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As you may be aware, ConocoPhillips has been soliciting for mineral rights in Elbert County. While many of us do not own the mineral rights to our land, becoming better informed regarding activities taking place in Elbert County may help us to positively effect our quality of life, the value of our property, our water quality, job prospects, and the potential for new industry and tax base for the county. To ensure the best possible outcomes for the residents and taxpayers of Elbert County, and you personally, please be sure to stay as informed as possible, attend all informational meetings as your schedule permits. In addition, please ask probing questions of industry representatives and our elected and professional county officials, and hold those folks accountable for their answers and actions. There will be a meeting held Tuesday, January 18th, at 6 PM, in the Exhibit Hall at the fairgrounds. As always, please be polite and courteous.
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From the Elbert County Library District's website, http://www2.youseemore.com/ecld/Default.asp?: "The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program is being offered by the Colorado East Community Action Agency and will be held every other Wednesday starting January 19th through April 13th at the Simla Branch Library. Hours are 10 am to 2 pm. This service is available to taxpayers in Elbert, Cheyenne, Kit Carson, and Lincoln counties. Please call the library (719-541-2573) or the Colorado East Community Action Agency (719-348-5303) for details on the items required in order to prepare your income tax return."
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The Elbert County Coalition for Outreach (ECCO) maintains an informative website that includes local support services, specials available through the ECCO Community Resource Center, and groups and organizations of value to the community. This week the following contacts were added: Women 40-64 in need of free cervial cancer and breast exams, please contact Rural Solutions at 719-740-6070. "Get On Track", a walking - weight loss club! For informaiotn, please contact LaDonna at 303-243-0335 or Kim at 303-243-0595. Please visit ECCO at http://www.myecco.org/.
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The January 2011 4-H Newsletter is posted at http://elbert.colostate.edu/4hy.shtml
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The January 2011 Kiowa Conservation District Newsletter is out. This month's addition includes information about the annual meeting (January 26th, at the Kiowa Creek Community Church, dinner is $3, and the speaker is "Storm Chaser" Tom Samaras - RSVP now!), 2011 grant monies available, the seedling tree program, the windbreak workshop on January 12th, information about the equipment to help plant trees and lay out weed barrier. If you are not subscribed, please contact Pam Brewster at 303-621-2070, ext. 101 or by email to Pam.Brewster@co.nacdnet.net.
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Did you know that the Colorado Extension has a page with resources for small acre management? You can visit their site at www.ext.colostate.edu/sam. Take a moment to watch the bindweed video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh1dVcrsIU4
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Elbert County This Week
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Outback Express
Matheson & Simla to Colorado Springs
Monday, January 17th
Contact 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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Outback Express
Elizabeth, Kiowa & Elbert to Colorado Springs
Tuesday, January 18th
Contact 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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Knitting Club
Kiowa Library, Kiowa
Tuesday, January 18th, 2 PM
Everyone is welcome!
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Simla Library, Simla
Tuesday, January 18th, 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Come and go knitting, crocheting, sewing or quilting. Free instruction, all levels welcome. Free yarn available, and knitting needles available for purchase at cost. Contact: Carol 719-541-2573
EC Library District Singing Hills Service Outlet
Singing Hills Fire Station,
Tuesday, January 18th, 3 PM to 6 PM
The site will provide in northern Elbert County a place to check out materials, return materials and a computer with Internet access for the public. The outlet will be staffed on Tuesday evenings, from 3 pm to 6 pm and Saturday morning, from 9 am to 11 am. Contact the Elizabeth Library for more information. 303-646-3416!
