LoDo Annual Meeting, Limelight Awards

Step out for the 20th Annual LoDo District, Inc. Annual Meeting and Limelight Awards on Wed., March10, at the Seawell Ballroom and catered by Epicurean Catering.

Master of Ceremonies Ashton Altieri Meteorologist at 9 News will join LoDo notables, dignitaries and leaders who will be recognized for their achievements throughout 2009. The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with dinner following at 7 p.m.

Enjoy live music by Mistura Fina and the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, dancing, delectable food and an array of silent auction items while celebrating the unique historic neighborhood of LoDo.

RSVP by March 1, online at www.lodo.org, info@lodo.org or call 303-628-5428. See ad this page.

Mardi Gras Benefit for SafeHouse Denver

Join us again this year for the fourth annual, Mile High Mardi Gras event to benefit SafeHouse Denver and the Puksta Foundation on Fri., Feb. 19, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Parkside Mansion. Guests will enjoy complimentary libations, delicious Cajun food and a live DJ. Grab your mask and your friends for a night that’s not to be missed.

SafeHouse Denver’s mission is to assist women, children and youth in reclaiming their right to a life free of domestic violence. The mission of the Puksta Foundation is to provide the opportunity for freeing Colorado students to pursue a college education and to develop a commitment to citizenship, leadership and civic engagement.

For more information and tickets, visit www.blacktie-colorado.com/rsvp and enter code: MardiGras2010.

2 for 1 Ticket Bargains

Denver 2 for 1 Tix has great bargain prices and discounts for cultural and entertainment attractions on a weekly basis. The offers are sent out via a weekly email and contain offers from between four and eight cultural and entertainment attractions.

The offers change from week to week, with the email going out on Wednesdays and offers valid Thursday through the following Wednesday

For more information, visit www.Denver365.com.

Toad Tavern February Concerts

Fri. Feb. 12, Country/Rock, Tequila Mockingbird’s CD release party, Melanie Susuras Band, Zeut, Holly Hathaway Band, 7:30 p.m., $10.

Sat. Feb 13, Hip Hop, Broken Tongues, Audible Abilities, S.T.O.I.C., Made Fresh Daily, Take Over Kings, Sick Illutions,, 8 p.m., $5, $3 w/ticket.

Sun. Feb 14, Rock, Valentines Day, Family Night, with: J.C. & The Water Walkers, 6-8 p.m., $5, all ages.

Thurs. Feb 18, Hip Hop, Hypnautic Presents:, Best of Denver’s Hip-Hop Showcase, 8 p.m., $5.

Fri. Feb 19, Rock, Filthy Children & Opie Gone Bad, with Square 1, 7:30 p.m., $7, $5 w/ticket.

Sat. Feb 20, Acoustic Rock, Ryan Long, Mark Wagner, Jake Ousley, 4 p.m. matinee show, $10.

Sat. Feb 20, Acoustic Rock, Super-Seed, Matt Nasi Band and special guests, 8 p.m., $5, $3 w/ticket, Sun. Feb 21st - Variety, Family Night with The Sock Hop Band, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., $5.

Wed. Feb 24, Acoustic Rock, Sarah Bettens (of K’s Choice), with: Clayton Senne and special guests, 7 p.m., $17, $20, day of show.

Thurs. Feb 25, Adult Rock, Sharla Jackson Band, Old Dogs with New Tricks, Revolution, Scott Saunders, 7 p.m., $3.

Fri. Feb 26, Rock, The Best Response & No Bueno, with: At The Forefront, Eudea, Alive In Stereo, 8 p.m., $6, $4 w/ ticket.

Sun. Feb. 28, Blues, Toad Tavern Blues Fest, Featuring: The Delta Sonics and Paul Soderman & Bluezhouse, with: Reckless Red, Teresa Lynne Band and Roadhouse Joe, 4 p.m. show $8, $10, day of show.

Tickets available at ticketswest.com or King Soopers.

Born Broken: Eugene O’Neill at DPL

Fresh City Life hosts this panel discussion that brings together local artists, actors and theatre academics to discuss one of the greatest American playwrights, Eugene O’Neill.

Company members from Paragon Theatre and Buntport Theatre will also be on hand to talk about their upcoming productions. Paragon will be reviving Long Day’s Journey Into Night while Buntport launches The World is Mine, an original production that takes place inside the mind of O’Neill.

The Life and Works of Eugene O’Neill Born Broken: The Life and Works of Eugene O’Neill Mon., Feb. 22, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Central Library, Level B2 Conference Center.

For more information, contact the Denver Public Library.

Honor Stars at Tourism Hall of Fame Dinner

Denver’s second largest industry will honor some of the top Tourism Stars at the Tourism Industry Hall of Fame dinner March 4, in the Grand Hyatt Denver.

Tourism Star awards are presented to organizations and attractions that had a significant impact on Denver’s tourism industry during the preceding year. Award-recipients for 2009 are Sportaccord, the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 30th Annual Convention & Business Expo and the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), which in 2009 celebrated its 20th anniversary.

“Last year was a great year for Denver’s tourism industry with two prestigious events that each in their own way helped elevate Denver’s national and international reputation,” states Richard Scharf, president & CEO of Visit Denver, The Convention & Visitors Bureau. “In addition, SCFD has a 20 year tradition of helping more than 300 cultural organizations. We are honoring each of these three organizations for their great contributions to the city’s image.”

In addition to the “Tourism Star” awards, three people will be inducted into the Tourism Hall of Fame: Pat Bowlen, president & CEO of the Denver Broncos; Curtis Fentress, president and principal-in-charge of design, Fentress Architects, and Walter Isenberg, president & CEO of Sage Hospitality.

The Tourism Hall of Fame serves as the highest award for Denver’s travel industry, which registered its best year ever in 2008 with 12.2 million overnight visitors generating more than $3.1 billion in spending. The industry supports more than 65,000 jobs in the metro area.

The gala is a fund-raising event for the Visit Denver Foundation, which has given out more than $239,000 in scholarships to Colorado students pursuing higher education in the fields of tourism and hospitality.

For more information and tickets, contact 303-571-9405 or smazone@
visitdenver.com.

Luscious Gift Ideas on Larimer Square

The shops on Larimer Square have great Valentine’s Day gift ideas for your loved one. Think martini glasses, robes, jewelry and designer shoes. Pink Sale Women’s clothing boutique Eve is having a Valentine’s Day Pink Sale.

All items in the store that have pink in it (or a color close to pink) qualify for a 30 percent discount. From lingerie, to jewelry, dresses and belts, Pink is the new everything at Eve. Sale ends Feb. 14.

Mariel will transform into a wonderland this month with designs from an upcoming movie inspired by Alice in Wonderland. The high-end women’s boutique will soon be carrying a few designs and hats featured in the upcoming Tim Burton film Alice in Wonderful (March 5 release date).

Tune in on Tuesday, Feb. 9 to 9News at 10 a.m. to see these colors come to life on Colorado & Company.

Element is embracing romance this month by offering discounts, romantic original art pieces and a Valentine’s jewelry trunk show on Thurs., Feb. 11.

Meanwhile, Capital Grille unveils its specialty Comfort Food Menu for a limited time. Your best-loved dishes from decades past are getting a gourmet makeover.

