Mountain Of Fun Report

You can vote for the Best Of Salida 2010.Best of Salida is an annual community survey to recognize and celebrate all the businesses, individuals and places that are “Best” about Salida.  Everyone is invited to cast their ballot on online at www.bestofsalida.com or with paper ballots that can be delivered by contacting info@bestofsalida.com.  Voting will continue through August 31st.Celebrate our community and vote today.  Ballot boxes are located at the Salida Regional Library and the Hot Springs Aquatic Center.

Salida Middle School Volleyball Camp will be help July 26th – 30th for Girls entering 5th and 6th grade with morning camps from 10-12noon.  Girls entering 7th and 8th grade will have camp from 3:30 to 5:30pm.  Questions call Pam at 539-4529 or Sarah at 588-4565.  Volleyball practice for the fall season will start Aug. 16th.  Doctors Physicals must be done and all required paperwork must be turned in to the office before anyone is allowed to practice.  So get your physicals early.

Star Pianist Joyce Yang is set to perform at the Held Auditorium at Salida High School this Tuesday night at 7:30pm.  She has gained international stardom in classical music. Tickets will be available at the door for $15 dollars, $3 dollars for students.  The Summer Salida Aspen Concert series lineup can be found at www.SalidaAspenConcerts.org

ReStore and More of Salida, Habitat for Humanity in Buena Vista, and Caring and Sharing of Salida are all looking for Volunteers.  It you have a few hours to spare, and you have a heart for helping people then these organizations need you.  They are looking for volunteer help with front desk duties, answering phones, and to help answer customer questions.  If you would like to help call Gerry at ReStore and More at 207-4697 or 395-0482, Brenda at habitat for humanity in BV at 966-6004, or Bonnie at Caring and Sharing at 539-3686 or 207-0033.

Everyone is invited to the Concert in the Park with Jubilant Bridge Performing at 7pm this Thursday evening 7/29 at Forest Square Park in Buena Vista.  It is FREE!!

We received a fun email from Carol who said she would like to see the county and communities come together with smiles. She went on to say Since the Arkansas Valley is considered the Banana Belt of Colorado, she would like to celebrate by having everyone wear a Hawaiian shirt or outfit on Fridays. She said can you imagine over 10,000 colorful shirts in one place, we’d be famous and more people would want to join us here in paradise. She said join us, and pass the word.

Summer Buena Vista Resident and Rotarian, Lee Briggs of Livingston, Texas will speak at the BV Rotary meeting on Tuesday July 27th at 11:45am in the Grace Episcopal Church Parish Hall.  Briggs will provide an update on the international PolioPlus Program that was initiated by Rotary International in 1985.  The event is open to the public with Lunch served for $8.00.  Reservations are required for Non-Members and you can receive more information by calling 395-9093 or visit www.rotarybuenavistaco.org

The Poncha Springs Community Theatre directed by Laura ReVelle Schwartz will be offering a series of Youth Theatre Workshops, with Adult workshops coming soon. Beginning July 30th there will be Friday Classes every week from 4 to 5:30 pm thru December 10th on Fridays for Children ages 6-13. The workshop will conclude with a final, exciting performance on December 11th. Laura is thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase Poncha Springs hidden gem, their historic Stage and Theatre with theatrical opportunities for everyone. Future offerings will include Theatre for Adults, Reader’s Theatre, musicals, plays and comedies, and there is anticipation of a Poncha Springs Community Chorale. For more information, please pick up printed information at the Town hall in Poncha, visit their website at www.ponchaspringscolorado.us or call Laura at 655-2290.

