vlife magazine - life in the ridge and the pointe - Spring Edition 2012

vlife

spring 2012

life in the ridge and the pointe and all of Erie

The Great Outdoors Rattlesnake Canyon

the loud flower Erie optimism by Mayor Wilson Are you stressing out your kids?

Travel Spotlight Holland honey bee mine Spring Fling What’s next for Erie?

vlife

spring 2012

life in the ridge and the pointe and all of Erie

The Great Outdoors

Travel Spotlight Holland

the loud flower

honey bee mine

Rattlesnake Canyon

Erie optimism by Mayor Wilson Are you stressing out your kids?

Spring Fling What’s next for Erie?

Editor in Chief: Trisha Ventker Research Editor: Trisha Ventker Graphic and Layout Designer: Trisha Ventker & Tom Ventker Assistant Director and Projects: Tom Ventker

Cover photo and photos above by Trisha Ventker © 2012

Columnists: Cori Ehrhart, Paul Fiarkoski, Jen Merrill, Melanie Lacour, Dave White, Sandrine Heine, Robb James, Joe Wilson, Chef Trusan, Kristina Leonard, Beth Harbaugh, Danny Hoeft, Jen Hoeft, Sherri Barksdale, Tom Ventker, Trisha Ventker, James Blatter, Rachel Fazio, Michelle Edwards, Danica Jardien, Tristan Lewis, Dr. Lou Cavallo, Georgez Dabit, Sondra Parker, Rachel Lefort, Britta Ross, Debbie Schoeneshoefer, Dr. Gary Steven Gautier, Robert Nichols, Gordon Page vlife logo: Aaron Leonard

vlife is produced quarterly. All material is strictly copyright and all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without the written permission of the copyright holder. Opinions expressed in vlife are not necessarily those of the publisher or editor. The publisher and editor do not accept any responsibility for advertising content. They do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of, or otherwise endorse these facts, views, opinions or recommendations. Any images that are included in their ads and articles are supplied at the owners risk.

2

All Photography except noted otherwise has been taken by Trisha Ventker from Enchant and Inspire Photographic Art Advertising Sales Trisha Ventker Trishaventker@me.com ©Ventker Publications 2012 All Rights Reserved ISSN 0000-0

Editorial

photo by © Tom Ventker 2012

Spring has sprung and we’re feeling great vibes. It’s amazing what beautiful weather can do for the morale. I get nostalgic when I see Erie children playing on their streets as I remember back to the 70’s when I’d play kickball or red light, green light back in New York. That’s how people could tell there’s a sense of community.The playgroups sometimes are just an excuse for neighbor bonding as the parents chat away and exchange stories.

When I first moved to Erie, I was a bit taken back by all the waves I’d get just standing in front of my house. You see, in New York this was not usual. Especially in New York City if you waved to someone walking on the street, they might think you were getting ready to mug them. Four years later I proudly wave to everyone I see and hope that one of these folks are newbies or even better another New Yorker that I could nicely surprise.

This issue is our 4th! I am pleased to also announce that it is the biggest publication ever with over 140 pages! This “green” magazine is a labor of love. It was created because I felt that we needed a stylistic, informative magazine to highlight all the creative , talented and awesome residents and local businesses. I love the fact that vlife celebrates our folks. In this Spring issue the theme is renewal. There’s something for everyone. I hope you find value in this resource and look forward to waving at you when I see you around town!

Warmly, T!"a Ventker

Editor in Chief 3

Content

technology: erie destined....

36

4

the loud flower: be a loud flower 135

4

foodie: kids eat free 50

laughing at chaos: new beginnings 133

5

Content

word from the mayor: erie optimism 19

6

frenchy girl: how many clothes do my kids really need?

80

spotlight: wanderlust behind the camera 26

landscape and design: spring landscape suggestions 125

7

Content

money: cloud based bookkeeping solutions for small businesses

42

8

real estate: times are changing

122

book nook: recommendations

64

chef talk: honey bee mine 54

9

Content

kids: it始s tough being a kid 72 what to do with the kids over spring break 82 the politics of parenting 76 10

soul: should you have a spring fling?

130

health: whiplash 89

beauty: clean and healthy skin 114

11

Content

fashion: freedom of all fashion 118

12

editor始s choice 84

fitness: the power of physical activity 98

body: 5 effective fitness tips for spring 90

13

Content

health: pH levels and why they are crucial 98

14

style: freshen your winter wardrobe for spring 108

paul始s corner: captivated by the view 20

poetry: spring 129

15

Content

organization: clutter strains relationships 68

16

sports: take a swing, spring is in the air 142

travel spotlight: The Netherlands Nederlande Holland 100

the great outdoors: rattlesnake canyon 136

17

Content What goes here?

spirit of flight center: A-4 skyhawk 32

18

clothing: set yourself free 142

Message from Mayor Joe Wilson Erie optimism!

Nowhere else offers the kind of opportunity or quality that our town does.

This is a community that is most often defined in the following terms: Fun, vibrant, friendly, innovative, beautiful views, sports enthusiastic, high quality of life, opportunity, good investment, great amenities, business friendly, great schools, parks and trails and great neighbors.

We are truly blessed to live in a place as amazing as Erie.

We are emerging as a regional leader, too. At the government level, we are setting standards for innovation and efficiency that other cities now take notice of and (in several cases) imitate!

Here’s more good news; Erie property values are ticking up and taxes are ticking down! That’s right, sale data shows that Erie commercial and residential sales are gaining strength. Those values are aided by lower taxes (since market affordability considers a total of Payment + taxes). If taxes are high, there is less home budget for the payment. Many of you have noticed that your taxes actually dropped 17 mils.

More efficiency in government, balanced budgets and policies promoting economic growth in our area mean less tax burden on the individual and greater community value.

Erie opportunity: As we speak, we are in talks with 2 premium grocers, a specialized sports medical center and some very fun and well know retailers, all of whom are considering investing in Erie and becoming a part of our economic and employment base. They see our commitment to quality, financial stability, excellent citizen demographics, and common sense policy as an opportunity to be part of something terrific… a future in Erie!

Optimism, innovation, quality of life and opportunity… “Your future is here” is more than a tag line, it’s a wonderful reality.

-Mayor Joe Wilson

Joe Wilson and his grandson, Wyatt

19

Paul’s Corner Spring 2012

Captivated by the View

by Paul Fiarkoski and was still not that familiar with the surroundings. Enroute to Boulder I'll never forget the first time I crested the hill on Highway 7 near the southeastern boundary of what is now Vista Ridge.

It's hard to believe that ten short years ago where kids now shoot baskets on the playground of Black Rock Elementary School, marksmen shot their rifles and handguns at targets.

I'll never forget the first time I saw Vista Ridge. There wasn't a solitary house here.

There were a few trees, but the landscape was comprised mostly of prairie grass, and a shooting range.

Before kids came along I had time to do things like go on hikes with friends. One early summer day around 1997 I made plans to meet up with a friend from work in Boulder to hike the trails at Chatauqua Park.

I had only moved to Colorado a year earlier 20 !

It was one of those days when the cool, fresh air outside beckoned to get in my car. I obliged by cranking down the windows of my 1976 VW Beetle. The slug bug did not climb hills well and the gentle slope climbing Highway 7 toward what is now Sheridan Boulevard proved to be a struggle. Needless to say, I virtually crawled over the crest of the hill.!

What lay on the other side I still remember vividly. As far as I could see from left to right stretched a band of mostly snow-covered mountains that were still nameless to me. I could only gasp at the sight. I had no camera or cell phone with which to capture the moment. I recall little else of that day but I remember telling my wife that evening about the sight with all the excitement of having witnessed an overtime Championship football game.

I consider myself an environmentalist and am traditionally opposed to urban sprawl, yet I remember wondering what a shame it was

photo by Paul Fiarkoski

that there were no homes on the slopes leading down toward County Line Road.

In 2003 my wife and I were perfectly content with our humble abode in the town of Fort Lupton about fifteen miles east and slightly north of Erie. Or so we thought. With two young girls having doubled our family size in the preceding five years, my wife and I had looked around at a few new housing developments and each time concluded we had a pretty good thing right where we were at. We even made a pact with one another that we would stop looking at other places and begin making some upgrades to the home we were in. So there we remained until the Fall of 2003.!

At some point along the way we began attending Flatirons Church in Lafayette and got to take in that jaw-dropping view I first witnessed in 1997 each week on our way to church. It never got old. One Sunday we noticed a convoy of earth movers lined up in the grassy area just north of Hwy 7, about where the 7-11 store is now. They went to work quickly and began to transform the rugged terrain into a country club like neighborhood.

One Sunday afternoon my wife arranged for a babysitter and told me we had "plans". We jumped in the car and headed off. She drove.

I had no idea where we were going. About twenty minutes later we were turning on to Mountain View Drive.

"Please keep an open mind," she pleaded. "I have something to show you."

Four model homes and three under construction homes later my frustration was obvious - to my wife and the realtor. None

of the properties she showed us were getting it done. Then she took us to "the one".!

As we meandered around another mostly finished two-car multilevel, our tour guide blabbered on about bathrooms, upgrades and all the other things realtors talk about. My wife stayed along for the tour while I excused myself to the back patio to get some air and think of more ways to say no.!

That's when I was sold - on the view. I scanned the horizon of what seemed like a 200 degree panorama of lighly dusted peaks as far as the eye could see from left to right.

My game plan changed immediately. We had to have this home! My mind went to work.

Upon meeting back up with the ladies, my interrogation of the realtor ensued. Of all the questions I peppered her with, the most urgent was, "how can we lock in this home?"

For the next couple of months, nothing else mattered to me. We had to move to Vista Ridge. And we did - on Thanksgiving Day of 2003. In the years that followed, a lot of you moved in around me. I watched as many of you went through the same process as we did.You came and stood on the place where your home would be and took pictures.You

photo by Paul Fiarkoski !

21

drove by several times a week to check on the progress. When Black Rock opened you flooded the halls to see your kids' new school. When Columbine Mine park was finished you ran through the grass with your kids and pets. Bike trails became a new transportation route for you. And you still take pictures of the western view regularly, just like me.

ABOUT PAUL:

I like to brag that I'm one of the founding members of Vista Ridge, although really I was more like a 49'r who joined the rush to get in on a good thing. And I'm glad I did. Not once have we regretted the move. We've made friends with many of you and become known by name with local merchants. Our kids have grown with your kids. We plan to retire here. And we still love the view.

Pau l mo ve d to Co lorado f ro m Nebraska over 17 years ago. When h e 's not w o r k i ng o n d i g i tal m ar ke t i ng cam p a i g n s fo r h i s employer he keeps busy with family activities, skiing and gardening. He and wife Wendi are the parents of Scottie and Caymen. The Fiarkoskis live in the row of homes bordering the Black Rock Elementary School playground. Paul also maintains a Blog and Facebook page called “Erie 411” photos by Paul Fiarkoski

Erie 411 Blog and Facebook page managed by Erie resident Paul Fiarkoski All things Erie, CO – news, events, sports and more!

!

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Fracking

acking ducation on fr e c li b u p r tions. fo nd Gas opera 011, I called a 2 il f O o r r e e v b o m e rn v conce In No oming citizen c p u g n ti r a ip c anti ty standards fo fe a s d n a l o tr Oil al con r in regulating rt stronger loc e o w p o p p u s e th to ll e a u holds d I contin ause the state nest, safest technology an c e B . s n e n iz it our c irectly betwee in the clea d a t g n e to t m h e g re u g o a s civil ven and Gas, I rium before e gas through a to d n ra a o ir m a a r g fo in g s g to Impo monitorin the wrong thin y companies. n rg e e e n b E e d v n a a h n ld wou s to the tow ry compliance d relationship o ta o n g lu r o u v o r e fo g g ra leve askin were going to e w e m ti a t a do ls. er, attain our goa d faith, howev o o g in g in rk ble wo rge an rties at the ta a p e th ll e details to fo a th d n a o s u We h s n oncern e s ard. Citizen c enough con t rw o n fo s e a v o w ther, m re e th allow us to get back toge ld u to o e w v t ti a n e th c t in n more dd to agreeme th sides. To a arties needed o p b e t fi th e , n g e in b k a ld e was p nding wou g to possibly ta in k rs e o d lo n u re e c li w b islators and more pu ernor and leg v o G r u o y, it il the instab les. above, change the ru with all of the lp e h ld n u o c oratorium m. The reaso m u ri ry to ra ra o o p m m e te nact th was I saw that a e motion to e ership which th d a e le d a e u m d re ly fo e is larg on. and there orkable soluti unanimously, w d e a s s to a e p m n o o c ti this mo behalf of all al efforts to n o re e g d in a k a m m n , e s e s had b fair to all side ent that effort y the d fi n o c s a w me brought b in ti d n a Our Board re u s s o gain a win-w  t r pre e rt h o rt ff u e F n a . rs in e rranted stakehold ow) wisely wa (n s a  w m u ri morato solution. istic that Erie m ti p o d n a n e our has tak e with which th our Board n a o p , e ty th fe f a o s d c u li meet. re pub I am pro that will ensu ndard we will n ta s o ti e lu th o s is a t a d ith... th will fin comfortable w e b n a c s n e citiz on

ils Mayor Joe W

23

The company was re-created by Craig Mintzlaff in 2007 after selling Groundzero Sports Marketing in September of 2005. Specializing in event sales and sponsorships as well as client field-marketing, Endurance Sports Marketing has added several marketing components to it’s business model allowing a larger presence within the endurance sports event industry. Our goal is to allow our clients to focus on success while we handle the execution and logistics with the utmost customer service.

WANDERLUST BEHIND THE CAMERA

BY TRISHA VENTKER Just living here in Colorado for a few weeks my family and I had the good fortune of meeting Kerry Kara. You see although I was a photographer, I needed to find a like soul that would capture the uniqueness of my family.

I could’ve set up my camera on a tripod and used a remote and taken the family shots myself, but in my opinion the results always look contrived and stiff. I called Kerry on the phone to book the session and immediately we “clicked”. She shared her infinity regarding LA as I shared my New York stories. Like kindred spirits, we laughed, discussed photography equipment and ways to help the transition from living in major cities to now living in a s u b u r b i n t h e We s t . K e r r y immediately made me feel comfortable, although looking back I must’ve been the client from hell with all the technical questions I also asked.

to say that she possesses a kind heart filled with sincerity, honesty and integrity. Wanderlust would be one word that describes her to a tee.

Her photographic art captures the soul of her subjects without them even realizing . Her energy shines through in her work and her enthusiasm is unsurpassed.

Last week Kerry and I met for lunch at Master’s Restaurant in Vista Ridge. What I thought would be only an hour meeting turned into almost four! A few glasses of wine later I found myself flipping through pages of a beautiful photo album that Kerry created for her best friend who lives i n N e w Yo r k . T h e b o o k w a s comprised of cherished memories of more than twenty years. I thought to myself, Wow, her friend is truly blessed to have Kerry in her life. It made me think that women friendships are crucial to our happiness. If you just open up your The shoot went smooth and four heart and reach out to someone years later the beautiful ethereal shot else’s you’ll find the world is not that she took of my toddler still sits such a big place after all. I hope you on my mantle. Over the last year I’ve enjoy Kerry’s interview as much as I taken the time to get to know Kerry did, and don’t forget to pour yourself on a more personal basis and have a glass of vino before you read it!

Spotlight Article

Kerry Kara 26

Spring 2012

photos by Kerry Kara and Kara Photography

TV: Tell us about yourself KK: I’ve been in the photography business for 30 years. I started with a Minolta X570. I grew up in Michigan and started taking photos at age 7.A friend of the family was a photographer and taught me how to build a pin hole camera.

TV: List 3 photographers you admire KK: Annie Leibowitz, Joe Buissink and Jerry Ghionis TV: If you werenʼt a photographer what would you like to be doing?

KK: Cinematographer. Something Iʼd still be interested in doing is to study.

TV: What is your favorite age to shoot and why?

KK: Babies. I love to see them while they grow.II love that people allow me to be part of their lives.

TV: How many children do you have?

KK: I have a daughter that I homeschool. I homeschool because of her training schedule. She is close to an Olympic level. To complete at this level it takes dedication from both the athlete and parents.

TV: What is your biggest challenge?

KK: Finding balance being a mom and a professional TV: What other professions did you dabble in?

KK: In the past I did petite print modeling and acted.

TV: What is the hardest thing you had to go through?

KK: My closest working friend, Lynn Weaver was a victim of the 2003 Santa Monica market crash. I was in shock to lose a friend so suddenly. I was touched when her daughter called me up last year and asked me to shoot her wedding this July in LA.

Kara Photography unique, individual, dynamic 720-890-8083 www.karaphotography.com

Spring 2012

27

TV: Something few people know about you KK: I始m a fabulous cook TV: Craziest job ever?

KK: I worked in a car factory in MIchigan building engine harnesses. I worked there 3 1/2 years.

TV: What inspires you?

KK: My daughter, Nikita inspires me with her raw talent in filmmaking and with her teakwondo.

TV: 3 words to describe you KK: honest, vivacious, wicked sense of humor TV: Mac or PC and why?

KK: Mac. It interpolates graphics faster without crashing TV: Have you ever lived abroad?

KK: I lived in Paris for a year while working on a book about life, travels and food experiences.

TV: When did you move to Vista Ridge?

KK: We moved here in 2006 from Valencia, California. I had a studio in Burbank. I photographed many famous people.

