County Party Websites:
Republican: http://ecrgop.com/
Democrat: http://elbertcodems.org
*
State Party Websites
Republican: http://www.cologop.org
Democrat: http://www.coloradodems.org/
*
The Gabriel Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) parrot welfare organization located on County Rd. 13 just north of the intersection with County Rd. 158. The foundation is licensed by the state of Colorado, and promotes educational outreach, conservation, rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption of, and sanctuary for, parrots.
*
The foundation's website offers information, resources and an extensive event calendar that includes fundraisers and a surprising number of classes on successful bird care (Toy Making for the Novice, for instance).
*
The foundation is open to the public for tours on Wednesdays at 10:30 AM and Saturdays at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Fees are $10/adult and $5/child 12 and under. For more information please go here: http://www.thegabrielfoundation.org/tour.html.
*
If you are interested in volunteering at the foundation, please consider the following dates and opportunities:
*
Saturday, April 4th, the foundation will be doing lots of work on the flights – weather permitting. Everyone think positive thoughts for wonderful spring weather that day! Even if it's a not so nice weather day, there is still plenty for volunteers to do - categories include some light construction, spring weeding, flight enrichment, cleaning the bird species rooms, etc.
*
Julie writes: "Our sincere thanks to Safeway for letting us pick up fresh produce pulled from the shelves to help us feed the flock. We need additional volunteer help to the aviary! Suggested pick up time is between 7-7:30 AM, seven days a week. We still need help to pick up and prep food on Thursdays especially. This takes about 1-1.5 hours of time."
*
The foundation needs regular help on Tuesdays to help clean the small bird room. These little guys spend more time in their cages than outside so the perches and toys get messier. The foundation would like to train a few volunteers to work every Tuesday (or to get on a scheduled rotation if you are only available 1 or 2 days a month).
*
If you are interested in supporting the foundation in other ways, the following events are upcoming:
March 28, 2009 - Puttin on the Ritz - a fundraising benefit and silent auction for The Gabriel Foundation and MaxFund, 6:30PM - 9:30 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, 1881 Curtis Street, Denver, hosted by Colorado Home Realty and Mortgage. Tickets $45 - contact Meagan Baalaman at meagan@coloradohomerealty.com or call 720.981.4109
*
April 25, 2009 - A Wine Tasting Fundraiser hosted by Dr. Kristen Wells at D’Vine Wine in downtown Denver Saturday, April 25th. We have a limited number of tickets to this fun (and tasty!) event. A variety of wines will be sampled paired with cheeses and appetizers. There will also be a Silent Auction so if you can’t join us but would like to donate an auction item, please let us know!
*
May 9, 2009 – at Aviano Coffee, 955 Lincoln Street, Denver. 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Beyond the Bird Basics live mini version of ever our popular class, a prerequisite to adoption. For registration information email: adoptions@thegabrielfoundation.org or call Patti Christie at 303.629.5900 x213.
*
Easter is coming up soon! The Elbert County Coalition for Outreach and the Community Resource Center are planning an Easter Egg Hunt! The hunt will take place at the Elbert County Fairgrounds on Saturday, March 21st between 10 AM and 1 PM. ECCO and CRC are asking for donations of plastic eggs, which will be used for candies (non-melting) and such. There will also be a silent auction. Refreshments will be provided. If you are interested in donating, or in participating, please contact Pam Witucki at 303-621-2599.
*
IREA members: 2009 Board of Directors elections include District 5, which covers most of western Elbert County. The sitting board member running for election is Bruff Shea and his opponent is John Masson. Mr. Shea declined an invitation to speak at the Elbert County Democrat's meeting to be held March 22nd. Mr. Shea's website is http://irea-care.com/. Mr. Masson spoke at last month's meeting and his website is www.masson4irea.com. IREA's website is http://www.intermountain-rea.com. An alternate view of and for IREA may be found at http://www.ireavoices.org/.