The American Brass Quintet has been coming to Aspen and then over Independence Pass to play for Arkansas Valley Audiences every year since 1978.  They have been called “The high priests of brass”.  This concert will be held in Buena Vista at Valley Fellowship Church, 608 S. San Juan on Saturday July 31st.  Visit www.americanbrassquintet.org

The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area presents “Hangin’ Out – Outdoors” Outdoor recreation programs for Kids Ages 11-16. July 30th come to the fishing clinic “Catch and Release” day at O’Haver Lake. Then on August 6-7 enjoy a Raft Trip on the Arkansas River with a possible overnight camp trip. Space is limited so reserve your spot! Some activities will require a fee. For the younger set, ages 5-10, AHRA offers free weekly “Junior rangers” programs. Pre-registrations and parental permission are required. Call Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area about these remaining summer programs for Kids at 539-7289.

Colorado Legal Services will have a staff member available for case intake interviews for the month of July, according to the following schedule for the month of July.

In Salida on Fridays July 30 at the Chaffee County Combined courts

In Canon City on Thursdays July 29 at the Administration Building

Clients will be seen on a walk in, first come, first serve basis.

An award-winning feature-length documentary about the world’s longest mountain bike race, continues its summer tour when it drops in on Salida on Tuesday, July 27th at the Salida SteamPlant Events Center.  The film chronicles the story of several mountain bikers who attempt the 2,711 mile race named the Tour Divide along the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains.  The movie was filmed partly in Salida at Absolute Bikes, the presenting sponsor for the event.  Directed by Hunter Weeks, the film was named the Best Adventure Film at last year’s Vail Film Festival.  Ride the Divide will be shown at 7pm at the SteamPlant on Tuesday July 27th.  Tickets are available at the door for $10 dollars. 

You can participate in the 1st annual 4 on 4 Co-ed sand volleyball tournament in Buena Vista, at the river park volleyball courts.  Teams must register by July 30th.  Cost is $20 dollars per team and to register or to find out more information, call BV Rec at 395-8643 Ext. 16.

El Valle Music festival and Valley Rodders Car Show will be held at Chapman Park, across from Alco in Monte Vista. Gates open at 8:30am on Saturday July 31st.   Come enjoy the Classic Cars and the Battle Of The Bands featuring Local Bands from the San Luis Valley. There will be a beer garden, food vendors, arts and crafts and more. Open 8:30 to 8pm. Vendors are welcome and if you’d like to enter you car call Gabriel at 719-852-3100 or 719-588-0101. Proceeds go to Project Help for Homeless Children.

Western Colorado’s Grand Mesa is home to one of Colorado’s newest moose Populations and locals are taking the time to celebrate and to learn more about Moose on Saturday July 31st.  Grand Mesa Moose Day events will run from 10am to 4pm at the US Forest Service Visitor Center atop Grand Mesa on Hwy. 65.  Family and Kid-Friendly events and giveaways are planned throughout the day.  All activities are free.  The Grand Mesa is the World’s Largest Flattop Mountain and is located east of Grand Junction. 

Hike with wildflower expert Ruth Runge-Barnes and Garna on Saturday July 31st to see and identify our summer wildflowers.  Ruth will select a Chaffee County Location that offers the best wildflower viewing at the time of the hike.  Be prepared to hike several miles.  The day will begin at 9am and the hike will last most of the day.   Please contact Garna at 539-5106 for more information and to register or visit www.garna.org/seminars.htm

San Luis Valley Bat Mine Trip will be happening on Monday August 2nd.  Garna will be sponsoring the trip to watch the colony of Mexican free-tail bats take flight from the Orient mine at dusk.  The mine entrance is a moderately strenuous 1.7 mile hike from the parking area.  Wear good footwear, and bring a jacket, water, and a flashlight or headlamp. 
The plan is to have a picnic dinner prior to the hike at Valley View Hot Springs entrance.  Participants will meet at 4:30pm at the Poncha Springs Visitor Center to coordinate carpooling.  The fee will include a donation to the Orient Land Trust.  Group size is limited so register now at www.garna.org/seminars.htm

Everyone is invited to the concert in the park, with Randy and Carole Barnes performing at Forest Square Park in Buena Vista.  The event will take place at 7pm on Thursday August 5th.

