Oct. 23, 2007 - NEWS BRIEFS for Oct. 23-30

Contact:
Jodie Carroll, Media Relations, (303) 441-3155

Public meetings scheduled for proposed recycling and composting program
The City of Boulder invites residents to submit feedback on the proposed recycling and composting program.  Meetings will be held on the following days:

• Thursday, Oct. 25 - 4 to 6 p.m., George Reynolds Public Library, 3595 Table Mesa Drive;
• Wednesday, Oct. 31 - 12:15 to 2:15 p.m., Main Library's Creekside Meeting Room, 1000 Canyon Blvd.; and
• Wednesday, Nov. 14 - 4 to 6 p.m., Boulder County Recycling Center, 1901 63rd St.

The recycling and composting program is based on the results of pilot programs that were conducted in 2005 and 2006 where residents used a single stream of recyclables (all paper and commingled items in the same container), a separate container for compost and yard waste, and a separate container for any remaining trash.  The city's Office of Environmental Affairs (OEA) is proposing a city wide program similar to the pilot program to City Council in December.  Feedback can also be submitted by calling Shireen Miller, OEA, (303) 441-4204 or by visiting www.environmentalaffairs.com/.         

Community celebrates completion of three major transportation projects with Boulder's first "Underworld Tour"
The City of Boulder is celebrating the completion of three major transportation projects (28^th and Iris; Foothills and Arapahoe; and 27^th Way and Baseline), with its first ever "Underworld Tour" event and costume contest between 1 and 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27.

The tour begins with a ribbon cutting at 1:30 p.m. at the Skunk Creek and 27^th Way underpass (at the 27^th Way and Baseline project).  A guided bike ride will leave that location at 1:45 p.m. and take participants to the Bear Creek and Foothills Parkway underpass (at the Foothills and Arapahoe project) for a brief dedication ceremony at 2:30 p.m.  Boulder City Manager Frank Bruno and other officials will conduct the dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony.  Refreshments will be available.  The tour will depart that location at 3 p.m. and travel to the Elmer's Twomile Creek and Iris Avenue underpass (at the 28^th and Iris project), where a costume contest will complete the event.  This is a family-oriented event and participants are encouraged to come in Halloween costumes and ride their bikes.  In case of inclement weather, the event will be canceled.

All three projects include multimodal transportation improvements, including a new underpass at each location, and floodplain, wetlands and water quality improvements.  With the addition of the three new underpasses, there are now 74 underpasses as a part of the city's multi-use path network. 

T-shirts will be awarded to participants who get an ink stamp at each of the three new underpass locations that day, and will also be for sale for $10 at the third stop on the tour, Elmer's Twomile Creek and Iris Avenue underpass location.  The black, long-sleeved T-shirt lists all 74 underpasses and is available in both child and adult sizes.

For more information on the projects, contact Noreen Walsh in Transportation at (303) 441-3266.  For more information about the Underworld Tour and/or a map of the bike route, contact Andrea Robbins in GO Boulder at (303) 441-4139, or visit www.goboulder.net/

Delays on 30^th Street and Greenbriar Boulevard
Intermittent delays can be expected on 30^th Street, between Pearl Street and Colorado Avenue, and on Greenbriar Boulevard, between Broadway and Gillaspie Drive, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. beginning Tuesday, Oct. 23, through Friday, Oct. 26.  Motorists are urged to use caution while moving though the area. The delays are a result of a crack-sealing project that will improve the drivability and life of the roadway.  For more information, contact Peter Rosato, City of Boulder Public Works Department, at (303) 413-7166.

Caregiver Wellness Days offered for those caring for seniors
Boulder Senior Services, in conjunction with Boulder County Aging Services, is sponsoring Caregiver Wellness Days from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 8, at the East Boulder Senior Center, 5660 Sioux Drive, and from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10, at the Longmont Senior Center, 910 Longs Peak Ave.  Registration is required by Monday, Nov. 5, by calling (303) 441-4150. Boulder County residents who provide unpaid care for an elder relative, friend or partner at home, in a care facility, or at a distance may register for this free event.  Caregivers can enjoy a massage and other relaxing therapies, lunch and conversation with fellow caregivers.  On-site respite care and financial assistance for in-home or facility respite are available; call (303) 678-6284 to make arrangements. Additional sponsors include Boulder County Aging Services Division; the Senior Services of Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville; the Alzheimer's Association Colorado Chapter; and HospiceCare of Boulder and Broomfield Counties.    Boulder Senior Services is a division of the City of Boulder's Housing and Human Services Department.