28

Spring 2012

Kara Photography unique, individual, dynamic 720-890-8083 www.karaphotography.com

photos by Kerry Kara and Kara Photography

Spring 2012

29

WHY I AM RUNNING? (ULH KDV KDG VXFFHVV EXW ZH KDYH D ORQJ ZD\ WR JR WR UHDOL]H RXU IXOO SRWHQWLDO , ZDQW WR KHOS OHDG RXU WRZQ WR

Elect

DWWDLQ WKDW SRWHQWLDO , EHOLHYH , KDYH WKH EDFNJURXQG H[SHULHQFH FDSDELOLW\ DQG GHWHUPLQDWLRQ WR KHOS

Robb James

2QH RI WKH FKDOOHQJHV ZLOO EH JURZLQJ RXU WRZQ ZKLOH SUHVHUYLQJ DQG LPSURYLQJ RXU TXDOLW\ RI OLIH DQG WKH WRZQ·V FKDUDFWHU , ZDQW WR PDNH VXUH RXU JRYHUQPHQW OLVWHQV YHU\ FDUHIXOO\ WR DOO IHOORZ FLWL]HQV DV ZH JURZ

WHO AM I? , OLYHG LQ &RORUDGR DV D \RXQJ ER\ DQG ZDV DEOH WR UHWXUQ WR &RORUDGR LQ 0\ ZLIH 0DVDNR DQG , ZHUH OXFN\ HQRXJK WR GLVFRYHU (ULH &RORUDGR :H FRXOG QRW LPDJLQH OLYLQJ DQ\ZKHUH HOVH , DWWHQGHG FROOHJH LQ 6RXWKHUQ &DOLIRUQLD HDUQLQJ D %DFKHORU RI 6FLHQFH GHJUHH LQ EXVLQHVV DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ ZLWK D IRFXV LQ HQWUHSUHQHXUVKLS ÀQDQFH DQG -DSDQHVH Professional Experience: %XVLQHVV 2ZQHU HPSOR\HU +LJK 7HFK VWDUWXS H[SHULHQFH 1HJRWLDWHG 0 FRQWUDFWV /HG ZRUOGZLGH ,QIUDVWUXFWXUH SURMHFWV 3URMHFW 0DQDJHPHQW %XVLQHVV SODQQLQJ EXGJHWLQJ Positive land development experience.

Erie Board of Trustees

Please Support Effort With Your Vote!

Learn more via www.James4Trustee.com.

My primary Areas of Focus will include: Represent and respect ALL Erie Citizen Interests (OHFWHG RIÀ FLDOV UHVSHFWIXO RI HDFK RWKHU DQG ORRNLQJ RXW IRU (ULH %DODQFHG DQG VXVWDLQDEOH JURZWK 6LPSOH EDODQFHG EXGJHW Develop Industry safely – Citizen Safety is Paramount 3DUWQHU ZLWK %XVLQHVV ² IRFXV RQ ´KRZ WRµ QRW ´ZK\ 1RWµ

-REV 7RZQ 5HYHQXH *URZWK – Maintain Services

www.James4Trustee.com

:H QHHG \RXU KHOS , DP UXQQLQJ WR VHUYH XV QRW WR EHQHÀW PH 3OHDVH FRQWULEXWH WR -DPHV 7UXVWHH &RPPLWWHH ZLWK D FKHFN RU YLD 3D\3DO RQ WKH www.James4Trustee.com website.

Please Contact Me to Help Make Our Town The Greatest It Can Be: RU 5REE#-DPHV 7UXVWHH FRP

YOUR

Erie Municipal

Airport Did you know...

The Erie Municipal Airport has an annual economic impact of more than

$12 million

on the local economy.* The Erie Municipal Airport annually brings in

$4.4 million

in wages and salaries to Erie.* The Erie Municipal Airport has the largest privately owned hangar complex

west of the Mississippi.

Fly Here!

Erie Municipal Airport: Bringing jobs, businesses, tax revenue and families to the Erie area. Call 303.325.7300 or go to www.eaedc.com for more information on what the Erie Municipal Airport does for Erie, Colorado.

* according to 2008 CDOT Division of Aeronautics, Colorado Economic Impact Study 2008. www.colorado-aeronautics.org

31

SPIRIT OF FLIGHT Spring 2012

Pres s Relea se A-4 SKYHAWK COMES TO SPIRIT OF FLIGHT CENTER Fighter Jet will highlight Navy’s TOPGUN program Erie, Colorado, Friday, March 15, 2012: It has been 25 years since Tom Cruise portrayed TOPGUN pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell on the big screen. In the movie, he decided to engage his instructor CDR Mike "Viper" Metcalf (played by Tom Skerritt) in a one on one dogfight. One thing the young Maverick didn’t appreciate was that “Viper” was flying a nimble Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, and in the skilled hands of the Commander Maverick got “shot down”.

The Navy now prefers the advanced F-16 Falcon over the A-4 as the “aggressor” in the Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program (TOPGUN), but at one time the A-4 reigned as the surrogate for the Russian built MiG 17 at the esteemed training course for the best of the best Navy and Marine pilots.

The Spirit of Flight Center air museum is honoring the TOPGUN program with the recent acquisition of a Douglas A-4C Skyhawk.

32

Erie, Colorado

“We have a goal at the Spirit of Flight Center to display both sides of a war” said Gordon Page, President of the Spirit of Flight Center.

“The addition of the A-4 is perfect as it would have gone up against MiG 17s like the one we have in the museum collection, but ironically the A-4 also played the part of a MiG 17 at the Navy Fighter Weapons School”.

Skyhawks were used by both the Navy and the Marines as a primary light bomber over North Vietnam during the early years of the Vietnam War and carried out some of the first air strikes by the US during the conflict. A Marine Skyhawk is believed to have dropped the last American bomb on the country and some notable naval aviators flew the Skyhawk, including Senator John McCain and Commander James Stockdale.

have seen them restore planes a lot worse than this, which is why I’m in”. ~~~ About the Spirit of Flight Center- Founded in 1998, the non-profit Spirit of Flight Center facility features over 1000 aviation artifacts at its Erie (CO) Municipal Airport facility.

Aircraft including a rare German Messerschmitt Bf-109, North American P-51 Mustang and a Russian MiG 17 fighter jet are among the collection.

The Spirit of Flight Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and uses tax deductible donations to support its mission to save aviation history.

Contact the Spirit of Flight Center at info@spiritofflight.com for more information.

“The Navy did a study in 1968 and found that the air crews were inadequately trained in air combat maneuvering, so in 1969 the TOPGUN program was formed” said Gordon Page.

“The results of the TOPGUN program were dramatic, and it continues to this day”.

The Spirit of Flight Center A-4 is an early variant that sat for years in the Arizona desert after its retirement and it now needs a lot of restoration to get it looking like it did in its prime. Museum volunteers will transform the A-4 into a TOPGUN aggressor aircraft, with a wild multi colored camouflage paint scheme that includes a small red star on the top of the tail.

“It’s going to take a lot of work and money to get it back in shape” said museum supporter Steven McCarthy. “I believe that the Spirit of Flight team can do it though as I

33

PROUDLY PRESENTS

RODS & Wings Days 2012 The Spirit of Flight Center invites you be a part of our RODS & WINGS Days. These fun gatherings lead up to the 4th Annual Spirit of Flight Day. Come join the fun!

x x x x

x x x

Saturday, May 12, 2012, 9AM-12PM- Spirit of Flight Center Car Show/Fly-In, Pancake breakfast. Prizes for best car/ motorcycle/plane. *Car registration & setup– 8:00AM Saturday, June 9, 2012, 9AM-12PM- Spirit of Flight Center Car Show/Fly-In, Pancake breakfast. Prizes for best car/ motorcycle/plane. *Car registration & setup– 8:00AM Saturday, July 14, 2012, 9AM-12PM- Spirit of Flight Center Car Show/Fly-In, Pancake breakfast. Prizes for best car/ motorcycle/plane. *Car registration & setup– 8:00AM Saturday, July 28, 2012, 10AM-4PM– 4th Annual Spirit of Flight Day. Aircraft displays and fly-bys, Car Show, WWII Veterans and Tributes, Re-enactors, Vendors, Food, Museum tours, Door Prizes, Rides. *Car registration & setup– 8:00AM Saturday, August 11, 2012, 9AM-12PM- Spirit of Flight Center Car Show/Fly-In, Pancake breakfast. Prizes for best car/ motorcycle/plane. *Car registration & setup– 8:00AM Saturday, September 8, 2012, 9AM-12PM- Spirit of Flight Center Car Show/Fly-In, Pancake breakfast. Prizes for best car/motorcycle/plane. *Car registration & setup– 8:00AM Saturday, October 6, 2012, 9AM-2PM– OKTOBERFEST! Spirit of Flight Center Car Show/Fly-In, Pancake breakfast/ Beer/Brats/Band. Prizes for best car/motorcycle/plane. *Car registration & setup– 8:00AM

Over 1000 artifacts are on display at the Spirit of Flight Center representing the past, present and future of flight. Come see history!

Event admission is $5.00 per person which includes museum tour.

(SOF Members Free-Join today!)

Bring a ROD or Exotic car and get in for FREE! *Car show participation will be limited to show quality automobiles, hot rods and motorcycles. To be ISCA judged there is a $10 registration fee which includes museum tour and entry into door prize drawings. First 20 registrations also receive a FREE pancake breakfast.

www.spiritofflight.com 2650 S. Main St., Bldg. A Erie, CO 80516 (303)460-1156 Admission- $5 per person. Spirit of Flight is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Museum, simulator, gift shop and much more. Directions– Take HWY 7 to E. County Line Rd. (Erie), go North 1/2 mile to S. Main St.. Look for the Big Green Hangar.

(Museum is on the West side of the Erie Municipal Airport).

34

35

tech n o lo g y Erie Destined to Be A “Technology” and “Next-Gen Retail” Draw

by Robb James Erie is progressing well despite

remove our many layers of

other very obvious areas that provide

the difficult economy. I have

protection as I think most Erie

Erie with an enormous advantage

personally met with several

citizens agree that we want to make

are:

development companies that are

sure we maintain our quality. If we

interested in doing big things in Erie.

remove red-tape and create flexibility

trails, recreation center, senior center,

These prospective Erie investors love

and work with prospective investors

ball park, parks, views, NCAA

Erie for many of the same reasons we

in a service oriented manner, Erie

Championship Golf Course, CU

do. We live in a picturesque location, with quality of life in the middle of

will get our fair share and we will create the revenue to maintain our

indoor golf training facility, open space and hopefully additional

everything and prime to be a draw

current amenities and hopefully add

amenities in the future such as a

for a long time to come.

more.

bicycle velodrome, skate park, ice-

During this challenging

When the economy does come

* Quality of life(Amenities) –

hockey rinks and more.

downturn, Erie must be as

back strong, Erie will be on top of

competitive as possible to get our

the pack for sure. To me, it is quite

20/20/20 referring to approximate

share so that we can find ongoing

simple as to why. Erie has not only

minutes to DIA/Boulder/Denver

revenues so that we can maintain our

found itself with more pro-economic

amenities and services. Erie has one

development leaders who want to

Surrounded by many cities and

of the tightest Uniform Development Codes in the land but to show we are

show the developers and economic development community that Erie is

towns for easy access to additional amenities and vice-versa.

hungry for investment, there is work

serious about cooperating and

to create flexibility for our

incentives. It is critical that we

luxury of having our own airport

prospective Erie investors to be able

continue to add pro-business leaders

which few cities and towns have.

to ask the Planning and Zoning

in Erie to keep our dream alive and

Erie is also located central to many

board, staff and Board of Trustees

to make sure we can maintain the

strategic interstate highways.

for slight flexibilities if they need

services and amenities we enjoy.

something badly to proceed. This

Many candidates will talk about

effort only allows the prospective Erie

economic develop but it will be

investors to ask and only ask and this is important to at least show we in

critical for our citizens to really know which ones really mean business in

Erie are willing to listen. It does not

regard to being pro-business. The

36

*Quality of life(Convenience) –

*Quality of life(Convenience) –

*Transportation – Erie enjoys the

*Abundance of affordable land available for quality development.

As an example of the growth that will materialize,

discussions and it is my belief that it will happen in time if

there is a 935 acre development by McWhinney just

we stay focused and have the right leaders leading. The

southeast of 7-11 that will run all the way to I-25. This

Town of Erie is currently working on bonds to both

development is called North Park and will feature a

beautify certain areas and to bring additional services into

‘Central Park’ along with an Applied Research Center

certain areas to make development more feasible for the

and also shopping, dining and entertainment. This

shorter-term.

Applied Research Center will attract investment by large

Even in this very difficult economy, good things are

bio-med companies that will bring executives to the area.

It is a natural fit for the executives of these companies to

happening. There is economic activity and new businesses including; CU Boulder World-Class Indoor Golf Training

look for executive hangars at the Erie Municipal Airport.

Facility, Papa John’s, Lazy Dog, New Liquor Store, New

The amenities of this development will be convenient for

Gas Station & Convenience Store on County Line Rd.,

Erie residents and the economic activity will bleed over to

New Coffee Shop in Old Town, New Wine and Paint

positively impact Erie as well.

Business in Old Town, New Gallery and Retail for Arts

Between Erie’s old town and Erie High School, Erie

Coalition of Erie and more. I know of other businesses

has recently approved a new FUNDED 2,700 home

who are growing here in Erie and who are hiring more

development that will have an array of different price

people.

points. This development will be built out over the next

My column is supposed to be more about technology

5-10 years. This Bridgewater project is privately funded which is big. There are plenty of developments across the

but I wanted to talk about the Tech Center potential in Erie and provide an update for fellow neighbors about the

Front Range that are stalled out or not happening moving

good things that are happening. I look forward to a bright

forward because of a lack of funding. This is a big win for

future here in Erie and look forward to seeing you soon.

Erie and this will bring much need rooftops to Erie that

Please, please vote in the upcoming election and please

will get the big boxes over the hump to make their bets

make sure you know who are really pro-business leaders.

and investments here in Erie. We should not take

Please share your comments with me via

Bridgewater for granted though. We must remain service

Robb@RobbCapital.com. I look forward to sharing your

oriented and help these Erie investors through the process

ideas in future columns.

and help make them successful. We need pro-business leaders to do this.

Although Erie has not attracted the primary employers yet, this will come. There have been

About Robb James Robb is married to Masako and just celebrated 10 years of marriage. Robb enjoys ‘being with Masako’, ‘being with friends and family’, technology, golf, flying, participating in the betterment of Erie, meeting new people. Professionally, Robb has helped to start several new technology companies and has helped telecom carriers build worldwide networks. Robb also started a chain of tax preparation stores which was later sold to H&R experienced in land development. More recently, Robb has focused on internet security and cybercrime, helping some of the largest cloud computing companies secure their networks.

37

www.InternetDatesFromHell.com

INTERNET DATES FROM HELL

In Development for the Big Screen optioned by Paula Wagner, Producer of “Mission: Impossible” l, ll, and IIl ISBN: 0-595-39115-X. www.Amazon.com and www.BarnesandNoble.com

1

38

&RPSUHKHQVLYH &RPSXWHU &DUH IRU \RXU +RPH RU %XVLQHVV :H 6SHFLDOL]H ,Q ,QVWDOODWLRQV 5HSDLUV 3& 7XQH XSV 'DWD 5HFRYHU\ ,QWHUQHW &RQQHFWLRQ 3UREOHPV :LUHOHVV :LUHG 1HWZRUN ,QVWDOODWLRQ DQG 6HFXULW\ 9LUXV 6S\ZDUH $GZDUH 'HWHFWLRQ DQG 5HPRYDO 2YHUKHDWLQJ /DSWRSV 6SRQWDQHRXV 6KXWGRZQV 3DUHQWDO 0RQLWRULQJ DQG &RQWHQW &RQWURO $GG RQ 3HULSKHUDO ,QVWDOODWLRQV 'DWD %DFNXS 5HFRYHU\ 6RIWZDUH ,QVWDOODWLRQ 0HPRU\ ,QVWDOODWLRQ 6\VWHP 5HVWRUDWLRQ 0HQWLRQ WKLV DG 3ULQWHU 3UREOHPV RU ´/LNHµ XV RQ )DFHERRN &XVWRP 3URJUDPPLQJ DQG JHW ( FRPPHUFH 6LWH &UHDWLRQ 2)) :HEVLWH 'HYHORSPHQW \RXU :HE +RVWLQJ ILUVW VHUYLFH 931 6HWXS DQG PXFK PRUH &DOO XV DW RU HPDLO XV DW +HOS#5RFN\0RXQWDLQ&RPSXWHU*HHN FRP

:H DUH KHUH WR KHOS \RX

5RFN\ 0RXQWDLQ &RPSXWHU *HHN LV \RXU QHLJKERU DW

ZZZ )DFHERRN FRP 5RFN\0RXQWDLQ&RPSXWHU*HHN

ZZZ 5RFN\0RXQWDLQ&RPSXWHU*HHN FRP

(ULH

39

Rent Designer Maternity Clothes FROM OUR MILLION DOLLAR CLOSET TO YOURS!

Save 20%

Discount code: VRM20

Join our online community for special savings.

More than 20 international designers Free shipping & eco-friendly cleaning More variety in your closet Never worry about changing sizes

Front Tie Mini Dress

by Maternal America

FASHIONFORWARDMATERNITY.COM Rent Your Dream Maternity Look For Less 40

41

Cloud Based Bookkeeping Solutions for Small Businesses

By Michelle Edwards, CPA It’s tax time. Which means it’s time to turn your shoebox full of receipts and bank statements into meaning information your accountant can use to prepare your tax return. Let’s face it, most small business owners do not go into business because they enjoy bookkeeping. Let’s talk about some online small business bookkeeping software options to help keep your financial records organized and relieve your bookkeeping headaches.

FreshBooks www.FreshBooks.com Cost: Free - $39.95/month FreshBooks is a great online bookkeeping solution for small business owners. They started as an invoicing/billing service so those features are top notch.

Small business owners can send professional looking invoices, set up recurring invoices and payments, receive online payments, track employees & contractors time, and have FreshBooks automatically send reminders to your slow paying customers. They can even help small business owners manage sales taxes.

FreshBooks doesn’t stop at the invoicing and billing side. They also have an expense tracking feature to help you manage your bills, checks, and expenses. To save on data entry time, they offer the ability to import your expenses

42

from your bank via a CSV or QBO file.

Best of all, it’s an online service meaning you have access to your financial information at anytime and from anywhere.

Outright www.Outright.com Cost: Free - $9.95/month Outright is a very basic online bookkeeping software that lets you organize your small business finances. Outright is perfect for Ebay and Etsy sellers who started a small business as a hobby. It’s strictly for sole proprietors and single member LLC’s with basic bookkeeping needs. A cool feature is that Outright can link directly to your Ebay, Etsy, PayPal, bank, and credit cards, allowing you to automatically import your transactions, which eliminates the hassle of data entry. Outright will also automatically categorize your transactions, saving you even more time.

