Summit County

GOLD! "in them thar' Hills!"

By: Paul Hintgen

On August 10, 1859 two prospectors were wandering the Blue River just north of where downtown Breckenridge is today and decided to try their luck. Ruben Spalding, being the most experienced prospector from the California gold rush days,was elected to try first. He scooped his pan into the banks of the Blue River, started to swirl some water and mud, and EUREKA!!! – they had found GOLD! That first pan yielded 13 cents of gold flake, and his next pan almost doubled that – 24 cents! Now these are not big numbers today, but back in 1859 a good paying wage was one dollar a day.

Ruben was making easy money and as word got out over the next year, over 8,000 prospectors, shopkeepers, entrepreneurs, businessmen, investors, and the assorted villains and scoundrels found their way into Summit County and Breckenridge. In its heyday, Breckenridge was home to ten restaurants, ten laundries, six bakeries, nine physicians and four lumber dealers. Like any society others soon followed; there were three dance halls, five boarding houses, eighteen saloons and twelve attorneys!

Breckenridge almost became a ghost town as most mines were shut down after world WWII ; but another boom was on the horizon – skiing! Modern prospectors decided to try to capitalize on a new recreational trend and opened Breckenridge Ski Resort on Peak 8 in 1961.Today, Breckenridge still relies on its mining heritage. As you look around, many of the historic buildings have been preserved; some of the streets are named after famous mines or characters, mine tailings can be seen all over the hills, and dredge rock is still a prominent feature. Remember an important motto in these parts - Stay alive and stay out of abandoned mines!

The Hintgen Family are the owners of the wildly popular tourist attraction the Country Boy Mine.Venture over 1,000 underground and feel what it was like to be an 1800’s hard rock gold miner!

For more information, please visit
www.countryboymine.com or call
(970)-453-4405

Kids Internet-Chat room stats

One in five children who uses an Internet chat room is approached by a pedophile, and one in four children who uses the Internet is exposed to unwanted sexual material, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Do you know who or what your child has encountered online?

Parents may be happy to know their children are not wandering the streets after school, but with modern day computer use, is it any safer for children to be inside the home when their time is spent wandering the information highway known as the Internet? The Internet is present within more than 95% of computer owner's homes in the United States , where parents seldom supervise their children's computer use. On the Internet, children become subject to online crimes such as bullying, exposure to inappropriate material, stalking and child luring, with consequences as serious as sexual assault, abduction or death.

On the Internet, many children and adults feel safe to speak and act however they want. In fact, a student assessment by I-Safe America revealed 31% of students find it easier to talk to people online than in person. Because children feel so safe behind a computer screen, they reveal personal information to strangers they would never give face-to-face: names, photographs, telephone numbers, states and hometowns. More than 70% admit to having bullied someone online, three times more than have bullied in person. Do you know what messages your child sends online?

To learn more about Internet dangers, practicing safe Internet use, and monitoring your child’s Internet use, including home software recommendations, visit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children website at www.NCMEC.org, www.NetSmartz.org, www.NetNanny.com, www.I-Safe.org, or your local computer software store. To request online safety training or report any of the above-mentioned internet crimes, contact the Eagle County Sheriff's Office at (970) 328-8500.

Uno en cinco niños que utiliza un cuarto de Chat del Internet es acercado por un depredador, y uno en cuatro niños que utiliza el Internet se expone al material sexual indeseado, según el Centro Nacional para Menores Desaparecidos y Explotados. ¿Usted sabe quién o qué ha encontrado su niño en la Internet? Los padres pueden ser felices sabiendo que sus niños no están vagando las calles después de la escuela, sino con uso moderno de la computadora, ¿es más seguro para los niños que estén dentro del hogar cuando su tiempo es el vagar la carretera de información conocida como el Internet? El Internet está presente dentro más de 95% de los hogares que tengan la computadora en los Estados Unidos, en donde los padres supervisan raramente el uso de sus niños en la computadora. En el Internet, los niños pueden hacer víctimas de crímenes en línea tales como acosar, exposición al material indeseado, acecho y engaño de niños, con las consecuencias tan serias como el asalto sexual, la abducción o la muerte.