Seniors can get assistance signing up for Medicare Part D
Boulder Senior Services has a volunteer to help seniors with Medicare Part D enrollment, by appointment Tuesday through Thursday mornings from Nov. 15 to Dec. 27, at the West Boulder Senior Center, 909 Arapahoe Ave.  Interested persons should call (303) 441-4388 for an appointment. 

Free women's support group at the West Boulder Senior Center   Boulder Senior Services sponsors a free women's support group for women every Monday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the West Boulder Senior Center, 909 Arapahoe Ave.  The group meets to discuss personal topics of their choice, led by two trained, volunteer counselors.  For more information, call (303) 441-3148.     

Bears begin forage for hibernation
The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Department reminds visitors to OSMP lands that bears have begun foraging for hibernation and to watch for temporary and seasonal wildlife closures or dog leash-required signs along many popular trails.  These restrictions are in place for the protection of visitors, dogs and wildlife.  For up-to-date information on specific trail closures, visit www.osmp.org/ and navigate to "Closure and Trails Update" on the top right side of the page, or call (303) 441-3440.

Learn about Boulder history
Join City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Naturalist Jake Davis for a short hike to learn about Boulder history from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25.   Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage, 900 Baseline Road, for this easy two-hour hike.  For more information, visit www.osmp.org/ or call (303) 441-3440.

Join a hike for non-hikers
Join City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Naturalist Jake Davis as he leads a relaxed, gentle hike specifically designed for non-hikers from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 28, beginning at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage, 900 Baseline Road. This gentle hike is two miles and has an elevation gain of 500 feet.  For more information, visit www.osmp.org/ or call (303) 441-3440.

Hike up the First Flatiron Trail
City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Naturalist Kristin Turner will lead a moderately difficult hike up the First Flatiron Trail from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 28, beginning at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage, 900 Baseline Road. Participants will learn some basics about the ecology, geology and wildlife of OSMP lands and the Boulder community.  This is a difficult hike; attend only if your health permits.  For more information, visit www.osmp.org/ or call (303) 441-3440.

Boulder Senior Services offers class in keeping the brain in shape as we age  
Boulder Senior Services "Staying Sharp!" class will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Nov. 1, at the East Boulder Senior Center, 5660 Sioux Drive.  The instructor, Mary Lou Acimovic, M. A., will present what is known about brain fitness and lead fun, stimulating and challenging brain exercises. The fee is $10 for Gold Rush residents, $11 for city residents, $12 for Gold Rush non-residents or $13 for a non-residents.  For more information or to register, call (303) 441-4150.   Senior Services is a division of the City of Boulder's Housing and Human Services Department. 

Boulder Senior Services to hold Mah Jongg Tournament 
Boulder Senior Services will hold a Mah Jongg Tournament from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 7.  Registration deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 24. The tournament is open to people of all ages who can complete a game of American Mah Jongg in 10 to 20 minutes.  There will be door prizes and awards for top scores.  The fee is $18 for city residents or $21 for non-residents.  Registration includes breakfast, beverages and snacks.  This tournament will benefit the Sports and Fitness Scholarship Program. For more information or to register, call (303) 441-4150.   Senior Services is a division of the City of Boulder's Housing and Human Services Department.

Boulder Senior Services offers interesting day trips
Boulder Senior Services offers a variety of day trips in the Denver Metro area and the mountains. Upcoming trips include: 

• Bronco Stadium tour  - Thursday, Oct. 25
• Old Stone Church tour - Tuesday, Nov. 13
• The Sweet Tooth tour - Tuesday, Nov. 27
• The Longmont Museum - Friday, Nov. 30

For fees, times and to register, call the West Senior Center at (303) 441-3148 or the East Senior Center at (303) 441-4150.   Senior Services is a division of the City of Boulder's Housing and Human Services Department.

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Last Updated on Wednesday, 24 October 2007 07:43