Outright offers useful financial reporting tools section that even provides business owners with the ability to put their financial data into graphs for visuals on how your business is doing. Outright also helps small business owners understand taxes by helping track sales tax, tools to calculate your estimated quarterly tax payments, and tools to assist with figuring out your annual taxes.

The biggest drawback is the lack of an invoicing feature and there is no ability to track your accounts payable (bills due in the future).

Overall, Outright is a better solution than using a spreadsheet or your bank statement to track your business finances. It’s a great solution for mompreneurs and other small business owners

selling their hobbies on Ebay and Etsy. invoices online. However, they do integrate with FreshBooks, so you could always use FreshBooks for your invoicing needs, if accepting payments online is important to your business.

Overall, I think Wave Accounting offers small businesses with a great way to manage their accounting, at a very affordable price (free)!

Xero www.xero.com Cost: free trial, $19-$39/month If your business is looking for a full accounting package with lots of bells and whistles, Xero is the tool for you! They are one of the few online accounting services that really offer all the accounting tools that small and mid-sized businesses need. They offer a couple different packages, allowing their accounting services to grow with your business! As with the other services discussed above, Xero can handle your invoicing/billing functions, can track your expenses, has good financial reporting tools, offers the ability to link with your bank accounts, credit card accounts, and PayPal accounts for effortless downloading. They also can automatically code your entries, saving business owners even more time!

What sets the bar high for Xero is their additional features!

Businesses can track their fixed assets and depreciation and they also offer inventory tracking. To really customize your accounting solution, Xero has an impressive list of add-on’s. Some of the addon’s include payroll, to job tracking, to time tracking tools, to point of sale features, ecommerce, etc. Their detailed dashboard is a perfect tool for small-mid sized business owners.

You can quickly see your bank balances, receivables, and check out the bills that will be due soon.

If you’re looking for an online system to replace QuickBooks or that offers the usefulness you’re used to with QuickBooks, Xero is definitely an accounting package worth considering. Since it’s online, your software is always up-do-date and you can access your finances from any mobile device!

About the Author:

QuickBooks Online http://quickbooksonline.intuit.com/ Cost: free trial, $12.95-$63.16/month Intuit’s QuickBooks products are the most commonly used accounting solutions for small and mid-sized businesses. Intuit sells a great accounting product and offers various packages to fit the individual needs of your business. A big plus to QuickBooks Online is you can start small and then expand your packages as your business grows. Their online bookkeeping software includes all of the standard bookkeeping and accounting tools that the other services listed above offer (invoicing, expense tracking, financial reporting, dashboards, tracking sales tax, etc).

The biggest downfall to QuickBooks online is that the online banking feature is not offered with the basic package. So to get this simple tool that their competition offers, you have to upgrade to the next highest package.

Another downfall is that the Online version is not as robust as the desktop version most businesses are used to working with. However, creating software to work online is very different than the standard desktop model. I give props to Intuit for moving to the cloud and providing their users with a cloud based accounting product.

In closing, there are a lot of great online bookkeeping tools out there ready to assist with your accounting and bookkeeping needs. There are services that are designed to help with small hobby type businesses such as Ebay & Etsy sellers, to services that excel in invoicing/billing features, to services based around bank statement accounting, and services that offers a full accounting software package. Taking your bookkeeping to the clouds, provides you with the flexibility of being able to work on any device (desktop, laptop, Mac, and mobile) while also having access to your accounting information from anywhere and at anytime!

CIRCULAR 230 DISCLOSURE: Any tax information on this site is not intended or written to be used and cannot be used by a taxpayer for the purpose of (i) avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending any transaction or matter to another person. The Certified Public Accountant designation does not constitute any professional engagement between the reader and the writer and is not applied to information contained on this website.

photo by Iman Woods

Michelle Edwards, CPA is a CFO turned consultant. Her passion is helping small and mid-sized businesses with their day-to-day accounting, bookkeeping, QuickBooks, virtual CFO, payroll, and human resource headaches.

Michelle runs a next-generation firm that focuses on using technology to simplify accounting.

When she's not crunching numbers she can be found hiking, remote camping, quilting, and hanging out with her family here in Vista Ridge.

Michelle can be reached at michelle@Trailhe adAccounting.co m or 720-295-4272. www.TrailheadAc counting.com

43

© 2012 Trisha Ventker

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRISHA VENTKER

The RODS & WINGS calendar highlights aircraft, cars, and great looking gals that have attended events at the Spirit of Flight Center, a non-profit air museum located near Denver, Colorado. Your purchase of the calendar helps the museum SAVE AVIATION HISTORY .

Thank you!

About the Spirit of Flight Center - Hundreds of rare aviation items and artifacts are on display in the Spirit of Flight Center representing the past, present and future of flight. Our mission is to save and display aircraft and flight memorabilia to honor all veterans, and to educate the general public on the significance of aviation and aviation history. Come see history at the Spirit of Flight!

To order calendars, visit the website:

www.spiritofflight.com

Spirit of Flight Center 2650 S. Main St., Bldg. A ● Erie, CO 80516 (303)460-1156 Ext. 21 ● Fax (303)464-7576 44

When it comes to your to-do list,

put your future first.

Decisions made in the past may no longer be what’s best for the future. To help keep everything up to date, Edward Jones offers a complimentary financial review.

A financial review is a great opportunity to sit face to face with an Edward Jones financial advisor and develop strategies to help keep your finances in line with your short- and long-term goals.

To find out how to get your financial goals on track, call or visit today. !yyyaaannn FFF MMMaaassskkkeeewwwiiitttzzz !iiinnnaaannnccciiiaaalll AAAdddvvviiisssooorrr ...

333000000 SSS PPPuuubbbllliiiccc RRRddd UUUnnniiittt 111000444 LLLaaafffaaayyyeeetttttteee,,, CCCOOO 888000000222666 333000333-‐-‐-999222666-‐-‐-666777555444

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

45

et ark

Erie F

e r s m ’ r M a

MayOct TBA May 21 dates -Oct 22

Saturdays 8 am-1pm Corner of Briggs & Moffat

Find us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/eriecofarmersmarket http://www.eriefarmersmarket.com

HAVING MORE RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS

IS NOT THE SAME

AS HAVING MORE MONEY. When it comes to the number of retirement accounts you have, the saying “more is better” is not good to follow. In fact, if you hold multiple accounts with various brokers, it can be difficult to keep track of your investments and to see if you’re properly diversified.* At the very least, multiple accounts usually means multiple fees.

Bringing your accounts to Edward Jones could help solve all that. Plus, one statement makes it easier to see if you’re moving toward your goals. *Diversification does not guarantee a profit, nor does it protect against loss.

To learn why consolidating your retirement accounts to Edward Jones makes sense, call your local financial advisor today. www.edwardjones.com

!yyyaaannn FFF MMMaaassskkkeeewwwiiitttzzz

Member SIPC

!iiinnnaaannnccciiiaaalll AAAdddvvviiisssooorrr ...

333000000 SSS PPPuuubbbllliiiccc RRRddd UUUnnniiittt 111000444 LLLaaafffaaayyyeeetttttteee,,, CCCOOO 888000000222666 333000333-‐-‐-999222666-‐-‐-666777555444

15% OFF

Complimentary Nutrition Consultation and Body Composition Analysis

~ First Purchase Only ~

Value $125 LEARN MORE. VISIT US ONLINE AT MAXMUSCLELONGMONT.COM

ÓÓxÊ i Ê*À>ÌÌÊ Û`ÊÊUÊÊ } Ì]Ê "Ênäxä£ÊÊUÊÊ­ÎäήÊÇÇÓ 88Ê­ÈÓ ®

SPRING

FOODIE: KIDS EAT FREE

by Sherri Barksdale

Kids Eat Free! als

De g n i r p S veryone loves to eat out once in a while, but the cost of dinner out for a family can add up quickly. A typical kids’ meal costs from $5.00 to $7.00, which makes eating at home a more likely option. Smart restaurant owners know that adding a Kids Eat Free night to the regular schedule is a great way to bring families in. Several local Erie restaurants have joined the Kids Eat Free trend.

E

The Lazy Dog, located in Vista Ridge’s own Vista Village, recently began offering a Kids Eat Free night every Monday. Their menu includes typical children’s favorites such as macaroni and cheese, cheeseburgers, and chicken strips. They can choose from sides such as mandarin oranges, mashed potatoes, or fries. A child’s drink is included. You can get up to two kids meals for every one adult entrée.

50

Happy hour and appetizer items are excluded.

The Masters Restaurant at the Colorado National Golf Course offers a Kids Eat Free buffet every Wednesday night. Face painting, sundaes, and seasonal crafts often accompany the buffet.

Deli Cioso, a locally owned Mexican restaurant located in downtown Erie, will begin offering free Kids Nights on Thursday nights in January, 2012. Details are being ironed out, so call ahead for specifics rules if you plan to join them.

Some nearby restaurants also offer kids eat free nights or discounted kids’ nights. If you plan to eat out, check this list first.

About Sherri: Sherri lives in Erie, Colorado with her husband Tim and their two children. She worked in the software industry for ten years, and is currently enjoying being a full-time mom. Sherri’s passions are writing, photography, and local food. Sherri earned a B.A. in Political Science and History from Seattle Pacific University.

Mondays Buffalo Wild Wings, Larkridge Shopping Center – (303) 524-3800 On Mondays, kids’ meals are only $1.99 with the purchase of an adult entrée. A child-sized drink is included in the price.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Buffalo-Wild-Wings/169794156375215 Gunther Toody’s, Larkridge Shopping Center – (303) 451-1950. 16755 N. Washington Thornton, CO. Mondays starting at 11 am. 1 free kids entrée with the purchase of an adult entrée.

The Lazy Dog Erie - (303) 997-9886 · 3100 Vista Village Dr. Two free children’s meals with the purchase of an adult entrée. Happy hour items and appetizers are excluded.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Lazy-Dog-Erie/275482019135130?ref=ts Tuesdays Famous Dave’s, Larkridge Shopping Center, (303) 280-6227 16539 North Washington St., Broomfield, CO. Receive one free kids’ meal with the purchase of an adult entrée every Tuesday.

Wednesdays Masters Restaurant, Colorado National Golf Club, Vista Ridge. (303) 926-1723 2700 Vista Parkway.

Free kids’ buffet on Wednesday nights. One child per each adult entrée purchased. Face painting and crafts available some weeks. No reservations needed.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Colorado-National-Golf-Club/164100586946127 Thursdays Deli Cioso, Old Town Erie (303) 828-5740 605 Briggs St. Erie, CO. Free kids meals will be offered on Thursday nights beginning January 2012. Call ahead for specific information.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Deli-Cioso-Erie/160799833965335 Other Chili’s in Larkridge frequently offers free kids meals through their email club. Sign up at http:// chilis.'mta.com/forms/chilis/join.aspx?imm_cid=93-9C&inputsource=HP

51

www.facebook.com/DinnerFairy

52

Honey Bee Mine

by Chef Trusan Spring is upon us and new crops will soon be poking their tender sprouts through the soil. While we will have a few early Spring greens such as lettuce, collards and kale, we really have to transition with what remaining Winter root veggies, any meat, poultry or fish that is in the freezer and even items that were canned in the fall. One of those mainstays is honey. Come to find out, after an amazing interview with dentist and beekeeper Dr. Stace Lind DMD, DDS, honey is one of nature’s most nutritious and healing foods on the planet. Here is an excerpt* from that interview: Chef Trusan: How long have you been bee keeping?

Dr. Lind: I’ve been bee keeping for about 5 years. It’s been enjoyable.

Chef Trusan: What sparked your interest in it?

Dr. Lind: All my allergies. I had tons of allergies. I was taking Seldane, I was taking shots, taking all these meds, antihistamines. My eyes would be itchy, my nose would run, the back of my throat would get scratchy, I’d cough and I got tired of taking meds. Someone told me about pollen and how the bees when they collected everything from all the flowers, all the things that make my nose run, and they collect it in a little ball and I eat it, my body builds up antibodies within my immune system to those markers, so all of a sudden it increases my resistance and helps my tolerance. I haven’t taken allergy meds in probably five years.

Chef Trusan: Great, I didn’t realize how that worked.

Dr. Lind: Its pretty amazing when you look at it. It’s nature’s best way to build up antibodies for immunity against all the pollens in the air by letting your digestive track bring those in and to build an immunity to them. It takes about nine to fourteen days so you have to start before the season. It you try to hurry and eat some pollen the day your eyes are itchy and your nose is runny, then it’s a little bit late to build up your system.

Chef Trusan: What is the difference between store-bought honey and honey that is hand harvested?

Dr. Lind: The store bought honey is very scary. Particularly within the last few year. Actually some of it is so tainted that Sue Bee and the Federal Government had to dump 40 million dollars worth of honey that had come over from China laced with all sorts of heavy metals and elements that you don’t want in your honey. So I do not eat store bought honey. Store bought honey is what I call “Bee Syrup”. It’s not honey, its the sugars left over from all the good stuff, the pollen, the nectars and other things. When they boil or treat the honey in the way they mix it with corn syrup. They’re actually using corn syrup in about everything. And even though it says 100% honey, it is one hundred percent honey but it’s amazing how many people are getting away with saying its pure honey and they’re adding corn syrups or their boiling it or taking out the pollens or worried about any issues that people have, so it just like taking maple syrup out of the maple tree and having it processed and refined three or four times and just basically having sugar that tastes like maple. There’s a big difference. Once you try natural honey vs. store bought honey it’s hard to go back.

If you are interested in bee keeping, Dr. Lind would be happy to help you set up your hive and teach them the fundamentals of bee keeping. Dr. Lind can be reached at: Email: stacelind@msn.com Heritage Dental: 303-770-9901 *To read the interview in its entirety, go to www.trusancuisines.com and click on the “beekeeping and honey interview with Dr. Stace Lind” button.

54

Note of interest: Some famous bee keepers: Aristotle Napoleon Bonaparte Shakespeare Thomas Edison Ben Franklin Peter Fonda Steve Vai Here are some awesome early Spring recipes utilizing honey:

Honey Glazed Salmon en Papillote by

Trusan Serves 2 Ingredients: 2 8 1 1 1 2 1 1 4 1

6 – 8 oz. ea.

Ounces Large Bunch Tablespoon Sprigs Large Pinch ea.

Ounces Sheet

Wild caught Salmon fillets Local Wild Honey Vine Ripened Tomato (sliced into 1/4” slices) Spring Onions (scallions or green onions - minced) Capers Fresh Dill Lemon (zested and juiced) Sea Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper Unsalted Butter (1/2 stick) Parchment paper (18” x 26”)

Directions: Pre-heat oven to 400f. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Cut parchment paper in half so you have two 10” x 13’ pieces. Fold each piece in half and starting at the top of the creased side, cut a Valentine’s heart at the outermost edges of the paper. Repeat with the second sheet. Brush one of the heart shaped paper with the melted butter. Place 2 or three tomato slices on one half, just enough to support the salmon fillet. Add enough lemon juice to the honey to thin it out a bit, but not too drippy. Brush both sides of the salmon fillet with the lemon honey mixture. Place salmon on tomato slices. Place a sprig of dill on top of the fillet and sprinkle with half of the capers and enough onion to balance it out. Top with a pinch of lemon zest, salt and pepper. Fold the other side over the fillet and starting at the bottom point of the heart, fold and crease a small section repeating in 1 inch segments cascading folding and creasing till you reach the top of the paper. This will seal in the moisture and help steam the salmon and veggies. Repeat for the second salmon fillet.

Place on a baking sheet and set in oven for 10 min.

Serve directly out of the oven.

55

Lemon and Lavender infused Honey Pie by

Trusan

Makes 1 Pie Ingredients: Pastry: 1 3/4 1 1/4 1 1/2 1/2 -3/4

Cup Pinch teas.

Sticks Cup

All Purpose Flour (or Spelt flour) Salt Sugar Frozen Butter (cut into very small cubes) Ice Cold Water

Filling: 1 Cup 4 Large 3 Tablespoons 1 4

Tablespoon teaspoons

Honey (plus extra for glaze) Eggs (beaten) Butter (unsalted) Zest of one Lemon (plus extra for garnish) Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice Lavender Buds (plus extra for garnish)

Directions: Pre-heat oven to 325 f.

Cut butter into flour, salt and sugar until the texture is between peas and cornmeal. Add 1/2 of the very cold water and mix. Keep adding 1 Tablespoon at a time and mix just until a ball starts to form. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 min. while preparing filling.

Bring double boiler to a boil, reduce to a simmer and add honey, lemon zest and lavender buds and steep for 20 – 30 min. Strain and add the lemon juice and butter until it is melted. Slowly drizzle into beaten eggs while whisking until mixed thoroughly. Let cool to room temperature.

Roll out dough on floured surface and cover bottom of pie plate. Use a fork to perforate the bottom of the dough so it won’t bubble up.

Pour filling into the pie crust and bake for approx. 50min or until the center is set and top is golden brown. Let cool slightly.

Glaze with remaining warm honey and garnish with lemon zest and lavender buds.

Serve warm.

56

Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips by

Trusan

Serves 4 Ingredients: 1 1 1/4 2 1/2 1 ½ 1

Pound Pound Cup TBS. Cup teas. teas. teas.

Carrots Parsnips Olive Oil Melted Unsalted Butter Local Wild Honey Sea Salt Fresh Ground Pepper Chopped Fresh Thyme

Directions: Pre-heat oven to 400f. Peel and cut carrots and parsnips into coins. Toss in olive oil and spread them out over a parchment paper lined sheet pan. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and thyme and roast for 10 min. While they are roasting, whisk the melted butter in with the honey.

After they have roasted for the initial 10 min, turn them over and drizzle with the honey butter mixture. Roast for an additional 10 min. or until they are nice and golden brown and caramelized.

Serve hot.

57

Meet Chef Trusan

Trusan has been involved in the culinary world since 1984. He has worked with world-class chefs including: Karen Johnson-Kennedy (Kilgore Trout’s - Evergreen), John Schenk (J. Wms.-Denver / Evergreen), and Mark Ellman (Avalon, Maui Tacos, Penne Pasta - Maui). In addition to being owner/chef of his own café - coffee house: “A Freudian Sip”, Trusan has worked at fine dining establishments such as J.Wms, Kilgore Trout’s, Café Ronchetti, Briarwood and Basils. Currently, Trusan teaches “The Spirit of Cooking” and “Grills Gone Wild” at Colorado Free University, Denver and offers private, in-home cooking classes and personal chef services.