Also, why not join Bistro Vendome every Thursday evening until April 15, for its Classic French Rotation, serving a specialty French entree each week, including Coq au Vin and Boeuf Bourguignon.

For more information, contact Larimer Square.

Tastefully Simple Twist on Food Drive

Tastefully Simple consultants from across the state are donating protein-rich food items to local food shelves. Due to the high cost of protein-rich food, struggling families and food banks alike are finding it difficult to obtain enough of this vital nutrient.

On Feb. 12, hundreds of Tastefully Simple consultants will donate protein-rich food items to the Food Bank of the Rockies. The items will be collected throughout the day at the Inverness Hotel and Conference Center and then sorted, bagged and distributed to the Food Bank of the Rockies between 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

As a crucial part of a healthy diet, protein consumption is necessary for healthy bones, teeth, blood cells and skin. Protein deficiency can negatively affect brain function, immunity and overall health.

Tastefully Simple is proud to partner with Share Our Strength, the leading national organization working to end childhood hunger in America, that helped identify the need for protein donations. The efforts within Colorado are part of a larger national effort to collect 100,000 ounces of protein and donate it to food shelves around the country.

According to Share Our Strength, 12.4 million children were at risk of hunger in 2008. In 2009, nearly 17 million kids in America suffered from hunger, an alarming increase.

“It is appalling to think that there are so many children that don’t know when or where their next meal will come from. With over 28,000 consultants in communities all across America, we have the capacity and resources to do something that will make a difference in the lives of many,” said LaTresse Snead, Tastefully Simple’s community relations team lead.

For more information, visit tastefullysimple.com and strength.org.

OpenAir Film Festival at Civic Center

Denver’s Civic Center has the opportunity to be home this summer to the U.S. debut of the internationally-acclaimed OpenAir Festival of Film, a one-of-a-kind outdoor cinematic experience featuring local food, beverages and first-run movies against the iconic backdrop of the Colorado State Capitol and Denver’s skyline.

The month-long event utilizes less than 10 percent of Civic Center park, and event organizers will pay for any wear-and-tear, including sod replacement. Fourteen-hundred (1,400) tickets will be available each night, a fraction of the attendance at Civic Center’s large annual festivals. During the day, the giant high-tech screen will lie flat so as not to obstruct any views.

The Denver Post recently named OpenAir one of the top five cultural attractions of 2010, just one example of the incredible buzz this event is generating throughout the region.

The Downtown Denver Partnership’s Position Denver City Council will soon be deciding whether to approve or reject this incredible opportunity for both Civic Center and Metro Denver. As advocates for increased usage and activation of Civic Center Park, the Downtown Denver Partnership is a strong supporter of this festival.

The Partnership also recognizes the ability of OpenAir to help generate much-needed revenues for the City and specifically its parks. The Partnership is planning to voice its support of OpenAir at tonight’s City Council hearing. What can you do?

E-mail City Council to encourage them to support the OpenAir contract allowing movies in Civic Center.

For more information, contact info@downtowndenver.com or 303-861-4633.

Mandolin Orchestra at Wynkoop

Join the Wynkoop Brewery and the Mandolin Orchestra as they transform our turn-of-the-century mercantile showroom into a symphony hall for as many as 20 mandolins once a month and every month throughout the year.

For more information, contact the Wynkoop Brewery.

Women’s Bean Project Needs Volunteers

On Saturday, Mar. 6 , 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., we need four volunteers. We are looking for volunteers for our table at Camp Experience’s Mini-Camp.

Camp Experience will be raising money and awareness for the Bean Project all year long, so please check them out and consider attending Mini-Camp or their 3 day camp at Copper Mountain this coming September. Responsibilities include: Pick up Women’s Bean Project products on Mar. 4 or 5, set-up our table at the Ritz Carlton, sell products and bring it all back to the Bean the next week. Great for a small group.

On Saturday, April 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 p.m.to 4 p.m. four volunteers are needed for each shift. Women’s Bean Project was selected as a site for Doors Open Denver. We’ll be opening our doors to the public this Saturday for tours of Firehouse #10 and the opportunity to purchase products. You’ll be assigned to help out as a tour guide, greeter or other help as needed.

Tuesday, April 27, 11:30 a.m. to 1p.m. unlimited volunteers are needed to be passionate, enthusiastic table captains for our annual graduation celebration and fundraising luncheon. This a great opportunity for those interested in making a longer-term commitment than a one-time event.

For more information, contact Diana Lachiondo at the Women’s Bean Project.

Transform Downtown into Creative Capital?

With Governor Ritter’s recent press conference regarding tax cuts, business incentives and greater access to capital for the creative industry sector, members of the Partnership are asking each other: What would it take to make Downtown the Creative Capital of the West?

We already know this is an attractive job sector. In addition to arts related retail-art galleries, music and bookstores, Denver’s largest employment categories within the creative sector include architects, editors and graphic designers. Colorado’s roughly 186,000 creative sector jobs are among the fastest growing in the state, making it the fifth largest economic sector. In addition to providing jobs and additional tax revenues, these jobs are often the cornerstone of tourism and community revitalization.

Take Jiberish, a new hip hop apparel store specializing in artist-designed ski and snowboarding gear sold at 43 retailers and in 16 countries. Last month they opened their first Downtown Denver location, with a $15,000 boost from the City’s Create Denver Revolving Loan Fund. Roughly $200,000 has been distributed to 16 other local, creative businesses through this fund, which is a joint program of the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs (DOCA) and Denver Office of Economic Development (DOED).

Jiberish is a shining example of the type of retail destination that makes Downtown Denver unique, while creating jobs and tax revenue that bolster our local economy.

“The Downtown Area Plan gave us a simple directive to encourage the growth of existing arts-oriented retail uses, while creating an environment for more diverse and distinctive businesses,” said Tami Door, President & CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership. “This will make us not only a more economically healthy city, but a more interesting city as well.”

Tami Door (DDP), Andre Pettigrew (City Office of Economic Development), City Councilwoman Judy Montero and Mayor Hickenlooper stand with Jiberish store owners at their ribbon cutting event.

What can WE do in Downtown Denver to make sure creative businesses thrive?

Post your available space: Creatives are utilizing DOCA’s free, online Creative Space Agent tool. Designed to advertise available space to Denver’s space-starved creative community, property owners and brokers post space, for creatives in need of performance, rehearsal, studio, business and live/work space that meets their unique needs. If you know of an under-utilized space in Downtown, we encourage you to consider listing it for consideration.

Participate in Create Denver Week: From Apr. 10 through 17, the city will seek to validate the claim that Denver is the Creative Capital of the Rocky Mountain West. Create Denver Week will kick-off with the 5th Annual Create Denver Expo on Saturday, April 10, and will showcase Denver’s creative community, including individuals, associations, organizations and businesses in this sector. There is not cost to attend, and sponsorships are available. Learn more here, or sign up to receive the Create Denver eBulletin.

Support the Downtown Denver Leadership Program The Partnership’s 2010 Downtown Denver Leadership Program is partnering with DOCA and the Create Denver Advisory Council to investigate precisely what the growth of the creative class means to Downtown Denver, and how creative industries can contribute to the economic and social success of Downtown. A final presentation will be delivered in November 2010 to Partnership members, but watch for updates in the interim!

