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If you’re so smitten with Summit County, Colorado you want to make it home, you’re not alone. Many of us came here on vacation and either never left, or went home only to about-face and return for good. It may seem like a dream to live here, but it is possible.
As with any place, living in Summit County has its pros and cons. The advantages are endless: beautiful mountains and vistas, small towns, recreation galore, amazing winters and ideal summers – just to name a few. On the downside, winters are long, jobs (primarily based on tourism and recreation) can be seasonal and limited, and housing is expensive.
According to the Summit Combined Housing Authority (SCHA) website, Summit County’s population was an estimated 29,068 people in 2007. That includes Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Dillon, Frisco, Keystone, Silverthorne, Heeney and Montezuma.
The median home sales price in 2008 was $441,600. With an average Area Median Income (AMI) in 2009 of $59,600 for one person and $68,100 for two, housing is often the biggest challenge of making Summit County home. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Many locals work several jobs to make ends meet or to save enough to by their first home. If Summit County’s free-market housing seems entirely out of range, however, the SCHA is there to help local workers find more affordable housing.
The SCHA targets 80 - 120% of the AMI, says Jennifer Kermode, SCHA Executive Director. The goal is to help locals who work a minimum of 30 hours a week, annually. Affordable housing costs range from the high $100,000’s to the low $300,000’s, she says. Units are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you’re interested, be sure to get on the SCHA’s “interested” list. For more information, contact the SCHA at (970) 423-7040 or visit its website at www.summithousing.us.

This year’s theme is Be Creative @Your Library!

July 1: 10 am Silverthorne, ages 3-6 yrs, 1 pm Silverthorne, ages 7-10 yrs
Special Performer: “Black Hands Drum Ensemble”
July 7: 11 am Breckenridge
July 8: 10 am Silverthorne
July 8: 1 pm Frisco
July 14:   11 am Breckenridge
July 15:   10:45 am – Noon, Ice Arena: South Branch Library in Breckenridge teams
up with the Stephen C. West Ice Arena for free skating and
storytime!
10 am Silverthorne, ages 3-6 yrs, 1 pm Silverthorne, ages 7-10 yrs
10:45 am Frisco
July 21:  11 am Breckenridge
July 22:  10 am Silverthorne, ages 3-6 yrs, 1 pm Silverthorne, ages 7-10 yrs
10:45 am – Noon, at the Ice Arena: The Main Branch (Frisco) teams
up with the Stephen C. West Ice Arena for free skating and
storytime!
Closing Program:  “From Dr. Seuss to Hannah Montana” with singer Andy Hackbarth
July 28:  11 am Breckenridge
July 29:  10 am Silverthorne
July 29:    1 pm  Frisco  (and a picnic!)    

Call the libraries for more information:  453-6098, Breckenridge; 468-5887, Silverthorne,
668-5555, Frisco.

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As the economy forces families to find cheaper alternatives for vacations, many are considering staycations – and what better place for a staycation than Summit County.
Staycations are the new buzzword for vacationing without leaving home. That doesn’t mean the usual routine of doing chores and watching TV, but getting out and enjoying time together as a family. For locals, that might mean going camping, doing day-trips, or simply enjoying Summit County as a visitor would.
If your only means of avoiding the daily grind means to pack up and sleep elsewhere, go camping. Spend a night, a weekend or even a week camping and enjoy the county from a new perspective. Summit County offers a variety of camping options – from car-camping to backpacking into the wilderness. Camping can be a fun way to spend time with your family. Go fishing, rent a boat, look for wildflowers, or just stay at camp and read a book, make s’mores and look for shooting stars in the endless night sky.
Daytrips are always fun. If you feel like soaking, there are four hot springs within a 90-minute drive: Hot Sulphur, Glenwood, Princeton and Cottonwood. You could even make a mini-trip out of it and stay overnight. Otherwise, visit a town you’ve never stopped in before and really check it out. Visit Georgetown, for example. Georgetown is home to several museums, an historic district and the Georgetown Loop Railroad.
You could also pretend to be a tourist for a while. The Breckenridge Fun Park features an alpine slide, climbing wall, bounce house, and a human maze. You can even pan for gold, if you want. Rafting is also a popular choice with a variety of options for families on the Blue, Arkansas and Colorado.
With a little imagination, a staycation can be loads of fun.

