized by the Denver Art Museum.

A special thank you to Kent and Vicki Logan and to the individual patrons of Embrace! who have sponsored the work of these artists. Support is provided by Accenture, the Denver Art Museum's Technology Partner. Additional funding is provided by Avanade Inc., the citizens who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, and the generous donors to the Annual Fund Leadership Campaign. Promotional support is provided by The Denver Post, CBS4 and 5280 Magazine.

 

Former Director of National Park Service to Speak at Monfort Professor-In-Residence Lecture April 27

FORT COLLINS - Robert Stanton, former director of the National Park
Service, will speak about "Natural Resources in the National Parks:
Challenges and Opportunities for the 21st Century" at the Monfort
Professor-in-Residence lecture at 3:15 p.m. April 27 in Clark Building
Room A201 on the Colorado State University campus. The event is free
and open to the public.

Stanton was confirmed as the 15th director of the National Park
Service in 1997 and served as the director until the end of the
Clinton administration overseeing 390 units and the expansion of parks
such as Great Sand Dunes National Park. He was the first director to
undergo confirmation hearings before the United States Senate and the
first African American to serve in the position since the National
Park Service was established by congressional legislation in 1916.

Stanton was originally hired by Stuart Udall, then Secretary of
Interior, in the early 1960s to serve as a park ranger in Grand Teton
National Park, Wyo. Since then, he has served in several parks
including the Virgin Islands, Washington, D.C. area parks and the
National Mall before becoming director.

Stanton is an executive professor at Texas A&M University in the
Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences where he also
served as a senior fellow from 2004-2008. Stanton received an honorary
doctorate from Texas A&M in 2007 and has several other honorary
doctorates including Huston Tillotson, his alma mater in Dallas, Texas.

He serves on several boards including the National Park Foundation's
African American Experience Fund, The News Museum and the new
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History that will be
built on the National Mall. He has received numerous national awards
for outstanding public service and leadership in conservation,
historic preservation, youth programs and diversity in employment and
public programs. Stanton is particularly passionate about introducing
youth to national parks as the next generation of stewards.

The lecture, hosted by Warner College of Natural Resources, will be
followed by a reception which includes a National Park Service
collection exhibit from the Albright family recently acquired by the
CSU Morgan Library.

The Monfort Professor-in-Residence program brings accomplished leaders
from business, government and the arts to campus to interact with
students and enrich their learning experiences. The program is part of
a $3.1 million gift from the Monfort Family Foundation.

Violapalooza returns to Fort Collins!