En el Internet, muchos niños y adultos se sienten que es seguro decir y actuar como quieran. En hecho, una evaluación del estudiante por I-Safe América informo que el 31% de estudiantes crean el hablar con la gente en línea es mas fácil que en persona. Porque los niños se sienten tan seguros detrás de la pantalla de computadora, revelan informaciones personales a los extraños que nunca verían cara a cara: nombres, fotos, números de teléfono, estados y ciudades donde viven. Más de 70% admiten acosar a alguien en línea, tres veces más que acosar en persona. ¿Usted sabe qué mensajes envía su niño en línea?

Sight for Life

Colorado has a lot to offer, including sunshine – 330 days a year! Whether you’re a local or a visitor, it’s important to remember you’re over a mile high in Denver and 2 miles high or more up here in the mountains. This increases the sun’s intensity. That is why it is important for the whole family to have the top of the line protection for your eyes.

As parents,we have already taken the steps in protecting our children when they are outside. From helmets, hats and sunscreen, to making sure they are safe when they play. Eye protection is also one of the elements that should be included. Whether by the pool or beach, riding bikes, fishing, boating, hiking, on the golf course, or on the ski slopes, eye protection is a must.

Along with fit, the most important aspect of performance eyewear is the optical quality and visual enhancement characteristics of the lenses. Polarized sunglasses have been used for many years to reduce glare and enhance perception. The benefits of using polarized sunglasses are now being realized by a variety of outdoor sport players including: skiers, cyclists, drivers, anglers, individuals that are light-sensitive and those who demand more performance from their eyewear.

Get more from your outdoor experience and protect your eyes for life.

Our Changing Forest Landscape

By Howard Hallman

We sometimes forget that we are short-term residents of Planet Earth. What is a lifetime to us is only a moment in the grander scheme of things. Our glorious mountain setting most likely did not look as it does now a thousand years ago and will look quite different a thousand years from now, or even next year. The nature of “Mother Nature” is to change.We humans contribute to changes in our environment and may even accelerate the process.

Today, our forest landscape is changing rapidly. Lodgepole forests are infested by a mountain pine beetle epidemic that will, according to credible predictions, kill more than 80% of the mature lodgepole pines within the next few years. While the causes are not fully understood, they likely include warming wintertime temperatures due to climate change, resulting extended periods of drought, fire suppression, clear cutting by miners a century ago, and the natural life cycle of the lodgepole species.

We can take steps to save a limited number of trees through selective spraying, along with identification and prompt removal of diseased trees. But, for most of the forest, all we can do is watch and adapt to new forest conditions.

The new forest can be far more diverse. Alternative tree species, such as aspen, fir and spruce,may replace lodgepole pines in some areas. In other locations, changing environmental conditions may foster open spaces where there was once solid forest.

The Mountain Pine Beetle Task Force is a grassroots organization sponsored by The Greenlands Reserve Land Trust, working to educate property owners, policy makers and citizens to better adapt to changing forest conditions.

For more information contact us at
970-668-4147 or visit our web site:
www.summitpinebeetle.org.

Adventure in Glenwood Springs

Visit Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, about an hour west of Vail in historic Glenwood Springs, Colo., for a unique mountain-top adventure the whole family will enjoy.To reach the Park, head west on I-70.Watch for big horn sheep grazing on the rocky cliffs and kayakers on the Colorado River as you wind through scenic Glenwood Canyon.Take exit 116, turn left at the first stop light, then left again at Devereux and follow the signs to the parking lot. Hop on the Iron Mountain Tramway for a scenic tram ride to the Park.

At the top, you’ll find nature-based educational activities, rides to please die-hard thrill seekers, and attractions for kids of all ages. It’s the perfect vacation destination.Take a walking Cave Tour or an on-your-belly Wild Tour to view stunning formations within Glenwood Caverns and Historic Fairy Caves, recognized as one of the leading family cave tours in the country.With a constant temperature of 52 degrees, it’s a great way to escape the summer heat! Ride the only alpine coaster in Colorado, with individual cars on tracks that race through the trees and down the mountainside. Strap yourself into the giant swing, and soar out into Glenwood Canyon, 1,300 feet above the Colorado River! Grab a bite to eat on the deck at the Lookout Grille, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and rivers.

