taken by Sam Hall

With this latest fire, over 1,800 Boulder Colorado residents were asked to evacuate their homes yesterday and the breaking news for today is that the evacuation was lifted.  And according to the Daily Camera, mandatory evacuation orders remained in place overnight for at least 139 Boulder County residents and 1,700 people within city limits west of Seventh Street, from Canyon Boulevard on the south, to North Street on the north. Also, Boulder Community Hospital’s Maxwell and Mapleton facilities were also evacuated and will remain closed Saturday. The hospital’s north Broadway location was not affected.  Read about how the fire started and more.

The cause of the “Dome Fire” is still uncertain but not at all uncommon.  As a resident of Boulder for over 15 years, the community knows that this is the dry season.  We’ve had little rain, no snow yet and the winds have been insane.  Several days ago, I think the winds were over 60 mph!  Thank goodness there wasn’t a fire that day.  There were actually two fires yesterday.  The first is possibly from a campfire and the second was caused by a blown ember.  The fires then combined into one blaze that moved with high winds to the north and east and that’s when the evacuation orders were prompted.  Along with reverse 9-1-1 calls, police went door to door. 

Check out some more great pictures.

While devastating and  worrisome, fires are a part of mountain living.  Luckily no structures have been damaged in this latest fire. My heart goes out to all who lost a home in the Fourmile Fire.  My advice has a real estate agent, please make sure to purchase homeowners insurance if you own your home outright and renters insurance for you renters.  If you have a mortgage, you are required to carry insurance anyway.   

The family farm invites you to be a farmer for a day; spend the day harvesting and learning about Colorado produce.  Miller Farms has been in production since 1949 and they enjoy teaching folks of all ages about how produce is grown.  And what an awesome deal – the admission fee included harvesting plus all activities at the farm including the cost of the produce.   Spend the day at the farm (not far from Boulder/Lyons/Longmont), then go home to enjoy the taste of locally grown vegetables.  Some activities besides harvesting include barrel train rides, huge corn maze, antique tractors, real monster truck, giant dirt hill, and hay pyramid. 

If you are a school or wish to have a bunch of friends for a birthday party, there are group rates, just call or visit their website to reserve a space. 

The farm is open through mid-November, 9am-6pm daily and is located just 5 miles of I-25 at exit 243.

Longmont/Lyons exit) Located on Highway 66 and County Road 19. The address is: 9040 US  Hwy. 66, Platteville CO 80651. 

Contact info: (970) 785-6133

Looking for some Halloween fun and fright delight? Experience the haunted adventure at the farm by reservation only.  October 10th – October 31st, dusk to 10pm.

A part of CSA; a great community supported agriculture program! Eat nutritiously, buy locally, be healthy! 

See you there!

A lot of people are asking me my plans for July 4th weekend here in Boulder County and they are seeking suggestions for some outdoor fun.  I’ve compiled this blog in order to education the masses  on the not-to-miss events for this festive and time-honored holiday.  Let’s begin with Folsom Stadium Fireworks as this is the most well known of tributes to the red, white, and blue.  It begins when dark so be prepared to wait and keep the kiddos up late.  You can view the spectacular lights from the stadium itself, or find yourself a spot around town.  One popular gathering is Scott Carpenter Park.  It’ll be packed, so get there early and set up a chair or blanket.  The kids can climb around the playground and rocket ship while you wait.  Bring your sparklers!  Also included in prime locations for watching fireworks all over the county in one convenient spot – Chautauqua, Mt Sanitas, and Southern Sun Pub (I’m only kind of joking – it does have great views). There are so many Fourth of July events, your head will be seeing fireworks for months to come!

First, the family and I are packing up our wagon and heading down to the Municipal Building lawn to join the Parenting Place where the kiddos can decorate their wagons and strollers.  Then let the festivities begin!  Following the decorating, there will be a parade.  Snack on bagels and watermelon!  Sing along with music by Sue Schnitzer! Sponsored by the Daily Camera, Einstein Brothers Bagels, Full Cycle, Sprout’s Farmers Market, Flatirons Bank, and Clementine Art Studio. See you there at 10:00am!