The 2nd annual Violapalooza Concert, 4/17 An extraordinary evening of viola music Lamont Pre College Academy, June 21- July 5 APRIL 24th CONCERT POSTPONED   Save the dates for Lamont School of Music Pre-College Academy June 21st- July 5th, 2009, ages 14 to 18 CCP members Hamilton Primus, Knight, Martin, & Primus will be teaching at the Pre-College Academy. Nan Shannon, also pictured, will not be teaching at the Academy. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Lamont School of Music Summer Pre-College Academy is for students ages 14 to 18 (some age exceptions are possible) who are interested in an intensive and stimulating summer music program. Featuring the Lamont School of Music's new state-of-the-art facilities, the Academy provides students with a broad spectrum of music study, including private lessons and master classes with renowned faculty and music theory, as well as numerous workshops on topics related to performance study, including: computer composition, conducting, improvisation, movement, and World music. Chamber music, orchestra, wind ensemble, choir and musical theater are also offered. The Academy promotes a positive and enjoyable experience for musicians, with recreational opportunities on and off-campus. Housing and dining is in Nelson Hall, in air-conditioned, suite-style rooms with double occupancy. CCP members Paul Primus, violin; Barbara Hamilton Primus, viola; Katharine Knight, cello; and Lisa Martin, oboe will teach individually, coach chamber music, and work on orchestral repertoire in sectionals. For further information, please contact: Constance Cook Glen, Director cglen@indiana.edu, 812-336-4779 Mary Beth Barteau Shaffer, Assistant Director mbshaffer723@hotmail.com, 719-266-1384 Click for more info about University of Denver, Lamont School of Music Pre-College Academy Violists Juliet White Smith and Timothy Deighton to perform on Violapalooza II Juliet White Smith, Viola Friday, April 17, 2009 7:30 p.m. McNeal Auditorium Fort Collins High School 3400 Lambkin Way Fort Collins, CO The rich and sonorous blend of violas will make this concert an unforgettable experience. Co-sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Viola Society and the Colorado Chamber Players. The concert will feature: Timothy Deighton, Penn State University Associate Professor of Viola & Juliet White-Smith, University of Northern Colorado Associate Professor of Viola and President of the American Viola Society performing a preview of the concert of the following works that they will premiere at the International Viola Society Congress in South Africa. Hawkins: Gestures for Two Violas Kimber: Four Canons for Two Violas Paul Elwood: Firing Synapses The concert will also include some of the Colorado and Wyoming rising college performers joined by a number of Colorado and Wyoming's finest professional violists and Guest Artist, Dave Holland, Viola Instructor at Interlochen Arts Academy Tickets are available through: TicketsWest: 1-866-464-2626 and at the door $12 General admission/$6 Students-Seniors Violapalooza concert is FREE for all registered participants of Viva La Viola Day on Saturday April 18th, 2008.   For more information, please contact Sue Temple, Chair, Viva La Viola! Day vivaviola@comcast.net or 970-482-1647. We hope you will join us for this special event! Click for link to Viva la Viola Day The Colorado Chamber Players concert on Friday April 24th at Foothills Art Center has been POSTPONED due to harpist Lynne Abbey Lee's skiing injury and surgery. All tickets sold will be refunded or exchanged for a concert next season. Please call 303-355-2224 for details on ticket refunds or exchanges, or email: bhamviola@comcast.net.

Grand Opening Set for Colorado State University Computer Science Building

Grand Opening Set for Colorado State University Computer Science
Building

FORT COLLINS - Colorado State University will celebrate the completion
of the $14 million Computer Science Building with a grand opening
ceremony 4-5:30 p.m. Friday, April 17 on the southwest corner of the
new building, located on the plaza across from the Lory Student
Center. Welcome, introductions and comments will be from 4-4:30 p.m.
followed by refreshments, building tours, and music from the Colorado
State Scholarship Pep Band. Speakers at the event will include Interim
Colorado State President Anthony A. Frank and Matt Brown, chair of the
University Facility Fee Advisory Board.

Funding for the building was provided in large part through the fee
advisory board, part of Associated Students of Colorado State
University. The vote by the student body government in January 2007
secured $12.9 million for the project, which serves students in every
major. The four-story, 45,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility
in the heart of the main campus includes three main laboratories on
the ground floor, one of which is available to students 24 hours per
day, seven days a week. Students began using the new facility in
January at the start of the spring semester. The new facility also
houses the Department of Computer Science, which is ranked among the
top 60 programs in the nation and CSU's Information Science &
Technology Center (ISTeC).

"We are now poised for Computer Science and Information Technology
research and education to advance to new and exciting levels of
excellence at Colorado State," said Jan Nerger, interim dean of the
College of Natural Sciences. "The scholarly achievements that will
emerge from this building in the fields of artificial intelligence,
network security, human-computer interactions, and high performance
computing, will be a tribute to the students and donors who invested
in our future."

For more information on the grand opening, contact Kelly Kimple at
(970) 491-5506 or Kelly.Kimple@colostate.edu or visit the Computer
Science Department at www.cs.colostate.edu/cstop/index.html.

