Elbert County Update 2009 02 08

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County Party Websites:
Republican: http://ecrgop.com/
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State Party Websites
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The Bandera West and East Planned Unit Development proposals will be heard by the Elbert County BOCC in an evening meeting, Wednesday, February 11th. In addition, Richard Miller, Director of the Community & Development Services Office will brief the BOCC at an "Agenda'd" workshop on Monday, February 9th, at 9:30 AM.
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Praying Hands Ranch 20th Annual Sweetheart Spaghetti Dinner will be Saturday, February 21st from 6 PM to 8 PM. Adult tickets are $16, children under 12 are $8. Dancing and Auction until 10 PM. Advance tickets are available at Edge Hair Studio in the Parker West II Shopping Center, 720-244-4838 or at Praying Hands Ranch, 303-841-4043.
From the website: Praying Hands Ranches (PHR) was founded in 1987 at the present location on the corner of Hilltop Road and Daley Circle. We are a 501(c)(3) non-sectarian Christian organization committed to meeting the needs of handicapped children and adults as well as troubled youth, in a therapeutic ranch environment. PHR offers Hippotherapy, Equine Programs, and Horticultural Experiences to clients from ages 24 months to 70 years old. We serve 100+ special needs children and adults each week. Please call the Ranch office for a tour of our indoor riding facility. You may also contact us with any questions or comments. -Shirley A. Hanson, Director.
Praying Hands Ranch uses many volunteers in their programs. If you are interested in volunteering for an organization focused on youth and adults and love horses, please visit the "How to Help" link on the website, or call 303-841-4043. Donations are always welcome!
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The Relay for Life Team Captain University will be at the Carlson Building on Friday, February 20th. Everyone is encouraged to attend. Everything that is Relay will be covered. From the website: One in three people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life® is a life-changing event that brings together more than 3.5 million people across the country each year to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against a disease that takes too much.
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IREA member/customers: the Board of Director's election in 2009 is scheduled for Saturday, April 18th. The Deadline for filing of IREA Director Nominating Petitions is 60 days prior to the election. General information and a link to the IREA Bylaws is located below.
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The director positions up for election are from IREA District Numbers 3, 5 and 7. You can find your District Number on your monthly bill, in the top left hand corner, to the left of the statement date. It is an unlabeled, single digit number.
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From the IREA Bylaws: District 5 includes East Douglas County, Franktown, Elizabeth and Kiowa areas. District 6 includes East Adams County, Arapahoe County and North Elbert County areas. The terms for board members representing District Numbers 3, 5 and 7 expire in the first odd-numbered year following each leap year. Each term shall end on the date of the annual meeting in the year the term expires, provided that board members shall continue in office until their successors have been elected and have qualified.
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Each director shall be elected by the members of the district he or she represents (one vote per member). *
Nominations for director are made by petition. The petition must have signatures of 15 or more IREA members in each district and be received not less than 60 days prior to the annual meeting. The Secretary shall post the names of those nominated by valid petition at the principal office and district offices of the Cooperative. The Secretary shall mail ballots 30 days prior to the election.
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Petitions must be delivered to IREA, Secretary of the Board of Directors, 5496 No. US Hwy 85, P.O. Drawer A, Sedalia, CO 80135 on or before February 18th.
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Elbert County This Week
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Elbert County Board of County Commissioners Workshop
2nd Floor Meeting Room, Kiowa Court House
Monday, February 9th, 9:30 AM
This is a briefing provided to the BOCC by Richard Miller, Director of the Community & Development Services Office. The Agenda is located here.
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Marvelous Mondays
Simla Library, Simla
Monday, February 9th, 1 PM to 3 PM
Get Ready for Valentines Day
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Friends of the Library
Simla Library, Simla
Monday, February 9th, 1 PM
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Movie Time
Kiowa Library, Kiowa
Monday, February 9th, 4 PM
Kittridge - An American Girl
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Outback Express
Elizabeth to Parker and Castle Rock and back
Tuesday, February 10th
Contact Kay Campbell, Kiowa, at 719-541-4275 or the ECCOG office at 800-825-0208 to make an appointment. The East Central Council of Local Governments is open and available to all residents of Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson and Lincoln counties and provides an economical means of travel in the four-county region. http://outbackexpress.tripod.com
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Creative Story Time
Simla Library, Simla
Tuesday, February 10th, 1 PM
Valentine's Day is Coming!