*
Ballots will be mailed no later than March 18th. If you are an IREA member, we encourage you to speak with both candidates, study the issues, and make an informed decision. Please either mail your ballot back before April 5th, to ensure delivery prior to the annual meeting, or, if you are attending the meeting, be prepared for an on-site ballot to be issued. The meeting will be held Saturday, April 18th at 10 AM at Ute Pass Cultural Center, 210 E. Midland Ave., Woodland Park. Registration must be completed before the meeting is called to order at 10 AM. Registration opens at 9 AM. The meeting announcement may be found here: http://www.intermountain-rea.com/CurrentWV.pdf
*
Elbert Connect is a Yahoo Group site whose purpose is to provide Elbert County citizens with a forum on matters of bartering, items for sale, help with projects, etc. If you are interested in checking out this group, please go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/elbertconnect/.
*
Energize Elbert County, established in 2004, a is non-partisan, non-profit local group, whose purpose is to identify community information and issues, bring together interested citizens, and mentor leadership to be in action in Elbert County. In 2004 and 2005 Energize Elbert held monthly town hall-style meetings on a variety of subjects and in 2006 continued with the Elbert County Commissioner and Budget watch. Previous postings may be found at http://home.mindspring.com/~ksuchan/E/energize_elbert.htm. Energize Elbert has been inactive for a number of years. The organizers, Jerry and Karen Suchan, would like to invite interested citizens to participate in reactivating the group, defining goals, lining up speakers, etc. If you are interested, please contact Jerry at gesuchan@earthlink.net or 303-648-3410.
*
****
Elbert County This Week
****
Elbert Library Closed
Monday, March 16th
****
Marvelous Mondays
Simla Library, Simla
Monday, March 16th, 1 PM to 3 PM
St. Patrick's Day Eve Party
Paws to Read with Aaron
****
Friends of the Library
Simla Library, Simla
Monday, March 16th
****
Kiowa Library, Kiowa
Monday, March 16th, 4 PM
Lion King 2
****
Creative Story Time
Simla Library, Simla
Tuesday, March 17th, 10:30 AM
St. Patrick's Day
****
Knitting Club
Kiowa Library, Kiowa
Tuesday, March 17th, 2 PM
****
Library Lovers
Elbert Library, Elbert
Tuesday, March 17th, 5 PM
****
Lions Club Meeting
Lions Club Meeting Hall, 351 Comanche St., Kiowa
Tuesday, March 17th, 6:30 PM
Please join the Lions Club for dinner (donations welcome!) and find out what this wonderful service club is all about!
****
The Elizabeth School District Community Meeting
Elizabeth Middle School Auditorium
Tuesday, March 17th, 7 PM
The Elizabeth C1 School District would like to invite the community to a attend an informational meeting to discuss a 4-day work week. Additional dates and times listed below.
****
Canceled - Elbert County Water Advisory Board
****
9Health Fair "Pre-Draw"
The New Elbert County Public Health Facility at 75 Ute Ave., located just north of the Ag Building at the fairgrounds
Wednesday, March 18th, 7 AM to Noon
The Pre -Draw is for blood screening ONLY, no other screenings will take place on this date. For appointments, please call 303-621-3144.
**FOR THOSE HAVING BLOOD DRAWN EITHER DAY**
PLEASE REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING:
- Do not eat 12 hours before having blood drawn
- Diabetics should NOT fast
- Drink plenty of water before having blood drawn
- Continue taking all prescribed medications
- Must be 18 years of age or older to participate
****
Elizabeth Library, Elizabeth
Wednesday, March 18th, 9:30 AM
Spring!