Trusan believes that food, "done right" is a true sensual experience that nourishes and delights the mind, body, and spirit. The main ingredients in all his dishes are Intention, Attention, and Inspiration. Trusan emphasizes inspiration, adding creative but sensible twists to traditional recipes, creating culinary delights around seasons and themes.

Above all, Trusan insists on quality - by using fresh, local, seasonal, and organic ingredients whenever possible. The outcome is always a delicious, nutritious and colorful culinary experience.

For more information, contact Trusan at: Trusan Cuisines • 303-517-6225

58

The Cows at Chick-fil-A® at Larkridge really like to Party!

We can help you with your holiday, team, birthday, or any celebration.

We cater breakfast, lunch, or dinner at your place or ours. ®

LARKRIDGE

16670 Washington Street (Hwy. 7 & I-25 Near Costco) 303-450-3322

Order online, www.chick-fil-a.com/larkridge

We have FREE WI-FI Chick-fil-A

®

cows and Chick-fil-A

®

st ylized are registered trademarks of Chick-fil-A ® Incorporated.

59

        Â

 &DWHULQJ IRU DOO RFFDVLRQV )DPLO\ IULHQGV RU EXVLQHVV JDWKHULQJV  :RN 5ROO 7HUL\DNL ZLOO KHOS \RX WR PDNH \RXU JXHVWV KDSS\ ZLWK IUHVK KHDOWK\ GHOLFLRXV IRRG IRU D YHU\ DIIRUGDEOH SULFH    )ODPH-­JULOOHG 7HUL\DNL %RZOV ZLWK VWHDP ULFH DQG IUHVK YHJJLHV *URXS &RPER 0HDOV 0RXWK :DWHULQJ 0HDO :UDSV )UHVKO\ 5ROOHG 6XVKL 7UD\V $SSHWL]HUV DQG 9HJHWDULDQ 2SWLRQV DQG 6ZHHW WUHDWV    'HQYHU %RXOGHU $XURUD  &DWHULQJ &RQWDFW 6WHYH .LQJ -­ 1RUPD .LQJ -­ Â

61

62

Call Us today or Order Online!

Earn FREE Pizza with!

PapaRewards @papajohns.com!

Follow Us on Facebook and Twitter For News and Offers!

Papa John's Pizza Erie Colorado!

@PJERIECO!

FAST DELIVERY & CARRY OUT! Mon –Thurs & Sun ! 10:00am – 9:30pm!

Friday – Saturday 10:00am – 10:30pm! !

3140 Village Vista Dr. Erie, CO U.S.A Tel: 303-604-0500!

Locally Owned and Operated!

BOOK NOOK spring edition

by Kristina Leonard I come to you this issue of vlife with recommendations of all kinds.

Up first----Young adult novelist John Green’s The Fault in our Stars introduces readers to memorable characters in cancer survivors Hazel Grace and Augustus. The two are introduced at a cancer survivors meeting and embark on a relationship that ultimately takes them to Amsterdam to locate Hazel’s favorite, but reclusive author. Their love story is by turns sweet, funny and certainly unforgettable.

Those missing the void left by Sex and the City will likely enjoy Amy Thomas’ account of her move to Paris for a dream job of writing advertising copy for Louis Vuitton in Paris, My Sweet: A Year in the City of Light (and Dark Chocolate). Be warned that the author’s sweet tooth plays a big part in her descriptions and this memoir is likely to encourage a bakery run for readers.

Like many viewers of Downton Abbey, I am also awaiting for season three to debut. Until that time, I am reading Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle by the current Countess of Carnarvon. Almina gives insight into the woman who inspired Lady Cora Crawley on the popular PBS series and more details of what life was like during the early part of the twentieth-century and is quite engrossing for lovers of non-fiction.

My last recommendation would be The Mirage by Matt Ruff, one of my favorite authors as he never really writes the same book twice. This outing finds us reading about an attack on the Twin Towers of the United Arab States on November 9th---yes, a reverse accounting of 9-11 in an alternate version of the USA. This novel is part fantasy, part mystery and wholly clever in plotting and down to the smallest detail as our protagonists unravel the mystery of it all and try to figure out which world is the mirage.

Happy spring reading to all vlife readers and please join me on Goodreads.com if you have an account.

64

About Kristina Leonard Kristina Leonard, a professor of communication and English literature, has been teaching college for 18 years. Kristina acquired a Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication; and another , a Master of Science in teaching English literature and composition. She’s also a sevenyear resident of Vista Ridge. She can be located at local coffee shops, Metropolitan State College of Denver and various bookstores in the Denver Metro area. Kristina is mom to two school aged children and is married to graphic designer, Aaron Leonard.

65

Evergreen Cottage Spa and Hair Salon

SPRING STEALS

Evergreen Cottage Spa and Hair Salon 502 W. Baseline Rd. Lafayette 303.926.0426

New Customer Specials: HOT STONE SPA PEDICURE $25 (value $35)

SHELLAC SPA MANICURE $30 (value $35) Just mention this ad! *All offers are available through April 30 , 2012 Not valid with other offers

66

OPQ@EK IKJEG=

=NP @AOECJ

MONIKA EDGAR | ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE #2%!4)6% &2!-).' '!,,%29 s -!). 34 ,/5)36),,%

www.monikaedgar.com

67

Make Room for Life F

or the majority of us,

we spend Monday-Friday giving our all to the 8–5, while trying to cram in kid’s after school commitments, put something remotely healthy on the table for dinner, and, if we’re lucky, find maybe 5 seconds for ourselves. We tell ourselves that the weekend is coming and you’ll relax then. Except that really never happens, does it? Instead, we spend the weekend shuttling kids to soccer, fighting the crowds at the grocery store, going to church, and running a host of other errands. All the time we have that nagging reminder—the house needs to be picked up before Monday.

Clutter is defined as “A collection of things lying about in an untidy mass, a muddle, a mess, disorder, untidy.” So many negative

words, no wonder we react to clutter. Let me tell you a secret. EVERYONE battles clutter.

Everyone. We’d like to believe a clutter-free utopia exists where all clutter is magically gone. It’s frustrating to spend hours cleaning house only to have it return to its original state in a few days. Clutter strains relationships and is a constant reminder that we aren’t DONE and we can’t RELAX.

“Clutter strains relationships and is a constant reminder that we aren’t DONE and we can’t RELAX.”

Are you struggling with short or longterm clutter? Shortterm clutter is things that have a home but aren’t in their home at the present moment.

Long-term clutter is things that are repeatedly left out or things that get put away when the house gets cleaned but don’t seem to ever be put away in the same place. Start in one room, gather everything that needs to be put away or doesn’t belong there and put it into four categories: 1) trash or recycle, 2) has a home and just needs to be returned, 3) doesn’t have a home and 4) doesn’t belong in the house anymore but isn’t trash (donations).

Look at your piles, the volume of each will tell you a great deal. If the majority of things

Rachel Fazio, Professional Organizer

collected are actually trash—make sure every

Contact Rachel for your in-home assessment and detailed estimate!

(303) 284–5038

www.tlorganizing.com

room had adequate trash receptacles available. If the majority of things have a home and simply need to be returned, sort the pile by room location or person responsible and put everything away.

Donations take to a local donation center.

If the majority of things fall under #3, “things that don’t have a home,” you are setting yourself up for a long-term clutter problem. For each item, you need to find a “home.” If you’ve had the iron and the ironing board in the corner of your bedroom for months instead of the laundry room, then find a home for it in your bedroom closet. Most of us tend to over strategize organization or mistake organization for perfection.

Once you designate a home for all of the items in your pile, take the items to their respective rooms.

Don’t get discouraged if the item is supposed to live in this room but there isn’t room for the item yet. As you go room by room, you’ll slowly but SURELY gain the upper hand on the clutter. Yes, this process takes time but I assure you short-term clutter is 90% faster to put away then long-term clutter. Gain some of that weekend time back by making picking up the house a snap. Are you ready to make room for life?

Introductory Offer!

20% OFF

One Session (4 Hours). Expires 3/31/12

A $55 Value

Let Your Child’s Imagination Soar!

Children entering grades one through six will be immersed in a weeklong adventure of creative problem solving. This is a chance to enhance your child’s education while they have fun this summer!

The ENVISION program is coming to: Black Rock Elementary 2000 Mountain View Blvd, Erie, CO 80516

June 11 - 15, 2012 9:00am to 3:30pm Directed by: Jodi Wills wills_jodi@svvsd.org 720.890.3995

Hands-on Science Fun

“Camp Invention changed my child’s outlook on science and learning.”

Qualified Educators

Real World Challenges

Enroll Today at www.campinvention.org or call 800.968.4332 Don’t miss out - $25 off by registering by March 30, 2012 One of the real world challenges in the ENVISION program is Magnetropolis™ Ahoy! Set sail to the magnificent island of Magnetropolis and explore the power of magnetism. Build boats, buildings and towers!

70

Hands-on Science Fun Qualified Educators Real World Challenges

Dear Parent: Want your child to satisfy their natural sense of curiosity after the school year ends? We can help!

This summer, Black Rock Elementary is hosting Camp Invention, an exciting week of science FUN for children in grades one through six!

A safe, creative outlet for children, Camp Invention allows participants to explore the unknown, tinker with ideas, and ultimately, develop their leadership and entrepreneur skill set. Your child will be building long-lasting memories while discovering solutions for real-world problems.

Camp Invention is led by local, highly-qualified educators who believe in a team environment.

This year’s ENVISION program features: Magnetropolis™ - Set sail to the magnificent island of Magnetropolis and explore the power of magnetism!

Inventeureka™ - Build your own invention that will morph into amazing, new prototypes!

I Can Invent: Balloon Burst™ – Take apart a broken machine!

Action and Adventure Games™ – Create your own new game!

As an enthusiastic advocate of hands-on learning, I am thrilled to bring this opportunity to our community.

Register today – space is limited!

Sincerely, Jodi Wills, Director wills_jodi@svvsd.org 720.890.3995

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

Enroll Today at www.campinvention.org or call 800.968.4332 Don’t miss out - $25 off by registering by March 30, 2012

Camp Invention and Invent Now are registered trademarks. ©2011 Invent Now, Inc. All rights reserved. Camp Invention is a program of the nonprofit Invent Now, Inc. Photo of family: Ingram Publishing/Thinkstock ©2011.

2012 CAMP INVENTION REGISTRATION FORM BLACK ROCK ELEMENTARY (The ENVISION Program) June 11 - 15, 2012 from 9:00am to 3:30pm

Program Code: C-CO51-13654-12

Availability is limited. Program location is subject to change. Each registrant will receive a free Camp Invention T-shirt. Base price for the 2012 Camp Invention program is $215, of which $50 is nonrefundable. Refunds are available up to three weeks prior to the start date of the program.

Promotional registration discounts are valid only for registrations received by the applicable date and cannot be used with any other discount.

Yes, please bill my credit or debit card in installments as outlined below...

Parent’s Name ________________________________________________________________________ Street Address ________________________________________________________________________ City ____________________________________ State _______________Zip ____________________ E-mail Address ________________________________________________________________________ Day Phone ________________________________ Evening Phone _____________________________ Child’s Name

Alumnus?

Gender

Yes / No

M/F

Date of Birth

Fall 2012 Grade Level

An installment payment plan is available at no additional cost if you use a credit or debit card and your registration is received on or before March 30, 2012. If you choose this option, please note that advertised discounts do not apply. A third of your program cost will be charged at the time of registration, and the remaining balance will be divided into two equal payments that will be automatically charged at approximately 30 days and 60 days after the initial deposit. All 3 payments can only be paid by credit or debit card.

Yes, I want to help economically disadvantaged children participate in Camp Invention, a program of the nonprofit Invent Now Inc. Please accept my donation of $_____________, which I understand is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Check # ___________________________________ (payable to Camp Invention; please do not send cash) Credit Card Number ____________________________________________________________________

School Child Attends ___________________________________________________________________ Special Needs _________________________________________________________________________ Does your child require an epinephrine syringe?

EARLY

Yes

No

Expiration Date _________________ Cardholder Name ______________________________________ Signature ___________________________________________________ Date ____________________

Return registration form (one for each attending child) and payment in full to: Camp Invention, 3701 Highland Park NW, North Canton, OH 44720 Register online at www.campinvention.org or via telephone at 800.968.4332 or fax your registration form to 330.849.8528

71

KIDS

IT’S TOUGH BEING A KID h

by Bet

a rba u H n n A

gh

ABOUT BETH Beth Anne Harbaugh is a mother with two boys, a preschooler who attends Red Hawk Elementary and a 3rd grader who attends Black Rock Elementary. She is an experienced Marketing and Public Relations Professional with over fifteen years of experience. In addition, she spends the rest of her time volunteering at the boys school; on their PTO Board and in their classrooms.

Throughout her career, she has been involved with all aspects of marketing, from media relations, event planning, promotions, strategic planning to creation and design of presentations, web sites and printed materials.

Before embarking on her career, Beth earned a degree in Communications and Public Relations at Rowan University in New Jersey, where she worked as an event planner for student events, including concerts, multiple MTV TV programs, prominent comedians and various festivals.

72

As a parent we all want to create the perfect childhood for our children. We imagine creating the perfect balance of family time, education, playtime and extra curricular activities. A childhood a bit better then ours, all the while, creating opportunities to develop our children’s talents to help them succeed in our overly competitive world. Lately, there has been a lot of media attention around kids, stress and over programming. Are we burning out our kids under a packed schedule of activities, play dates, homework and other obligations?

As a Mom, most days I feel like we just do not have enough hours in the day to get everything accomplished.

As soon as the end of school bell rings, we are off to the races trying to fit everything in…get the homework done…get to sports practice, scout meetings, art class and music lessons. Somewhere we fit in a quick meal and back home, bathed and in bed in time for some sleep, before the race begins anew the very next day. As a Mom I have to wonder if it leaves me frazzled and tired what does my child feel like…how many things should I have in my children’s schedule?

As I looked into information about balancing our children’s lives, I was overwhelmed with the number of books, articles and parenting blogs written about our busy children. Despite the hype about our kids being over-scheduled, new research suggests that being busy is not a cause for concern. As we all know, the activities that we involve our children in are beneficial in growing their self-esteem and social development; is beneficial physical activity; and provides training and development of their interests and talents. These benefits obviously decrease when kids are too busy and stressed. In 2006, the Society for Research in Child Development published a report finding that kids spent on average just five hours in structured activities besides school each week. Just 3 – 6 percent spent more than 20 hours a week in extracurricular activities. Definitely a concern when over scheduling happens, but it is not the reality for the majority of families.

KIDS So, if the over scheduling stress does not come from the beneficial extra activities, are our children getting too much homework? In the new era of No Child Left Behind, many more school’s curriculums contain a heavy emphasis of parental involvement through homework. As a parent, the varying homework expectations even within the same school districts can be confusing and frustrating. What role does homework play in learning? And how much is too much or too little?

Reading through various parenting and educational experts findings, homework may be useful as a way to develop study habits as well as reinforcement to facts learned in class. One rule of thumb on homework is the “10 minute” rule – 10 minutes of homework per day per grade, an estimate endorsed by the National Education Association. With younger grade level children, involvement in family activities can be just as important as homework worksheets. One exception is the importance of reading with your children at all ages. Studies continue to show that even a little time spent reading increases children’s comprehension, vocabulary, and understanding of the larger world. If your child is spending much more then the 10-minute rule on homework or is over stressed about it, do not hesitate to talk with their teacher.

The biggest concern for us parents is to watch and monitor our children’s stress level. Most importantly, for parents to remember that we are our kids’ role models. Our children inherit our worries and stress and take them on for their own.

The American Psychological Association surveyed both adults and children and found that parents underestimate the level of stress children feel and the causes of that stress. Parents worry that the children will be stressed over the number of activities they are in or how busy they are when in reality many of the children’s major worries included school and adult worries such as finances. Among the findings, the American Psychological Association found that 44% of young people say doing well in school was a source of stress; 30% worry about their family having enough money; and only 10% felt pressure over their extracurricular activities. They found in a November 2010 survey that 69% of parents say their stress has no impact on their children. Yet only 14% of children report their parent’s stress does not bother them. Our kids definitely worry about what we are worried about!

So as parents, what can we do to protect our children from stressors? Most importantly, know your children. Figure out what works best for your individual child. Some personalities with competitive and award driven traits tend to easily jump from activity to activity. However, other children may feel stressed or overwhelmed at performing or handling multiple activities. Although these structured activities can lead to beneficial outcomes, parents need to pay attention to what their child can handle and what they enjoy. Monitor your child’s interest level in the activity, and make sure that their interest in the activity surpasses your interest in them being involved in it. Listen carefully how they talk about the activity, especially to other people, like Grandma or peers. Any sign of fatigue, may be a sign that it is time to allow them a break from the activity. Kids find their way back to things they love, when we don’t push them.

Secondly, focus your expectations on your children’s own growth and enjoyment from an activity. Find a balance between all types of activities. Childhood is the time for children to experiment with all types of interests. They need to feel open to the process of “trying” new activities without the pressure of specific outcome expectations. Balance your children’s time with extracurricular activities, quality time with the family, as well as unstructured play. Imaginative, unstructured play is important in their child’s development with emotional, cognitive and social benefits. You know your own child, watch them for any changes in mood or personality. Make sure that they are enjoying their childhood!

photo by Tom Ventker © 2011

73

KIDS

Finally, Acknowledge that the world we live in is a stressful one. It is stressful for us and it is stressful for our children.

Help them develop strategies in stress management. Our children are vulnerable to all the stress. Living a balanced life and reducing stress in our kid’s life is a challenge for most of us. Our children are talented, smart beings. Supply them with the skills necessary to control their own stress and have power over creating their own calm and peaceful lives.

Be aware that change, whether positive or negative causes stress for most kids. There is very little constant in their lives.

Every year there are new teachers, different friends, new activities and interests change which in turn changes where they fit in among their peers.