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Knitting Club
Kiowa Library, Kiowa
Tuesday, February 10th, 2 PM
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Free Income Tax Preparation and E-Filing for Low Income Families
Simla Library, Simla
Tuesday, February 10th, 2 PM to 7 PM
From the West Elbert County News: IRS Certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) tax preparers are available to prepare and e-file free basic income tax returns for low to moderate income families (usually with an income under $42,000 per year). For further information, scheduling an appointment and a list of the items participants need to bring with, please call the Colorado East Community Action Agency at 719-348-5303.
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Town of Elizabeth National Flood Insurance Program Hearing
Elizabeth Town Hall, 321 S. Banner St., Elizabeth
Tuesday, February 10th, 6 PM
Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and the Colorado Water Conservation Board will be on hand for a public forum to answer questions pertaining to the NIFP as the board considers joining the program.
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Town of Elizabeth Board of Trustees
Town Hall, 321 S. Banner St., Elizabeth
Tuesday, February 10th, 7 PM
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Board of County Commissioners Meeting
2nd Floor Meeting Room, Kiowa Courthouse, 215 Comanche St.
Wednesday, February 11th, 9 AM to 4PM and 7 PM
The Bandera West and East PUDs are scheduled to be heard by the Elbert County BOCC in an evening meeting, which may be moved to the Fair Grounds. The Agenda is not currently available, but should be posted shortly. Please check here for the Agenda.
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Story Time
Elizabeth Library
Wednesday, February 11th, 9:30 AM
Love!
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Friends of the Library
Elizabeth Library, Elizabeth
Wednesday, February 11th, 3 PM
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Mother/Daughter Book Club
Elizabeth Library, Elizabeth
Wednesday, February 11th, 4 PM
Anne of Green Gables
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Simla Community Action
Simla Library, Simla
Wednesday, February 11th, 5:30 PM
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Free Seminar - What is Trauma and What Happens When Someone Experiences Trauma
Centennial Mental Health Center, 650 E. Walnut, Elizabeth
Wednesday, February 11th, 7 PM to 8 PM
Presented by Barbara Florey, LPC. In a continued effort to provide quality services to the residents of Elbert County, Centennial Mental Health Center is pleased to offer a series of free seminars to the public. Information will be provided with time for questions and discussion. We hope that by offering factual information, we can begin to dispel the stigma of mental health issues and reach people who would otherwise live in fear and pain. Our goal is to be a resource for families and individuals and to help them live full and productive lives.
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Business After Hours
Elizabeth High School
Thursday, February 12th, 6 PM to 8 PM
Come hear a special presentation by the Town of Elizabeth on teh proposed Sign Code Ordinance. There will be a short presentation with time for questions and answers. http://www.elizabethchamber.org/events/business_after_hours.htm
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Parenting Class
16 Weeks, starting Thursday, February 12th, 6 PM to 8 PM
The fee for the class is $20, and the workbook will be provided. The additional costs are covered through grants. The class is open to parents who have a child under 5. Child care is provided. If you are interested in taking the class, or would like to volunteer to assist with the child care, please contact Pam Witucki at 303-621-2599.
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Town of Kiowa Board Meeting
Kiowa Town Hall
Thursday, February 12th, 7 PM
The Agenda is posted here. A workshop starts at 5:30 PM with the board meeting following.
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Planning Commission Meeting
2nd Floor Meeting Room, Kiowa Court House, 215 Comanche St.
Thursday, February 12th, 7PM
The Agenda is posted on the Elbert County website. Please go here to check the schedule and the Agenda.
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Adult Drop in Basketball
Frontier High School,
Thursday, February 12th, 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Adult basketball.
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Story Time
Kiowa Library, Kiowa
Friday, February 13th, 10:30 AM
Sounds
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Elizabeth Piece Makers of Colorado
Frontier High School, Rm. 159 Friday, February 13th, 2 PM - 4 PM
The Piece Makers need help making cuddle quilts for the area fire departments. They need help with cutting, pressing, sewing, making kits to take home and sew. Cotton fabric donations accepted. Please come see what they are doing. Please call Barbara at 303-646-9046 with questions.