Other activities include horseback riding, climbing wall, mechanical bull, sluice box gemstone mining, and sand pit fossil dig. This year, there’s even more for families to enjoy: the new Wild West Adventure Wagon, bungee trampoline, petting zoo and train ride.

Visit glenwoodcaverns.com
or call 1-800-530-1635.

Do You Know Who or What Your Child has Encountered Online

One in five children who uses an Internet chat room is approached by a pedophile, and one in four children who use the Internet are exposed to unwanted sexual material, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Parents may be happy to know their children are not wandering the streets after school, but with modern day computer use, is it any safer for children to be inside the home when their time is spent wandering the information highway known as the Internet? The Internet is present within more than 95% of computer owner’s homes in the United States, where parents seldom supervise their children’s computer use. On the Internet, children become subject to online crimes such as bullying, exposure to inappropriate material, stalking and child luring, with consequences as serious as sexual assault, abduction or death.

To learn more about Internet dangers, practicing safe Internet use, and monitoring your child’s Internet use, including home software recommendations, visit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children website at:
www.NCMEC.org,
www.NetSmartz.org,
www.NetNanny.com
www.I-Safe.org
or your local computer software store. Many local Sheriff Departments offer classes on how to approach this troubling topic with your child.

Feeling Good at Altitude

by Dr. David Gray

My name is David Gray. I am Board- Certified in Emergency Medicine. My Practice is called High Altitude Mobile Physicians, with emphasis on “mobile”. Welcome to the High Country. Here are a few tips to help you and your family prepare and adjust for your trip to the mountains.

ALTITUDE:
Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, and Keystone are the highest ski-areas in North America. You’re two miles in the sky. The key is the elevation you sleep at, not where you go during the day. Altitude is no respecter of age or gender. For concerned parents, infants and young children are equally under-represented. The majority of altitude patients get sick at 48 hours. A smaller number feel it the minute they come through the Eisenhower Tunnel. If you are coughing and breathless, call for help immediately-don’t wait to get betterit will not happen!

HYDRATE!
The biggest loss of fluid from the human-body is moisturizing the air you breathe. This is dry air up here. Thirst is not a good guide as to how much to drink. Pay attention to the color of your urine. Clear-good. Yellow-drink more. Diet: High-carb, low fat, lighter meals are recommended, especially the first few days here. Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy meals at first. Go easy on the alcohol intake, because it is dehydrating.

SKIN:
Moisturize! Slather on moisturizing creams early on. Stay ahead of the dryness, especially with the kids. Most important-USE SUNBLOCK ON EXPOSED SKIN!

WATER:
We have some of the purest air in the country. Same goes for water. Having said that, don’t give in to the temptation to get a drink out of that sparkling stream. The animals in Summit County are ANIMALS! They carry a bug called Giardia, which may give you the mother of all diarrhea. If you pass gas out of either end that can clear a room and has the odor of sulphur, or rotten-eggs, and you were in contact with a stream, check for Giardia. It will usually happen about two weeks after you get home.

Welcome to Summit County. Have fun. Be Safe. Questions or more information call (970) 389-7999.

Summit Prevention Alliance

Summit Prevention Alliance is a local non-profit in Summit County that does the following:

Educates our community on key health and safety issues.

Creates a variety of programs promoting health on youth development, motor vehicle safety, parent education, volunteering, physical activity and nutrition, and programs preventing tobacco use drinking and driving, and youth alcohol and drug use.

Unites our community to promote health behaviors and lifestyles by partnering with other non-profits, schools, businesses, government, and others.

We have some exciting new programs and ways to be involved in our organization's mission. Please join us at:

Summit County Cruisers- a weekly, fun bike ride that will take place once a week in the summer. Anyone looking to have some fun should attend. Costumes are highly encouraged, and prizes will be awarded! Check online to find out the day of the week we will be riding!

Dialogue Over Dinner- Dialogue Over Dinner is sponsored by DFCC. Featuring free dinner for the family, networking and educational opportunities about parenting issues are presented by professionals.