News from Shadow Theatre Company

Jazz Sunday  featuring Jazz Legend  RED HOLLOWAY Shadow Theatre Company Sunday April 12, 2009 Hosted by James Van Buren    Red Holloway has had a star-studded career -- performing with Dexter Gordon, Lionel Hampton, Jack McDuff, Billie Holiday, Ben Webster, Sonny Rollins, and Lester Young. He's best known for his partnership with Sonny Stitt and currently is one of the busiest musicians on the international stage.  Red played with such notables as Billie Holiday, Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, Ben Webster, Jimmy Rushing, Arthur Prysock, Dakota Station, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Wardell Gray, Sonny Rollins, Red Rodney, Lester Young, Joe Williams, Redd Foxx, Aretha Franklin and many others. Reception at 5pm Show at 6pm All Tickets-$30   To Purchase Tickets: Call TicketAnnex at 1.866.388.4849 Call the Box Office at 720.857.8000 Online at www.shadowtheatre.com     DADDY HUNGER   Join the Be There for Your Kids campaign for a special screening of "Daddy Hunger." At a time when more than 25 million children in the United States are living without their fathers, this critically acclaimed documentary examines the impact of fatherlessness in the African-American communities of northern California. In the film, men and women from various backgrounds share what Daddy Hunger means to them and also discuss community solutions to combat father absence. Ray Upchurch, executive producer and Denver native, will lead a question and answer session following the screening. Refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public. Due to certain content, the film is not recommended for children under 13 years of age. Date & Time: Thursday, April 2nd  7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Where: Shadow Theatre Company 1468 Dayton Street Aurora, CO 80010  Inner Thoughts...of a Woman.. Of a Man.....  INNER THOUGHTS.....OF A WOMAN.....OF A MAN, IS SET AS A DOCUMENTARY OF A SINGLE WOMAN, MARRIED WOMAN, SINGLE MOTHER, MASTERBATER, LESBIAN AND THEY ALL ARE COMMECTED BY A MYSTERIOUS CHARACTER, EVERYONE WANTS TO KNOW WHO IS LE'VELLE?  SECOND ACT IS A DOCUMENTARY OF A PLAYA MAN, EX CON, MARRIED MAN, GOOD MAN, AND DIVORCED MAN ALL CONNECTED BY THE MYSTERIOUS CHARACTER MS. LADY.  INNER THOUGHTS.....CHALLENGES THE AUDIENCE TO ADDRESS ISSUES THAT AFFECT THE COMMUNITY AND INTERACTS WITH THE AUDIENCE FOR A FUN APPROACH WHILE DEALING WITH TABOO TOPICS. April 4th at Shadow Theatre Company. Doors open at 7pm.   For tickets visit www.handhprod.com or call (720) 238-5072. Tickets can be purchased at the door. This is not a Shadow production. Please do not call the Shadow box office for tickets.   The Soul Den April 17,18, 25 & May 1st & 2nd   at Shadow Theatre Company   For tickets call 303.586.1715   www.soulden.com    Oscar and Felix by Neil Simon   Directed by Richard Pegg Featuring Hugo Jon Sayles and Jeffrey Nickelson   May16th-June 14th   America's comic mastermind has updated his classic comedy The Odd Couple , setting the trials and tribulations of Felix Unger and Oscar Madison in the present day. This classic comedy opens as a group of the guys assemble for cards in the apartment of divorced Oscar Madison. Late to arrive is Felix Unger who has just been separated from his wife. When Felix arrives, the men fear he might commit suicide! As the action unfolds, the clean-freak and the slob ultimately decide to room together with hilarious results. Performance Dates and Times: Th, Fri & Sat at 7:30pm & Sun at 3pm 5/16, 5/17, 21, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 & 31st; June 4,5,6,7,11,12,13 & 14th   Tickets: $26 Thursdays -$21 Opening night show and reception (reception starts at 6pm, show at 7:30) - $40 Senior Sundays (60 and over) - $21   To Purchase Tickets: Call 1.866.388.4849 Call 720.857.8000 Online www.shadowtheatre.com  Shadow Theatre Company Youth Ensemble in collaboration with the Aurora Symphony Orchestra presents its summer youth program formerly known as CRUNK  Fasten your seatbelts, because it is time to launch the 2009 Shadow Theatre Company Youth Ensemble!  This summer, Shadow Theatre Company, in collaboration with the Aurora Symphony Orchestra, will engage an exceptional group of young people ages 13-18 in a five-week journey of creative expression and awe!  Classes and workshops will incorporate acting, orchestral music, dance, singing, production, stage production, sound, writing, personal reflection, and creative movement, and will culminate in a show written by the young performing artists in collaboration with a professional playwright.  The program runs July 7th-August 16th Applications are now available online at www.shadowtheatre.com  Become a Chair Subscriber BENEFITS: Up to two names engraved on a theatre chair Two tickets to each opening show and reception Two complimentary glasses of wine Recognition in the program throughout the season Recognition in the lobby $5 Discount on additional ticket purchases (excludes discount tickets) Support your favorite theatre and its youth program Chair subscription - $1,000 To purchase your chair subscription call 720.857.8000. All major credit cards accepted.  Hold your next event at Shadow Theatre Company!! Receptions... Meetings, etc.    Call 720.857.8000 for more information. Scholarships The Alliance of Black Telecommunications Professionals (ABTP) is a resource group within Qwest Communications.  We have a long history of awarding scholarships to high school seniors and non - traditional students entering or continuing their education.  We are now soliciting applications for 2009.   Two Scholarships will be awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement and extracurricular activities.  Applications must be postmarked no later than April 17, 2009. For more information email Kymbal.Lindsay@qwest.com