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Old Biddy Book Club
Simla Library, Simla
Saturday, February 14th, 9 PM
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
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Town Hall Meeting with Rep. Cindy Acree
The Carlson Building, 239 S. Main St., Elizabeth
Saturday, February 14th, 10 AM
Come meeting Rep. Acree, our representative to the Colorado State House, District 40. Rep. Acree will be discussing the Colorado budget appearing before the 2009 Session, as well as any other concerns that the citizens of Elbert County may have. For questions, or more information, please contact representativeacree@comcast.net or 303-866-2944.
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Story Time
Elbert Library, Elbert
Saturday, February 14th, 10:30 AM
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Rockintine Valentine
Peace in Christ Church, Running Creek Plaza, Elizabeth
Saturday, February 14th, 2 PM to 4 PM
From the West Elbert Co. Sun: Valentine's Day is just around the corner and Peace in Christ Church will transform into a Rockintine Valentine complete with the Beautiful Chaos band providing music for listening and dancing. Games for all ages, sweet treats, punch and lemonade. Craft items will be on display for sale. The fund or kids from toddlers to teens and those of us who think young! Cost of $2 per person is for the benefit of Campus Ministries.
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Next Week's Events
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Monday is President's Day and the Libraries are Closed
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Outback Express
Kiowa, Elbert and Elizabeth to Parker and back
Tuesday, February 17th
Contact Kay Campbell, Kiowa, at 719-541-4275 or the ECCOG office at 800-825-0208 to make an appointment. The East Central Council of Local Governments is open and available to all residents of Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson and Lincoln counties and provides an economical means of travel in the four-county region. http://outbackexpress.tripod.com
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Creative Story Time
Simla Library, Simla
Tuesday, February 17th, 1 PM
Our Family Pets
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Knitting Club
Kiowa Library, Kiowa
Tuesday, February 17th, 2 PM
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Library Lovers
Elbert Library, Elbert
Tuesday, February 17th, 5 PM
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Book Club
Elizabeth Library, Elizabeth
Tuesday, February 17th 7 PM
Elephant by Malcolm Macpherson
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Elbert County Water Advisory Board
The Carlson Building, Elizabeth
Tuesday, February 17th, 7 PM
The Water Advisory Board is a county referral agency with an additional focus on community education. Meetings are open the to public.
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Story Time
Elizabeth Library, Elizabeth
Wednesday, February 18th, 9:30 AM
Meow!
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Friends of the Library
Kiowa Library, Kiowa
Wednesday, February 18th, 2 PM
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Simla Community Action
Simla Library, Simla
Wednesday, February 18th, 5:30 PM
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Elizabeth Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon
Western Trails Steakhouse
Thursday, February 19th, 11:30 AM to 1 PM
Speakers will be Tim Edgar of the Small Business Development Center and Deanna Cordo of the American Cancer Society and Betty Nobles, Relay for Life Event Chair. Please see the menu at http://www.elizabethchamber.org/events/luncheon.htm. Please RSVP to Beverly at 303-646-4287 or director@elizabethchamber.org with your menu choice.
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Senior Connection
Simla Library, Simla
Thursday, February 19th, 1 PM
Film Festival
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Teen Game Night
Elbert Library, Elbert
Thursday, February 19th, 5 PM
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Adult Drop in Basketball
Frontier High School, Elizabeth
Thursday, February 19th, 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Adult basketball.
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Story Time
Kiowa Library, Kiowa
Friday, February 20th, 10:30 AM
Dinosaurs
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Free Divorce Clinic
2nd Floor Meeting Room, Kiowa Courthouse, 215 Comanche St., Kiowa
Friday, February 20th, 9 AM to Noon
The Elbert County and Lincoln County pro se divorce and post decree clinic is available monthly. The clinic is a free legal clinic for parties who have no attorney, who are going through Dissolution of Marriage, Legal Separation or Post-Decree cases. Parties will be assisted on a first-come, first served basis, and will be helped with filling out forms and general information on divorce and post-decree procedures and process.
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Relay for Life Team Capitan University
The Carlson Building, 239 S. Main St., Elizabeth
Friday, February 20th, 7 PM
Come and learn the ropes!