For more information:

Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa (719) 395-6434 www.cottonwood-hot-springs.com

Summit County farmers markets offer fresh food, homemade wares in a festival atmosphere

By L.S. Burns
(277 words)

It’s not unusual to find the person who picked the ripe red cherries or the shiny purple eggplant standing in front of their wares at the farmers markets in Summit Count. Both the Dillon Farmers Market and the Breckenridge Sunday Market feature fresh, Colorado-grown produce along with food vendors and specialty booths that sell everything from freshly-roasted chilies to gourmet dips and even hand-made hula hoops.

Dillon Farmers’ Market
Open: Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 12-Sept. 4 (No market will take place Aug. 7)
Where: Located next to the Dillon Amphitheatre on Buffalo Street in Dillon
Tidbits: This market features nearly 80 hand-picked vendors who sell everything from organic Colorado-grown fruits and vegetables to homemade jam and chutney, smoked salmon and even fresh-roasted chilies. More than just a market, this is a weekly event during the summer that features live music and children’s activities.
More information: Visit www.townofdillon.com

Breckenridge Sunday Market
Open: Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 14-Sept. 13 (No market will take place July 5 as there’s an art fair scheduled)
Where: Main Street Station, 505 South Main Street, Breckenridge
Tidbits: More than 40 vendors offer a wide variety of local produce and crafts from around the world at this market. Along with Colorado fruits and vegetables, score seafood and meats, homemade goodies from local bakeries, dog treats, cookbooks and even hand-crafted hula hoops.
More information: Call 970-547-3205.

Join the fun as the IronKids Triathlon comes to Avon, CO. on September 5-6 2009.  One of eight events in the national series, the IronKids Triathlon provides youth, ranging in age from 6 to 15, with an opportunity to swim, bike, run and celebrate their accomplishment.  All finishers receive a commemorative medal and trophies will be awarded to those within the senior division.
IronKids Avon offers mountains of fun for the whole family! Families are encouraged to take part in the IronKids Avon event weekend, with interactive elements such as the Expo and IronFlix, which are free to the public.  The IronKids Avon Expo will take place at Harry A. Nottingham Park on Saturday, Sept. 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Sunday, Sept. 6 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  IronFlix, a children’s film festival presented by KIDSFIRST, will include a mix of inspirational animated shorts and feature films.  Families can experience IronFlix on Friday evening and on Saturday, with multiple showings, throughout the day.
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, IronKids Avon offers a swim course in Nottingham Lake, where kids will enter the water in groups.  A scenic bike ride will follow an out-and-back course finishing with a run on paved sidewalks and grass.  A finish line celebration at Nottingham Park will round out a day of excitement.  Distances for the IronKids Race will vary, depending on the age of participants:
-    Junior (ages 6 to 8): 50-yard swim, 2-mile bike and 500-yard run
-    Intermediate (ages 9 to 11): 150-yard swim, 4-mile bike and 1-mile run
-    Senior (ages 12 to 15): 300-yard swim, 8-mile bike and 2-mile run

IronKids’ mission is to inspire and motivate youth through sport to lead an active, positive and healthy lifestyle.  For volunteer or sponsorship/expo details, contact Michelle Payette at Michelle@ironkids.com.  Register today at www.IronKids.com!