Explore our local creative firms The next time you need to hire creative talent such as advertising agencies, architects, graphic designers, etc., consider hiring from within our local talent pool. Denver has a phenomenal offering, and we want to encourage growth in this sector.

For more information, download the Denver Gallery Guide online.

WordNerds Wednesdays

Fresh City Life (DPL) is partnering with Novo Coffee, Mad Greens and Mad Wine Bar to bring word nerds, bibliophiles and grammar freaks together once a month to test their skill, learn new small words and find like-minded community.

Prizes are gift certificates donated by Novo Coffee, Mad Greens and Mad Wine Bar. Upcoming WordNerds are Wed. Feb. 24, and Mar. 31, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Novo Coffee, 1200 Acoma, across from the Denver Art Museum Hamilton Building.

For more information, contact the Denver Public Library.

LoDo District’s Annual Meeting and Limelight Awards

By Ellen Wilensky

The gatherings began 20 years ago as modest yet lively affairs in bars, restaurants, conference rooms, lofts and various LoDo venues. For two decades, the citizens of the Lower Downtown Denver Historic District have been meeting annually to celebrate the community and to recognize leaders and businesses that contribute to the amazing quality of life that LoDo offers. As the neighborhood flourished the annual meetings grew bigger and better. More and more members attended the events that included speakers, roasts, music and even last year’s comedian. But over time one thing hasn’t changed— the main attraction has always been the opportunity to mingle with neighbors and friends, old and new, who all share a connection to Denver’s premier historic district.

So it seems to LoDo District that after all this time, a real party is in order; a party that features great food, music, dancing and socializing. No lengthy speeches, no data or statistics, no business (but for the election of our board) just an opportunity to honor outstanding achievements during 2009, enjoy a spectacular silent auction, and have fun in the gorgeous Seawell Ballroom.

On March 10, the tradition continues. Our celebration of 20 years of neighborhood stewardship and a community of the brightest, most creative and forward thinking history lovers in the city is sponsored by the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, Mercury LDO Reprographics, Seawell Grand Ballroom and Epicurian Culinary Group.

The evening begins at 5:30 PM with a cocktail reception and silent auction followed by dinner at 7:00 PM, then mingling and dancing. Enjoy the music of the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra and Mistura Fina. Several seating and table options are available, including Sponsor Tables, Patron Tables and individual tickets. To ensure the best seating, LoDo recognition and upgraded wines, purchase a Sponsor Table. This event, the proceeds of which support the activities of the LoDo District, Inc., often sells out, so be sure to RSVP no later than March 1 at info@lodo.org, 303-628-5428, or purchase tickets online at www.lodo.org. We hope to see you in the limelight!

27 House Democrats Endorse Hickenlooper

As Colorado House Democrats talk to people in their communities, they hear the stories of Colorado families and small businesses facing difficult times during this recession; times that call for real leadership through new ideas and proven solutions.

That’s why 27 House Democrats have already endorsed Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper in Colorado’s 2010 governor’s race, citing his ability to unite Coloradoans from every corner of the state and political viewpoint.

The Colorado House Democrats will continue their fight to improve the state’s economy and ensure that every Coloradan has the opportunity to find a good job. To help achieve this goal, caucus members are looking for a collaborative leader to serve as Colorado’s next governor, one who will work toward practical solutions for Coloradans and not just hide behind political rhetoric and sound bites.

Mayor Hickenlooper’s experience and pragmatism as a small business owner, a geologist in the Colorado oil and gas fields, and as the mayor of Denver fit the bill for many of those who pass the bills under the big gold dome.

“Mayor Hickenlooper is a strong and innovative leader for the City and County of Denver. I’m confident that his leadership style and his love for this great state will help us steer Colorado toward economic recovery and prosperity,” speaker Terrance Carroll said.

“From transportation and tourism to bark beetles, John understands our issues along the I-70 corridor,” said Representative Christine Scanlan of Summit County. He has the ideas and ability to make real change happen for the whole state, not just the Front Range.”

Added Representative Ed Vigil of the San Luis Valley: “Sure he’s a city boy, but he’s spent time in the oil and gas world and he really gets it. He knows that we need water, workers, and home-grown energy to keep our rural communities thriving.”

Applications for Medical Marijuana Licenses Available

The Denver Department of Excise and Licenses began accepting applications for the newly created Medical Marijuana Dispensary license on Feb. 8.

The licensing process developed by Excise & Licenses follows Denver City Council’s approval earlier this month of regulations governing medical marijuana dispensaries. Council acted as a result of significant growth in the number of dispensaries in Denver over the past year. Colorado voters approved an amendment to the State constitution in 2000 allowing the medicinal use of marijuana by qualified patients and their caregivers.

The ordinance adopted by City Council requires license applicants to submit a lease or deed, description of products and services to be provided, floor plan, security plan, area map, zoning permit, City sales tax license and a burglar alarm permit with their license application.

Penny May, director of Excise & Licenses, said that like many licenses issued by her department the new medical marijuana dispensary license has specific requirements. “To avoid processing delays and applicant disqualifications, it’s extremely important that applicants for this license submit complete applications including all required documents,” May said.

In addition, she noted, the new City ordinance requires fingerprinting at the time of application of dispensary managers and others holding a 10 percent or greater ownership share in the business, so those persons must be present when the application is filed.

The Council ordinance adopting regulations governing dispensaries is also available on the Excise and Licenses Web site. Denver Excise and Licenses issues business licenses, serves as the City’s licensing authority for administering the Colorado Liquor and Beer Codes and administers the City’s burglar alarm ordinance.

For more information, visit www.denvergov.org/Excise_and_Licenses. Excise & Licenses is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday–Friday, at 201 West Colfax, Ste. 206.

 

Census 2010 Campaign Wins International Award

 

The Denver Census 2010 marketing campaign, designed by The Idea Marketing, recently won the 2009 Gold MarCom International Award in the category, Integrated Marketing Campaign. There were over 5,000 entries from the United States and foreign countries in the 2009 competition.

The MarCom award recognizes outstanding creative achievement by marketing and communication professionals. Judges analyze the objectives and target audience as well as the different strategies and tactics integrated within the campaign. With this information, judges evaluate the synergies within each tactic and the combined effectiveness. They also evaluate how the general concept and artwork is applied to the different campaign components.

“This award is an honor for Denver’s Complete Count Committee and The Idea Marketing,” said Martha Rodriguez, Denver’s Census outreach specialist. “Denver selected The Idea Marketing for the Denver Census 2010 campaign because of their ingenuity, creativity and marketing expertise on how to reach the hard to count populations.”

The Idea Marketing’s integrated communication campaign from Mar. to Dec. 2009 focused on reaching hard to count populations. The top two objectives were to create awareness about the Denver Census 2010 within hard to count communities and to educate these communities about the benefits of the Census as well as the importance of being counted.

The integrated marketing campaign included seven main components: Logo and Creative Concept Development, Community Partner Development, Mass Media; Out-of-Home Advertising, Grassroots Outreach, Collateral Materials, and Kick Off Event at Place Bridge Academy.

