Erie dog gets valor award
An Erie dog named Kenai has been named Valor Dog of the Year in the Humane Society of the United States’ third annual Dogs of Valor Awards. Kenai, a 14-year-old Bernese mountain dog mix, awakened one of her owners, Todd Smarr, in the middle of the night to alert him to a carbon monoxide leak in the vacation home where seven adults, two children and three dogs were sleeping. All escaped without harm. The awards honor dogs who exhibit an extraordinary sense of courage by heroically helping persons in heed. The dogs are considered by a panel of celebrities, including “Heroes” actress Kristin Bell, Sally Pressman of “Army Wives,” and retired Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jay Kopelman. For more information, visit www.humanesociety.org/dogsofvalor.
WOW! hosts casino night
Treasure Quest, the WOW! Children’s Museum, will host its fifth annual auction and casino night fundraiser on Saturday, April 10, from 6 to 11 p.m. Activities include a magic show, a live and silent auction, casino style gaming tables and pirate-themed fun. Also included are a Caribbean-themed buffet dinner and complimentary cocktails until 9 p.m. Ken Clark from FOX31’s Good Day Colorado will be present as a special guest emcee. Tickets are $70 per person or $500 for a table of eight, and proceeds benefit WOW!’s 2010 Scholarship Fund, which provides free and reduced cost museum admissions and memberships for families in need. The event will be held at the A Spice of Life Event Center. Tickets can be purchased online at www.wowmuseum.com or by calling 303-604-2424.
County Line Road gets bike lanes
Construction of bike lanes and other work on County Line Road in the Erie area began recently, kicking off a construction process expected to last 90 days. The work includes the construction of a four-foot paved bike lane from Austin Avenue to just short of South Main Street, stormwater improvements and bike-lane striping. Some daytime lane closures on County Line Road will result, and motorists should expect delays, although traffic control signage and flaggers will be on site to facilitate movement through the construction area. Between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 a.m., both lanes will be open, with shoulder closures and traffic controls delineating the roadway edges. The County Line Road Bike Lane Project is part of the federally funded American Recovery and Investment Act. For more information, visit www.erieco.gov.
Columbia Cemetery team wins award
The City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department’s Columbia Cemetery Conservation Corps has been selected to receive the first “Betty Chronic Preservation in Action Award.” The corps received the award for its work since 1999 toward the rehabilitation, restoration and conservation of the cemetery, which continues to be one of Boulder’s premier historical resources. The award was given during the annual membership meeting and awards ceremony for Historic Boulder, Inc., which was founded by Chronic. Chronic, who passed away recently, was a longtime advocate for preserving Boulder history. For more information about Historic Boulder, call 303-444-5192.
Boulder Housing Partners receives energy grant
Boulder Housing Partners (BHP) has been awarded $1.5 million in low-interest bonds for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. The Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) were authorized through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as well as the Colorado Governor’s Energy Office, and will be used to fund energy-related projects at BHP’s public housing properties. Specifically, BHP will use the bond proceeds toward a $2 million Energy Performance Contract that will reduce energy and conserve water at eight public housing sites. The contract is expected to reduce carbon emissions in BHP’s housing by 6,915 metric tons over the project’s life.
Trail guides, junior rangers needed
The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Department is looking for volunteers to traverse OSMP trails and enhance visitors’ experiences. Guides will provide information on area features, natural and cultural history, seasonal changes and management practices. Guides are also responsible for reporting visitor issues and inquiries as well as area conditions to staff, and for contacting emergency services when necessary. Periodic training is offered. For more information, call Susan Ross at 720-564-2013. OSMP is also accepting applications for the Junior Ranger Program, which allows teens 14 to 17 years old to conduct trail maintenance, weed removal and other maintenance projects for five weeks during the summer. The program incorporates job skills, stewardship and environmental education, and Junior Rangers also participate in team building activities that help define their work experience. For more information, call 303-413-7615. Applications for both roles can be found at www.osmp.org.
Caregiver training begins in April
Boulder County Aging Services is offering the National Caregiver Training Program for family caregivers of older adults on Tuesdays, April 6 to May 18, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the East Boulder Senior Center. The course is open to county residents caring for a relative, partner or friend who is 60 or older (50 and older if the care recipient has dementia).
Preregistration is required and class size is limited. Registration is free, but donations are welcome. Financial assistance for respite care (substitute elder care) during class periods is available. The 21-hour course, taught by a registered nurse, helps family caregivers acquire the skills needed to provide safe, confident home care for older loved ones. Classes include DVDs, detailed instruction, demonstration and hands-on practice. For more information and to register, please contact Emily Cooper at 303-678-6116 or [email protected].