Make time to relax and make sure that every member of your family schedules some downtime. Maintain a balance between free time, time to relax, as well as time for extra curricular activities and the appropriate time necessary for their educational endeavors. Monitor the stress level with activities and remember that interests change and young children need the opportunity to experience lots of different types of activities. Keep in mind that although it can zap our time, television, video games, social media sites and cell phones do not offer relaxation. Children and adults need moments of quiet and low stimulus. Quiet conversation or reading is more relaxing then Facebook or a game of Angry Birds!

Finally, show your child how to maintain a positive outlook, refocus away from their worries and methods to physically relax in moments of stress. Children will respond to the methods that we use as adults to calm down. Use affirmations or positive statements to counteract kids’ stress. A simple phrase that they can say in their head, a picture they carry in their backpack both can go a long way to calm the butterflies or fears. Teach them to create visualizations; imagining can be both fun and effective for them. Teach them to control their breathing when they are stressed. Something as simple as taking slow deep breathes can help lower a child’s anxiety and anger. Additionally, use relaxation to help your child fall asleep. Being tired or sleep deprived adds to the stress level for our children just as much as lack of sleep stresses us.

“There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again.” – Elizabeth Lawrence. As the world around us remains a constantly changing, stressful place, may I find the way to protect my children’s childhood as an enchanted place, full of happy memories. As their Mom, maybe that is the best thing I can give them.

74

DANCE DIMENSIONS 638 Main, Longmont

303-772-3750

www.DanceDimensions.NET

Full Summer Program

Classes - Workshops -Intensives

26 Years in business

p

Produced College Scholarship Winners

p

Offer expires 9-01-2012

7000 Sq Ft. Facility

p p

10% OFF Dance Apparel except shoes

Professional Child Specialists

p

$10 Off any Studio Summer Class

12 Professional Dance Instructor Specialists

p

Print this Ad& Present at time of purchase and receive

p

Offering the finest ... in Dance Education.

Produced Professional Dancers

We are also a

COMPLETE DANCE APPAREL Store

BALLET JAZZ

TAP HIP HOP Lyrical Pointe Cecchetti Ballet certification program available

All pictures are Dance Dimensions’ students.

Competitions

The Politics of Parenting

by Britta Wilder !

EVERY FOUR YEARS, whether we need it or not, I modify the platform of my parenting. I can track these personal changes with whatʼs going on nationally, governing my two off-spring in reflection of, or in reaction to, whatever failed administration is currently in charge. " For example, my daughter, Emilie, was born in 1997-- midstream Bill Clintonʼs reigning river as President-- and she learned to walk and talk to the sounds of economic growth, IPOʼs and ripening real estate values. The lessons imparted to my baby girl were simple: work hard, play fair, follow your dreams and go public. By the time her brother came along, only two years later, a formidable shift in my doctrine had occurred: Clinton was being impeached, neighboring Silicon Valley was imploding and the housing market had gone volcanic. "

My message to my son, David: work hard, play fair, learn a trade and donʼt work with interns.

" In retrospect, I am almost nostalgic for our Clinton years. Sure, it was the beginning of the middle of the end to our myopic ignorance, our national island of excess and ease, our presumed place in the world as Number One. Yet while I was teaching both kids to go Number Two, our economic situation as we know it was being flushed, a result of bad banking practices, fraud in the technology sector, an unreal real estate climate and overall false national security. "

In other words, there was no more dessert.

" “Weʼve got a new sheriff in town, and his name is George Bush,” I informed the kids one evening over a steaming bowl of porridge. "

“Thatʼs a funny name for a President,” my son said shivering in his chair.

"

“Itʼs only 2001, just wait, it gets funnier,” I shot back. “Eat up, the candleʼs about to go out...”

" We learned to adapt to our new conservative household by tightening our rope belts and singing songs of perseverance-- “I love my truck, my dog and my America”-- sharing stories ʻround the campfire in our kitchen about the good perseveranceʼ days of the auto industry and U.S. oil, apple pie and Bruce Springsteen. Then in the fall of that year both towers fell in New York-- and my lesson to my kids was clear: "“Work hard, play fair, rely on yourself and get to the airport 4 hours before your flight.” " The ensuing, anti-terrorist Bush pulpit seemed to go on forever in our house-- “are you carrying Lego in your pocket? Please remove the Lego”-- and a whole lot of twang on t.v. with little tangible proof of things getting better outside. We resorted to saddling up our proverbial horses each day in search of that elusive America in the distance, the one which promised fairness without fear, and compensation and stability in an unstable world. By 2005, neighboring schools, libraries and public institutions were shutting down, with communities on the verge of bankruptcy.

“You are seventh-generation Californians,” I told both kids with a decidedly Texan drawl, hereʼs giddy-up time to go to a land where you can git yerself some book-learninʼ.”

76

“But this

"

“Mom, how come youʼre talking like that,” my daughter asked me.

"

“Sound-byte. Bush-speak. Now saddle up.”

" Previous civilizations of parents may have sought their futures west, but we headed east to the Rocky Mountains, waiting out the cold. The lame duck administration was enabling our very own with a new “what-the-heck” spirit of ambition and adventure. Nothing could be as tight or tangled as the state where we had been, and the wide open spaces embodied our new world thinking: work hard, play fair and always have the courage to start over. " Then something extraordinary happened in my cabinet: my children started growing up. " In 2008 we watched and discussed with deep fascination the Presidential election between Republicans McCain & Palin and Democrats Obama & Biden... & Hillary Clinton. In a surreal display of the articulate versus the shot-gun ridiculous, it remained a bitter fight to the end. It was a teachable moment in the history of American politics... and in my childrenʼs lives.

Britta Wilder

" Obamaʼs victory felt as though it belonged to my son and daughter, for they had been involved and stayed connected to the process, embracing this season of ʻchangeʼ with their own thoughts and ideas. The significance of the first AfricanAmerican President--not just for them, but for all of us--gave them a clearer sense of the journey that had come before. The fact that four years later our countryʼs economic struggles endure, our health care system is barely breathing, poverty and joblessness continues unabated and our U.S. rep is globally dissed, does not take away from my childrenʼs value in staying committed to their own abilities, remaining alert to what they can do. " As we ramp up towards another election, during a complicated, critical time in our socio-economic structure, it is too soon to tell which candidate will inform my own domestic front. I do know that from my tiny oval office, I am but one mother attempting to educate and inspire my young to absorb the gifts of wisdom from each administration. Seasons come and go, some better than others, but experience is the prize you take with you. " One day, my kids will be parents with constituents of their own. The lesson is this: work hard, play fair, and no matter who is in charge of the nation, stay in charge of your own life.

77

Your Medical and Emergency Contact Info at an Emergency First Responders fingertips!

In an emergency, information is key. First Responders need to make quick, well informed decisions in high pressure situations. Without access to needed medical information, mistakes can be made. ERMedStat gives Emergency First Responders fast access to your health information in the event of an emergency.

With just a QR (Quick Response) code snap, click or phone call they can reference your health data (allergies, medications, medical conditions, emergency contact info, etc.) and make better decisions that could save your life. Members receive a keytag and wallet card with their own personal QR code and member ID#, as well as a reflective sticker for their vehicle or front door to also alert emergency responders that they are a member. The keytag comes with a removable ring, so you can easily move it from different sets of keys, shoelaces, belt loop, purse strap, jacket, etc. depending on what activity you are doing. Our first goal is to save lives, but being a member also has added benefits, such as deals from local merchants and even road side assistance. If you take advantage of these benefits, it could pay for your membership!

Memberships are only $24/year and is applicable to everyone!

Contact Angela Kearney at Angela@ermedstat.com or 720-934-0451 for more information or a demonstration on how it works.

79

FRENCHY GIRL TINY BUDGET BIG IDEAS

Being a stay at home mom and not having any income coming in other than your husband’s salary could be hard for some of us. On top of taking care of my children, I'm trying as much as possible to stay on budget for everyday life: groceries, activities, clothing, traveling etc. Here I share with you my little tricks to help keep a budget low.

My kids closet : How Many Clothes do My Kids (really) Need?

One of the hardest things to do is keep track of how many of each type of clothing a child needs. Most of that is based on personal preference, some of the decision will be based on how often you do laundry and believe me, since I've been careful with the amount of clothes they own, I'm not overflowing with massive and never-ending laundry anymore!

I have a basic system I follow as far as what they MUST each have. Of course with gifts from family, the adorable outfit that is on sales, etc. we sometimes end up with more on hand, but I do have a baseline of what needs to be available in each size for us to get through a week/ season.

BY MELANIE LACOUR

At the start of each year (or as they annoyingly outgrow things) I go down this list of what I aim for in each childʼs dresser. I also like to keep a copy of this list in my purse, noting their current clothing and shoe size, so Iʼm not guessing at what they need or buying doubles (or triples) of anything.

I usually buy clothes at consignment shops or the sale rack in stores. I'm fixing a price for each item like tops not above $8, bottoms $12, shoes $20/25. Then each year I'm going through their clothes and then off they go to the consignment store, garage sale or the thrift store for another life and couple of $ in my pocket! By the way I love the thrift stores around Halloween time, I always buy my kids costume there for few $!

How many clothes do my kids really need?

80

Spring 2012

CLOTHES LIST Babies

School Age

4 kimono shirts (side snap/tie) 2 fleece sleep sacks 6 pairs of feetie pjs 6 onsies 4 hats 12 pairs of socks 2 dozen burp cloths 5 cute “outfits” 1 pairs of crib shoes/slippers

5 pairs of jeans/pants 4 pairs of shorts/skirts 7 school shirts (half short sleeve, half long) 1 suit for boys 2 dressy dress outfits for girls 2 casual dressy outfits (cotton dresses, khakis, collared shirts, sweater vests) 4 sweatshirts/sweaters/hoodies 1 winter coat 1 jacket (try to get one that is a windbreaker and water proof) 1 fleece 10 pairs of socks 10 pairs of underwear 1 sun/baseball hat 1 winter hat 4 pairs of glove 1 scarf 4 pjs 1 bathing suit 1 pair of sneakers 1 pair of Crocs/waterproof summer sandal 1 pair of sandals 1 pair of loafers for boys 1 pair of dress shoes for girls (one pair black, on pair white) 1 pair of snow boots 1 pair of rain boots 1 pair of Flip-Flops

Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers 5 short sleeve shirts 5 long sleeve shirts 4 shorts/skirts 4 pairs of pants 3 sweatshirts/sweaters/hoodies 1 suit for boys 2 “dressy” dresses (Easter/Christmas type) for girls 2 casual dressy outfits (cotton dresses, khakis, collared shirts, sweater vests) 1 winter coat 1 jacket (try to get one that is a windbreaker and water proof) 1 fleece 10 pairs of socks 10 pairs of underwear 1 sun/baseball hat 1 winter hat 4 pairs of gloves 1 scarf 4 pjs 1 bathing suit 1 pair of sneakers 1 pair of Crocs/waterproof summer sandal 1 pair of sandals 1 pair of loafers for boys 1 pair of dress shoes for girls (one pair black or one pair white) 1 pair of snow boots 1 pair of rain boots

Spring 2012

81

Spring Break Day Trips

by Debbie Schoeneshoefer

How to get the best for your kids from Colorado

Spring Break Day Trips You don’t have to have a Summit County condo booked for Spring Break to get the best from Colorado. Of course we have an amazing Art Museum, Zoo and Museum of Nature and Science in Denver, but chances are if you have kids you frequent them pretty regularly. Have you been to these lesser known (read: less crowded), but no less important museums?

From dinosaur discoveries that gained international acclaim to interactive displays exploring the world’s most advanced atmospheric research, we have a wealth of adventures right under our noses this Spring Break!

Morrison Natural History Museum Situated in the middle of Dinosaur Ridge this museum has been made world famous with the recent discoveries made by the director of the museum: baby dinosaur tracks.

The exhibit, Fossils of the Foothills is two pronged: Dinosaurs and Ice Age Survivors.

Many exhibits are hands on – touch the world’s

82

oldest known fossils!

Friday afternoons catch Ann’s Animals in which the curator feeds and cares for the live reptiles in the Ice Age Survivors exhibit. The Museum offers complimentary tours with paid admission appropriate for those aged 4+.

Hours: Open daily at 10am. Last ticket sold at 4pm.

Tours (included in admission price and best for children age 4+) run at 10:15, 12:15, and 2:15. Check website for events calendar to avoid running into a large school group.

Admission: Seniors: $6, Adults: $7, Teens (13-17) $6, Youth (4-12) $5, 0-3 free Directions: I-70 West to C-470 to the Morrison Exit, bear West (toward mountains).Left at CO HWY 8 (third stoplight in Morrison), proceed for ½ mile; the Museum is on the right side of the highway.

Website: http://www.mnhm.org

Debbie shares her insight on museum top picks to visit during Spring break

NCAR National Center for Atmospheric Research Littleton Museum

About Debbie: Debbie Schoeneshoefer is an Erie based mother of two and a freelance writer. A Colorado native, she grew up exploring these museums, and now enjoys taking her children to them.

NCAR is where scientists from all over the world study the behavior of the atmosphere. The visitors’ center at NCAR offers three stories of weather, climate and solar exhibits – most of them interactive. There is also self-guided ¼ mile weather trail on which you can stop at 11 viewpoints to determine what s i g n i fi c a n t w e a t h e r / c l i m a t e phenomenon you are witnessing the effects of. Important enough that Boulder Valley Schools send their students here 2x within their school career, it is a Don’t Miss.

This museum is free and fabulous! It boasts two living history farms, one replicated from 1860 and one from 1890. They have historic buildings complete with livestock (cows, horses, mules, chickens, turkeys, LOTS of sheep, and come back in the summer for the pigs!). Staff and volunteers dress in period piece costume, and they have volunteer Blacksmiths who demonstrate basic blacksmithing techniques, giving the kids hands-on training, if they’d like.

Plan on spending at least half a day here, and if it’s nice, bring a picnic to Admission: Free eat by the lake.

Hours: M-F 8-5 Weekends: 9-4 Hours: Tu-Fri 8-5, Sat 10-5 Sun 1-5, closed Mon. Directions: Follow Table Mesa Drive to the top!

Admission: Free Website: www.eo.ucar.edu/visit Directions: I-25 S. to Santa Fe. Left on Santa Fe 5mi. Left on Littleton Blvd to Gallup, Right on Gallup St. 6028 So. Gallup St. Littleton Website: www.littletongov.org/ musuem

83

Editor’s Picks: Cool Kid Stuff Knit C hick www. etsy.c om

Wish bone www Limi ted B .wish ike bone desig n.com

Tumb ling B unnie www.f s atbrai ntoys .com

84

INFANT TODDLER PRESCHOOL PRE-­‐K JR. KINDERGARTEN

The Goddard School of Erie is located at the intersection of Hwy 7 and Mountain View Boulevard, across from Anthem.

For more information call (303)828-­‐5202 or visit our website at

www.goddardschool.com

85

Top Ten Reasons to Bring your Child to Ridgeview Pediatric Dentistry

10.

Dental caries (cavities) is the #1 disease of childhood, even more common than asthma!

9.

Pediatric Dentists receive extra training in childhood growth and development.

8.

The prize tower! Kids can’t wait to come back for more prizes.

7.

Our office caters to kids, from the play room to our kid friendly atmosphere.

6.

The focus is on prevention and overall health so your child has the right start for a lifetime of smiles.

5.

Norman the Dragon! Ask us about Norman’s tricks and how he can help your child understand dental hygiene.

4.

Dr. Mudd is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and has specialized training to care for children with special health care needs.

3.

Kids can see other kids having a great time at the dentist.

2.

Our office is prepared to see even the youngest child. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics is recommending that your child be seen by a dentist as soon as the first tooth erupts, or no later than one year of age.

1.

Kids are our specialty.

Contact Ridgeview Pediatric Dentistry at 303-650-0310 today to schedule your child’s appointment!

86

Stacey Wysocki

7198

303-652-7690

swysocki

2

0

1

2

S

P

R

I

N

G

E

D

I

T

I

O

N

HEALTH B Y D R . L O U C AVA L L O D C

SCREECH, SMASH! Hopefully you will never hear that sound.

But if you do, a visit to the chiropractor is the solution. The most common type of injury in a car accident is a whiplash injury.

The term whiplash is used to describe the forward then backward snapping of the spine in a car accident. As this snapping motion is occurring, the tendons, ligaments and muscle of the spine rip and tear. This is also called a sprain/strain injury. Most people feel immediate neck pain, arm pain, back pain and/or headaches immediately following their accident. For others it doesn’t occur until days or a week after. Research also shows that accidents as slow as 5-10 miles per hour can cause the most injury to the occupants. You see, if the soft tissues that were damaged do not heal properly, then scar tissue and degenerative arthritis will set in. Over time this will lead to more

pain, less range of motion, and will start to affect your daily life.

If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident it is extremely important that you see your chiropractor.

Louis Cavallo, DC Cavallo Chiropractic 1930 North Main Street Suite B Longmont, Colorado 80501 p: (303) 678-8555 www.cavallochiropractic.com

89

F I TN ES S 5 Effective Fitness Tips for Spring

by Tristan Lewis Well Spring 2012 is with us. I know that with the holidays that passed we were all slammed with plans.. But of course, following on nicely after this EVERY year is the stepping into a new year and a desire to make it the best yet for ourselves… The resolutions are set and typically these include getting in the best shape ever. Well its a new start and therefore I wanted to give you my 5 Big Tips for your 2012 covering Exercise/Workout Tips, Health Tips, Diet & nutrition Tips & Mindset Tips. So lets kick off with part A – Exercise!

Ok, there are a million different tips flying around the Internet, the gym, Facebook, your local health club and so on…

But here are 5 I feel are essential and will give you the best results if understood and used in your workouts.

TIP 1 – Its been said a thousand times (by me and others I know) but to burn the most calories you must do COMPOUND exercises. These are exercises that require multiple muscles to work together during the move. don’t get me wrong, isolation exercises where typically one muscle is worked like the bicep curl for example a re great as part of your workout but compound exercises like kettlebell swings, Thrusters, Deadlifts, Squats, Pull Ups etc etc are the ones that will have the greatest benefit on your body and fitness results.

