September 27, 2008

Visit one of our wonderful State Parks, National Parks or Monuments for free on Saturday, September 27, and have the opportunity to give something back, as well.  According to the National Public Lands Day website:

National Public Lands Day keeps the promise of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the “tree army” that worked from 1933-42 to preserve and protect America’s natural heritage.

This annual event:

* Educates Americans about critical environmental and natural resources issues and the need for shared stewardship of these valued, irreplaceable lands;
* Builds partnerships between the public sector and the local community based upon mutual interests in the enhancement and restoration of America’s public lands;
* Improves public lands for outdoor recreation, with volunteers assisting land managers in hands-on work.

We are so lucky in Colorado to have an abundance of outstanding lands preserved for us to enjoy.  Our Parks need help, however, to keep them accessible and environmentally healthy. 

There are many special events and projects happening this day at places like Shelf Road, Castlewood Canyon, Curecanti, Eldorado Canyon, Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde, and Roxborough State Park.  Volunteer projects to help maintain or build trails, bridges and fences, plant trees, and to restore archaelogical sites can be found listed here.

Some special events will happen on September 27 as well.  At Colorado National Monument, you’ll have the opportunity to walk, run or cycle along a stretch of Rim Rock Drive while it is closed to motor traffic. 

Contact the visitor center at a National Park, National Monument, or State Park to find out if they have special plans for this day.

October 9, 2008
Civic Center Park

Try to imagine…Peace.  October 9 is John Lennon’s birthday, and his iconic song “Imagine” seems to become even more relevant as time passes.  Celebrate Peace by attending the Imagine Peace Paint-In.   You can do some painting, or simply observe the artists and listen to music (featuring songs by John Lennon and songs about Peace, of course).   Perhaps you’ll wish to donate to this special event — 100% of  profits will go to local organizations:  Student Peace Alliance, the Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Colorado Campaign for the Dept of Peace, and the Metro Denver Gang Coalition.

Imagine…

Peace organizations operating on local, national and international levels… groups targeting domestic violence, gang violence, and international war… all represented in one place, educating and accepting donations.

Imagine…

A day of art, music and inspiration that you’ll never forget… free to all, on John Lennon’s birthday.

This event is inspired by Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace e-book, projects, and website.

October 12, 2008
10 AM to 8 PM

Summer is slipping away, there’s some snow in the high country, so perhaps your thoughts have turned to relaxing on a tropical beach in Hawaii.  A little too pricey?  You’re in luck.  Just head to Longmont for the Colorado Aloha Festival!

Watch a Hula film called “Na Kamalei – The Men of Hula” (Ladies, you don’t want to miss this one!)  Attend cultural workshops, stroll among the vendor booths enjoying Hawaiian arts and crafts, and let your mind float away to the tranquil beaches of the Hawaiian islands.  A live Hula performance will also be presented, but it is not free, and requires a ticket (hurry — this is almost sold out).

The festival takes place at Vance Brand Civic Auditorium, 600 E. Mountain View Ave. in Longmont.

Yo!  Are you in 5th Grade this year?  Did you know you can get FREE lift tickets at 21 ski resorts just because you’re in 5th Grade?  Waaaaaaay cool.

Are you a 6th Grader who had a great time skiing for free last year, and want to hit the slopes again this winter?  Sorry, unless you flunked, you’ll have to spend some money this year.  Still, there’s a bargain for you as well.

To check out these special deals, visit Colorado Ski Country USA for details.