In celebration of the 4th of July, Avery Brewing is holding its third annual Four on the Fourth 4k race at 9 a.m. on Sunday.  The Daily Camera reports that organizers hope the event attracts around 450 participants. Age groups range from the under-20s to the over-80s.  C.V. Howe at Avery Brewing says the winner of each age group walks away with a case of Avery Beer, and overall male and female winners receive their weight, pound for pound, in beer.  The event begins at 9 a.m., participants are to park at Avery Brewing Company. The event

is family-friendly and participants will be greeted at the finish line with refreshments and food. Online registration is still open and participants can register in person on the day of the event until 8:30 a.m.

See…the Fourth of July is an ALL DAY activity so don’t wait until the afternoon bbq’s and happy hour to get busy – begin celebrating at dawn!  Then, when dusk falls, head out for food and music before the fireworks.  Here are some restaurants getting in on the holiday fun. Go celebrate this Independence Day at the Millennium. Stop by the gardens for BBQ before heading up to Folsom Field to see the fireworks this Sunday from 5pm till 8pm. Your choice of burger, cheeseburger, veggie burger, hot dog or shredded pork sandwich, plus potato salad, chips cookie and soda or water. Due to its success with the Monday night fixed-price deal Bacaro is excited to extend it to Sunday nights as well (Fourth of July)!  Join us every Sunday and Monday for a 3-course meal at only $16 per guest.  The menu selections will vary so you can return each week to enjoy a different taste of Bácaro’s menu! To top it off, every Sunday kids will enjoy a FREE meal!  Also, you won’t want to miss the Sunday evening showing of Independence Day with Will Smith at the St. Julien Hotel & Spa.  It begins at 8:30 on the terrace.  Oh… and they also have great food and drinks!

Even if you have kids, or just want to enjoy a beautiful Boulder day alone, there is plenty to do.  Don’t forget about the Boulder Creek Path, there will be ample amount of tubers, waders, and kayakers to watch. Pearl Street is always hopping and if you don’t like crowds, head to the mountains.  It’ll be a perfect day to relax, exercise, or get away.  Whatever you decide, enjoy!  We’ll see ya around town!

Well - in Boulder Colorado  it could be!  With over 40 dispensories, growers, in home care services and herbal medicine shops just in Boulder alone with ” medical marijuana” names such as Bubbua Kush or Blue Dream.   Nope!   In fact Rockygrass  isn’t something you plant or smoke! It’s a bluegrass festival in Lyons Colorado that happens every year in July. Lyons is located 15 miles north of Boulder Colorado and the festival is held at Planet Bluegrass Ranch on Hwy 35 just northwest of Lyons.  Just 25 minutes from Boulder and 1 hour from either Denver or Ft. Collins it’s known as one of the best bluegrass festivals around the country.   Three Days of sun, music, river wading and floating, good food, camping, and exquisite scenery!   Check out this years music lineup! – Doc Watson, Sam Bush, Tim O’Brien, and Tony Rice, just to mention a few.  Read on for more info

If you are planning to visit Boulder Colorado during the summer, make sure you check out the Rockygrass lineup of musicians for that year and buy your ticket(s) in advance (they go on sale in Jan or Feb) because they sell out quickly.  My family visited me the summer of 2008 and we went to all 3 days of the Rockygrass  festival.  Not only was the music fantastic, but during the hot mid day sun we spent hours in the North St. Vrain river cooling off.  No matter where you are sitting in the park, you have good views and the music just surrounds you!   If you need a break you can visit the small quarry town of Lyons where they have restarants and antinque stores.  You could schedule a morning mountain biking at Hall Ranch or touring Rocky Mountain National Park, or take a ride into Estes Park and have lunch.    There is camping at Planet Bluegrass Ranch and there is also local lodging close by in Boulder or Longmont.   I found that my Verizon cell phone worked well, but some other service providers were a little spotty.  As much as you love your dog……please leave Spot at home, there are way to many young, old, dancing, singing people and children around – so NO DOGS.    I found it easy to buy my tickets online at www.shopbluegrass.com or call them at 800-624-2422.  Have a great summer in Boulder!  Call or email the Troia Team if you are making a visit to Boulder any time soon.  We offer free tours of the area!     Lyons Colorado is a nice affordable alternative to Boulder and close enough to be able to participate in the Boulder Fun!