In 2010, focus will be on a call to action to complete Census questionnaires. In March, Census questionnaires will be mailed by the U.S. Census Bureau, and by April 1 they need to be completed and mailed in.

Denver’s Complete Count Committee (CCC) is a group of community leaders appointed by Mayor John Hickenlooper for the purpose of developing and implementing a comprehensive 2010 Census awareness campaign in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau. The CCC is aimed at ensuring every resident of Denver County is counted in the 2010 Census.

The Census is a head count of everyone residing in the United States. It has been mandated by the U.S. Constitution (Article 1, Section 2) since 1790 and it occurs every 10 years.

For more information, visit denvergov.org/Census2010.

DDP Members Get Economic Preview

Members of the Downtown Denver Partnership were recently given a glance at the nation’s economic future at the annual Economic Forecast breakfast event at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center.

As part of the Partnership’s monthly member forum series, Paul L. Kasriel, Chief Economist for Northern Trust, discussed the muted rate of recovery in various industry sectors in the U.S. Nick Pavlakovich, Executive Director with Cushman & Wakefield, Inc., went on to provide the 2010 office market outlook both in Denver and nationally.

Here are a few snapshots of the points both Kasriel and Pavlakovich made: The recovery has begun not because any one sector is soaring, rather because a number of sectors have either started to grow or are descending at a much slower rate. The economy still faces strong headwinds, primarily from the financial sector. It is unlikely that the headwinds will be so strong as to push the economy back into recession.

The national unemployment rate will rise from 10 percent to 10.5 percent by mid-year, and then fall back to 10 percent by the end of the year. The Denver Central Business District ranks seventh of Top Ten Preferred U.S. Markets. The commercial office market will not see significant improvement until the employment picture improves. Cash is king and investors with cash available will be able to acquire assets at very reasonable prices.

The next DDP member forum is Feb. 18 at 7:30 a.m. Contact the partnership for topic and location.

Colorado Wants More Jobs Less Government

The Colorado Policy Institute (CPI) recently released key findings from a survey on public sentiment regarding key issues and leaders in the State of Colorado.

The Colorado Policy Institute is a 501c4 tax-exempt, non-profit public policy research foundation founded in 2009. CPI’s mission is to increase the understanding of public policies in Colorado, based on the principles of individual liberty, limited government, and free markets.

The survey, conducted by The Tarrance Group on behalf of the Colorado Policy Institute, was conducted January 26–27, among 502 “likely” registered voters and has a margin of error of plus 4.5 percent.

“This survey should be a wake-up call to our elected leaders that the citizens of Colorado do not want any more taxes, fees, or other means of maintaining the status quo of government, and are ready for across the board budget cuts”, said Sean Tonner, Executive Director of the Colorado Policy Institute.

To view poll results, visit www.coloradopolicyinstitute.com.

Councilman Garcia Appointed HUD Director

U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced President Barack Obama’s selection of Denver City Councilman Rick Garcia to serve as HUD Regional Director for the six states in HUD’s Rocky Mountain Region.

“This is great news for Councilman Garcia and a testament to his commitment to public service,” Mayor John Hickenlooper said. “We look forward to continue working with Councilman Garcia in his new role and building on our already strong relationship.”

Haitians Need Our Help

The 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti, devastated the capital, Port-au-Prince, and surrounding areas. Thousands are known dead and thousands more missing. Haiti is already one of the poorest nations in the world, and they are not blessed with the resources to deal quickly with a crisis like this. They need our help.

Coloradans are always good neighbors in tough times, and I know that we will be there for our international neighbors now. Let’s be sure to keep those who have lost loved ones, or are suffering the anxiety of not knowing, in our thoughts and prayers.

If you or anyone you know is looking for information on family members in Haiti, call the U.S. State Department toll-free at 1-888-407-4747 for help. Meanwhile, please make a contribution to the International Response Fund of the Red Cross.

Donate at www.redcross.org/donatemoney or text HAITI to 90999 on your cell phone to make an immediate donation of $10 from your phone bill.

Heating Bill Help On the Way

U.S. Senator Michael Bennet announced recently that help is on the way for Colorado families struggling to pay their heating bills this winter. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released $4,799,767 in Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) contingency funding for Colorado to help eligible low-income homeowners and renters meet home energy costs.

The funding is part of $490 million released nationwide and comes on the heels of a bipartisan letter Bennet and 48 of his Senate colleagues sent President Obama urging the release of LIHEAP contingency funds to help millions of families nationwide struggling with severe cold weather, rising oil prices, and a difficult economy.

“The snow storms and sub-zero temperatures we’ve experienced in Colorado this winter have reminded us that reliable heating is not something we should take for granted” Bennet said. “Coloradans who are struggling to make ends meet shouldn’t have to make impossible choices between groceries and adequate heat for themselves and their kids. With two more months of winter ahead, I will continue the fight to ensure families have the funds they need to stay warm during these difficult economic times.”

The mission of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is to assist low income households, particularly those with the lowest incomes that pay a high proportion of household income for home energy, primarily in meeting their immediate home energy needs.

Congress recently approved $5.1 billion for heating aid in fiscal year 2010, which could help nearly 10 million households nationwide stay warm and safe.

Keep Warm with LEAP

The winter is off to a frigid start in Colorado. With temperatures hovering near record lows on many days and snow on the ground, nothing is more comforting than a warm house. However, comfort is not the only reason to keep your home warm in the New Year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to cold temperatures, even indoors, can be extremely harmful to the well being of children and senior citizens, those most vulnerable to health problems caused by extreme cold.

Children and senior citizens can lose body heat easily and are more likely to have preexisting conditions that are aggravated by cold. Children and seniors also tend to have low defenses, leaving them more susceptible to colds, the flu and pneumonia. The Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) can help prevent these issues by assisting families with their heating bills through the cold winter months.

“While healthy adults may be able to withstand colder temperatures in the home, children and the elderly are at risk of developing health problems,” said LEAP director Todd Jorgensen. “This is why it is so important to keep a house warm. LEAP can help families cover heating costs, making sure that the home is safe for all of its inhabitants.”

LEAP is a federally funded program that provides cash assistance to help families and individuals pay winter home heating costs. The program pays the highest benefits to those with the highest heating bills and lowest incomes by family size. Applicant income cannot exceed 185 percent of the federal poverty index, which equals a maximum income of $3,400 per month before taxes for a household of four people.

While LEAP provides assistance paying for heating bills, there are additional ways to keep warm and safe during the winter months. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) offers the following tips: If you plan to use a wood stove, fireplace, or space heater, be extremely careful. Have chimney and flue inspected. Install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near the area to be heated. Test them monthly, and replace batteries twice yearly.

Close off unneeded rooms, stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors, and close draperies or cover windows with blankets at night. Eating well-balanced meals will help you stay warmer. Do not drink alcoholic or caffeinated beverages; they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly. Instead, drink warm, sweet beverages or broth to help maintain your body temperature.

Extreme cold can cause water pipes in your home to freeze and sometimes rupture. Insulate any water lines that run along outer walls. When very cold temperatures are expected: Leave all water taps slightly open so they drip continuously; keep the indoor temperature warm, and improve the circulation of heated air near pipes.