The City Of Salida Street Sweeping program in the Downtown Area will continue through October 29th.The Downtown area is swept from 4am until 6am.The City of Salida will ticket vehicles that are parked in sweeping zones.The street sweeping schedule is as follows: Tuesdays they will do E, F, And G Streets and Fridays they will do 1st,2nd, 3rd, and Sackett Streets.

The pick and shovel players melodrama troupe of Buena Vista is proud to present “He Promised Me Violets”. Come Boo, Hiss, Whistle and Cheer, as audience participation is encouraged! Come to the Dinner Theatre at the Buffalo Bar and Grill in Buena Vista, Mondays and Thursdays Now Thru August 19th with Dinner served at 6pm followed by the show. Encore presentations August 26th and 27th at 7pm at the Orpheum Theatre. Tickets available at the BV Chamber of Commerce or call 395-6612.If you have any questions call Carrie at 207-1005.

Folks need to hurry if they want to enter their favorite jam, doll, or homebrew in the 2010 Colorado State Fair.  The deadline for many General Entry Competitions are just weeks away.  August 6th will be the last day to sign up for a bit of Fair-Friendly competition.  If you have an amazing quilt, a fine wood-carving, the best banana bread, a pretty flower, or a favorite fruit pie they encourage you to compete.  There is a place for you and your hobby in the General Entry Division with over 1600 classes in 12 departments.  The deadline is August 6th at 5pm and for more information call 719-404-2080 or General Entry office hours are Monday – Friday 8am to 5pm.  The 2010 Colorado State Fair runs August 27th to September 6th.  Visit www.coloradostatefair.com

On Friday August 6th there will be a walking tour in Westcliffe, beginning at the “All Aboard Westcliffe museum” on Rosita Ave, One block south of Main Street.  Tours begin at 7pm and will leave every 15 minutes.  Four historic buildings will be visited along with information on several others, plus you’ll hear more on general local history.  Call 371-7076 for more information. 

There will be a concert in the park on Thursday, August 12th at 7pm in Forest Square Park.  Come listen to Joyce and Lloyd Woods that evening.  All concert in the park performances are free in Buena Vista.

The Outdoor community garage sale will in be held in Buena Vista, next to the river park pavilion from 9a-2p on Saturday August 7th. Call BV Rec at 395-8643 Extension 16 for more info.  Spots still available for 20 bucks. 

How would you like to bicycle through the most beautiful mountains in the country? Join the Colorado Peace Ride, a 4 day Charity Bicycle Tour along the legendary San Juan Skyway out of Durango. The ride will take place July 29th thru Aug. 1st and supports all the causes that create peace and positive change in our communities. So register now at www.thepeaceride.com and will be limited to 500 riders. Experience the Peace.

On Saturday July 31st from 10am to 2pm, The Arkansas river creations group will host an exhibit of local art, including quilts, wall hangings, note cards, paintings, digital art, wearable art, rustic arts, pottery, embroidery, jewelry and bags and totes. There will also be a book signing by a local author. The exhibit will be held at 29327 CR 358; west on CR 350, south into Mt. Princeton View Estates, CR 358 and then follow the signs. 

Walk Like MADD, MADD’s signature walk, is a fun, community-driven 5K walk that raises funds and saves lives. With every step you take and every pledge you make, you'll help raise money and awareness to support MADD's life-saving mission to eliminate drunk driving, prevent underage drinking and support victims and their families. Support MADD and enjoy the day with family, neighbors, co-workers, friends and even your dog. Visit the Health & Safety Fair, Teen Scene, Kids Zone, Pooch Parlor and much more! Win prizes, enjoy free entertainment and help make Colorado a safer place to live and drive. Saturday, August 7, 2010 7:30AM Registration | 8:30AM Opening Ceremonies | 9:00AM The Walk Begins at Sloan's Lake Park, corner of 17th Ave & N. Sheridan Blvd. Denver, 80214 www.walklikemadd.org

Relay for Life of Buena Vista announces their annual event to be held at BV high school. The Buena Vista Relay For Life will be held August 6-7. This year, they have a goal of raising $20,000 with all proceeds benefiting American Cancer Society programs and services and more. If you would like to be a sponsor or would like to attend the event, that brings together Cancer survivors, and people who want to remember loved ones, and raise money to fight the disease. Get your team together today. Call Lisa at 719-630-4971 to find out more. See you at the Buena Vista High School Track Aug. 6-7, 6pm to 7am. Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back. Together we can make a difference in the fight against cancer.