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Summit County offers a bounty of activities for all ages – many of which don’t cost a penny. If you’re looking for free fun with your family this summer, consider visiting one of the county’s skateparks or fishing ponds, or check out Keystone’s Discovery Days.
With a skatepark in Silverthorne, Frisco and Breckenridge, Summit County offers a wide variety of options – from bowls to street features – for all levels of skateboarders. Frisco just updated its park this spring, resurfacing the entire park and adding new ramps and jumps.
“It’s probably going to be the newest and slickest skate and BMX park in the county,” says Tim Bock, Director of Marketing with the Town of Frisco. (Frisco and Breckenridge also allow bikes at their skate parks.)
All local skateparks are open to the public, from dawn until dusk (with the exception of Breckenridge, which is lit and open until 10 p.m.). Use at your own risk. Helmets are always recommended, and are actually required at both Silverthorne and Frisco. Free helmet rentals are available at the Silverthorne Recreation Center with an I.D., on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you are looking for something less strenuous, fishing is always a great way to spend a summer day. Check out Frisco’s Meadow Creek Park, behind Safeway, or Silverthorne’s Trent Park, at the corner of Blue River Parkway and Willowbrook Road. Both lakes are stocked annually and perfect for fishing with the kids. Both parks also feature picnic tables and playgrounds, so bring your lunch and make a day of it.
Keystone’s Kids’ Discovery Days is yet another fun, free option. With wacky performers, face-painting, crafts and balloon art, it’s a hit with kids. Discovery Days are Tuesdays, June 23rd through August 11th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information, call:
Silverthorne Recreation Center (970) 262-7370

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Finding care for your child is not something to be taken lightly. You don’t want just anyone to care for your child – you want someone trained and experienced, who loves what they do.
If you’re looking for year-round childcare, start early. Most childcare providers in Summit County have long wait lists, so it’s never too soon to start your search and get signed up.
Contact Early Childhood Options (ECO) for an updated list of licensed childcare providers. You can find a useful guide on the ECO website to help you in your search for the best childcare provider for your child. Important questions to ask your potential provider include the adult to child ratio, group size, caregiver qualifications and experience, staff training (if applicable) and turnover, accreditation and family involvement.
Visit as many providers as you can. Consider what is important to you – both in regards to environment and care. For example, if you don’t believe in letting your child “cry it out”, don’t choose a provider who does.
Perhaps you’re just looking for someone to watch your child while you and your spouse enjoy a night out, or a day on the slopes. Finding a dependable babysitter can be stressful – particularly if you’re visiting from out of town.
Two local agencies, Nannies Incorporated and Resort Sitters, offer babysitters and nannies that will come to your home, condo or hotel room. Both agencies check references, conduct background checks, and require their employees be experienced in childcare and trained in CPR. Nannies Incorporated employees are also trained in first aid. These agencies ask the necessary questions, so you don’t have to worry.  As Noah Abrams of Resort Sitters says, “We make it so the parents can be comfortable with someone they’ve never met before.”
For more information:

The skis are tucked away and it’s time to find another fun family activity. Biking is a great way to spend time together while cruising along stunning scenic paths. There are a plethora of bike options when heading out as a family.
If you have little ones, the Burly trailer is the best option, explains Mark Wimberly, owner of Pioneer Sports in Frisco. “When renting for little kids, the Burly cart holds up to 100 pounds—one or two children. It can even accommodate a car seat (for infants),” Mark says. As an added bonus, while you are getting your heart rate up and burning a few calories, the rocking of the trailer will probably put your little ones to sleep so everyone has a very enjoyable afternoon. 
If you child has some biking experience and understands the balance of a bike, the tagalong might be the way to go. The tagalong attaches to your bike and your tyke will be able to cruise along behind you, like riding a tandem.
Finally, for kids a little older (say 6, 7 or 8 years old), a bike of their own is an option. You want to make sure they can ride, have enough hand strength to press the brakes and shifters, and understand how to work them. At Pioneer Sports, they take the kids to an unused parking lot to make sure everyone understands just how the bikes work.
What else will you need for an enjoyable outing? A helmet is a must, of course, whether in the Burly, on a tagalong or on a bike. Sunscreen applied 30 minutes prior to riding is a good idea, along with either rain wear or a fleece for our unpredictable weather.
Now that everyone is geared up, coast along one of the miles of bike paths—there is no automobile traffic and you can go as far as your legs can take you!