David Copperfield returns to Denver

DAVID COPPERFIELD

AN INTIMATE EVENING OF GRAND ILLUSION

Comes to Denver's Buell Theatre

 

DENVER –  Imagine if you could win the lottery, travel to your perfect place in the blink of an eye, own your dream car, or turn back the hands of time. It all becomes a reality, every night in David Copperfield: AN INTIMATE EVENING OF GRAND ILLUSION, coming to the Buell Theatre May 8-10.  Tickets go on sale Sunday, April 5. 

 

True to its title, GRAND ILLUSION is the logical and incredible evolution of this conjurer's art. Copperfield's goal in GRAND ILLUSION is to take one's dreams (and maybe a few nightmares) and make them become reality using his state of the art wizardry.

 

"For magic to be relevant," explains Copperfield, "it has to evolve so it keeps up with, or even surpasses, the best film and theater. I want to base my work on what people really dream about. Most of us don't dream of pulling a rabbit out of a hat. But what affects people is realizing personal dreams, dreams almost everyone shares, that they thought were impossible. In the cinema the audience watches the characters' dreams come true."

 

Copperfield adds, "'Grand Illusion' was partly inspired by an unfulfilled wish of my grandfather's that a lot of people share: winning the lottery and finally owning that one special thing you always dreamed of. We call it an 'intimate' evening of grand illusion partly because it's interactive. In one of the pieces, for example, the audience discovers how to predict lottery numbers that will come up that night. They get to participate in illusions that blur the line between magic and reality."

Copperfield delights audiences when he magically brings an ordinary necktie to life, only to find out the tie has a mind of its own.   The show will also feature the spectacular and death defying feat of David attempting to walk through the rotating blades of a giant industrial fan – and live to tell the tale.  The show is truly "Grand Illusion" on a massive scale. For more information, please visit www.dcopperfield.com.

 

Single tickets for AN EVENING OF GRAND ILLUSION start at just $20.  To charge by phone, call Denver Center Ticket Services at 303.893.4100.  TTY (for Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons): 303.893.9582.  Groups of 15 or more, please call 303.446.4829.  Tickets may also be purchased at the Denver Center Ticket Office, located at the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex Lobby, or at TicketsWest outlets, located in all King Soopers stores.  Buy and print online at www.denvercenter.org.