It brought tears to the eyes of some and whether or not you’re an emotional person, all were touched by the outcome of the professional men’s race.  Some witnesses are saying it was the most memorable and sportsmanlike finish the Bolder Boulder has ever seen.  In case you weren’t  the 50,000 participants and observers to watch the finale you may not know it was an Ethiopian dominated race.  But what’s so special about the outcome is the three friends who crossed the finish line abreast and holding hands.  Lelisa Desisa, Tilahun Regassa and Tadese Tola (friends from Ethiopia) made it difficult for officials to declare a winner as they were linked together through the finish.  What a truly amazing sight to witness.  For more coverage information, click here.

The Boulder Colorado Dailyreported that the winning time was 29 minutes, 17 seconds and it’s the fourth time in the past six years that an Ethiopian man has won and the sixth time in history an Ethiopian has captured the title.  In the woman’s race, Mamitu Daska (also from Ethiopia) won in 32 minutes, 28 seconds; winning her second year in a row. Her time was the fastest on the women’s side in 15 years despite warmer weather than distance runners would prefer.

Other news relating to the event was the almost tragic situation with a 13 year old boy whose heart stopped just before finishing.  He was rescued by medics and is doing fine at the Denver Children’s Hospital.  The cause was likely related to a rhythm abnormality in the boy’s heart.  We wish him a most speedy recovery.

According to the official website for the Bolder Boulder, the one and only Dr. Oz ran the event.  If you don’t know who Dr Oz is by now, my only advice is to Google it.  Because the doctor advocates a healthy lifestyle and promotes daily exercise, it further demonstrates how setting a personal goal for the race is really what it’s all about.  Getting outside and being active is the focus for most of the citizens of our wonderful city, making the event one of the most popular things to do on Memorial Day.

The Rocky Mountain Center For Musical Arts located in Boulder Colorado provides access to the best of the world’s music through education and performance.  Because their mission is to inspire and connect community member of all ages with the joy of music, they have an awesome summer program designed to connect children with music.  Some are directed at teens called “Masterclasses” and they are for advanced and serious middle and high school age students.  Your children will gain new insights into their instrument through performance and listening.  Instruments include clarinet, violin, french horn, and cello. The Center also provides access to rehearsals, free and open to the public! These occur at Chautauqua Auditorium.  You can just drop by to sample the excitement of live classical music in the most charming venue in town.  Any Tuesday through Sunday, 10am to 12:30pm. Read more about the opportunities for children of all ages and concert dates.

CLASSICALLY KIDS; Ages 7-11

June 30th: The Magic Horn and The Waltz King, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Where? Chautauqua Community House. Concert: July 1, at 7:30 p.m.

July 7th: American Music: Let’s Get Jazzed! 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Where? Chautauqua Community House. Concert: July 8, at 7:30 p.m.

July 14th: Romancing The Strings, 2 p.m.- 4 p.m. Where? Chautauqua Community House. Concert: July 16, at 7:30 p.m.

FAMILY FUN CONCERTS! Ages 4-8

July 2nd: The Wonderful World of Percussion, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Chautauqua Auditorium

SPECIAL EVENT! Four Strings For Kids With Jake Shimabukuro. Tuesday June 29th, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Chautauqua Community House

HISTORICAL FACT…Chautauqua Auditorium (1898) is included on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been voted one of the top ten places artists love to play because of its superior acoustics and intimate feel.

Summer at the Rocky Mountain Center for Musical Arts presents MUSIC TOGETHER (from Birth to 5 years with a parent) which is a research-based, nationally-certified program featuring songs, movement, and instrument play Tues., Weds., Thurs. 9 a.m. or 10 a.m.  Please visit the Center’s website for more detailed information.  Take advantage of these wonderful musical opportunities throughout the summer here in Boulder Colorado.  Which class or concert do you plan on attending?  And remember The Troia Team for all of your real estate needs – subscribe today and receive up to date market information or search for homes.