LEAP is currently accepting applications and will continue to do so until April 30. To qualify for LEAP, applicants must be responsible for paying heating costs directly to an energy provider, fuel dealer or as part of rent; be a permanent legal resident of the United States and Colorado or have household members that are U.S. citizens.

For more information, call 1-866-432-8435) or visit www.cdhs.state.co.us/leap.

 

Innovative Educator Wins Be More Award

 

Rocky Mountain PBS has selected this year’s Be More Award recipient from a statewide pool of outstanding applicants. The winner is Kristin Waters, the Assistant to the Superintendent for Innovation and Reform with Denver Public Schools.

Dr. Waters was nominated by Ben Jackson, a teacher at the Bruce Randolph School, where Dr. Waters was principal from 2005–2009.

The school at the time was the poorest performing middle school in Colorado and on the verge of being taken over by the state. “In only a few years, Kristin took a school that was nearly closed because of its poor performance and turned it into a leader in education reform for the district, state and nation,” Jackson wrote on his nomination form.

Dr. Waters has worked in education for 22 years, joining Denver Public Schools in 1997, first as a teacher at Montbello High School, then as assistant principal at South High School. She also served as principal at Morey Middle School, raising the school’s state ranking from low to high in only two years. She became the Assistant to the Superintendent for Innovation and Reform last summer, and now works to ensure that DPS is a national leader in education policy, reform and innovation.

“In a time when many public schools face such great challenges, it’s reassuring to know there are leaders like Kristin Waters demonstrating how problems are solved,” Douglas M. Price, president and CEO of Rocky Mountain PBS, said. “Dr. Waters is the embodiment of the Be More Award.”

“Kristin has worked tirelessly throughout her career to make a real difference in the lives of Denver’s students,” Denver Public Schools Superintendent Tom Boasberg said. “She is a true leader in DPS, and I couldn’t be more pleased that she’s received this tremendous honor.”

The third annual Rocky Mountain PBS Be More Award contest was open to Colorado civic, community, business and nonprofit leaders who have demonstrated outstanding innovative management and direction in one of the following fields: education, health, public affairs, news or the arts.

The selection committee included community leaders from a range of sectors across the state. The award is intended to honor leaders in the state who in challenging times show exceptional vision and provide positive outcomes. The Be More Award will be presented at the annual News Makers Luncheon on March 11.

For more information, visit www.rmpbs.org.

Nominations Sought for Latino Awards

The Denver Public Library is seeking nominations for its ninth annual Latino Community Service Awards. The Library offers two awards; nominations are being accepted through Fri., Feb. 19.

Lena L. Archuleta Community Service Award: The recipient will be a Colorado resident of Latino descent who has taken an active role in the community, above and beyond paid employment. The recipient will have made an impact on the cultural life of the community through his or her involvement with the Denver Public Library or another civic institution. Members of the general community including those affiliated with the Library may be considered for the award.

Past winners include: Lena L. Archuleta, Olibama Lopez Tushar, Beverly Martinez, Carlos Fresquez, Anthony J. Garcia, Magdalena Aguayo, Rosa Linda Aguirre and Clara Ricciardi.

Cesar Chavez Latino Leadership Hall of Fame Award: The Award will celebrate the induction of two individuals (one male and one female) into the Cesar Chavez Leadership Hall of Fame annually. The recipients will be Coloradans of Latino descent who have made a major contribution in a particular field that has positively impacted Denver’s Latino community.

Past winners include: Ruben Valdez, Lena L. Archuleta, Manuel “Sam” Sandos, Polly Baca, Rudolfo “Corky” Gonzales, Mary Baca, The Honorable Roger Cisneros, Rosemary Rodriguez, Senator Ken Salazar, Reverend Lucia Guzman, Secretary Federico Pena, Flora Rodriquez Russel, Patricia Barela Rivera, Mr. Salvadore (Sal) Carpio Jr., Katherine Archuleta and Jim Garcia.

Please submit nominations to: Consuelo Cosio, Denver Public Library, 10 West 14th Ave. Pkwy., L7 (CRD), Denver, CO 80204-2731, 720-865-2081 or ccosio@denverlibrary.org.

West Corridor Light Rail Giant Steps in 2010

2010 looks to be an exciting year for the West Corridor team. The plan is to have the bridges at Colfax, Wadsworth, Dry Gulch and 6th Avenue completed this year and light rail bridges over the Platte River and the Consolidated Main Line started.

Construction of the street bridge at Decatur will begin and the pedestrian bridges at Tennyson and Hazel Court are scheduled to open for residents wishing to cross over the gulch on foot. Work already started on the bridges at Indiana, Sheridan and Federal will continue throughout the year and into 2011.

Sixth Avenue will be closed completely over a weekend in April to roll out the signature arch bridge that will carry the light rail trains over 6th Avenue into and out of the Federal Center. In addition, in 2010, girders will be set on the Indiana Bridge requiring closures of 6th Avenue and Indiana Street.

As these closure dates approach, the West Corridor PI team will keep motorists advised of dates, times and alternate routes. Lane closures along 6th Avenue between Indiana and Union will be required as crews relocate the Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) overhead message sign and begin construction of the light rail tunnel under Union Blvd.

This year will also feature retaining walls popping up all along the corridor and crews beginning construction of sound walls in residential areas. Construction of the parking areas at the Jefferson County Government Center, the Federal Center and Oak Street should also begin this year.

Phase 1 of construction (which included bridges, removal of vegetation and the preparation of storage and staging areas) will be substantially completed in 2010. Phase 2 of construction, which includes construction of ballast walls, the installation of duct banks, sub-ballast and foundations for the overhead electrical systems, will begin this year.

Also in 2010, RTD will have possession of all necessary right-of-way for the West Corridor and a Request for Proposals (RFP) will be issued for a contractor to bid on designing and building the parking structures at Wadsworth and Sheridan.

In a recent study conducted by the American Public Transportation Association, a report, “Economic Impact of Public Transportation Investment” states that for every $1 billion invested in public transportation capital and operations, an average of 36,000 jobs are supported. These jobs generate an average of $3.6 billion in business sales and generate nearly $500 million in federal, state, and local tax revenues.

The report further indicates that on a national average; for every $1 invested in public transportation, $4 is generated in economic returns. This average depends on the local conditions of the region in which they are estimated; however the generated economic returns in some locations have been up to $9 for every $1 invested.

The generated economic returns are defined by short term and long term benefits including immediate green jobs which generate income through manufacturing, construction, and operation of public transit vehicles.

Preserve Your Choices with Long-term Care Insurance

by Rita Gutierrez, State Farm agent

Choices. Most people value the ability to make choices. Whether choosing the car you drive or where you live, choices mean flexibility. You probably want that same flexibility when making choices about your future, especially when it comes to health care. Having long-term care insurance will help preserve your ability to make these important choices.

What is long-term care? Simply stated, long-term care refers to the services you may need when you’re no longer able to care for yourself and need assistance with the activities of daily living. You may need assistance after an injury, illness, stroke or disease.

Long-term care insurance can help pay the cost of care for services in your home, in the community, or in a nursing home.