 

AN EVENING OF GRAND ILLUSION is an added attraction in Denver Center Attractions' 2009 season, which is generously sponsored by United Airlines. Media sponsorship for DCA is provided by The Denver Post, CBS4 and Colorado Homes & Lifestyles magazine.  Denver Center Attractions is supported in part by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District.  Please visit our website at www.denvercenter.org.

 

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

 

KILLER
In an "unplugged" moment of pure sleight-of-hand Copperfield performs "close-up" magic with a lethal black African scorpion. One of the most original, startling—and dangerous—effects ever, this unforgettable display of sleight-of-hand presents Copperfield with a true challenge to his will and dexterity, in a test not to be tried at home.

 

SQUEEZEBOX
Copperfield takes liposuction to a whole new level as the six-foot-one "King of Magic" gets squeezed into a bite-sized piece that could fit into a Prada shoebox.

 

THE LOTTERY
Inspired by David's grandfather's unfilled dream, "The Lottery" is an astonishing epic of brain-busters. Copperfield involves the entire audience, and shares his secret technique for predicting the winning numbers of "The Lottery."

 

MAN VERSUS STEEL
David walked through the Great Wall of China. This time, he'll do it a little slower. Instead of walking, he floats through solid steel, proving that dreams can dissolve barriers.

 

THIRTEEN
One of Copperfield's most heavily-requested creations, thirteen audience members chosen entirely at random vanish, leaving friends and family wondering whether to applaud or put their loved ones' faces on milk cartons. Their fears are allayed as the thirteen reappear, instantly, in the most surprising of places.

 

David Copperfield: AN INTIMATE EVENING OF GRAND ILLUSION is an affecting, life-changing event that reaches into the audiences' minds and hearts and takes them on a feast of wish fulfillment. Displaying his off-the-cuff brand of humor, Copperfield breaks new ground in GRAND ILLUSION and takes his art to a grand yet intimate, personal yet universal dimension for an evening of wonders that will never be forgotten.

 

Denver Brass Wine Pairing - Reservation deadline Wed. April 1st

State Nutrition Program Offers Meal Preparation Tips for Stretching Food and Dollars

DENVER--The Child and Adult Care Food Program at the Colorado
Department of Public Health and Environment Tuesday offered families
meal planning and preparation tips for eating healthier in a tough
economy.

"A tight budget doesn't mean families have to eliminate nutritious,
tasty meals in their households," said Janet Bodnar, nutrition
consultant with the program. "Eating foods like eggs and beans more
often can save money."

If a family of four substituted any kind of beans, which are high in
protein, iron and fiber, for higher-priced meats once a week, Bodnar
said, they could save at least $200 per year.

"Beans cost about 25 cents per serving. Fruits and vegetables also
are economical when purchased in season, costing less per pound than
potato chips, cookies and other high-fat, sugared and salted snack
foods.

"The best way to save money and eat healthier is to plan ahead;
prepare simple, but tasty meals; and then eat them at home," she
said.

Bodnar provided the following tips for cost-effective, quick,
healthy eating:

● Start by thinking about the types of food the family likes, and
plan a menu around these food items.
● Purchase meats and poultry to prepare more than one meal and
freeze portions.
● If hamburgers are a favorite, form ground meat into individual
patties, then season and freeze them for future use instead of stopping
at a fast-food restaurant.
● Cook ground meat in advance and freeze, defrosting what you need
to later add to spaghetti sauce, chili or soups.
● Visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Web site and search
recipes by cost, menu item or age at http://recipefiner.nal.usda.gov/.
● Add beans, cheese or meat to corn or whole wheat tortillas to
make quick tacos, burritos or wraps at home. Add lettuce, tomatoes,
jalapenos and onions for a value meal.
● Choose whole wheat tortillas, pasta and bread instead of the
same items made from white flour, for higher nutritional value.
● Roast a chicken and cut it up for future stir-fry meals, soups
or other favorite dishes. Rice, including brown rice, is a nutritious
side dish.
● Microwave potatoes, including sweet potatoes, for a quick side
dish. Potatoes store well and can be served with fresh, frozen or canned
vegetables and leftover meat or poultry.