Drug-Free Community Coalition (DFCC)- The DFCC is a community-wide organization that works to reduce substance abuse in our county by engaging all community sectors to implement a variety of prevention strategies.

Breckenridge Walking Tour- Summit Prevention Alliance will partner with Breckenridge Heritage Alliance to encourage healthy behaviors and empower community members to create walkable neighborhoods that support active lifestyles.

To find out more about Summit Prevention Alliance and out programs and to sign up fot our informative newsletters, please contact us at (970) 668-2077. You can also visit us on the web at www.summitpreventionalliance.org

Start Planning for your Child's Future

By Katie Kukar

College is important because it allows your child the opportunity to make the best life that they can for themselves. Don’t think you can afford to pay for them to get an education? Don’t understand all the parts of getting financial aid? The good news is that there is help for you. The gift of Education is the most important gift you could give to your child so there are plenty of resources for you to get an education!

The time is now to start planning for your child’s education. Whether your child is just learning to walk or just learning to drive, now is the time to start thinking about giving a gift that lasts a lifetime. If parents of a newborn save $250 every month and assume an 8.0% annual rate of return, they will have saved over $120,021 for college in 18 years.

Experts agree that one of the best ways to overcome the cost of higher education is a 529-college savings plan. CollegeInvest, a not for profit division of the Colorado Department of Higher Education, administers the only statesponsored 529 College Savings program which offers Colorado residents some great tax benefits. Plus, you can get started with as little as $25, and the funds can be used nationwide at eligible public or private colleges, universities, junior college and various trade and vocational schools for tuition, fees or even room and board.

Show you care with the gift of education and open the door to a lifetime of opportunities for your child, grandchild, friend, or relative.

To learn more about CollegeInvest’s 529 college savings plans call 1-800-448-2424 or go to www.collegeinvest.org.

Opening the Outdoors to People of All Abilities

The Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (“BOEC”) was established in 1976 to help people with disabilities develop their potential through outdoor adventure experiences. Today, the BOEC offers a wide range of single day and multi-day programs for groups and individuals, both adaptive programs for people with special needs—mental and physical disabilities, serious illness and youth-at-risk—and all-ability programs for youth, adults and professional groups. Programs are offered throughout the year.

There are four Programs at the BOEC: The Adaptive Ski Program operates at the Breckenridge and Keystone ski areas, and the Breckenridge Nordic Center. Full and half day lessons are available for groups and individuals. The Adaptive Wilderness Program operates on a beautiful campus located at the base of the ski hill in Breckenridge, and provides “mobile” wilderness programs in areas throughout Colorado and Utah. The Youth Leadership Program offers wilderness courses for schools and youth organizations, tailored to their specific needs and goals. Professional Challenge offers handson team building seminars for professional groups, either in support of a corporate retreat or as on-site training.

The BOEC conducts approximately 7,000 participant days annually, serving 3,000 individuals per year. The BOEC provides over $125,000 per year in scholarships for participants with financial needs. Activities offered include: rock climbing, wilderness camping, whitewater rafting, canoeing, handcycling, high and low ropes courses, team building initiatives, downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. All activities are adapted to the needs and abilities of our clients.We strive to welcome everyone.

Please call us at (970) 453-6422
website at www.boec.org.

C. A. R. E. - Council of Summit County

As an advisory council to the Board of County Commissioners, the C.A.R.E. Council’s “mission” is to empower service providers to work together to address needs of children, youth and families in Summit County. The “vision” is easy access to quality information and services to achieve healthy outcomes for Summit County’s children, youth and families.

One of the Council’s primary focuses is the expansion of The C.A.R.E. Council’s interactive website, www.summitcares.org . The website will house an up-todate interactive calendar of family and youth community events and opportunities, as well as information on resources and services. This collaborative website will be current and searchable, providing links to the myriad of providers, organizations and agencies that support the Summit County community.

The C.A.R.E. Council’s broad membership base encompasses representatives from non-profits, Summit School District, town governments, parents and students. Meetings are held the fourth Monday of each month and are open to the public. The Council is open to community discourse and welcomes community members’ participation.