****
Friends of the Library
Kiowa Library, Kiowa
Wednesday, March 18th, 2 PM
****
Simla Library, Simla
Wednesday, March 18th, 5:30 PM
****
Senior Connection
Simla Library, Simla
Thursday, March 19th, 1 PM
****
Simla Library, Simla
Thursday, March 19th, 2 PM to 4 PM
****
Teen Game Night
Elbert Library, Elbert
Thursday, March 19th, 5 PM
****
Elbert Library Open
Friday, March 20th, 10 AM to 3 PM
****
Story Time
Kiowa Library, Kiowa
Friday, March 20th, 10:30 AM
Horses
****
Free Divorce Clinic
2nd Floor Meeting Room, Kiowa Courthouse, 215 Comanche St., Kiowa
Friday, March 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.
****
Bird Watching
Elizabeth Library Meeting Room, Elizabeth
Friday, March 20th, 5:30 PM
The Elbert County Library is forming a bird watching group for everyone interested in wild birds and nature. The group will meet quarterly to discuss birds found in our area, share ideas on how to attract birds, and good places to view birds. For more information, call the Elizabeth Library at 303-646-3416.
****
Simla Bake Sales
The Simla Food Store
Friday, March 20th
Sponsored by the Simla Community Action Committee
****
Simla Library Bake Sale
Pee Wee Wrestling Tournament
Saturday, March 21st
Simla Friends of the Library will be having a bake sale and selling rodeo books!
****
Easter Egg Hunt
Elbert County Fairgrounds, Kiowa
Saturday, March 21st, 10 AM to 1 PM
There will also be a silent auction. Refreshments will be provided. If you are interested in donating or participating, please contact Pam Witucki at 303-621-2599. http://myecco.org/
****
Quilt, Knit & Sew
Simla Library, Simla
Saturday, March 21st, 10 AM
****
Story Time
Elbert Library, Elbert
Saturday, March 21st, 10:30 AM
****
Women's Club Breakfast
The Russell Gates Mercantile Community Hall, Elbert Rd., Elbert
Sunday, March 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
****
Elbert County Democrats Meeting
The Carlson Building, 239 S. Main St., Elizabeth
Sunday, March 22nd, 6 PM
A potluck starts at 6 PM, the meeting will start at 6:30. Members of the public are invited to attend.
****
Next Week's Events
Marvelous Mondays
Simla Library, Simla
Monday, March 23rd, 1 PM to 3 PM
Celebrate the Spring Equinox with Bloom Bingo & win prizes!
Paws to Read with Aaron
****
Movie Time
Kiowa Library, Kiowa
Monday, March 23rd, 4 PM
Spirit
****
Book Club
Kiowa Library, Kiowa
Monday, March 23rd, 7 PM
Escape by Carolyn Jessup with Laura Palmer
****
Job Club
Elizabeth Workforce Center
Tuesday, March 24th
The Elizabeth Workforce Center is offering help with employment solutions, resumes and various other employment needs. Call Jerry at 303-646-2783 for more information or to RSVP. You must RSVP to attend this event.
****
Creative Story Time
Simla Library, Simla
Tuesday, March 24th, 10:30 AM
It's Spring Time
****
Knitting Club
Kiowa Library, Kiowa
Tuesday, March 24th, 2 PM
****
Craft Club
Elbert Library, Elbert
Tuesday, March 24th, 4:30 PM
****
Town of Elizabeth Board of Trustees Meeting
Elizabeth Town Hall, 321 S. Banner St., Elizabeth
Tuesday, March 24th, 7 PM
****
Hopping Mad Over Grasshoppers?
The Carlson Building, 239 S. Main St., Elizabeth
Tuesday, March 24th, 7 PM
The Elbert County Master Gardeners present C.S.U.'s Dr. Whitney Cranshaw and his presentation on insects. This seminar will introduce you to the bothersome, destructive insects we dealt with last summer, as well as some that are predicted to appear this year. You will receive help with dealing with them before they can do too much damage. Also included in the seminar will be information about the good guys in the insect world such as lady beetles, lacewings, mantis, etc. Cost $5.00. http://elbert.colostate.edu/hor.shtml Please RSVP for each class by calling the Elbert County Extension Office in Kiowa (303-621-3162) or Simla (719-541-2361).