Bodnar also encouraged families to shop less often by planning food for
a week or more and making a shopping list before going to the store.

"Grocery stores know that every time you enter the store, you
are likely to buy something that is not planned. Sticking to your
shopping list will prevent impulse buying," she said.

These tips and more cost-saving, nutritious information are
available by contacting Bodnar at the Child and Adult Care Food Care
Program at 303-692-2330.

Musical Beatles Tribute and Multimedia Event

DENVER PREMIERE OF WHEN WE WERE FAB TRANSPORTS AUDIENCES BACK TO THE SIXTIES   Historical Perspective and Musical Tribute to the Beatles Opens April 30th at the New Denver Civic Theatre DENVER, CO - A thrill for Beatles fans and music lovers alike, When We Were FaB, is much more than a Beatles tribute band.  This multi-media experience is a historical perspective of the turbulent era of the 1960s that showcases four extremely talented musician-actors performing a mixture of the Beatles' best-loved tunes.  With videos running throughout the set breaks and frequently as backdrops during the live performance, When We Were FaB takes audiences from the arrival of the Beatles in America during the innocent age of the early 1960s to the protest, love and psychedelic periods of 1966 and 1967 and finally through the great social and political difficulties that mark the end of that decade -- all supported by the music of the time. Two cast members of When We Were FaB are original members of Broadway's Beatlemania. Outfitted in spectacular costumes reflecting each of the different periods, all four flawlessly perform as John, Paul, George and Ringo, belting out many of the Beatles' hits including, "All My Loving," "I Want to Hold Your Hand," "Hard Day's Night," "Yesterday," Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," "Hey Jude" and "Twist and Shout." The music, costumes and spell-binding video footage of some of the most dramatic events of the 1960s combine to provide a riveting, nostalgic and exciting theatrical experience.   David Leon (John Lennon) first played the role in the Broadway production of Beatlemania and then went on tour with the show to almost every major city in the world. David was also cast as John in the film, Beatlemania. He started the band, "Helmet Boy" and has played keyboards and guitar with such famous classic rock acts as Mitch Ryder, Badfinger and Herman's Hermits.  David recently performed and toured with Rick Springfield, The Rembrandts and Evan and Jaron.    Alan LeBoeuf (Paul McCartney) began his professional acting career playing Paul in Broadway's smash hit Beatlemania.  He continued his role touring with the show and also with Legends in Concert. Alan further perfected his performance with The British Invasion at EPCOT Park in Walt Disney World for four years.  He is a founding member of the group "Baillie and The Boys," which had seven straight top ten hits on the country charts. In addition, Alan has appeared on television and in commercials, is a songwriter and background vocal artist.   John Brosnan (George Harrison) first began performing as George in 2000 and has since played the role extensively in national and international tours.  John studied classical piano at the Melbourne Conservatory of Music. An accomplished musician, he was a member of Niki Phillips & the Corporation who had the 1990 Top 10 Hit, "Something About You," and has also toured with Alex Smith (Moving Pictures), Malcolm Foster (Pretenders and Simple Minds) and Andy Thompson (Elton John and Dire Straits). His band also secured a 1995 Billboard Top 100 Hit with "Something Is Wrong."   