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Ooey Gooey Science
Elizabeth Library, Elizabeth
Tuesday, January 18th, 3:30 PM
Electricity is in the air!! Ooey Gooey Science explores a different science concept each month and provides an opportunity for hands on experimentation. It is intended for elementary age students. Space and materials for this program are limited so please call the library to reserve a spot. Contact: Jan 303-646-3416
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Los Volcanes Restaurant, 796 Kiowa Ave., Elizabeth
Tuesday, January 18th, 4 PM to 8 PM
Every Tuesday night, Los Volcanes will donate part of the evening's proceeds to the Elizabeth Basketball program. Enjoy a great meal and atmosphere and help your local athletes.
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Oil and Gas Exploration Meeting
The Exhibit Hall, Elbert County Fairgrounds, 75 Ute Ave., Kiowa
Tuesday, January 18th, 6 PM
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Western Trails Steakhouse, Hwy 86 & CR 33, Between Elizabeth & Kiowa
Tuesday, January 18th, 5 PM to 7 PM
Come to the steakhouse on Tuesdays for a special night for the kids. Face painting, balloon animals and more. All proceeds go to the Turning Pointe Dance Academy. Call 303-646-8898 for more details. http://www.elizabethchamber.org/calendarM.htm
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Lawyers at the Library
105 E. Ave., Limon
Tuesday, January 18th, 6 PM to 9 PM
The 18th Judicial District Access to Justice Committee and Your Public Library announce a new FREE Legal Clinic for Elbert & Lincoln Counties to provide legal assistance to litigants who have no attorney Lawyers at the Library is a FREE legal clinic for parties who have no attorney. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help fill out forms, and explain the process and procedure for the areas of family law, civil litigation, criminal defense, property law, probate law, collections, appeals, landlord-tenant law and civil protection orders. The Lawyers at the Library Clinic is informational only, and is not a substitute for legal representation. The Clinic attorneys do not represent you by virtue of their participation in this Clinic. You have the right to retain an attorney of your choice at any time during your case and are advised to do so Clinic is FREE, and all attendees are seen one-on-one by a volunteer lawyer, on a first-come, first-served basis. http://www.coloradolegalservices.org
Elizabeth Book Club
Elizabeth Library, Elizabeth
Tuesday, January 18th, 7 PM to 8:30 PM
Come join us in a discussion about "Blessing." The book club reads and discusses a variety of fiction and nonfiction. All adults are welcome to attend. Let the library know ahead of time and we can get a copy of the book for you. Contact: Jan 303-646-3416
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Elizabeth Building Readers
Elizabeth Library, Elizabeth
Wednesday, January 19th, 9:30 to 10 AM
Come hear stories about "Winter Fun"! Building Readers is a great way to develop early literacy skills. Building Readers is interactive and gives young children a chance to interact with other children and adults. Building Readers includes reading stories, talking about books, and doing a hands on activity. Building Readers usually lasts about 30 minutes. Parents and caregivers can also take time to meet other families and check out some books to read at home. Contact: Jan 303-646-3416
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Simla Free Tax Help
Simla Library, Simla
Wednesday, January 19th, 10 AM to 2 PM
Colorado East Community Action Agency will be hosting FREE income tax preparation & FREE e-filing by IRS Certified Counselors for qualifying Elbert County Taxpayers. The free tax help will be held every other Wednesday starting January 19th through April 13th at the Simla Branch Library. Hours are 10 am to 2 pm. This service is available to taxpayers in Elbert, Cheyenne, Kit Carson, and Lincoln counties. Please call the library (719-541-2573) or the Colorado East Community Action Agency (719-348-5303) for details on the items required in order to prepare your income tax return.
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Simla Library, Simla
Wednesday, January 19th, 10:30 AM
"Winnie the Pooh"
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Wal-Mart Community Blood Drive
Wal-Mart, 2100 Legacy Cr, Elizabeth
Wednesday, January 19, 2 PM – 6 PM
Inside Bonfils’ mobile bus. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Bonfils Appointment Center at 303-363-2300 or visit www.bonfils.org.