Sidebar
Kids' bikes are measured in wheel size, unlike adult bikes, whose measurements refer to frame size

September 27, 2009
4Eagle Ranch in Wolcott
10:00-4:00pm
$5 Admission  
More information or to donate: www.wildwestday.org or call Kathleen Cope (970) 376-1772.   

Wild West Day stands out as the local’s favorite family fun day.  Held at the beautiful 4Eagle Ranch, Wild West Day offers something for everyone; a silent auction, games, crafts, live music, BBQ lunch, wagon rides, and much more.  Wild West Day is a fundraiser for the 9 elementary schools in Eagle County; Avon, Brush Creek, Eagle Valley, Edwards, June Creek, Gypsum, Meadow Mountain, Red Hill and Red Sandstone.  The funds raised through this event are used by PTA/PTO’s of each school for supplies, activities, programs and educational field trips. Wild West Day is a premier event you don’t want to miss.

See you at Wild West Day!

This summer, the children’s summer reading program at the Eagle Valley Library District is all about CREATIVITY!  Students entering 1st through 5th grade are invited to join us for eight weeks of Summer Reading fun, exploring the wonderful world of the creative arts. Summer reading participants earn incentives by keeping track of time spent reading on a reading log, and are invited join us for weekly programs that are all about being creative!

Summer reading registration begins at our kick-off event featuring the Beaver Creek Children’s Theatre. The Children’s Theatre group will be performing their show “Tales from the Land of What If,” a creative romp of epic proportions!  

The Children’s Theatre will perform at the EVLD libraries on the following dates and times:

Eagle Public Library: Monday, June 8, 11:00 am
Gypsum Public Library: Monday, June 8, 1:00 pm
Avon Public Library: Wednesday, June 10, 1:00 pm

Summer Reading Weekly Schedule:

Avon Public Library
Wednesdays, June 17-July 22
Entering Grades 1-2: 1:00-2:00 pm
Entering Grades 3-6: 2:00-3:00 pm
Bilingual Summer Reading
Fridays, June 19-July 23
Entering Grades 1-6: 1:00-200 pm

Eagle Public Library
Wednesdays, June 17-July 22
Entering Grades 1-2: 1:00-2:00 pm OR 2:00-3:00 pm
Entering Grades 3-6: 3:00-4:00 pm
Spanish Summer Reading
Tuesdays, June 16-July 21
Entering Grades 1-6: 11:00-12:00 noon

Gypsum Public Library
Tuesdays, June 16-July 21
Entering grades 1-2: 1:00-2:00 pm
Entering Grades 3-6: 2:00-3:00 pm

The 5 “New” Fashion Rules
1. Let go of the rules
2. Be confident
3. Have fun
4. Ask “Does it make me feel great? “
5. Ask “Does it go with a smile? “

4 Ways To Pull It Together
FUN is the greatest place to start. Make the everyday playful with a pair of big earrings, capris, and a sassy top. Let your style show the pretty girl you are. Let one of your accessories be that “pop of color” everyone is talking about, just make it easy!
COLOR is where it is at, lots of color.  You pick, orange, yellow, green, electric blue, pretty much anything in the rainbow.  Have fun by pairing up bright colored shoes with that simple tee and shorts. Don’t be afraid,  let go of the need to be “matchy ~ matchy”.
SIMPLE is letting life feel comfortable when strolling around town. Slip on a cute pair of shoes, great hat, and grab that big bag.  Let your outfit show you know how to enjoy a gorgeous day and take pleasure in it.
FLIRTY is for when the heat is on the rise. Slip on a sweet dress, sunglasses, sunscreen and a smile. When in doubt let the love of life lead the way. Ruffles, light summer scarves, and that cute little clutch will show you ARE a breath of fresh air.