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Small Acreage Seminar
Elizabeth Middle School, 34427 Co. Rd. 13 in Elizabeth
Saturday, February 21st, 9:00AM to 3:30PM
Speakers will present information on Grazing & weeds, Manure Management, Animals on small acreage, Energy Alternatives, and Ag Status and Zoning Restrictions. Please join us for this informational seminar. A $10.00 per person/$15.00 per couple cost will include lunch. Please call the CSU Extension office in Elbert County for more details @ 303-621-3162.
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Quilt, Knit & Sew
Simla Library, Simla
Saturday, February 21st, 10 AM
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Story Time
Elbert Library, Elbert
Saturday, February 21st, 10:30 AM
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Praying Hands Ranch 20th Annual Sweetheart Spaghetti Dinner, Dance & Silent Auction
Praying Hands Ranch, 11892 E. Hilltop Rd., Parker
Saturday, February 21st, 6 PM to 10 PM
Dinner from 6 PM to 8 PM, adults $16, children 12 and under $8. Dancing and auction until 10 PM. Music by "Rocky Mountain River Band", door prizes and special drawing. Inflatable obstacle course and clown for the kids. Tickets available in advance at Praying Hands Ranch or Edge Hair Studio in the Parker West II Shopping Center (720-244-4838). All proceeds go to Praying Hands Ranch. Help them make miracles happen. For more information, please call 303-841-4043.
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Women's Club Breakfast
The Russell Gates Mercantile Community Hall, Elbert Rd., Elbert
Sunday, February 22nd, 8 AM to 1 PM
The breakfast is prepared the 4th Sunday of each month by the Elbert Women's Club members. The club also provides a table with gift items including books, on the history of Elbert County. Proceeds are used to restore and maintain the hall, which was built in 1906. Donations may also be made by contacting 303-648-3372.
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Upcoming Events
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Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce Interactive Session
Elodji's Wine Bar/Chamber Offices
Monday, February 23rd, 5 PM to 7 PM
How can we work together to keep consumer dollars in Elbert County? Want to help make Elbert County Better? What can the Elizabeth Chamber do to help you, your business, and our community? What can you do to help the Chamber? Please join the Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce to share your ideas, suggestions and frustrations. Feel free to come and go as you need. Please RSVP to Beverly at 303-646-4287 or director@elizabethchamber.org.
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Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Peace in Christ Church, Running Creek Plaza, Elizabeth
Tuesday, February 24th, 5 PM to 7 PM
Come dine on pancakes and sausages while enjoying orange juice, milk or coffee. Price and benefit information will become available at a later date.
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Elbert County Planning Commission Meeting
2nd Floor Meeting Room, Kiowa Court House, 215 Comanche St.
Thursday, February 26th, 7PM
The Agenda is not yet posted on the Elbert County website. Please go here to check the schedule and the Agenda.
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Skunks, Raccoons, Deer and Me
The Russell Gates Mercantile Community Hall, Elbert
Saturday, February 28th, 1 PM
This seminar will deal with all your wildlife concerns. From getting rid of those skunks under the porch, keeping the deer out of your garden, coyotes too close to your home, how to get those flickers to stop destroying your siding---the list is endless. Come learn about the best way to coexist with the beautiful wildlife we have in Elbert County. Cost $5.00. Please call the CSU Extension office in Elbert County for more details @ 303-621-3162.
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Vegetables: A Hedge Against Rising Food Costs
Elizabeth Middle School Cafeteria, Elizabeth
Tuesday, March 10th, 7 PM
The Elbert County Master Gardeners present Dr. David Whiting and his seminar
on Vegetables: A Hedge Against Rising Food Costs. Come learn about the varieties of vegetables that do well at our altitude and with our short season. Get information about soil preparation, raised beds, protecting the garden from critters, and sustainable and perennial vegetables and herbs such as asparagus, rhubarb, thyme, oregano, and more. The Master Gardeners will be available to share their own success stories with your favorite veggies. Cost $5.00. Please RSVP for each class by calling the Elbert County Extension Office in Kiowa (303-621-3162) or Simla (719- 541-2361).
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Town of Elizabeth Home Rule Workshop
Elizabeth Town Hall, 351 S. Banner St., Elizabeth
Monday, March 30th, 7 PM
The town will host an open house or forum to disseminate information about home rule and gather input from the public about whether or not the board should adopt home rule for the Town of Elizabeth.