Carmine Grippo (Ringo Starr) is a talented musician and actor who has perfected the role of Ringo in various Beatles tribute shows in Asia, Europe and the United States.  He has appeared on many familiar television shows including Evening Shade, Cheers, the Tom Arnold Show, Dark Skies and Beverly Hills 90210.  In films, Carmine can be seen in Wayne's World II, Last Man Standing and Independence Day.  He is a member of "The Moptops" and has performed with such musical greats as Gene Simmons (Kiss), Mickey Dolenz (Monkees), Brian Johnson (AC/DC) and Brian Howe (Bad Company).   Richard Bernstein, president of the New Denver Civic Theatre is thrilled to co-produce the Denver premiere of When We Were FaB.  Says Bernstein, "The sixties were hugely important in shaping the country we know today.  It's quite the experience to revisit the vibrant memories we all have of that decade, whether we were children, teenagers or adults."  He adds, "And this is certainly the closest most of us will ever come to seeing the Beatles live."   In Denver, When We Were FaB is co-produced by Sibling Theatricals, a division of Sibling Entertainment Group Holdings, Inc., Richard Bernstein and Rock & Sock Promotions.  Richard Bernstein, president of The New Denver Civic Theatre, vice president of Sibling Entertainment Group, Inc. and president of Sibling Music, has enjoyed success as an artist manager, agent, record producer and theatrical stage producer as well as owner of several venues and night clubs for more than 25 years. He has worked with such superstars Linda Ronstadt, Steve Martin, Englebert Humperdinck, Dolly Parton, Joan Rivers, Don Rickles, Willie Nelson, James Brown and Sister Sledge. Sibling's executive management team has produced dozens of shows on Broadway, off-Broadway, on the West End and for national and regional tours. They have won the Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Obie and Ovation Awards, as well as the 2000 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Ken Weiss and Arnie Rosenthal, co-owners of Rock & Sock Promotions, have both received numerous accolades from the music, film and entertainment industries.  Ken has been awarded 20 gold and platinum albums, served as music supervisor for over a dozen feature films, as well as television shows and concert videos, and produced many concerts and production shows in clubs.  He has also produced three Broadway plays and currently has shows running in Europe and Japan.  Arnie has extensive music and show business experience as a cable television executive - most notably as the president of FNN/Score Sports Network and the executive vice president of Financial News Network - and as a music and sporting events producer.  He is also a talented musician.     When We Were FaB runs at The New Denver Civic Theatre, located at 721 Santa Fe Drive in Denver from April 30 to May 24, 2009. Performances are 90 minutes long and scheduled for 8:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday evenings, 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays and 7:00 p.m. on Sundays.   Individual tickets are $39.50,with a family rate of $36.50 available for four or more tickets, and may be purchased from the Box Office by calling 303-309-3773, at any King Soopers, or through TicketsWest by calling 1-866-464-2626 or online at www.ticketswest.com.  Tickets for groups of 10 or more are just $34.50. For group pricing and special promotions, contact Group Sales at 303-955-7995 or grpshows@gmail.com.   For more information on the show, visit www.DenverCivic.com.