For more information, contact Randall
Reitz, PhD, Chairman of the C.A.R.E.
Council, or Lyn Manton Krueger,
Vice-Chair of the C.A.R.E. Council
(970) 668-4147
web site - www.summitcares.org
email - info@summitcares.org

Race for the Mountains 2007

Join us for a day of fun on the mountain to help raise money for schools in other mountain villages around the world.

Race for the Mountains, June 24, 2007, presented by Mountain to Mountain and Wild Oats, will feature a 10 mile trail race, a short course for runners and walkers, and a Kids Fun Run & Scavenger Hunt, sponsored by Slifer, Smith & Frampton.

Families are invited to join the Kids Expo area, which will feature family activities, a raffle and great kids’ prizes.

All proceeds from Race for the Mountains will benefit the Central Asia Institute (CAI), a nonprofit organization which provides community-based education and literacy programs, especially for girls, in remote mountain regions of central Asia.

As part of the goal to raise $50,000 to build a school in central Asia, Mountain to Mountain will also be hosting a fundraiser and book signing with Greg Mortenson, director of CAI and author of “Three Cups of Tea,” on June 14, 2007 at The Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge. Races start at 9:00 am, at the Watson Trailhead/skier skyway, across from the Miner’s Lot at the base of the gondola in Breckenridge. Racer fees are: $45 (10 mile trail); $35 (short course); $10 Kids Fun Run. Register at www.active.com.

Thank you to our sponsors for helping to bring Race for the Mountains to the community: Wild Oats, Allen-Guerra Design Build, Inc., Blue Sage Spa, Breckenridge Brewery, Oasis 9600, REI, Slifer Smith & Frampton and Starbucks. Be sure to visit The Parents Handboo booth at the Kids Expo after the race.

For more information:
Shannon Galpin (970) 376.0754
www.mountain2mountain.com
Shannon.galpin@comcast.net

Explore Frisco's History

Visit the Frisco Historic Park & Museum!

Experience and relive Frisco’s rich and colorful history firsthand at the Frisco Historic Park & Museum located at 120 Main Street. Imagine what it was like going to school in a small mining town, or building the first log chapel and jail, or mining for gold and silver over 125 years ago. Here you can tour 12 original historic buildings that once functioned as schools, water wells, saloons, post offices, jails, chapels, and homes. Additionally, learn more about life on historic Main Street, through the museum’s exhibits featuring interesting photos, artifacts, and displays. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided walking tour through the park exploring the historic buildings and learning about life before, during, and after the mining boom.

Summit County Library

Children’s Summer Reading Program
2007 THEME: GET A CLUE @ YOUR LIBRARY JUNE 13 - AUGUST 8
South Branch Main Library North Branch Library
Tues. & Wed. Wednesdays Wednesdays
11:00 am 10:45 am 10:30 am Ages 3-8
Ages 3-11 Pre-school-5th grade 1:00 pm Grades 4-5

Special Programs
ANN LINCOLN’S MAGICAL MYSTERY SHOW
South Branch Library Main Library North Branch Library
Tues., June 19,11 am Wed., June 20, 10:45 am Wed, June 20, 1:00 pm

JAMES LOSBAUGH’S MYSTERY MARIONETTES
South Branch Library Main Library North Branch Library
Tues., July 24, 11:00 am Wed, July 25, 10:45 am Wed, July 25, 1:00 pm

BILL ANDERSON’S GET A CLUE: HOW TO BE A SUPER YOU!
South Branch Library Main Library North Branch Library
Tues., Aug 7, 11:00 am Wed, Aug 8, 10:45 am Wed, Aug 8, 1:00 pm

Young Adult Summer Reading Program 2007 Theme: MYTHIC SUMMER
Summit County Library’s young adult summer reading program, “Mythic Summer,” for students in middle or high school, will begin Monday, June 4, 2007. Starting that day, students my register at any Summit County Library and pick up a goody bag. If students read at least 8 hours, they will be entered in the grand prize drawing for a PSP (PlayStation Portable) Greatest Hits Bundle. This and other prizes will be awarded at the
final event, Monday, July 23, 2007.