****
Elbert County Board of County Commissioners Meeting
Kiowa Courthouse, 2nd Floor Meeting Room, Kiowa
Wednesday, March 25th, 9 AM to 4 PM
The Agenda is not yet posted. It will be posted at http://www.elbertcounty-co.gov/meeting_detail.php?id=464&typeid=8
****
Elizabeth Library, Elizabeth
Wednesday, March 25th, 9:30 AM
Bugs
****
Simla Community Action Committee
Simla Library, Simla
Wednesday, March 25th, 5:30 PM
****
Elbert County Library District
District Office, Elizabeth
Wednesday, March 25th, 6:30 PM
****
Simla Library, Simla
Thursday, March 26th, 2 PM to 4 PM
****
Elbert County Planning Commission Meeting
Kiowa Courthouse, 2nd Floor Meeting Room, Kiowa
Thursday, March 26th, 7 PM
The Agenda is not yet posted. It will be posted at http://www.elbertcounty-co.gov/meeting_detail.php?id=473&typeid=10
****
Story Time
Kiowa Library, Kiowa
Friday, March 27th, 10:30 AM
Sheep
****
Monopoly Tournament
Simla Library, Simla
Friday, March 27th, 3 PM
Prizes
****
Kiowa County Gun Show Benefit Dinner and Auction
Elbert County Fairgrounds
Friday, March 27th, 6 PM
To benefit the Elbert County Mentoring Program. For more information, contact Annette Eller at 303-677-3296
****
Kiowa Country Gun Show
The Elbert County Fairgrounds
Saturday, March 28th, 9 AM to 5 PM
For more information, contact Annette Eller at 303-677-3296
****
Gardening Club
Simla Library, Simla
Saturday, March 28th, 10 AM
****
Saturday Morning Story Time
Simla Library, Simla
Saturday, March 28th, 10 AM
****
Elbert Library, Elbert
Saturday, March 28th, 10:30 AM
****
Puttin on the Ritz
The Ritz Carlton Hotel, 1881 Curtis St., Denver
Saturday, March 28th, 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Colorado Home Realty and Mortgage is hosting this fundraising event and silent auction for the benefit of the Gabriel Foundation and MaxFund. Tickets are $45. Please contact Meagan Baalaman at meagan@coloradohomerealty.com or call 720.981.4109.
Kiowa Country Gun Show
The Elbert County Fairgrounds
Sunday, March 29th, 9 AM to 3 PM
For more information, contact Annette Eller at 303-677-3296
****
Upcoming Events
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.
****
The Elizabeth School District Community Meeting
Running Creek Elementary School
Tuesday, March 31st, 7 PM
The Elizabeth C1 School District would like to invite the community to a attend an informational meeting to discuss a 4-day work week. Additional dates and times listed below.
****
Ground Water Issues
The Exhibit Building, Elbert County Fairgrounds, Kiowa
Thursday, April 2nd, 7 PM
The Elizabeth post of the American Legion is sponsoring a meeting to provide information on ground water issues. The State of Colorado Water Engineers Office will make the presentation.
****
Simla Days Planning Meeting
The Simla Municipal Building
Thursday, April 2nd, 7 PM
Simla Days will be held June 20th through the 22nd. Organizers are: Connie Mills and Jim McMaster (719-541-4584) are looking for classic car buffs,animal groups, Shriners, and veterans' groups to participate; Katie Kable (719-541-2133) will coordinate the non-profits who sponsor the community dinners and breakfasts; Roy Rooks (719-541-4582) will be distributing the flyers; Jerry Allen and Heather Light (719-541-2468) are collecting items for a historical Simla display; and John Hillman (719-541-3848) is coordinating the entertainment. If you are interested in participating, or would like to support the event, please contact the organizers, or attend the meeting!