]]> http://blogtherockies.com/2010/05/16/connecting-kids-with-music-in-boulder-colorado/feed/ 0 http://blogtherockies.com/2010/05/15/boulder-summer-camps/ http://blogtherockies.com/2010/05/15/boulder-summer-camps/#comments Sun, 16 May 2010 03:58:18 +0000 Ro Troia http://blogtherockies.com/?p=2386

School is ending for the 2009-2010 year and with that comes the need to find childcare for the summer.  As a working mother in Boulder Colorado, I am always looking for a great summer camp or two around the county.  And since real estate is really picking up, I will need plenty of full-time child care.  Over the years, my children have attended YMCA, Science Discovery,  and Avid4Adventure.  These are all fulfilling camps providing not only supervision but stimulating activities as well.  Did you know that YMCA camps have been voted the best day camps 4 years in a row!?  Wow, you can’t beat that kind of award.  It’s nice to feel reassured that while your child is away for the day; that they are learning, having fun, and being well taken care of.  At the YMCA Day Camp, children can enjoy all sorts of adventure including archery, swimming, arts & crafts, field trips, and new friendships.  A wide variety of programs are offered for children ages 5-17, with special programs designed just for teens.  Want to hear about more camp opportunities?  Read on.

The University of Colorado’s Science Discovery, is one that my daughter attended every summer. Each year was a different experience ranging in Dinosaur Fun to  Chemistry Chefs.  The Science Discovery program offers classes for ages 4-16 including math, science and technology which are taught with hands-on activities that are fun and informative. Teachers utilize university and community resources to produce a stimulating environment, both indoors and out, and a variety of field experiences. New classes are offered each summer and support the Colorado Science Standards.

One of our other favorites is Avid4Adventure especially because it contains experiences that are active and outdoors.  One summer, my daughter took a week long kayaking trip that also included camping and rock climbing.  It was important to me to have her outdoors in nature possibly doing something that she never would have done otherwise.  David Secunda, the Founder explains that Avid4 Adventure provides age-appropriate outdoor activities that encourage learning, develop self-esteem and build friendships. Given that outdoor activities can involve risks, he says that the focus is on promoting safety through participant awareness and quality staff. All of the staff are proficient and tested in their area of instruction, certified in first aid and CPR, trained in defensive driving, background checked, as well as being experienced with kids and great role models.

Boulder County Kids is a great way to find out more about the summer camps in and around Boulder.  For real estate news and to learn more about what’s happening in town, subscribe to our site and receive all the information you need.

The Troia Team is supporting the newest initiative instigated by Oprah Winfreyherself.  NO TEXTING WHILE DRIVING! While it’s a nationwide promise, we are honoring it here in Boulder Colorado as real estate agents and concerned members of our city.  It all began in a local community near our county, Fort Collins Colorado when earlier this year, Shelley and Daren Forney, lost their 9-year-old daughter. Erica, who was on her bicycle, just 15 pedals from her front door when she was hit and killed by a driver who was distracted by the cell phone. Erica’s death was senseless and stupid because it was caused by a phone call that just couldn’t wait.  Just recently I was driving next to someone who had both hands on their phone and their elbows were on the steering wheel…….”steering”!!?!?!? I was scared to be on the road next to him.  Read more about this important cause and help to prevent unnecessary deaths and accidents.

Sadly, there are far too many stories like Erica’s.  At least 6,000 people were killed by distracted drivers in 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  And if you think that’s a large number, well, it’s only growing.  But hopefully, this will change and work is already being done to do so. President Obama signed an executive order banning texting while driving on federal business. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is pushing for tougher laws and more enforcement. States are passing laws, too. Local groups are gaining strength, spurred by too many deaths close to home.  Join the Troia Team in taking the no phone zone pledge.  Remember what life was like before texting existed?  Can we recollect the era of just driving with both hands on the wheel, observant and quick to respond?  I recently saw a study that was performed on drunk drivers and drivers who were texting.  The drunk drivers were quicker to react than the cell phone users when stopping and response time.  That is why we should just drive.  Everything else can wait.  That’s the Troia Team pledge.  So, what about you?  Are you going to take the oath not to text also?  Subscribe to our site and comment on how you feel about it.