TIP 2 – Slow down! A typical exercise should be performed with control – allowing you to work on a pattern of 2-1-3 (basically 2 seconds concentric – 1 second isometric – 3 seconds essentric) – or to put it simply lets imagine a squat move; I like to squat down to the lowest position for 3 seconds, hold at the bottom for a second then explode up but control my move to the start position for 2-3 seconds. This is controlled. If your going really fast or swinging weights then you risk injury and you cannot truly handle the weight your lifting. this applies to men and women. In fact all of these tips will.

TIP 3 – Lift what you can handle! – many times the ego gets the better of people. They lift more than they should and do more than they should also. Make sure you pick weights that make you work but don’t have you wobbling all over the gym trying to simply hold them! Once you can cope with a weight, your muscles are used to it, and your comfortable, then move up.

You’ll surpass all the people who are choosing weights for vanity and as they get injured youll be lifting and working with the weights they first struggled with…

TIP 4 – Variety. Its essential that you choose different exercises in your program (or get me or your trainer to devise workouts that mix up exercises to stimulate muscles correctly) – thus

90

helping you break through plateaus. Your body is designed to adapt to stimuli over time, if you mix up your exercises your body will keep being forced to really work and your results will be the type you really want. maintenance of your lean muscle especially during fat loss training or dieting when you desperately need to keep the lean muscle and not let it get broken down. Increase your protein levels with both a good supplement and lean meats, dairy protein and vegetable sources of protein and you’ll allow your muscles to remain protected as your metabolism controls fat loss.

TIP 5 – Whats right for one person is not always right for you.

I see a lot of people go to gyms or start workouts and they tend to see a person doing something and simply copy. I understand if no one is around to give advice or you are new to working out that this is tempting. But understand you are capable of doing all the exercises that are out there, but that does not mean you should. Get a good trainer or one of my products or workouts at my video classroom and choose a goal, choose a path for yourself and train for YOU – you’ll follow certain exercises and systems that will take you to your goal and get results, another person will follow their own goal. You must have a plan of attack and a goal when you train or all the exercises in the world will mean nothing and be a waste if there is not a plan of attack when choosing and using exercises specifically for YOU and YOUR GOALS. PART 2 Welcome to part 2 – and the 5 health tips for 2012.

These 5 will help you look at health differently and are going to be huge benefits in your new start to the new year.

F I TN ES S Tip 1 – Water consumption MUST go up, up up! Ok you’ve likely heard the old adage about around 8 X 8oz glasses of water a day? Well I think that is minimum, especially if you are working out intensely.

Your body needs water more than anything else you can put in your mouth! But so many times people don’t bother. They work out, sweat and then maybe sip a sports drink or even worse a soda or fizzy drink etc.Simply put you need to constantly hydrate.Try setting a timer as you work and every 15 mins have a sip from a big bottle of water next to you.Try to also finish the water they give you at a restaurant. it not just there for looks Tristan Lewis is a World Traveler & Fitness Pro specializing in fat loss, weight loss, six pack abs workouts, abdominal training, lean muscle gain and total body transformation for men and women who want to lose weight and lose stubborn tummy, stomach or belly fat whilst creating their new physiques.

He is the author of several fitness and fat loss guides as well as six pack abs programs that uncover the realities of core training and fat loss. www.TheFlatTummyMakeover/ www.PlugNPlaySixPackAbs.com/ www.MaverickIntensityTraining.c om/ His fat loss blogs dedicated to giving free workouts, advice, muscle training info, six pack abs workouts and fat loss help can be found at: www.TristanLewis.com/ (Female Body Makeover) www.ManVFitness.com/

Tip 2 – The old classic…Sleep. You need to sleep and its gets even more important as you get older. At least 8 hours a night will do you the most good, maybe 7. Your body repairs and recovers in sleep so make sure you give your body a chance. Also try to limit any light sources. Bright led alarm clocks or night lights can actually affect the quality of your sleep. You should try to sleep in as near to pitch black as possible.

Tip 3 – Get outside! Its a fact that in our society today most people are getting too little sun. Sun actually increases valuable and highly beneficial vitamin D in our bodies. This vitamin is a true miracle vitamin. Helping everything from weight loss to mental mood / depression etc.

Studies showed that suicide rates in Europe during winter time when it is notoriously darker earlier actually went up. So get out, allow yourself to get your skin a little pink and exposed (don’t burn of course) and reap the benefits.

suffer. Get out on dates, go do outdoors things …just do things for yourself and don’t feel guilty. You need to understand the value of relaxation for both your sanity and your healthy fit body and mind.

Tip 5 – Don’t overtrain. For an average person – if they train with the correct intensity – they can train 3-4 times a week, for around 30 minutes a time and get incredible results (with a sensible diet and also regular hydration and the right type of workouts/training) – of course you can do more if thats your thing, but I can’t hear anymore about people having no time. You make time and you find time and you commit. Its not the hardest thing in the world. At least your alive to try. So put it in properly for 3- 4 intense workouts a week and let your body rest in between.

Overtraining will affect many things from your body fat levels to your mental well being.

Cheers and now go over to www.TristanLewis.com for parts 3 & 4 and a lot more about health, fitness and Complete Human Potential.

Do it right and you’ll be on the road to being fit for life!

Cheers.

Tris

Tip 4 – Chill out. I know some people will say ‘how can I chill out? I have kids, work, a job, a list of chores a mile long….blah blah.

I’ve seen and know some of the busiest people who also live a life that seems like the most laid back and relaxed. And it all comes down to prioritising and actually telling yourself you NEED to relax and find time for yourself or your health WILL

91

the original FreeBeneath

The Original FreeBeneath * No belts to loosen or flaps to open like ordinary robes * Keeps you comfortably covered - front and back * Use it at home, the beach, spa/gym or hotel getaway * A variety of styles, sizes and colors to fit any body * Originally made for a man, but women love it too!

www.freebeneath.com

Set Yourself Free

by Kelsey Brown The Original FreeBeneath -the unique pullover robe designed for men and women has gained popularity across the country among all ages. A family owned clothing line located in Laguna Beach, CA, we designed the FreeBeneath with couples in mind. Using 100% soft cotton fabrics that we design ourselves, our pullover robes let your imagination run wild into what is truly underneath. The FreeBeneath robe reintroduces myster y and seduction back into oldfashioned romance.

After launching our line two years ago, our sales are growing rapidly and we sold

out this past Christmas. We are developing distribution of our robes on Amazon.com and QVC. In addition, we are in discussions with the Wendy Williams Show and The View to produce segments about the origination of our company.

Our robes are available right now at Thee Foxes Trot, a prominent retailer in Laguna Beach.

The Original FreeBeneath is manufactured in Los Angeles, CA - 100% USA made.

We offer a romantic gift set that includes two Original Classic robes with free shipping - we can include a 15% discount on our ecommerce website for your readers with a promotional code.

93

2012

S P R I N G

I S S U E

2012

D R . G A RY S T E V E N G AU T I E R

BY DR. GARY STEVEN GAUTIER

Quick and Easy Testing for Good Health The easiest, quickest indicator to know how healthy you are is to test the pH daily.

Your pH is a scientific scale which measures your acid and alkaline (base) rate in your blood, urine or other sections of your body. pH means “potential hydrogen� is a measure of how much hydrogen it takes to make a solution or blood neutral. In other

VIDA

94

words, it is a scientific way to measure the quality and condition of water and oxygen in your body. The pH scale is from 1 to 14, 7 being neutral and below 7 is acidic and above 7 is basic or alkaline.

Many health oriented doctors say that pH balance is one of the most important contributors to your health.

HEALTH

I would say that it is the ABCs of your good or bad health!

To understand better we can compare your body with a fish tank. You have a tank and there are fish in there. They are eating and they create waste. But they are also breathing and as they respire they create CO2, as that build up the pH drops, CO2 is acidic!

VIDA

The easiest, quickest indicator to know how healthy you are is to test the pH daily!

If you don’t correct the pH in the

joint problems, tiredness, skin

tank you will get a bunch of sick

problems, etc. All of these

fish. When you have sick fish, the

complications that occur in your

first thing you have to do is to

health really have one common root

change the water, change the

and that is the acid. So you need to

environment where they are. The

get your body back in state of

exact same principle happens in

balance, and the way to do that is,

your body, the pH is your

first of all, find out where your pH

environment.

is, so use a Testing pH paper and if

DR. GARY

This has everything to do with good you are very acidic then you want to clean up your whole body. I health because the trick is to keep highly recommend you to read the your blood and tissue balanced as the body is trying to do this constantly, but the problem is that

WWW.WEBNATURA.COM

book “Heal Thyself, Optimum

Health Forever” by Dr. Gary S. Gautier, because you will learn how to clean up your body and feed yourself properly by getting the

we keep eating very acid things

acid waste out of your body and

which make it harder for the body

keep it like that.Your health is going

to balance. The only way the body can deal with the excess acid is to

to improve with this-if you don’t have health, nothing else matters.

store it, to move it away from the

Remember, most all sickness and

blood stream. The body eliminates

disease breads in an acidic

waste through the colon or the

environment where the pH is low.

kidneys, but if you have so much

The lower it goes below 7.0, the

acid you can’t buffer it and you can’t

more acidic the pH to your blood

neutralize it so the body has a mechanism to deal with that, it’s

and tissue. If you really want to keep

called storing. It will store it as

here and feed the body properly to

fluids, in tissues, fatty tissues; it will

maintain this health.

healthy then you will need to start

store it wherever it can in order to keep the blood pH where it optimally needs to be. The results

-continued on next page

of building up acids in your body are numerous: weight gain, digestive problems, heart burn, reflux, fatigue,

95

2012

S P R I N G

I S S U E

D R . G A RY S T E V E N G AU T I E R I strongly suggest using the Testing pH paper and not the strips of plastic because the paper is easier to read when matching the color to the full spectrum chart. Also the plastic testing strips is not biodegradable meaning it is not a green product.

The correct and most ideal pH level is 7.365 which is slightly basic or alkaline.

You can test it by either dripping your urine on the pH paper or by placing some of your saliva onto the paper.

Wait 15 seconds and then match the color of this paper to the multi-colored chart on the box. The ideal color should be between dark green and blue which indicates 7.2/7.3/7.4. The best time to test is first thing in the morning before you eat or drink anything. This will give you your best and most accurate testing.

Remember that your urine is more acidic than your saliva, so 6.75 to 7.25 (medium to darker green) are more optimal, whereas the saliva should be optimal at 7.0 or 7.5 on the color strip.

You can have your doctor or lab test your pH as well, but make sure it is done first thing in the morning prior to eating or drinking anything; otherwise it is insignificant. I strongly suggest using urine on the strip, as it is a more accurate test, particularly if your mouth is compromised by excess acid from oral infections or excessive bacteria you may be unaware of. Do not rinse out mouth prior to taking test!

96

For questions or information you can reach Dr. Gary Steven Gautier at www.webnatura.com.You can receive free gifts or register for free Health & Wellness Retreat now by leaving your name and email address at the above website. To order pH testing kit you may go to: www.One4health.com

2012

Be sure to "Like" New Living Magazine to be entered into a FREE 3 DAY/4 NIGHT WELLNESS RETREAT in COSTA RICA. Facebook.com/newlivingmagazine Then go to www.webnatura.com and simply click onto “subscribe to newsletter� and register your name and email address; You can opt out of the newsletter at any time. This does not disqualify you to be entered into the give-away.

One winner will be picked on March 15th 2012 and will receive an all-inclusive free 4 day/3 nights stay at Vida Health & Wellness Retreat in beautiful TIROL CHALET HOTEL in Heredia, Costa Rica.

This will include hotel accommodations, classes, therapy and all trainings necessary for your specific conditions, including all the foods, juices and necessary supplements and natural resources. You will be responsible for your airfare to and from Costa Rica airport in San Jose however, you will be met by a courier for free transportation to and from the airport.

Once a winner is chosen, the winner will fill out a FREE EVALUATION ASSESSMENT at www.webnatura.com. Good Luck!

97

the power of physical activity The next time you finish your workout, think about how good you feel. Many people have trouble getting started, but once they finish, they feel terrific, partly due to endorphins, those feel-good brain chemicals.

Has Your New Year’s Resolution Taken a Back Seat?

by Cori Ehrhart This time of year, New Year’s Resolutions are often failed attempts at fad diets, broken promises, and exercise regimens that fizzled out.

What better time than springtime to reignite your fitness goals? Longer days and warmer weather provide the perfect motivation. You don't have to be training for a marathon; you just need to be getting at least 30 minutes of exercise 2 to 3 days per week. Let springtime's rejuvenation inspire you to break down those barriers and finally make fitness a way of life.

The Power of Physical Activity Regular physical activity improves your mood, enhances the quality of your life, helps you burn off stress -and, most important, it strengthens your body while it burns calories.

Physical activity helps your body work the way it is supposed to.

Even simple walking is a good, weight-bearing exercise that helps keep muscles -- including your heart -- strong.

98

When you add music to your workout you may impress your friends with your improved verbal skills. A recent study published in the journal Heart and Lung found that patients felt better mentally and emotionally after a regular workout and when they added music to their workouts, they doubled their scores on verbal tests.

Evidence suggests that physical activity improves mental ability in people with heart disease, and that music enhances brainpower. And the combination of music and exercise was found to be more stimulating to the brain than exercise alone. So put your favorite playlist on and realize the benefits!

'I Hate Exercise' I can't tell you how many times I have heard people say that. If those words have crossed your lips, most likely what you hate is not the exercise itself, but the chore of having to do it. Let's face it, no one likes chores.

Instead of viewing exercise as a chore, replace the word exercise with physical activity. Now consider all the things that qualify as physical activity -- from walking and gardening to swimming, bike riding, tennis (my personal favorite), dancing! This mindset will make it much easier to find activities that you enjoy, and exercise won't feel

like a chore if you are enjoying yourself.

Make a Commitment One of the best strategies for making activity a habit is to commit to a program -- or to a friend.

Knowing that your walking partner is on the corner waiting for you at 7 a.m. is a great motivator to get out of bed. Likewise, if you sign up for a class or buy a gym membership, you are making both a personal and financial commitment. When you know someone is counting on you, it's easier to stay motivated. .

Take the Wellness Week Pledge Wellness Week sponsored by SpaFinder.com is March 19-24th, 2012. During this week, you can take the Wellness Pledge to improve your life and increase your activity level. Find amazing deals on spa treatments, massage, yoga and fitness classes from local businesses in your area.

Synergy Fitness Studio located in Louisville, Colorado is participating in this national event. Visit the Wellness Week website at for more information and huge savings on classes and spa services offered at Synergy Fitness Studio http:// www.spafinder.com/Spa/25118Synergy-Fitness-Studio.

The Latin-­inspired, easy-­to-­follow, calorie-­burning, dance fitness-­SDUW\

Zumba Fitness® Zumba Circuit® ZumbAtomic® Hip-­Hop Yoga 159 McCaslin Blvd.

Louisville, CO 80027 720-­203-­0395 www.synergyfitnessonline.net

Zumba Toning® Zumba RUSH® Belly Dance Salsa and Merengue

Special Offer: 5 Classes for $35.00 Valid on Initial purchase only.

Classes must be used within 45 days.

Visit the studio for an Open House on Saturday, March 24th from 8am to 2pm for free classes and services, promotions and giveaways.

Cori Ehrhart Owner, Synergy Fitness Studio Certified Zumba Fitness Instructor

Cori Ehrhart is the owner of Synergy Fitness Studio which is located at 159 McCaslin Blvd. Louisville.

720.203.0395 www.synergyfitnessonline.net photo on previous page by Trisha Ventker © 2011

99

TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT The Netherlands Nederlande Ho"and

by Tom Ventker Holland is the most western part of the Netherlands, consisting of two provinces, South and North Holland. (you can see in the enlarged map above) These provinces have been the most important provinces since the 17th and 18th century, the seat of government is located there, most people live there, most businesses are located there which means it's also the richest part of the Netherlands.

For most visitors this is also the only part they visit, so Holland became a substitute for the Netherlands. People from these two provinces like to say they are from Holland, but not all Dutch people are Hollanders. Also bear in mind that people who live in the northern, southern or eastern most provinces might be oended if they are referred to as Hollanders. They are not. This would be the same as referring to a Brit as an Englishman, or to an American as a New Yorker.

This is something you might want to bear in mind when you talk to a Dutchman, to be safe you could refer to the countr y as The Netherlands. That way you're never wrong.

Three places that I would not miss, and Trish and I didn’t when we spent a week there about 7 ! years ago, are Amsterdam, Kinderdjik, and Keukenhof.

photo by Trisha Ventker

photos by Trisha Ventker

Amsterdam Amsterdam is a laboratory of progressive living, bottled inside Europe's most 17th-century city. Like Venice, this city is a patchwork quilt of canal-bordered islands, anchored upon millions of wooden pilings. But unlike its dwelling-in-the-past cousin, Amsterdam sees itself as a city of the future, built on good living, cozy cafĂŠs, great art, street-corner jazz...and a spirit of live-and-let-live.

Amsterdam's 700,000 residents own an equal number of bikes. Holland's 16 million people own 16 million bikes (many people own two a long-distance racing bike and an in-city bike, often deliberately kept in poor maintenance so it's less enticing to the many bike thieves). The Dutch appreciate the eďŹƒciency of a self-propelled machine that travels five times faster than walking, without pollution, noise, parking problems, or high fuel costs. On a fiets (bicycle), a speedy local can traverse the historic center in 10 minutes. Pedestrians also enjoy the quiet of a peoplefriendly town where bikes outnumber cars.

Another way to see the city is by boat: Amsterdam has more canals than Venice. Amsterdam's canals tamed the flow of the Amstel River, creating pockets of dry land to build on. The city's 100 canals are about 10 feet deep, crossed by some 1,200 bridges, fringed with 100,000 Dutch elm and lime trees, and bedecked with 2,000 houseboats.

Kinderdjik Kinderdjik is a small village at a distance of only 16 kilometers from Rotterdam and a little bit less than 10 kilometers from the city border of the oldest city in Holland, Dordrecht. Never the less, it is the unique village of 19 windmills dating back to the 1500’s. It is not the place that most tourists visit or are sent to by travel companies. !