South Branch Main Branch North Branch
504 Airport Rd County Commons 651 Center Circle
Breckenridge 0037 County Rd 1005 Silverthorne
970-453-6098 970-668-5555 970-468-5887

Fourth of July Frenzy

By Caramie Schnell
Fireworks, parades, concerts, oh my. People flock to Summit County every year to celebrate the fourth of July, and for good reason. Each town hosts their own celebrations on different days so you can “hop” from town to town until you get your fill of fireworks and fun. Here are the details you need to celebrate Independence Day in Summit County.

Breckenridge has a jam-packed schedule set for their Fourth of July celebration. On July 2 from 10 am – 5 pm the kids can participate in a sidewalk chalk art contest for children, teens and adults. Sponsored in part by The Parents Handbook. Watch local dance companies perform at the annual arts festival (call (970) 547-9326). On July 4 the “Firecracker 50” bike race starts the Main Street parade at 11 am, which is followed by a free concert at the Riverwalk Center. A patriotic concert put on by the National Repertory Orchestra will take place at the Riverwalk Center at 8:30 pm, followed by the fireworks show. Call (970) 547-3100.

Though you won’t find any fireworks in Copper Mountain for Independence Day weekend, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly fun. Copper hosts Three Ring Weekend June 30 and July 1. The weekend is devoted to circus-style performances and free circus workshops. Street entertainers and free live music by bands like KC and the Sunshine Band will round out the weekend. Visit www.3ringweekend.com

A full day of fun is set for July 4 in Dillon, including free concerts and the Dillon Yacht Club Parade. During the Dillon hometown parade, kids are welcome to ride their bikes along with the floats. As night draws near, head to the Dillon Reservoir to view the fireworks display over the lake. Visit www.townofdillon.com for more information.

Keystone’s celebrates the national holiday with a Block Party at River Run on July 4 from 10 am – 1 pm The popular annual bike parade is on the docket, along with live music, food, bounce houses, kids crafts, face painting and wacky entertainment. Check out keystone.snow.com or call (800) 354-4FUN for more information.

If Frisco is where you want to spend the Fourth, the kids’ fishing derby, bike decorating contest and local band competition is sure to keep everyone entertained. The fishing derby (complete with prizes) starts at 9 am at Meadow
Creek. It’s open to everyone – just remember to bring your own fishing pole. Bike decorating starts at 11 am in the Summit Daily News parking lot. The parade will start promptly at 12:30 pm There will be a Kid’s Zone located at the
Frisco Bay Marina with activities going on after the parade until the 9:30 pm fireworks show. Call (970) 668-5276, ext. 3076 for more information).

Kids Growing Green-So they're not green about the environment

By J.K. Perry
Want to teach your kids the importance of the environment? Take them on a hike. “I think the single most important thing we can do is develop a wonder for nature in our children,” said Carly Wier, executive director of the Summit County environmental group High Country Conservation. “Teaching (children) to be good stewards of the environment helps ensure a clean, healthy environment for all generations to come.” Environmentalists say people need to get rid of the sense of throwing waste “away.” Processed materials — like plastic — often don’t break down and naturally re-enter the environment when thrown away. The waste piles into landfills and other places out of sight. Parents should teach their children to limit waste and make necessary waste useful, environmentalists say. Matt Scherr, executive director of the Eagle Valley Alliance for Sustainability, started his kids early. They recycle and throw easilydegradable trash into an odorless indoor compost. The real-time science experiment intrigues children, Scherr said. Once the trash breaks down, the compost turns into soil. Plus, composting garbage means less
garbage to haul to the curb, which is always a bonus among children. Here are some tips environmental gurus recommend for parents and children:
• The first principle is to foster a connection to nature and an understanding that trash doesn’t disappear and often doesn’t break down.
• Visit a landfill. Out of site is out of mind!
• Compost. Lawn clippings, food, paper towels and newspapers all break down.
• Recycle cans, plastic and other materials to be used again.
• Start a recycling or energy-saving program at school. It can start simple — making sure computers are turned off at night, for example.

To get involved reach High Country Conservation at 970-668-5703
www.highcountryconservation.org