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Kiowa School Board Meeting
Kiowa Middle School
Wednesday, January 19th, 5 PM
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Elbert County Library District Board Meeting
District Office, 239 Main St., Elizabeth
Wednesday, January 19th, 6:30 PM
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Al-Anon Meeting
Elizabeth Presbyterian Church Basement, 325 S. Banner St., Elizabeth
Wednesday, January 19th, 7 PM to 8 PM
Book study: "How Al-Anon Works for Families & Friends of Alcoholics" From the flyer: "The Al-Anon Family Groups (AFG) are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength and hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Al-Anon is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization, or institution; does not engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any cause. There are no dues for membership. Al-Anon is self-supporting through its own voluntary contributions. Al-Anon has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics." This meeting is open only to Al-Anon.
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Outback Express
Limon & Agate to Denver
Thursday, January 20th
Contact 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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Kiowa Friends Meeting
Kiowa Library, Kiowa
Thursday, January 20th, 2 PM
The Friends of the Kiowa Library was created to support the facilities, programs and collections of the Kiowa Library. The major fund raiser our used book sale, but we have others throughout the year. There are always books and videos for sale at the back wall in the library. Stop by and visit the book sale. There are some great deals! Contact: Sue 303-621-2111.
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Elizabeth School Board Meeting
Superintendent's Office, 634 S. Elbert St., Elizabeth (location subject to change)
Thursday, January 20th, 7 PM
The Agenda is not yet posted. I will be found at http://elizabeth.k12.co.us/
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Pro Se Divorce and Post - Decree Clinic
Elbert County Justice Center, 751 Ute Ave., Kiowa
Friday, January 21st, 9 AM to Noon
From the Colorado Legal Services website: The Elbert & Lincoln County Pro Se Divorce Clinic is a FREE clinic for parties who have no attorney and are going through Dissolution of Marriage, Legal Separation, or Post-Decree cases. All walk-ins are welcome, and will be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointments are also available. The Pro Se Clinic is informational only, and is not a substitute for legal representation. The Clinic attorneys do not represent you by virtue of their participation in this clinic. You have the right to retain an attorney of your choice at any time during your case and are advised to do so. Pro Se litigants will be assisted with filling out forms and general information on divorce and post-decree issues. Questions about protection orders and domestic violence issues are also welcome. Pro Se Elbert County ****
Kiowa Building Readers Story Time
Kiowa Library, Kiowa
Friday, January 21st, 10:30 PM
Stories of "Winter Fun". Books from favorite authors. Story time is a great way to develop early literacy skills. Story time is interactive and gives young children a chance to interact with other children and adults. Story time includes reading stories, talking about books, and doing a hands on activity. Story time usually lasts about 30 minutes. Parents and caregivers can also take time to meet other families and check out some books to read at home.
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High Tea Event
Peace in Christ Church, 236 Tabor St., Elizabeth
Saturday, January 22nd, 2 PM to 3 PM
Come enjoy an afternoon of specialty teas and edible delicacies and fellowship. Open to everyone! For more information, call the Church at 3036-646-6528.
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EC Library District Singing Hills Service Outlet
Singing Hills Fire Station,
Saturday, January 22nd, 3 PM to 6 PM
The site will provide in northern Elbert County a place to check out materials, return materials and a computer with Internet access for the public. The outlet will be staffed on Tuesday evenings, from 3 pm to 6 pm and Saturday morning, from 9 am to 11 am. Contact the Elizabeth Library for more information. 303-646-3416!
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Simla Library, Simla
Saturday, January 22nd, 10 AM
Books from favorite authors. Story time is a great way to develop early literacy skills. Story time is interactive and gives young children a chance to interact with other children and adults. Story time includes reading stories, talking about books, and doing a hands on activity. Story time usually lasts about 30 minutes. Parents and caregivers can also take time to meet other families and check out some books to read at home. Contact Patty or Carol at 719-541-2573.