Central City Opera’s March

	Single Tickets for Central City Opera's 2009 Festival On Sale Now – Starting at Just $50! Lucia di Lammermoor, A Little Night Music and Rinaldo - Central City Opera's 2009 Festival features something for everyone with three productions spanning the centuries. Single Tickets are on sale now beginning at just $50 with super saver discounts on select performances (use the code e-newsletter). Senior and student discounts are also available and the more, the merrier: groups of 10 or more enjoy a 15 % discount! Subscriptions are still the best value with two operas for as low as $95 and great benefits like the "Backstage Pass" on our website, the best seats at the best price, discounted tickets for friends and more! Call the Central City Opera Box Office to purchase tickets or for more information today – 303-292-6700 or visit the CCO website at www.centralcityopera.org. Lift your spirits with Central City Opera's world renowned artists, lush mountain setting and intimate jewel-box theatre – all less than an hour drive from Denver! The Central City Opera House Association Guild presents Abra-Kid-Opera: A Magical Afternoon Sunday, April 5, 2009, 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. Pinehurst Country Club , 6255 West Quincy Avenue, Denver, CO 80235 Children will magically become instant performers under the guidance of members of the Central City Opera Ensemble; Dennis Michael, master magician; and Deborah DeSantis of the Colorado Children's Chorale. Ticket Prices - $8 per person (includes afternoon snack). Event activities geared toward children ages 6-12. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Open to the public. Enjoy an afternoon of family enchantment! Please purchase tickets by Tuesday, March 31st through the Central City Opera Box Office at (303) 292-6700. Celebrate the 27th Annual Denver Antiques & Art Show and Sale  April 17 - 19 We invite you to join us at the premier Antiques Show in Colorado! Prominent national dealers will exhibit affordable and fine antiques appealing to both the connoisseur and the new collector. Discover exquisite examples of furniture, jewelry, rugs, silver, porcelains, prints and paintings. Add a piece to your collection or begin one now. It's a wonderful time to buy, because our dealers are motivated to sell! The Preview Party, an opportunity for early shopping with cocktails and buffet dinner, will kick-off the Show on Thursday, April 16th. Light lunch & beverages will be available each day in the Garden Café. Located at Wings Over the Rockies Museum at Lowry with free parking. A 3-day admission ticket is only $10 per person or $8 at King Soopers. For information, lecture times and ticket purchases: www.centralcityopera.org or call (303) 292-6700. Get the Inside Scoop! Central City Opera's subscriber's only website BACKSTAGE PASS area is now up and running!! To access this PASS, click here or go to our website atwww.centralcityopera.org and click on the BACKSTAGE PASS link from the home page. Enter your access code (included in your subscriber letter with your tickets) to log-in and enjoy a fantastic behind-the-scenes look at each of our productions as we move closer to the Summer Festival! Make sure to check back often for new information, exclusive offers and discounts. If you have misplaced your code, please call or e-mail the box office atboxoffice@centralcityopera.org or 303-292-6700. Save the Date Colorado Preservation, Inc. presents the Dana Crawford Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation to the Central City Opera House Association. Thursday, May 21st, 2009 from 5:30-9:00 p.m. Sheraton Denver Hotel The evening's event beneficiary is the Colorado Preservation Inc. Endangered Places Program. See the full Save the Date card for further information.

SONGWRITER DEATH MATCH THIS SATURDAY: 4 enter. 1 leaves.

Hey Gangsta, I'll be fighting, umm, playing in a very special show this Saturday, Mar 21st at the Walnut Room and I think you're gonna want to be there. This is not your usual sleepy songwriter show.... it's SONGWRITER DEATH MATCH. WHO WILL BE THERE? Four great songwriters:   COREY TERUYA from hello kavita   ELLISON PARK from ellison park & his parade of elephants   JEN KORTE from jen korte & the loss   JOHN COMMON from john common & blinding flashes of light One MC / Officiator / Crowd Inciter:     ERYC EYL        (westword) An unruly, bloodthirsty, drunken mob:   THIS IS YOU.        (and your friends) HOW'S IT GOING TO GO DOWN? ACT 1 will be a short, rapid fire solo set from each of the songwriters, to loosen everything up. This will give you a chance to see the fighters in action, place your bets, get your drinks in order, etc. There will be a short INTERMISSION to prep the stage for the DEATH MATCH. The fighters will pray to their gods, take last-minute shots of performance-enhancing drugs, apply make-up and self-tanning products, and participate in any final rites. ACT 2 will be the actual DEATH MATCH.  Eryc Eyl will frame up the match, explain its few, loose rules, introduce the fighters, and begin the bloodletting. The loose rules: there will be a series 4 rounds. In each round, Eryc will prod the fighters with a topic/concept/direct challenge.  Think of this like throwing raw meat into a tiger cage. Each fighter will play a song that best fits the topic/concept/challenge.  After each round, the unruly drunken mob will vote with their blood curdling screams.  The fighter with the loudest screams for their song wins that round.  The losing 3 fighters from each round will stand, walk to the "humiliation table" and drink a shot... preferably, with the audience doing the same.  Eryc Eyl will of course interject as he sees fit. At the end of the night, one fighter will reign supreme and be crowned King or Queen of the Death Match. Reputations will be made.  Honor will be affirmed.  There will be blood. SONGWRITER DEATH MATCH Saturday, March 21st Walnut Room 8PM / $10 / 21+