Paying for long-term care services could affect your future plans and choices in health care if you aren’t properly prepared. If you weren’t able to care for yourself, would it be important to have the flexibility to make choices and control your independence? With proper planning, you may have the ability to receive care in your home, in your community or in the facility of your choice.

In my opinion, serious consideration should be given to long-term care insurance as part of a solid financial plan. This means taking steps to help protect what you’ve worked so hard to accumulate through saving and investing.

Anyone, no matter what age, may need long-term care services at some point in life. Consider these statistics regarding the potential need for long-term care:

40 percent of people receiving long-term care services are working-age adults under age 65.1 (Source: General Accounting Office)

More than 70 percent of people over the age of 65 may need some form of home health care. (Source: Lewin Group)

Most Americans are unable to save enough to cover the high cost of long-term care services on their own. Nationally, the annual cost of a nursing home stay is about $56,000 and is expected to quadruple by 2030. (Source: Health Care Financing Administration) Long term care insurance can help pay these costs and allows you to maintain control while preserving your choices.

With the possibility of needing long-term care and the high costs associated, the next question is how will you afford it? Will you pay for it yourself? If you have a large estate, you may be able to cover potential costs on your own. However, for most people, long-term care services could quickly devastate income, retirement savings and other assets.

Will you depend on Medicare or Medicaid? Medicare does not cover most long-term care services. Medicaid is designed to help the poorest in our community; you would have to meet strict guidelines for your income and assets. Will you depend on your family? For many people, this may be the only option. Talking with your family will help you decide if they have the resources, expertise, time and willingness to provide for your care.

Should long-term care insurance be part of your plan? Many people are choosing a long term care insurance policy to help pay the cost of their care. It can be a cost-effective way to ensure you have choices in your heath care.

As a State Farm agent, my mission is to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. I believe long-term care insurance is part of this mission. Even if you don’t talk to me about long-term care insurance, talk with someone. It’s that important.

For more information, contact Rita Gutierrez or the State Farm agent nearest you. See ad page 2.

Immigration Matters

Unifying Families Really Immigration Priority?

by Kimberley A. Chandler, Esq.

Most people who immigrate to the United States are able to do so because they have a close relative in the United States who petitions for them or because they have a job skill that is needed by a United States employer.

The process, in either case, is a lengthy one, usually taking several years from start to finish. The wait is discouraging and impractical for prospective immigrants who are needed by United States employers; but for close family members, the wait is agonizing and, perhaps, impossible. In his State of the Union speech, President Obama reiterated that immigration reform is on his 2010 agenda. With the process of immigrating to join family members in the United States in dire need of an overhaul, this year we may see some changes.

The recent devastation of Haiti brought international adoption, along with related immigration issues, to the forefront of the news. United States couples who have waited years for their adopted Haitian children to clear the immigration process and come home to the United States have been the subject of these happy news stories.

Fortunately, the governments of Haiti and the United States are deviating from usual procedures required by United States immigration law by now moving as many children as possible out of Haiti to their new adoptive families. Required processing will be completed after the children arrive in the United States. In the absence of such a crisis, though, orphaned children, often already adopted overseas by American families, typically wait for years in institutions while the immigration process grinds on.

All relatives trying to immigrate to the United States, not just adopted children, are hurt by the slow-moving immigration process. Expediting that processing requires a re-engineering of procedures followed by the Department of Homeland Security and by the Department of State at United States consulates abroad. Our government’s ability to make positive, efficient changes in immigration procedures is evident in its handling of the Haitian adoptions.

Raising the number of family immigrants that we admit annually to the United States is another way to expedite the immigration process. Because the number of permanent resident visas allocated to relatives of United States citizens and permanent residents is so limited, applicants typically wait in a queue for years until a visa becomes available.

One of the longest waits is by brothers and sisters of United States citizens, who generally wait about fifteen years from the time they apply for residency to approval of permanent resident status. Perhaps the most discouraging wait, however, is by spouses of lawful permanent residents, who now wait about five years to join their spouses in the United States.

Bear in mind that it is close family members who are affected by the visa limits since more distant relatives, grandparents, aunts, uncles cousins, etc., are not eligible for residency based on a family relationship.

Promoting family unity has long been an underlying policy of our immigration law. If this policy is of real value to us, we need immigration procedures that demonstrate its value. When Congress tackles immigration reform this year, please contact your representatives and urge them make it easier for relatives of our friends and neighbors to immigrate.

The slow processing and the limited number of persons admitted annually are subjects in desperate need of attention.

 

Go Green!

Black Asphalt Turns Recycling Green

 

Associating “green” and “environmental sustainability” with highways and asphalt may seem to be a foreign concept. However, that is changing through new environmentally sensitive policies and construction practices that are resulting in record quantities of recycling and reusing of existing asphalt materials on Colorado’s highways.

The asphalt industry of Colorado and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) have partnered to develop new paving standards that allow up to 25 percent of asphalt materials to be comprised of recycled material. The recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) materials are generated from milling the old surface of the roadway and using that material as part of pavement improvement projects.

The result of the new standards was a record amount of 135,000 tons of RAP used on Colorado state highways in 2009. This represents a 70 percent increase from the 80,000 tons used in 2008.

“There is tremendous environmental benefit from using higher amounts of recycled asphalt pavement in our paving materials,” said Pam Hutton, chief engineer, Colorado Department of Transportation. “With the rising cost of construction materials and a greater emphasis on environmental sustainability and conservation of materials, it is important that we continue to capitalize on the many benefits recycled asphalt pavement provides.”

The recycled asphalt is generated from reclaimed pavement millings from roadways in the area and stockpiled at contractor facilities. The material is processed, screened and blended back with new material at contractor hot mix asphalt production plants.

“The quality control of the recycled asphalt material has improved greatly over the past few years and we feel confident that the new standards will ensure a high quality product,” stated Russ Otterstein, president, Premier Paving Inc., a Denver-based paving contractor. It is expected that the amount of recycling will continue to increase in the upcoming construction season and that local agencies will follow the practices as well.

“Asphalt pavements are 100 percent recyclable and the emphasis on environmental sustainability is a win-win for all involved, including the contractor, the agencies, the tax payer and the environment,” stated Tom Peterson, executive director, Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association.

CAPA has coordinated the involvement of asphalt contractors and has been a long time advocate of more recycling. “Besides the cost benefit of recycling, the changes will save taxpayers by reducing the need for new materials and disposal cost,“ Peterson added.

Largest Water Softener Project Completed

When the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel in Colorado decided to replace its failed water softening system, the hotel’s owner, Chartres Lodging Group, turned to Keith Warner, President of Highland Water in Denver, and his Joint Venture partner, Suburban Water Technology, owned by Randy and Mike Eddinger and headquartered in Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania.

The combined staffs of Highland Water and Suburban Water Technology, with over 100 years of experience in all facets of residential, commercial and industrial water treatment, recently completed the hotel’s water softener project, the largest of its kind ever undertaken by an independent water treatment dealer in Colorado.

According to Cody Bradshaw, Vice President of Asset Management for the Chartres Lodging Group, “Highland Water and Suburban Water Technology approached us with a state-of-the-art water treatment solution that not only reduced our hotel’s water and energy consumption but will no doubt have a significant impact on extending the life expectancy of our physical plant.”