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Simla Gardening Club
Simla Library, Simla
Saturday, January 22nd, 10 AM
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John C. Fremont: In and Around Elbert County, A Local History Presentation
Elbert Library, Elbert
Saturday, January 22nd, 1 PM
Terry Courtright will discuss Fremont's experiences showing maps and pictures of Fremont's most likely route during his journey through Elbert County in 1843.
Contact Gayle at 303-648-3533 for more information
Next Week's Events
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Elbert Story Time
Marvelous Mondays
Elbert Library, Elbert
Monday, January 25th, 10:30 AM
Books from favorite authors. Story time is a great way to develop early literacy skills. Story time is interactive and gives young children a chance to interact with other children and adults. Story time includes reading stories, talking about books, and doing a hands on activity. Story time usually lasts about 30 minutes. Parents and caregivers can also take time to meet other families and check out some books to read at home. Contact Gayle for more information - 303-648-3533
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Simla Library, Simla
Monday, January 25th, 1 PM to 3 PM
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Elbert Gardener's Gathering
Elbert Library, Elbert
Monday, January 25th, 1 PM
Many gardeners meet to exchange ideas, seeds, catalogs and a great deal of enthusiasm. For more information, contact Gayle Greshem at 303-646-3533.
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Kiowa Book Club
Kiowa Library, Kiowa
Monday, January 25th, 7 PM
Start the new year off right and join us for a great time at our book club. This month's book is Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns. Call 303-621-2111 for more information.
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Kiowa Library, Kiowa
Tuesday, January 26th, 2 PM
Everyone is welcome!
EC Library District Singing Hills Service Outlet
The Sticks Click
Singing Hills Fire Station,
Tuesday, January 26th, 3 PM to 6 PM
The site will provide in northern Elbert County a place to check out materials, return materials and a computer with Internet access for the public. The outlet will be staffed on Tuesday evenings, from 3 pm to 6 pm and Saturday morning, from 9 am to 11 am. Contact the Elizabeth Library for more information. 303-646-3416!
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Simla Library, Simla
Tuesday, January 26th, 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Come and go knitting, crocheting, sewing or quilting. Free instruction, all levels welcome. Free yarn available, and knitting needles available for purchase at cost. Contact: Carol 719-541-2573
Elizabeth Basketball Fundraiser
Kids Night at Western Trails Steakhouse & Lounge
Outback Express
Elizabeth Building Readers
Los Volcanes Restaurant, 796 Kiowa Ave., Elizabeth
Tuesday, January 26th, 4 PM to 8 PM
Every Tuesday night, Los Volcanes will donate part of the evening's proceeds to the Elizabeth Basketball program. Enjoy a great meal and atmosphere and help your local athletes.
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Western Trails Steakhouse, Hwy 86 & CR 33, Between Elizabeth & Kiowa
Tuesday, January 26th, 5 PM to 7 PM
Come to the steakhouse on Tuesdays for a special night for the kids. Face painting, balloon animals and more. All proceeds go to the Turning Pointe Dance Academy. Call 303-646-8898 for more details. http://www.elizabethchamber.org/calendarM.htm
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Elbert School Board Meeting
Tuesday, January 25th, 7 PM
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Town of Elizabeth Board of Trustees Meeting
Town Hall, 321 S. Banner St., Elizabeth
Tuesday, January 25th, 7 PM
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Limon, Matheson & Simla to Colorado Springs
Wednesday, January 26th
Contact 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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Elizabeth Library, Elizabeth
Wednesday, January 26th, 9:30 to 10 AM
Today's stories are Nursery Rhymes! Building Readers is a great way to develop early literacy skills. Building Readers is interactive and gives young children a chance to interact with other children and adults. Building Readers includes reading stories, talking about books, and doing a hands on activity. Building Readers usually lasts about 30 minutes. Parents and caregivers can also take time to meet other families and check out some books to read at home. Contact: Jan 303-646-3416
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Creative Story Time
Simla Library, Simla
Wednesday, January 26th, 10:30 AM
"Berenstain Bears"