The 19th Annual Angel of Shavano Car Show is coming to Riverside Park in Downtown Salida on Saturday August 7th. Open to all type of vehicles.  Bring the family and have some fun touring the cars, and this year there will be two Monster Trucks there.  Enjoy music, food and fun all day!!!  There will be a Classic Rock Dance and Contest that night.  Come to Cruise Salida and Dance into the night.  For more information and an entry application please call 221-1867 and we’ll see you at the 19th Annual Angel of Shavano Car Show in Salida Saturday August 7th.  

It’s Boom Days August 7-8 in Leadville and the Boom Days Committee and the Mining Events Competition Committee are inviting everyone to the event! The Mining Events attract people from all around the Western U.S. The competition includes Jackleg drilling, three man team jackleg drilling, men’s hand mucking, ladies hand mucking, singles hand steeling, double jack hand steeling and spike driving. There will be big prizes for the winners. Call Dave at 539-1156 or 293-0365 regarding events or if you’d like to donate to the event.

Alpine orchestra enters it’s 20th Season with a series of concerts coming up the 4th weekend of August. Come enjoy these performances, Friday August 27th 7:30pm at Annunciation Catholic Church in Leadville. Saturday August 28th at 7:30pm at the Salida Steamplant. There will also be a Sunday Matinee on the 29th at 3pm at Mountain Heights Baptist Church in Buena Vista.

Books for Soldiers helps our sons and daughters. A soldier’s personal time can be difficult. Something as simple as a book can help them escape what surrounds them. Your help helps our soldiers. Please help…please give. Visit www.booksforsoldiers.com to learn how you can help. Even the smallest donation matters. Please give today – visit books for soldiers.com.

Sangre De Cristo Electric is now collecting spent residential compact fluorescent light bulbs at their headquarters located at 29780 N. US Highway 24 in Buena Vista. Through a program offered by their power supplier, Tri-State Generation & Transmission, they will ship the unbroken bulbs for recycling. The mercury, glass, and metals in the ballast are all recycled. Bring your bulbs to our headquarters and they’ll do the rest.

The Ballroom Dance group gets together the 3rd Friday night of every month 7:30 - 10:00 at Hi Steppin Dance Studio at 547 Jones Street. But it's not just Ballroom Dancing...they do it all...including Country Dancing! Cost is $5.00 per person. Refreshments provided. Bring your own music, if you'd like! For more info: 221-2181

Remember there’s now round-trip bus service EVERYDAY to Denver, DIA, Buena Vista, Alamosa and Gunnison, leaving The Chaffee Transit Center at 54 Jones Avenue, behind the Windmill Restaurant. For ticket information, go to blackshillsstagelines.com or call The Chaffee Shuttle at 530-8980. Grab your bike and hop on the bus to Buena Vista- it’s downhill all the way back to Salida!

Open your heart and your home to an international student. Pacific Intercultural Exchange needs host families right now in our communities for semester and academic year home stay programs. If you are interested, please call 800-828-9001 or visit them on the web at pieusa.org

Local Families Needed for Cultural Exchange Students. World Heritage Student Exchange programs is seeking local families to host Boys and Girls between the ages of 15 and 18 from a variety of countries around the world. Families may select the student of their choice from student applications, family photos and biographical essays. To become a host family contact the WH Head Office at Info@world-heritage.org or call 800-888-9040.

NWS Peace Program, a non-profit and CSIET approved program, is seeking caring families to host high school students from various countries for the 2010/2011 school year. The students are pre-screened: speak English and are looking forward to learn about our culture while teaching you about their culture and country. Call 866-846-3977 or visit our website nw-services.com