The Sheraton’s new water softener system will have an extremely positive effect on the environment.

“The approximate 40 percent reduction in water use means a considerable reduction in the amount of sodium and chloride, key components of a water softening system, into Denver’s municipal water system,” said Mr. Warner. “This will be of tremendous benefit to Colorado, which periodically experiences drought conditions, and is especially important given the hotel’s downtown location in the heart of Denver’s business and financial districts.”

Another benefit of the Ecowater Systems Quadraplex softening system for the 1,231 room hotel is a reduction of up to 60 percent of previously used detergent and cleaning chemicals, also resulting in more environmentally conscientious operations.

Nearly a year in the planning, Highland Water addressed the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel’s problem of dealing with a water softening system of three semiautomatic or manual units originally installed in 1955. Of the three units, one had failed and the remaining two were no longer functional in semiautomatic mode.

One of the greatest challenges of the project, explained Mr. Warner, was working in what was formerly a spaghetti factory with no plumbing schematics, making it very difficult to determine where plumbing lines existed. Equally challenging was installing a main line water shut off because one had not previously existed at the hotel. But once the new unit was installed, the 100-percent effectiveness rating determined by the hotel’s engineer turned the challenges into a highly rewarding experience.

Over the past 20 years, Suburban Water Technology, Inc. has successfully installed nearly 20,000 water treatment systems in homes, schools, government facilities, nuclear power plants, businesses, and many manufacturing facilities throughout the United States.

Highland Water and Suburban Water Technology are currently working on numerous industrial and large commercial water treatment projects throughout the United States as a JV partnership.

Animal Matters

Feline Fix SpayToday

As part of their commitment to national Spay Day USA, a program of the Humane Society of the United States, The Feline Fix and SpayToday will host a 24-hour spay-a-thon for pet cats as well as free roaming cats.

The Dumb Friends League’s mobile spay/neuter unit, the Lulu Mobile, will also participate in this joint effort. All spay/neuter services are discounted on Feb. 20. Tame cats are $25 and The Feline Fix is offering a $10 special on feral cats.

Event takes place Sat., Feb. 20 to Sunday, Feb. 21, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at The Feline Fix, 2600 W. 2nd Ave, #8. Call for reservations or go to www.rmaca.org and 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., at SpayToday, 1864 South Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood.

The benefits of spay/neuter are far-ranging. Altered pets tend to be healthier and have fewer behavioral problems. Fixed free roaming cats stop breeding and no longer contribute to the cat overpopulation problem. Fewer animals, especially cats, end up in shelters or homeless on the streets.

Currently, shelters nationwide are forced to euthanize an estimated four million homeless cats and dogs each year. According to the Pet Animal Care Facilities Act, approximately 25,000 cats were euthanized in Colorado shelters in 2008, double the number of dogs.

Since Spay Day USA began in 1995, participants have sterilized more than 1.4 million cats and dogs. Last year, RMACA, SpayToday and Dumb Friends League spayed and neutered a total of 220 cats in honor of Spay Day USA.

For more information and reservations, call 303-984-7729 or visit www.spay2day.org.

American Humane Joins Haiti Animal Response Team

The American Humane Association’s program manager for Animal Emergency Services has deployed to Haiti to assist in an international effort to help animals affected by the earthquake.

Tracy Reis, an expert responder who has participated in the rescue and sheltering of more than 12,000 animals, will arrive in Port-au-Prince Thursday as part of the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti, which is jointly led by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

Reis will join ARCH team members in the Dominican Republic and Haiti to begin implementing a feeding program for the community dogs and to assist with immediate veterinary aid to animals in Haiti. That effort will be conducted in cooperation with the Haitian government and, in particular, with the Ministry of Environment.

“We had not considered including animals in the plans we’re working up now, but after meeting the ARCH team, we can see that it would be good to do so,” said Jean Marie Claude Germain, the Haitian Minister of Environment. “In addition to preventing deforestation and protecting our water reserves, we are also discussing the need for a vaccination program in order to prevent the spread of diseases amongst the animal populations.”

ARCH received an official request from the government of Haiti (made to WSPA on Jan. 21) asking for immediate assistance and that human resources be deployed to help with the emergency relief operation “as soon as possible.”

Efforts by American Humane include: Deploying Tracy Reis, program manager for American Humane’s Animal Emergency Services, to join relief efforts in Haiti, at the urgent request of ARCH’s lead agencies.

As the coalition’s U.S.-based resource unit leader, American Humane has responsibility for identifying volunteers from each organization in the coalition and gathering skill and resource information on each of them, in order to send the most highly effective teams to Haiti for animal response.

American Humane was the first professional animal welfare organization to join the coalition, has donated an initial $25,000 to help fund the coalition’s efforts, and expects to provide additional funding to this response.

American Humane’s Red Star Animal Emergency Services™ volunteers are preparing for deployment to Haiti by updating their vaccinations and receiving other medical assessments to ensure that they are fully prepared to respond.

American Humane has notified more than 200 trained and FEMA-certified animal rescue responders on its response roster. A smaller subset of highly qualified responders will be hand-picked and may join teams on the ground in Haiti, once long-term mission objectives are determined.

ARCH’s activities to date include: ARCH team members arrived in Port-au-Prince on Jan. 23 and spent the day meeting with governmental authorities and local animal welfare agencies. ARCH members on the ground have begun assessing the state of health, well-being and needs of the animals. ARCH members expect to begin missions focused on vaccinating street dogs and assisting with the care of livestock.

More than $150,000 has been raised to support the work of the coalition, including the funding donated by American Humane and other animal welfare groups that have joined the coalition. A vehicle has been purchased and outfitted as a mobile veterinary unit to support the response effort.

According to a veterinarian who lives and works in Port-au-Prince, the walls around many of the yards have fallen, and dogs that usually return to their owners’ homes are now displaced. A rough estimate, according to the veterinarian, is that about 150,000 dogs live in the Port-au-Prince area, many of which are now wandering the streets.

A lack of security has hindered some efforts to aid animals. Securing a suitable site for food, water, medical supplies, etc., for animals may take time while the needs of human consumables are addressed first.

“Many partners in the coalition, and those of us who were aiding animals after Katrina, are well aware that the issues the Haitian people and animals face will be long term,” said Debrah Schnackenberg, vice president of American Humane’s Animal Protection Division and director of its Animal Emergency Services program.

“It is our hope that the experience we all gained after Katrina, and the partnerships we have been building since then, will be demonstrated in the number of animals’ lives we save and the Haitian families we help in the coming weeks and months.”

For more information, visit americanhumane.org/haiti, twitter.com/americanhumane or facebook.com/americanhumane.

American Humane Protests Tail Docking

Certified, a program of the American Humane Association that helps ensure the humane treatment of farm animals for food, responded today that the practice of tail docking dairy cows is not a humane practice and is disallowed in its standards.

The response came following the airing of an ABC Nightline segment in which cows’ tails were shown being removed without anesthesia. Consumers can support producers who don’t employ this practice by purchasing only American Humane Certified dairy products.

“The producers certified under the American Humane Certified program have committed to the humane treatment of their animals and are verified by an independent, third-party auditor,” said Tim Amlaw, director of the American Humane Certified program. “Our standards state that the practice of tail docking is disallowed.”