****
Preschool Scholarships Benefit Dinner
Frontier High School
Friday, April 3rd, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
The Elizabeth United Methodist Church is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner. All proceeds from the dinner will be donated to the Early Childhood Council to provide Preschool Scholarships for Elizabeth Early Childhood programs. Suggested donation is $7. Call Pastor Teri Todd, 303-204-9204, or email her at teri@parkerumc.org for more information.
****
The Gabriel Foundation Work Day
39520 County Rd. 13, Elizabeth, CO
Saturday, April 4th, 9 AM to 3 PM
The foundation will be doing lots of work on the flights – weather permitting. If the weather does not cooperate, there is still plenty for volunteers to do - including some light construction, spring weeding, flight enrichment, cleaning the bird species rooms, etc. Lunch and beverages will be served. Please contact Patti at 303-629-5900, ext. 214. http://www.thegabrielfoundation.org/events.html
****
Coyote Creek Concerts - Southern Exposure
Casey Jones Park Pavilion, 4189 Hwy 86, Elizabeth
Saturday, April 4th, 7:30 PM
With one hand in contemporary bluegrass and the other reeling out some traditional tunes, Southern Exposure draws on the past and brings you to the resent with a wide array of music. Mix in fiddle and banjo tunes, spice with a little western swing and Cajun music, then sprinkle in a good dose of comedy on stage and you will see why Southern Exposure have cut a trail to concert halls and festivals all over the Rocky Mt. Region. Go to our website for more info: www.coyotecreekconcerts.com
****
The Elizabeth School District Community Meeting
Frontier High School
Tuesday, April 7th, 7 PM
The Elizabeth C1 School District would like to invite the community to a attend an informational meeting to discuss a 4-day work week. One additional date and time listed below.
****
The Elizabeth School District Community Meeting
Elizabeth High School Cafeteria
Saturday, April 11th, 10 AM
The Elizabeth C1 School District would like to invite the community to a attend an informational meeting to discuss a 4-day work week. This is the last published meeting at this time.
****
Elbert County Public Health Facility, 75 Ute. Ave., the building north of the Ag Building
Saturday, April 18th, 7 AM to Noon
Blood screening and other screenings available on this day.
**FOR THOSE HAVING BLOOD DRAWN EITHER DAY**
PLEASE REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING:
- Do not eat 12 hours before having blood drawn
- Diabetics should NOT fast
- Drink plenty of water before having blood drawn
- Continue taking all prescribed medications
- Must be 18 years of age or older to participate
****
A Wine Tasting
D'Vine Wine, 1660 Champa St., Denver
Saturday, April 25th
Dr. Kristen Wells will host this fundraiser for the Gabriel Foundation. The tickets are limited to this fun and tasty event. A variety of wines will be sampled and paired with cheeses and appetizers. There will also be a silent auction. Donations to the auction will be welcomed! Please contact Karen at 303-629-5900 ext. 214. Tickets are $40. http://www.thegabrielfoundation.org/events.html.
****
Mini Beyond Bird Basics
Aviano Coffee, 955 Lincoln Street, Denver
Saturday, May 9, 2009, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
The Gabriel Foundation is presenting a live, mini version of ever their popular class, a prerequisite to adoption. For registration information email: adoptions@thegabrielfoundation.org or call Patti Christie at 303.629.5900 x213. http://www.thegabrielfoundation.org/events.html
****
Casey Jones Arena, Elizabeth, CO
Saturday, May 30th and Sunday, May 31st
From the website: "The Community Rodeo is a time for everyone to come out and participate. It’s a time for fun and community. If you are a vendor there are FREE spots available. Please contact us for more information on vendor availability. Food and Drinks will be available for sale by Visitation Counsel 11918 the Knights of Columbus."
****
Casey Jones Arena, Elizabeth, CO
Friday, June 5th through Sunday, June 7th
From the website: Headquartered in Colorado, the Professional Bull Riders, Inc. was created in 1992. The combination of raw sport and quality entertainment offers Elizabeth Stampede fans true rodeo entertainment.