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Kiowa Conservation District Annual Meeting
Kiowa Creek Community Church Fellowship Hall, 237 Cheyenne, Kiowa
Wednesday, January 26th, 6:30 PM
Dinner will be Sloppy Joes prepared by the women of the Kiowa Creek Community Church. The cost is $3/person at the door. The featured speaker is "Storm Chaser" Time Samaras. The District will also honor the Conservationists of the Year, Steve and Robin Mortenson, in recognition of their land-stewardship practices. Awards will also be presented to the winners of the 6th grade poster contest! Door prizes will be given out throughout the evening. Please RSVP no later than January 21st to ensure you are included in the dinner count! Please call 303-621-2070, ext. 101. www.kiowacd.org
Elizabeth Presbyterian Church Basement, 325 S. Banner St., Elizabeth
Wednesday, January 26th, 7 PM to 8 PM
Book study: "How Al-Anon Works for Families & Friends of Alcoholics" From the flyer: "The Al-Anon Family Groups (AFG) are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength and hope in order to solve their common problems. We believe alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Al-Anon is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization, or institution; does not engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any cause. There are no dues for membership. Al-Anon is self-supporting through its own voluntary contributions. Al-Anon has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics." This meeting is open only to Al-Anon.
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Elizabeth Friends of the Library
Elizabeth Library, Elizabeth
Thursday, January 27th, 3 PM
The Friends of the Elizabeth Library was created in 1987 to support the facilities, programs and collections of the Elizabeth Library. The major fund raiser for the Friends of the Library is the used book sale. There are always books and videos for sale at the little shop in the library and once a year we have a large, week-long sale at the beginning of summer. Stop by and visit the book sale. There are some great deals! For more information, contact Jan 303-646-3416.
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Elbert County Planning Commission Meeting
Meeting Room, EC Health & Environment Building, 75 Ute Ave., Kiowa
Thursday, January 27th, 7 PM
The Agenda is not yet posted. It will be at http://www.elbertcounty-co.gov/meetings.php?typeid=10
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Kiowa Building Readers Story Time
Kiowa Library, Kiowa
Friday, January 28th, 10:30 PM
Today's stories are "Nursery Rhymes". Books from favorite authors. Story time is a great way to develop early literacy skills. Story time is interactive and gives young children a chance to interact with other children and adults. Story time includes reading stories, talking about books, and doing a hands on activity. Story time usually lasts about 30 minutes. Parents and caregivers can also take time to meet other families and check out some books to read at home.
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Simla Mystery Book Club
Simla Library, Simla
Saturday, January 29th, 9:30 AM
Family Story Time
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Simla Library, Simla
Saturday, January 29th, 10 AM
Books from favorite authors. Story time is a great way to develop early literacy skills. Story time is interactive and gives young children a chance to interact with other children and adults. Story time includes reading stories, talking about books, and doing a hands on activity. Story time usually lasts about 30 minutes. Parents and caregivers can also take time to meet other families and check out some books to read at home. Contact Patty or Carol at 719-541-2573.
Singing Hills Fire Station,
Saturday, January 29th, 3 PM to 6 PM
The site will provide in northern Elbert County a place to check out materials, return materials and a computer with Internet access for the public. The outlet will be staffed on Tuesday evenings, from 3 pm to 6 pm and Saturday morning, from 9 am to 11 am. Contact the Elizabeth Library for more information. 303-646-3416!
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Elbert Women's Club Breakfast
Russell Gates Mercantile Community Hall, Elbert
Sunday, January 30th, 8 AM to 1 PM
The breakfast is held on the 4th Sunday of each month at the Russell Gates Mercantile Community Hall, off of Elbert Road in Elbert. The breakfast is prepared by the Elbert Women's Club members as a fundraiser to restore and maintain the circa 1906 hall. Please come and join us in beautiful Elbert, enjoy a hearty breakfast, and admire the initial restoration completed in 2009. Also provided is a table with gift items including home made jams and books on the history of Elbert Co. Adults, $6, children $3.