This is a must visit when vacationing in the Netherlands.

101

photos by Trisha Ventker

Keukenhof That’s the place to see spring blossom. The park is unique, world famous, and has been one of the most popular destinations in the Netherlands for sixty years now. Haven’t seen Keukenhof ? Then you haven’t seen the Netherlands. You won’t find such an abundance of colors and fragrances anywhere else. More than seven million flowers form a glorious decor for the most beautiful photos. Come to Keukenhof and enjoy the ultimate spring feeling, the wonderful works of art, the surprising inspiration gardens and the many flower shows.

It is easy to spend an entire day in the gardens. Anything less and you miss a lot. Even with all of the hordes of visitors given the special occasion, the gardens are so large you do not notice all of the people. It is an amazing site with all the different varieties and colors of tulips in an extremely well manicured setting.

!

102

photos by Trisha Ventker

3

104



  

     WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CHELSEAAVENUE WWW.SHOPCHELSEAAVENUE.COM

/ ™

%&&

KDQG VWDPSHG FXVWRP VLPSOH XQLTXH

4QFDJBMJ[JOH JO DVTUPN IBOE D SBGUFE KFXFMSZ %FTJH O TPNFUIJOH GP S ZPVS TQFDJBM TPNFPO F

Danica is available for makeup instruction, tv, film and print. 720.939.3650 DANICA@MAKE-UPENVY.COM WWW.DANICAJARDIEN.COM

107

STYLE WITH RACHEL

LEFORT

About Rachel Fashion Stylist and Designer, Rachel Lefort, brings the world of fashion straight to the BoulderDenver area, where she works closely with her clients to carefully craft the right look for their lifestyle.

After more than 15 years studying and working in the global fashion industry of New York, London, Hong Kong and Paris, Rachel moved to Colorado where she decided to channel all of her experience into a new venture: Personal Fashion Styling. Rachel’s business is designed to help individuals define their own distinctive image and style, and re-create their look in order to achieve this desired image. Rachel’s approach is positive and sincere, sensitive and honest.

Rachel truly enjoys helping to empower her clients with the self-confidence that comes with a new look, an individual style, and an enhanced, organized and stylish wardrobe.

photo Š Trisha Ventker 2012

109

FRESHEN YOUR WINTER WARDROBE

BY RACHEL LEFORT

With the remnants of winter stubbornly refusing to yield completely to spring, March brings high spring f e v e r a m p l i fi e d b y deceptively sunny days that are still too chilly to forgo a jacket.

Fortunately, just because you can’t put away the sweaters and boots quite yet doesn’t mean you can’t punctuate your winter wardrobe with a pop of spring to stick it to the last weeks of cold.

110

This season’s brights may seem intimidating, but done the right way, they provide a great way to refresh your winter wardrobe. Spring is also an ideal time to introduce color into a wardrobe full of neutral black, navy, gray and camel – after all, whether in a vibrant print top, a cherry leather jacket or simply a bright scarf, the splashes of color will go with everything you already own.

111

Starting small. For those still wary of spring’s sorbet and primary hues, bright accessories pack a lot of punch on a monochromatic outfit. You can keep it classic with a scarf knotted around your neck or a cuff in cherry red against a neutral backdrop. A bright handbag, belt or shoe also has the same effect. For the more adventurous, pair a coral bib necklace with a top in a contrasting color, like aqua, or pick up a pair of leather driving gloves in deep teal. Whatever you choose, accessories prove that good things do come in small packages.

Also consider the option of making bold colorblocked or patterned shoes your main statement. With a monochromatic or otherwise neutral outfit, bright shoes have an impact much bigger than their size. Draw attention to them by cuffing your jeans or wearing them with your favorite mid-length skirt.

Stepping out. If the promise of spring has inspired a bold, carefree attitude in you, don’t feel constrained to accessories for your fix of color. Swap out the traditional shell under your work blazer for a breezy chiffon blouse in candy-dish hues, or set off a classic camel pencil skirt with a luxe teal bow-neck top. For all things leisure, a leather jacket in cheerful red makes a great weekend staple, and you can rework your favorite navy cardigan and jeans by pairing them with a casual aqua spring-weight sweater.

The final touches. One key to pulling off this season’s brightest trend is to keep the silhouettes classic – there’s enough going on in the material. As for shoes, your favorite black pumps will prove reliable once again, but nude and metallic shoes also play extremely well with saturated hues – and the same goes for handbags and belts. (And given a few weeks, you’ll no longer have to worry about splashing slush on light-colored shoes.) Jewelry, if worn at all, should be kept simple to avoid competing, unless the jewelry itself is your statement.

Finally, as with any trend, know what works for you, both in terms of colors and silhouettes. Don’t be afraid to say no to bright yellow! And don’t buy anything that isn’t distinctly “you”.

To shop the items shown, please view my blog The Lefort Style Report: http:// lefortstylereport.wordpress.com/. And please subscribe for monthly style tips

112

Erie 411 Blog and Facebook page managed by Erie resident Paul Fiarkoski All things Erie, CO – news, events, sports and more!

113

BEAUTY:CLEAN AND HEALTHY SKIN

by Danica Jardien You may think this post will mention facial cleansers and cleansing techniques, but I am going to work from within! Yes, I do mention having a clean diet every other post, but this is something that I strongly believe in.

Working for cosmetics companies for years and years I would come across women daily that were looking for that miracle cream or product that would make the clock turn back it's time, but the truth is that most products don't make the biggest difference that you can make with your skin. While products are applied on the skin

114

and the skin does absorb ingredients into the bloodstream, you cannot make a dramatic change to your skin with products. The best way to maintain clean and healthy skin is through a healthy diet consisting of whole foods while avoiding processed foods and eat organic when possible.

You want to create an even and natural skin tone, a pop of color on the cheeks, a little mascara to brighten the eyes and a sheer lip

color to finish the lips. This is your makeup look at it’s most natural.

I was just having this conversation with my husband about organic produce (we have this conversation a lot!!) and how it is not more mainstream to not consume chemicals and pesticides. Why can't organic food be more affordable so everyone can afford it?! on, but food in it's m Anyway, I can go on and mascara andeating lip gloss/ most basic form is best for your body. conditioner. so your makeup can stand out in the dim lights. ThisInisfact, the time toheard You want to create an even I just this quote, “As the eyes and are the add a little drama to your look! natural skin tone, a pop of color mirror to one’s soul, the skin is the mirror to one’s on the cheeks, a little mascara to digestive tract.” Cleaning up your digestive tract brighten the eyes and a sheer lip tends to clean up quite a few skin problems as well. I color to finish the lips. This is love it! your makeup look at it’s most natural.

When the skin is congested and problematic, then most likely your digestive tract is in the same condition. An example of a clean diet is filled with fruits, vegetables and whole foods and grains. Avoid foods like, caffeine, alcohol, processed and refined foods. Like I have said many times, shop on the outside of the grocery store and avoid the middle where the processed foods are sold. There is a blog that I have just began following and I am obsessed! It is www.elanaspantry.com. The recipes may not be for everyone, but she uses almond flour in many of her recipes which is low card and high protein and of course gluten free. Check it out for very simple and easy recipes! Also, Gwenyth Paltrow has a great blog, www.goop.com which gives details about a clean lifestyle filled with food, clothes, entertainment, etc.

I like to post about food and health often, so I can women do not remind women to not get so caught up in the millions need to own hundreds of dollars of products out there on the market and to focus on worth of makeup or dozens or your skin from within. products and tools to create a flawless look for day or night time.Good health to everyone! Ciao!

Danica is available for makeup

The 5 Minute Face The basics for a 5 minute face include concealer, powder, blush,

i n s t r u c t i o n , t v, fi l m a n d p r i n t .

720.939.3650 DANICA@MAKE-UPENVY.COM WWW.DANICAJARDIEN.COM

115

De M a j S a l o n & S p a

Come in today for 20% off Any Hair or Nail Ser vice Must mention this ad to receive discount

3140 Village Vista Dr Suite 103 Erie, CO 80516

303-665-2700 www.demajsalon.com demaj_salon@mac.com

L o r e m i p s um d o l o r s i t a me t What are the benefits of wearing lash extensions?

Most women choose Lash extensions to lengthen their natural lashes while others want their lashes to look fuller. Extensions can create a younger appearance on many clients. These semi-permanent eyelash extensions create the appearance of a brighter, more open and rested eye, thereby creating a more youthful and rejuvenated look.

Above all the main advantage of lash extensions is how much time you can save during your beauty regimen. Extensions allow you to spend less time with makeup; mascara is certainly no longer necessary. The added benefit is that they look beautiful morning and night, all day, every day. Say goodbye to the application of mascara, stained tears and mascara masks around the eyes. With lash extensions you can look and feel gorgeous from the moment you wake up until the moment you Your main investment in Xtreme Lashes is the initial set. Once your initial set has been applied, maintenance (Relashing every 2 to 4 weeks) is nominal in cost by beauty industry standards.

When comparing prices of eyelash extension services, keep in mind that Xtreme Lashes is at the top in the world of eyelash extensions. Aly is recognized as one of the top lash stylists in the country. Both Aly and Mandy's lash talent are sought after by everyday women and beauty industry insiders alike. There prices are comparable to those charged by other lash stylists with similar credentials across the country.

Book your appointment in the months of March and April receive $25.00 your initial FULL SET mention ad www.lashenvyinc.com

before

after

117

spring 2012

FASHIONQUARTERLY

by Georgez Dabit

Photo by: Gavin Atkin Copyright © 2011

Freedom Of All Fashion

Denver’s Trendiest Fashionista, With a Bit of Erie!

Intro The rise of fashion is growing more and more in Colorado each day. I keep getting event requests on Facebook.com for fashion shows and fashion benefits all around the Colorado area. It’s exciting to finally see fashion being forced into Colorado. Old trends are coming back into style, and most importantly, they keep arriving on Colorado doors!

My Style Today!

It’s quit exciting to see some old trends come back into style.

For example, the 60s look is very “in” right now. I’ve found myself shopping online looking for the perfect vintage look for the New Year. I’ve discovered the most amazing sunglasses that really explain my style on a whole new level. I call them, “my circles.”

These 60s styled sunglasses inspire me to wear vintage entire when stepping foot outside. I can’t help

it! I love vintage looks, and sometimes, my friends make fun of me because I pick out “older looking clothes.”

Photography By: Georgez Dabit

1

Fashionistas: Someone who expresses their fashion sense with world. A fashionista usually follows top trends and top fashion icons. Many fashionistas like to express themselves by looking different. Famous fashionistas to consider: Lady Gaga, Heidi Klum, and Tyra Banks.

118

2

Smize: The concept of smize or smizing is to smile with your eyes. This term was created by fashion supermodel and expert, Tyra Banks.

FASHIONQUARTERLYSPRING2012

Random Expression The question is, does fashion really ever die? I would have to say, no. It doesn’t matter what era we’re in, looks and styles always come back, even if they only last a few months. Many people find it hard to believe that fashion is also an art. One can interpret it differently, but at the end of the day, it’s still art. Like art, fashion has its ups and downs. We sometimes find ourselves amused by what people wear, and other times we are simply disgusted by the trends we see. For instants, I find it dreadful when I see 12 year old girls wearing long hats that have animal heads on them. I think it’s very tacky and it takes away attention from your outfit and your face.

Although I’ve seen some fierce ones online; I’m yet to see them turn more couture in years to come. Like these young girls, I get many stares when I go out for my unique style. I always go over-the-top with my ensemble of clothes.

Freedom of All Fashion In America, freedom of speech is a right.

Well, I want to start Freedom of All Fashion Day. Freedom of All Fashion Day will be a day where people can absolutely wear whatever they want

without getting harassed about it. I want it to support bullying in schools and many other non-profit benefits all around the world. I truly think it’s important to let kids express themselves (even if they’re wearing animal hats), in order for them to grow. This country has so many issues with bullying that kids sometimes wear certain clothes so they won’t be teased. With kids, there doesn’t need to be an elite crowd, they’re just kids. I find it funny when parents doll up their kids, because in the end, is that really what the kid wants? Let there be a Freedom of All Fashion Day soon!

DenVhere Magazine News: Visit www.denvheremag.com or check us out on Facebook.com by searching: DenVhere Magazine to see more!

There you can get on our FREE subscription list by entering your email!

[Picture of October’s issue] Cover Photography By: Gavin Atkin

Photos by: Gavin Atkin Copyright © 2011

119

DenVhere Magazine-New Fashion Magazine in Colorado " DenVhere Magazine is a new fashion magazine started in Colorado that strives to be your number one resource when it comes to local fashion. Our goal is to share with a large and diverse audience our experiences and philosophies when it comes to the subject of fashion. Not only do we emphasize on the subject of fashion, but we include health and art topics, as well as local fashion events occurring around the Denver area. Editor-in-Chief, Georgez Dabit, was inspired for the title of the magazine from the city of Denver and in the interest of making it into something more chic and fashionable, came the name DenVhere.

View past and current issues of DenVhere Magazine at www.denvheremag.com.

To contact us for questions or to be added onto our email list, you can reach us at questions@denvheremag.com.

To sponsor/advertise DenVhere Magazine, contact Georgez Dabit at editorgeorgez@denvheremag.com. “Like� us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DenVhereMagazine and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DenVheremag.

Photography on this page

by Gavin Atkin

120

times are changing

by Danny & Jen Hoeft

Get off the fence buyers…times are changing.

Yes, you read that right. Buyers are missing out on houses left and right in today’s market. Properties are getting swept off the market faster than we’ve seen in years! It would be premature to say we are nearing a seller’s market, but inventory is low. Just a few years ago, we had over 30,000 homes on the market in the Metro Denver area. Currently there are just over 10,000 homes for sale in Metro Denver…that is the fewest number of homes on the market I’ve seen in my entire real estate career! Inventory is down 40% from this time last year. I’m not sure when you took your last Economics 101 class…but remember this basic principle… low supply; high demand, price does what??? It goes up! The Denver real estate rebound could be on its way!

Bank properties are getting multiple offers and driving up prices. Even with non-distressed sale properties I find that many of my clients find a home they want to go see, and by Saturday- its’ already under contract. Today’s seller, whether they are a bank or private individual, is being coached and directed to become a savvy seller. From professional staging to following tips on HGTV-Even foreclosures most often go on the market completely cleaned up, gleaming with new paint and carpet. Some banks will even pay for a buyer’s loan closing fees and certain loan programs are available with a mere 3% down payment to further entice today’s buyers.

In many cases, it’s cheaper to buy than rent! I had a client relocate to Colorado last month. His initial plan was to rent a home for 6-12 months to get a feel for the area, until he realized he would be paying far more to rent a property than if he bought a wonderful new house in Erie. He and his family were so excited to see what their buying potential looked like with a fixed 4% interest rate.

Rental rates are high right now and there are not a ton of options for families looking to rent.

Food for thought: with interest rates so low, and rental properties in high demand- have you considered investing in real estate? We own 8 rental properties and have been through quite a few situations that are good and bad in the past 12 years. We can help give you the tips to make a rental property a great thing. We have just about every contractor you would need for any situation you run across when managing your investment property.

Think how it can help pay for your child’s college tuition with a property where the tenant would pay off your mortgage. Or, keep the home you currently own as a rental and move up in to a new home where your payment might stay the same or be lower with rates today. It is a lot easier to buy a new “primary residence” (3.5% or 5% down) than it is to buy an investment property (20% - 25% down).

Call Danny and Jen today to discuss how we can help you take advantage of the bottom of market, or how to get started with buying an investment property. It doesn’t cost you anything to talk. I once heard a wise business man say, “The only way to know you’ve hit the bottom of the real estate market, is when you see it in your rear view mirror.” That day could be sooner than later!

122

COLUMBINE CLEANING SERVICES Insured & Bonded "We cater to your needs."

Complete Professional, Residential & Business Cleaning Maree C. M. Albright - Owner serving your community over 30 yrs.

P.O. Box 605 Louisville,Co. 80027 Days (303) 595-1596 / Evenings (303) 666-7123 maree_albright@msn.com

123

124

Landscape and Design

spring 2012

About Dave: Dave White, Owner/Designer, started Glacier View Landscape & Design, Inc. in 2008 and has been a Boulder County Colorado resident for 29 years. Dave has 20 years experience in the landscape and nursery industries both in north Florida and Colorado and was a landscape foreman for 10+ years in Boulder with two different reputable upscale landscape firms prior to opening Glacier View. His background includes a BA in Physical Geography from CU and an MA in Earth Science from the University of N. Colorado. Combining a wealth of horticultural and climatalogical knowledge along Colorado's Front Range and a specialization in natural stone walls, patios and walkways, Dave can bring together all the elements to create unique and inviting outdoor living spaces.

Photos on this page courtesy of Dave White

Spring Landscape Suggestions

by Dave White Here are a few ideas to get your landscape into full bloom soon. The weather on the Front Range has finally warmed a bit and it seems the snows are gone for now. It is time to get out there and make some assessments about what you would like to accomplish in your landscape this season.

Now consider what projects you would like to accomplish. Prepare a mental budget before calling your landscape professional. Invite them out and go over what you would like done. They will prepare a bid for you at no charge. By starting early in the spring, you can reap the benefits of a rejuvenated landscape for the whole season to come. If you have established planting beds, consider having the professional install a “top dressing” of new mulch.

Mulch deteriorates over time and some will have blown away depending on the bed’s exposure to the wind. Once perennials have leafed out, you may want to add more if some have died. Fill in areas that were sparse on color and ask your landscape professional for suggestions to complement the blooming times of specific species already in place.

Consider planting a new tree or two this year. It’s good for our air, the planet, and can help offset

cooling costs to your home if positioned appropriately.

Irrigation systems need to be started up now.

Inevitably, some damage or breakage of heads or lines may have occurred. Repairs are usually quick and simple for systems that were working fine the fall before, but must be addressed since any leakage that goes unnoticed might mean a heavy water bill next month. Be sure to examine all drip emitters at each plant with the system is running to make sure that they have not become plugged or have popped out. Plugged emitters usually go unnoticed until the plant they are watering dies. Emitters that have popped out are easily noticed as the water will come out of the hole at high pressure and be obvious by the sounds they make.A few simple steps early this spring can mean carefree enjoyment of your landscape all summer long. Remember to call Glacier View Landscape & Design, Inc. for all your landscape needs.