 The Troia Team Realtors of  Boulder Colorado love Rockies baseball.  Because we also love our clients, we throw a client appreication game day each year in which we provide free Rockies Tickets and a pre game party.  Last year it was held on the rooftop of LoDos, serving food and beer.  Then, we all headed to the game, providing free popcorn and snacks.  It’s always a blast.  Many of you have already participated  in a game, forever loyal to your local Denver team.  Read more about the Rockies season and history.

Here’s the most recent news according to Jeff Siedel: Aaron Cook battled uncharacteristic control problems Monday night, and his early troubles helped Washington score five quick runs en route to a 5-2 victory over the Rockies before 11,623 at Nationals Park. Cook (0-2) labored through his three-inning stint. He threw 83 pitches (just 46 strikes) and gave up five runs on seven hits, walking four and striking out two while repeatedly falling behind in the count.That’s what forced the right-hander to face nine batters in the second and eight more in the third. Cook’s biggest problems came with Willie Harris, who hit a three-run homer in the second and a sacrifice fly in the third.Clint Barmes got an RBI double for Colorado (6-7) in the third, and Miguel Olivo added a sacrifice fly in the fourth. Washington starter Craig Stammen (1-0) threw eight strong innings, giving up just two runs on five hits.The loss ended a nine-game Colorado winning streak against the Nationals, dating back to late in the 2008 season, and was the franchise’s first loss in Nationals Park.

Click here for this season’s schedule.

HISTORY:

The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993, the Rockies play in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains, which pass through Colorado, just west of Denver. The Rockies play their home games at Coors Fieldin downtown Denver. After previous failed attempts to bring the Major League Baseball to Colorado (most notably the Pittsburgh Pirates nearly relocating to Denver following the Pittsburgh drug trials in 1985), by the early 1990s a team seemed to be a possibility in Denver. The Colorado Baseball Commission, led by banking executive Larry Varnell, was successful in getting Denver voters to approve a 0.1 percent sales tax to help finance a new baseball stadium. Also, an advisory committee was formed in 1990 by then-Governor of Colorado Roy Romerto recruit an ownership group. The group selected was led by John Antonucci, an Ohio beverage distributor, and Michael I. Monus, the head of the Phar-Mor drugstore chain. Local and regional companies—such as Erie Lake, Hensel Phelps Construction, KOA Radio, and the Rocky Mountain News—rounded out the group. On July 5, 1991, the National League approved Denver and Miami, Florida, as the sites for two expansion teams to begin play in 1993.The Rockies joined the National League in 1993, along with the Southern Florida franchise, the Florida Marlins. The Rockies’ first pick in the expansion draft was pitcher David Nied from the Atlanta Braves organization. Nied pitched 4 seasons for the Rockies.

If you’d like to be a part of our unique and fun client appreication party, subscribe here and you will receive up to date real estate news and client appreciation party details.

We pay a premium to live close to the hiking and biking trails in Boulder Colorado.  Situated at the base of the foothills to the Rocky Mountains, our premium also comes with a responsibility.  A recent increase of  sightings this past year in Boulder of bears and mountain lions in our city of 100,000 people have prompted quite an alarm and it makes your realize “we’re not alone” as humans in Boulder.   Living in the Wonderland Hills neighborhood which directly abuts the foothills, we often wake up to a dozen mule deers roaming our front yard or cul-de-sac, as well as an early morning mountain lion or a momma bear and her cub roaming the open space where I walk the dog on the trails everyday. A long time ago, “1960″, hunters were paid a $50 bounty for the hide of a mountain lion and today there is no exact count of mountain lions in Boulder County, the sightings help to measure their population.  Did you know that Grizzly bears have been extinct in Colorado since 1970 – “a long time ago”.  One morning last fall a cougar was seen roaming between houses around 13th and Columbine Ave, and later that day a police officer saw the cougar walking down 13th St.  Last fall it started out witha standoff with a black bear in a tree in SouthBoulder.   My girlfriend was walking at Chautauqua last fall by herself and encountered a mother bear and and a baby bear in the brush on the side of the trail.  She quickly caught up with the couple in front of her.  My other girlfriend was surprised by a black bear hiking Sanitas trail,  and luckily the bear turned and walked away.   Especially during feeding season for the bears and lions,  what SHOULD you do if you encounter a bear or a mountain lion and how to heed the warning signs?  