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Upcoming Events
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Simla Free Tax Help
Simla Library, Simla
Wednesday, February 2nd, 10 AM to 2 PM
Colorado East Community Action Agency will be hosting FREE income tax preparation & FREE e-filing by IRS Certified Counselors for qualifying Elbert County Taxpayers. The free tax help will be held every other Wednesday starting January 19th through April 13th at the Simla Branch Library. Hours are 10 am to 2 pm. This service is available to taxpayers in Elbert, Cheyenne, Kit Carson, and Lincoln counties. Please call the library (719-541-2573) or the Colorado East Community Action Agency (719-348-5303) for details on the items required in order to prepare your income tax return.
Energy Workshop
Elbert School, Elbert
Saturday, February 5th, 9 AM to 12 PM
The Resource Group is hosting a FREE Energy Workshop. Topics covered include wind and solar energy, household energy reduction, and energy audits. There will be various informational booths. Please call the Kiowa Conservation District at 303-621-2070, ext. 101 for more information. Please register no later than February 1st! www.kiowacd.org
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Volunteer Orientation at The Gabriel Foundation
39520 CR 13, Elizabeth
Sunday, February 6th, 12 PM to 2:30 PM
Anyone who would like to become a volunteer at the Gabriel Foundation, please download an application on line at http://www.thegabrielfoundation.org and attend the next orientation meeting and one of the upcoming training sessions.
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Elbert County Historical Society
Kiowa Senior Center,
Sunday, February 6th, 2 PM
General membership meeting. http://elbertcountymuseum.org
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From Your Computer
Thursday, February 10th, Noon to 12:30 PM
From the Fall Small Acreage Newsletter: An overview and troubleshooting guide for homeowners living on well and septic. Presented by Mary Sue Liss, Environment Health Specialist, Elbert County Health & Environment. You can participate from an computer with Internet access. Email jennifer.cook@colostate.edu for more information and to register. It's a free and easy way to learn. www.ext.colostate.edu/sam/
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22nd Annual Sweetheart Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser
Praying Hands Ranch, 11892 E. Hilltop Rd., Parker
Saturday, February 19th, 6 PM to 10 PM
Enjoy a great evening of Dinner & Dancing and Silent Auction. Praying Hands Ranches will again be having their annual fundraising event with dinner from 6-8PM and then dancing and auction until 10PM. There will be a Live Band, Kids Corner and more. Tickets available at Praying Hands Ranch 303-841-4043 or The Edge Hair Studio in the Parker West II Shopping Center 720-244-4838. All Proceeds go to Praying Hands Ranches. Come join in on their yearly tradition!
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Colorado Big and Small Conference
Waymire Dom Complex, Adams County Fairgrounds, Brighton CO
Thursday, February 25th through Saturday, February 27th.
From the Fall Small Acreage Newsletter: Featuring sessions from farmers, ag professionals, and scientists for commercial specialty crops and niche livestock producers engaged in direct market or wholesale and organic, biological, or low-input systems; PLUS sessions for small acreage non-commercial producers. Registration is online and costs $45 for one day, or $70 for two days. For program information, please visit www.coloradoagriculturebigandsmall.com. Contact Adrian Card with questions at acard@bouldercounty.org.
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2011 Winter Webinar - Common Forage Grasses
From Your Computer
Thursday, March 10th, Noon to 12:30 PM
From the Fall Small Acreage Newsletter: Learn identification, use, and key characteristics of common dryland and irrigated grasses in Colorado. Presented by Joe Bummer, Extension Forage Specialist and Associate Professor at CSU. You can participate from any computer with Internet access. Email jennifer.cook@colostate.edu for more information and to register. It's a free and easy way to learn! www.ext.colostate.edu/sam/
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