Take a walk around your property and look for any damaged trees and shrubs. The winds this winter wreaked havoc on lots of plants. As plants begin to leaf out you will notice some have “winter kill”. It is areas of the plant, usually shrubs, generally on the ends of each branch, that died back over the winter.

You can prune those out as soon as the plant has leafed out. Perennials should be cut back before they start to sprout new growth. It is much easier than trying to keep from damaging tender shoots while cutting things back. Remove any dead limbs from trees using a saw or loppers. For larger branches, have a professional do the work. Clean out any leaves that have blown into beds after your fall cleanup…you did do the fall cleanup right? If not, you may have more work ahead of you than you think!

125

303-‐775-‐9553

Helping transform your home with complete basement finishes, custom built-‐ins, hand built cabinetry, custom decks, and room remodels.

Owner Tim Gurule personally works hands on with you to design and create the perfect project to meet your budget.

FREE Estimates 303-‐775-‐9553 timothygurule@gmail.com

www.thgconstruction.biz

!

Time for a Fresh New Look ?

!

!

Call Your Vista Ridge Painter

303-905-0455

Fully Insured – Prompt Free Estimates

A New View

Painting

LLC

127

Spring

by James Blatter

The frustrating dull light, Each day I look, For a sign, something Beyond the calendar, That this dull season is over I walk daily, Hopeful Then I spot it, A spot of jade pushing through Tulip leaves, I turn and look My smile Drives off the dark Warms the sky, Today I see buds, blades Spring has arrived.

About James

poetr y published in the The American Poetry Review, The Jabberwock Review, and The Red Rock Review. His firs e-book of verse, “Lost Frontiers & Forgotten Trains�, is available at Amazon.com Purchase on Amazon.com

J

James Blatter is a Colorado native who currently makes his home on the Western Slope. He is a traveler having been throughout Central America as a teacher and charity worker. He has been an advocate for children as a teacher, charity workers and therapist for 25 years. He is a writer at heart having won press awards for his newspaper work. Has had his

Poetry 129

SOUL spring2012

How are your New Year resolutions holding up? Did writing

other people’s opinions are not OUR business. We bombard our minds

down your goals and displaying

with nonsense and this self-talk can

them down in an obvious place help you reach them quicker? As we

be extremely damaging to our selfesteem, relationships and ultimate

read in the last few issues of SOUL, the RAS is super powerful in how

happiness. She challenges us to use common sense and inquiry to

your conscious and subconscious

find why we think the way we think.

communicate.

Now with Spring here, it’s time

Loving What Is has helped me focus my energy on self love and

for an affair or Spring Fling with..... yourself. Stop putting off time and

finding the peace within.The root of

being distracted to nurture the

most of our problems stem from how we THINK about things and

relationship you have with YOU. Recently I read an eye-opening

then how we REACT to the things we THINK about.

book called Loving What Is by Byron Katie. Basically it is about restructuring our thought process to make peace with reality. Byron’s simple approach is to point out that

130

Spring is a time on renewal, what better time is there to begin this process?

by Trisha Ventker

WHY SHOULD YOU HAVE A SPRING FLING?

RAS and Loving What Is

question the thoughts that cause all the suffering in the world. It’s a way to understand

Below is a few questions I have found to be helpful when fact finding. Byron Katie developed The Work, *a simple yet powerful process of inquiry

what’s hurting you, and to address the cause of your

ABOUT TRISHA

problems with clarity. * www.thework.com

that teaches you to identify and

Questions to Ask Yourself When You are Hurting 1.

Is it true?

2.

Can you absolutely know that this is true?

3. How do you react? What happens when you believe that thought?

4. Who would you be without that thought?

go for it

Trisha Ventker resides in Erie, Colorado with her 5 year old son and husband, Tom. Her award winning book, Internet Dates From Hell, has been recently optioned and under deveopment for the big screen by Paula Wagner, producer of “Mission:Impossible” I, II, and III, etc. It is available worldwide and at www.InternetDatesFromHell.com and Amazon.com. Ventker is currently on a book tour throughout the United States. In addition she is the founder and editor of vlife and elife magazines.

Trisha Ventker is a Reading Specialist and holds a Master’s Degree in Literacy from Adelphi University. She is available for personal Life Coaching. She has beaten the odds in many personal goals and has followed her VPS system over the last several years. Ventker has appeared on several television shows and has been heard on a variety of radio shows throughout the country. In addition, she is a speaker for events at Universities, Forums and/or Churches. photo: © Trisha Ventker 2012

131

Tedd M. Taskey, M.S., M.F.T Your life can be better. There is hope. Tedd serves adults, teens and adolescents with symptoms and issues ranging from depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar, selfdestructive behavior (cutting, suicide), adjustment disorders, gender identity, trauma, self-esteem.

For couples, Tedd’s training in couples therapy at The Relational Life Institute with Terrance Real allows Tedd to work with the most challenging couples, guiding them to a peaceful, respectful relationship.

The name “Epic Counseling” is derived from the Greek philosopher Epictetus who said, “It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” Sometimes life’s difficulties can be so overwhelming that we react with despair, depression, anxiety, and self-destructive behavior. A healthy therapeutic process involves processing life’s difficulties and painful experiences in a safe, but challenging environment so one can find self-understanding, peace, and happiness. www.epiccounseling.com 720-775-7746

132

Spring Issue 2012

Laughing at Chaos

by Jen Merrill

Ah, spring. The time when a young mom s mind turns to thoughts of: -Why must the snow season begin in March? Unfair.

-Wind. Again. How delightful. Allow me to retrieve my recycle bin. Again.

-ZOMG! School gets out soon and I have NO summer plans for the kids!

-What beloved delicacy will the bunnies pilfer from my garden this year?

-Do swimsuit coverups come in tent? It s been a looong winter.

Oh, who are we kidding. That mom s thoughts are purely about margaritas on the porch watching the sun set behind the Flatirons.

About Jen:

I love spring. I love Colorado spring, where in the morning you can shovel six inches of snow, watch it steam off the streets after lunch, and end the evening grilling in short sleeves. But this year I don t get a Colorado spring; we moved from Vista Ridge to Chicago last July. Chicago,

Jen Merrill, a former resident of Vista Ridge, now makes her home in Libertyville, Illinois. While there is a distinct lack of mountains, there is an excess of large green trees and a lake not too terribly far away, so it's almost tolerable. She spends her days homeschooling her oldest son, keeping all the plates spinning, and remembering to breathe.

Oh, and she's writing a book on parenting a twiceexceptional son without losing the funny, to be released this summer by Gifted Homeschoolers Forum Press.You can read additional ramblings on her almost-but-not-quite award winning (snort) blog, Laughing at Chaos.

where Windy City has nothing to do with the weather, where spring arrives with a thud on a random Thursday in May (with summer arriving 27 hours later), where my Costco doesn t carry corn tortillas but KimChi by the gallon.

It s a new beginning of sorts for us. I grew up here, and while it s good to be closer to family, it s not been an easy transition. We lived in Colorado for 14 years, in Vista Ridge for eight. Very deep roots there. My sons miss their friends and school, my husband misses his office with the mountain views, I miss the 300+ days of sunshine a year. I really miss the 300+ days of sunshine a year.

But I miss the community and friends we left most of all; living in Colorado was like one big group hug.

So as the calendar turns towards spring, leaving the weather firmly in winter, I m making plans for even more new beginnings. Oh, no, I m not moving again. Never ever ever is my standard answer. But plans for my new garden, for home improvements, for a new life outlook. Spring is my New Year; it s when my energy wakes back up and I rouse as from a long nap. Anything is possible.

Especially with a margarita on the front porch. Flatirons optional.

133

134

Spring 2012

Be a Loud Flower She is your Mother, your Daughter, your Sister, your Friend, your Self When my daughter was born, she was perfect. She was beautiful, she knew exactly who she was, and was not afraid to let us know. We lovingly called her The Loud Flower. She is now 5 years old, She is my inspiration. My name is Sandrine Heine, my company “The Loud Flower” supports women and businesses to understand and embrace the power of the female vision. When I look at my daughter, she reminds me of my best self. I too was born perfect, in my essence. Like my baby girl, I knew who I was, and then life happened.

Like many women, I allowed my fears to control my actions and I became what others wanted me to be.

In my forties, I chose to re-connect to my essence and to be committed to live from the best of who I am. Since, I have found more happiness and a sense of wholeness that I never felt before. I know who I am, I know what I want, and I advocate for myself as a Loud Flower. Understanding and embracing your essence, your finest inner qualities, helps you to fully integrate yourself at home, at work, in life; with yourself, your mate, your family, your friends, your colleagues. When you are true to yourself, you become more creative and more confident. You are stepping into your own shoes, and that’s when brilliance starts to happen. You are in harmony with yourself and your environment. When you re-discover and re-commit to who you are meant to be in the world, you become an amazing asset to any team, whether at work or at home. The best ideas come from when we feel completely free of judgment; when we are free to completely be ourselves. By understanding who you are, you are giving yourself the gift and opportunities to create new solutions, new goals and broader visions.

In the workplace today, it is especially important to understand and embrace your true you. We are entering a new business evolution as the talent pool is changing. More than half of the workforce is female and sadly, most companies don’t know how to attract or retain women. This is why it is so important for women to know their qualities, to show them, and why they are crucial to the company’s success. Advocate your qualities and help your team, colleagues, and subordinates understand them so they can also see your true value. Be a Loud Flower.

Every woman is a Loud Flower within. The following are the some of the feedback I got when I asked women to describe The Loud Flower: She stands up for her values and owns her power without reservation. She settles for more, not less. She creates opportunities and lives in integrity with her values. She embraces and fully accepts who she is. She is a leader, grace and beauty personified. She dances joyfully with life. She is bright, vibrant, playful and wise. She is unforgettable, kind, wise and compassionate. She has found her voice and is not letting fear stop her.

She is an intricate blend of gentle and tough, of age and beauty, of steadfastness and flexibility. Mostly, she uses confidence to propel her and when feeling on the top of the world or insecure As resourceful as a flower, she is bright, attractive, and unique. She gives herself room to be human. She trusts her intuition and acts when it’s time, and relaxes when it's not. She understands rhythm. She understands balance. Using her heart and her head to remain on her chosen path, the Loud Flower is a luminous teacher to all.

She is your Mother, your Daughter, your Sister, your Friend, your Self.

ABOUT SANDRINE:

Sa ndrine Heine is founder of The Loud F l o w e r, a p r a c t i c e o f f e ri n g s p e c i a l i ze d services to women and companies to fully u n d e rs t a n d t h e t ru e potential of the female v i s i o n a n d h o w, b y embracing it, helps org a nizations to be prepared for the next business evolution.

Yo u c a n l e a r n m o r e a t www.TheLoudFlower.com

The Great Outdoors

Colorado’s Hidden Gems

by Robert Nichols photo by Robert Nichols

136

Day Hike in Colorado National Monument The amazing Rattlesnake Canyon is a d a z z l i n g d i s p l ay o f w i l d a n d magnificent formations of uplifted sandstone cross-beds in a quiet canyon on BLM land accessed through Colorado National Monument. The rim drive in the monument is spectacular in itself for the plethora of scenic turnouts having vistas of towering red sandstone monoliths, sheer canyon walls, and freakishly eroded formations. But the hidden gem is located just north reached by a rugged dirt road. It is here that the country’s second highest concentration of natural arches is secretly kept for the enjoyment of enlightened visitors. (first place goes to Arches National Park, UT)

Access & Trailhead: 1. From Grand Junction - take I-70 west to the Fruita Exit 19.

2. Turn left at off ramp and cross back over I-70 and follow the signs to Colorado National Monument .

3. Tr ave l 1 1 m i l e s f ro m C N M entrance station, go right at the Glade Park Store turn off sign.

4. Travel .2 miles to the "Black Ridge Access Roads". Stay on the Black Ridge access road for 13 miles to the Rattlesnake Arches trailhead.

5. There is no charge for traveling through the Colorado National Monument to access the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness. Inform the attendant at the National Monument entrance gate that your destination is the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness and you will be permitted to pass through the monument at no cost.

6. Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 39° 8.231'N , 108° 50.005'W

Trailhead Locator

Trail Profile

137

photo by Robert Nichols

Rattlesnake Arch

There are two roads used for the Black Ridge access which are alternated depending on the season. The one you will choose is the one without a big locked gate across the road. From April 15thAug 15th motorized access is via the Upper Road.

From August 15 - February 15 access is via the Lower Road. During calving season from February 15 – April 15th there is no motorized travel allowed on either road.

A high clearance vehicle is recommended for the last 1.5 miles; for my Subaru Outback it is totally doable in part that I am OK with not having all 4 tires on the ground at the same time. CAUTION:Â If the road is wet and muddy, do not attempt to travel on it. Your auto club will probably not be able to bail you out on this one.

138

Trail: From the parking lot you will head east down some steps. This is light colored sandstone laid down during the Jurassic period and erodes faster than the Triassic sandstones below hence a steep step through this 150 foot vertical slice of millennia.

We quickly reach the trail junction to the first arch overlook which leads to near the top of Rainbow Arch. At this point we are at the top of the salmon colored Wingate Sandstone.

Let’s bypass this overlook and head down the 300 foot tall cliff band following the trail which zigs and then zags down a weakness in the cliff band. It is hard to imagine that in prehistoric times this was a desert with drifting sand dunes dwarfing those in the Sahara. The trail is relatively solid and easy to follow down this section.

Once we reach the bottom we stroll along the flat and surprisingly lush Precambrian base which is resistant to weathering. In another mile of easy hiking we spy our first natural arch.

We pause and muse upon the enormity of forces creating such a seemingly delicate work. We marvel at all of the textures, pockets and “honey combing” in the rich red and pink layers of sandstone.

Farther down the trail we are treated to more arches, remnants of alcoves in the cliff. And even farther down we are amazed at double arches and arches with “moon roofs”.

Finally after an enjoyable 2.5 mile hike we stand before the perfectly symmetrical Rainbow Arch.

From here we have 2 choices. Return the way we came or to scramble up through the middle of the

photo by Robert Nichols

arch like a careening croquet ball. From afar a scramble up the 300 foot cliff band seems improbable. But if you have scrambling experience, a bit of adventure, and use a lot of common sense, venture further to the base of the arch. You will see little pockets such as the Anasazi used for toe holds on sloping featureless sandstone formations.

This leads to a right slanting seam and then up and left through the arch. From here the hardest part is behind you. A little more scrambling leads you to a 12 foot tall band of improbable cliff. Looking behind you is rattlesnake canyon perfectly framed in the arch. Looking ahead, and around a corner you will discover a “natural” key to overcoming this last bit to the top of the Wingate cliff top. (I won’t spoil the surprise for you)

Rainbow Arch

139

Here is an excellent place to pull out you picnic, enjoying the flat level rock with a beautiful view. If you are adventurous you may carefully proceed to the top of the arch reaching it by walking across the east (cliff-side) and a short hop to the broad top.

photo by Robert Nichols

140

After enjoying this break head east looking for trail cairns to the Rainbow Arch overlook trail and follow this back to the car.

Disclaimer: There is no ranger station on the BLM land.

All parties hiking, especially in remote desert areas, need to advise a responsible party to their travel plans. (this can save you a life or limb!)

Hikers need to take with them the 10 essentials in their pack, have plenty of water and proper footwear. Hikers need to be aware of their limits and exercise judgment based on their experience and not that of another.

About Robert: Robert Nichols is a resident of Vista Ridge for the past 7 years.

When he and his wife of 27 years, Mary, were scouting the area for the ideal place to re-locate, the community of Vista Ridge was the perfect match for their lifestyle which includes a lot of neighborhood activities and entertaining. While making a career as an electro-optical research engineer he always appreciates the insights and perspectives that travel provides. Outdoor activities include hiking, climbing, and mountain biking so living in the Front Range provides a perfect home base for those activities.

The Great Outdoors 141

sports

BY TOM VENTKER

TAKE A SWING, SPRING IS IN THE AIR With summer-like temperatures in the past couple of weeks, our attention has quickly shifted from hitting the slopes to hitting a little white ball. Although knowing Colorado, we could still get snow before we truly say “Good Bye” to old man winter. Every day when I sit on our deck eating my lunch, while watch foursome after foursome tee off, I tell myself that “Today I am going to hit the driving range.”. Well I haven’t done so yet, but for those of you who have, I am envious. For those of you who like me have been thinking about it, maybe the pictures in this article will provide the necessary push to get out there. It just so happens that today is St. Patrick’s Day, when the world turns green, so white not play a round.

We are fortunate enough to have a great golf course right in our backyard that offers fantastic views of the snow covered peaks of the Rockies. Is there a better

142

way to spend a few hours? Blue sky, sunshine, amazing vistas, good friends, and a round of drinks at the end.

If the mountains beckon you, then go hit the slopes in the morning before the snow becomes too soft and spend the afternoon putting on the greens.

Besides being the home course for the CU Buffs Golf Team and hosting collegiate tourneys, the Colorado National Golf Club in Vista Ridge will be hosting the Annual Balloon Festival again this year on May 18th to 20th. Each year I look forward to getting up at the crack of dawn to watch as these colorful balloons rise above the golf course and float down the fairways. I hope you enjoy the photos that I took a few years ago at the early morning launch.

photo on this page and previous page by Tom Ventker

143

photos by Tom Ventker

144

photos by Tom Ventker

145

146

Colorado Tech Center Louisville, Colorado (Hwy 42/Dillon Rd)

www.CorporateChallengeColorado.com Fun and Fitness | Pre-Race Company Socials | Race Expo Connect with Companies | Race Day Awards & Prizes | Exciting 3 loop Course Chamber Business After Hours | Team T-Shirt Contest | Kids’ Races!!!

Extensive Swag Bag | Post Race Food & Beer | Great Race Support

Companies join together with teams of 3 and up to compete against one another for the coveted Corporate Challenge Cup

THURSDAY JUNE 24, 2012 , 6:00pm Start Time

For More Information: (303) 926Ͳ1017

Register Now at: www.PreRace.com

147

photo: Š Trisha Ventker 2012

photo by Trisha Ventker copyright 2012