I took this off the Boulder Colorado government website and is worth reading through – no matter how exciting it might seem to convene with nature.

If you are walking or hiking :

1. Look for bear tracks and droppings
2. Keep your dog on  a leash, especially near streams
3. Make noise to reduce your chances of surprising a bear
4. Avoid berry patches
5. Move away and make yourself look large. Back away giving the bear room to leave.
6. Report sightings – call the Bear Hot line 720-564-2020

If you meet a bear:

1. Stay calm, running will only make the bear chase you
2. Back away slowly, facing the bear, keep your distance and avoid eye contact
3. Talk loud so the bear will be aware of you and slowly and calmly leave the area
4. Never approach a cub
5. Never throw food to distract a bear – it only teaches bears to approach people for food
6. Fight back if attacked.  Use whatever you have, rocks, sticks, binoculars or even your bare hands
7. Don’t litter, it might save your life, not to mention the bear’s life

Please bear proof your yard:

1. Keep garbage indoors until trash pick up or use a bear proof garbage can
2. Feed pets inside and store pet food inside
3. Burn BBQs until they are clean then store indoors or in your garage
4. Bears love bird seed so feed your birds in the winter time only or string them up high enough and out of reach, it might save you from buying new feeders too
5. Bears have been known to tear open locked freezers so don’t put your freezer outside, not to mention your refrigerator
6. Bears will also tear open car doors and break windshields, so warn your teenager to clean out their cars
7. Fruit trees in your yard should be picked and fruit picked up off the ground
8. Keep your compost clean, that’s a big one in Boulder, since it’s most people have one. Use a 2:1 dry:wet ratio
9. Tell your neighbors, the bear might be after their yard and not yours

Not last be least, if the bear is threatening your safety, your pets or your property, call 911.  For more information on living with bears and other wildlife visit the Colorado Divison of Wildlife:  www.wildlife.state.co.us/wildlifespecies/livingwithwildlife .

Mountain lions are primarily nocturnal and secretive, and naturally live in open space, which Boulder Co has plenty of. As long as there is prey and places to rest and hunt, they will be there. Statistics show that attacks by mountain lions as less likely than a bear but  it’s important to know a little bit about their habitat, and what to do if you see one.  For mountain lion reports activity in Boulder visit:  www.boulderwildlifeplan.net . 

1. As with bear, make plenty of noise if you are walking or hiking so not to surprise the lion and make sure little ones are under supervision.
2. Give the lion a way to escape and try to avoid a confrontation
3. Stay calm, talk in a firm voice to show them you are “human” and not prey
4. Back away slowly, as running might stimulate their instinct to attack
5. Open your jacket to appear larger and pick up your children.  I bet that’s hard to do all at once
6. Like bear, if the lion seems aggressive, defend yourself by throwing rocks, sticks or whatever, without turning your back on the lion or bending down
7. If the lion attacks, fight back and try to remain standing and keep attempting to get back up if your are brought to the ground.

Pets are a favorite delicacy of mountain lions, especially in Boulder.  although their diet consists mostly of deer and elk.  I heard a loud cat scream in my backyard a couple of nights ago, and I thought about the poor little kitty that visited my yard that day.  If pets are left outside you should leave them in a kennel or enclosure with a cover.  They also eat mice, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, coyotes and grasshoppers (grasshoppers???). A full adult male can weigh 160 pounds and females aprox. 100 pounds, both can grow up to eight feet long (nose to tip of the tail).

 For life threatening emergency call 911.  If you see a bear or a lion in your backyard call the Boulder Police non-emergency number 303-441-3333.  For questions and to report sights that do not require a response you can call the Urban Wildlife Corrdinator:  303-551-3004.