The Nightline segment also showed inhumane dehorning procedures on dairy cattle. According to the National Milk Producers Federation’s fact sheet on Animal Care on Dairy Farms, “Dehorning has been used for decades to help reduce the risk of injury to cows and animal handlers. Dairy farmers and veterinarians ensure the comfort and safety of an animal during the dehorning process through sedation or anesthesia.”

In addition to the standards in which tail docking is prohibited, American Humane Certified also does not allow for dehorning (also known as disbudding) without anesthesia after 4 months of age. The science-based standards of the program insist that all practices are performed by trained and competent livestock managers in a way that minimizes suffering.

“Consumers who choose to purchase products with the American Humane Certified seal are effectively using their voices to tell grocery stores, the agricultural industry and the food industry that they expect humane treatment of the food products they buy,” Amlaw said. “And American Humane Certified producers have heard their call.”

The American Humane Certified program is the fastest-growing third-party, independent animal welfare program in the U.S. American Humane has certified producers raising more than 60 million farm animals, including more than two-thirds of the nation’s cage-free eggs.

American Humane Certified works to educate and collaborate with the food industry to move toward more humane treatment for farm animals. For the past 13 decades, American Humane has had outstanding success in improving farm animal welfare.

For more information, visit www.thehumanetouch.org.

ASPCA Aids Haiti

With hearts and minds focused squarely on the devastating earthquake that occurred in Haiti on January 12, the ASPCA extends its full support to those organizations providing humanitarian relief in the ravaged island nation.

Soon, the animal victims of this disaster will need help, too, and that’s why the ASPCA has joined the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH). ARCH was created to address the needs of animals in Haiti in this time of crisis.

The coalition is headed by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), and in addition to the ASPCA, consists of a number of animal welfare groups including American Humane, Best Friends, the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International.

The ASPCA has joined ARCH with the belief that partnering across organizations is the most effective way to address the serious and enormous problems facing animals in Haiti. There are an estimated 5 million head of livestock in the country (mostly goats), a large stray dog population, and an untold number of companion animals and native wildlife all adversely affected by the earthquake.

Currently, a team of experts in animal emergency response is staging in the Dominican Republic waiting to get into Haiti to begin work. IFAW and WSPA have also begun to stock a mobile clinic with vaccines, antibiotics, bandages, food and other supplies in anticipation of bringing direct aid to animals.

The ASPCA has committed to providing logistical support to the disaster responders from the U.S.

In addition, the ASPCA stands ready to deploy highly skilled and specially trained members of our own Field Investigations and Response Team to the area. As part of ARCH, the ASPCA is raising funds that will go directly towards the animal welfare Haitian relief efforts being provided by the ASPCA, IFAW, WSPA and other ARCH members.

Avoid Common Pet Poisons

Is your pooch mad for people food? Does your kitty like to self-medicate? Sadly, not everything we love is good for us. In fact, many common household goods that we take for granted as harmless can poison our furry friends.

In 2009, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana, IL, handled more than 140,000 cases of pets exposed to toxic household substances, including insecticides, cleaning supplies and prescription medications.

To help you keep your pet safe and sound in 2010, our experts have created a list of the 10 common poisons that most affected our furry friends last year. Here’s a sampling of their advice:

Top dishonors go to human medications, which accounted for the most calls to the ASPCA’s 24-hour poison control hotline in 2009. Pets often snatch pill vials from counters and nightstands or gobble up meds accidentally dropped on the floor. Remember to keep all medications, including pain remedies, antidepressants and decongestants, in a cabinet far away from pets’ prying paws.

Cats and dogs are often the unwitting victims of our efforts to battle flea infestations. The misapplication of spot-on flea and tick products can be especially problematic for our feline friends. Talk to your vet about choosing the right, species-specific flea treatment for your pet and never use products made for dogs on cats, and vice versa.

Some of the most delicious people food can be poisonous to pets. Chocolate ingestion accounted for nearly half of all people food-related cases in 2009, so be sure to keep cocoa hidden from your resourceful cat or dog.

Pet parents also need to remember to protect their cats and dogs from common household cleaners such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants. These products, when inhaled by our furry friends, can cause serious gastrointestinal distress and irritation to the respiratory tract.

Household plants may keep your house green and your air clean, but some can cause serious gastrointestinal problems for companion animals who nibble on them. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, call your vet or the ASPCA’s 24-hour hotline at 888-426-4435.

For a complete list of the 10 most common pet poisons, visit APCC online.

Elephants Warehoused Under Cruel Conditions

When Punxsutawney Phil crawls out of his burrow, what he finds may determine whether elephants living in cold-climate zoos will suffer another six weeks of miserable confinement.

Zoo watchdog organization In Defense of Animals (IDA) today released an unprecedented survey showing that scores of elephants are warehoused throughout the long winter months, many of them hidden from the public.

“Elephants living in cold climates will be confined indoors for the vast majority of each day during the winter, standing in small concrete cages where they lack the space they need for healthy movement,” says IDA captive elephant specialist Catherine Doyle. “Cold weather dramatically increases the suffering that elephants already endure in zoos, where they are dying prematurely from conditions caused by their inadequate environment.”

According to IDA’s survey of 75 Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoos holding elephants in the U.S. and Canada:

31 out of 76 (41 percent) zoos holding elephants are situated in cities that experience long, frigid winters. 3 out of 4 of zoos holding elephants in cold climates have average mean temperatures below freezing for two to five consecutive months.

Approximately 40 percent of all elephants in AZA zoos will be confined indoors for much of the winter.

Increased confinement during the winter only adds to the physical and mental problems elephants suffer due to lack of space and being forced to stand long hours on cold, hard concrete floors. These include painful and often-fatal foot disease and arthritis, and aberrant behaviors such as aggression and repetitive rocking and swaying.

Zoos identified in the survey have a mean average temperature below 40 degrees – the temperature at which zoos typically keep elephants indoors – for three consecutive months or longer. While some zoos may allow elephants outside during cold weather it generally is only for brief periods – sometimes as little as half an hour. The rest of the elephants’ time is spent in areas as small as 20-by-20 square feet—the size of a two-car garage.

Elephants typically hail from semi-arid savannas and tropical and subtropical forests, where they walk tens of miles a day in huge home ranges. Designed for temperate climates, elephants have a limited ability to adjust to extremes in temperature and are at risk if subjected to consistently cold temperatures.

For more information, visit www.HelpElephants.com.

Meet Your Match at Denver Animal Shelter

Whether you’re single, married, or in a relationship, the Denver Municipal Animal Shelter (DMAS) wants to help you meet your perfect match this Valentine’s Day.

From 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 14, DMAS will open its doors for adoptions and offer reduced adoption fees: $85 for dogs, $50 for cats and $10 for small animals.

Volunteers will be on hand playing match-maker between potential adopters and their future pets. Those looking for a companion for existing pets will be able to bring their pets to the shelter (as long as they are vaccinated) to introduce their future pet.

Save a life, give the gift of love, and adopt. The Denver Municipal Animal Shelter is located at 678 South Jason St.

For more information, visit www.denvergov.org/animalcare or call 303-698-0076.