Best Bottom Line…
If you like, feel good in it, ROCK IT!

Fall Fashion Watch
•    Color Purple still Rules
•    Geranium is new color to watch for
•    Adding bright colors with metallics and basics
•    Fringe, ropes, chains, belts, and zippers adorn accessories.
•    And ready or not… Thigh High Boots  WOW!!!

Do you want to spend more time with your children but stress out about the things you need to get done?  Is your dining room table no longer available for you and your family to dine on and enjoy each other’s time?  You are not alone!   
There is someone who can actually help you with these issues, a professional organizer.  A professional organizer is trained professional who learns to help people not only with the physical actions required to organize but also the psychological and emotional issues surrounding disorganization.  
Why do you want to get organized?  First, you will spend less time look for things around your house and spend that time doing something that makes your happy like playing with your kids.  Losing valuable documents can also cause you to lose money. You can reduce your stress level by getting rid of that overwhelming feeling you have when you cannot accomplish all the things you need to do.
A professional organizer can also help with Time management and who doesn’t need help in that area.
Not sure if you are disorganized, read these common characteristics.  If you accumulate large quantities of objects, documents, paper or possessions beyond apparent necessity or pleasure, you have difficulty parting with things and letting go, have a wide range of interests and many uncompleted projects, need visual clues as reminders to take action, tend to be easily distracted or lose concentration.  These are just a few symptoms.  
Take action and call a professional organizer.  High Country Solutions and Ellen Galbraith can help.  Contact her at Ellen@highcountrysolutions.com or 970-688-4822.  
Looking for tips to live life more simply go to www.everythingsimply.com

What happens when Brian Hall, director of the world famous Beaver Creek Children’s Theatre Company and talented television producer, Alan Sandberg, publisher of the renowned Parents Handbook magazine, and the media icons at TV8 get together?
An incredible idea comes to life.
The bright idea is to create the best darn kids’ TV show in the world—but do it right here in the Vail Valley. So Brian is bringing his kids from the Children’s Theatre to create the “Kids’ Guide to Vail & Beaver Creek.” Add in Alan’s comprehensive magazine knowledge and its partners, next roll in TV8’s top-notch TV operations, and the end result is one incredible TV experience for kids and families.
The Kids’ Guide is sure to be a fun and exciting show about kids reported by kids. Starting with short reports and moving into a complete half hour, the show will knock everyone’s socks off with national children’s music stars, local kid athletes and hero interviews, stories of how to help make your world more green, a segment on unique hobbies, mountain biking 101 and much more. We’ll do a walk-about at the Green Festival and see what’s hot in going green. We’ll cover local events with world class reputations, like the Teva Mountain Games and interview the world’s best outdoor adventure kid athletes.
For more information contact Blue Creek Productions at (970) 926-5855 or info@bluecreek.com.

Eagle County farmers markets offer fresh food, homemade wares in a festival atmosphere
(327 words)

By L.S. Burns

It’s not unusual to find the person who picked the ripe red cherries or the shiny purple eggplant standing in front of their wares at farmers markets around the Vail Valley. Each market features fresh, Colorado-grown produce along with food vendors and specialty booths that sell everything from hand-crafted jewelry to vibrantly-colored tablecloths.

Edwards Farmers’ Market
Open: Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 13-Sept. 19
Where: Edwards Corner in downtown Edwards
Parking: Free and onsite
Tidbits: More than the others, this smaller market focuses primarily on farm and food products. Try some of the homemade pasta from Pappardelle’s or pick up juicy tomatoes from Miller Farms, a family farm in Platteville that’s been operating since 1949.
More information: Visit edwardsfarmersmarket.com.

Vail Farmers’ Market and Art Show
Open: Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., June 21-Sept. 20
Where: Meadow Drive in Vail
Parking: Free in both Vail parking structures.
More information: Visit vailfarmersmarket.com.
Tidbits: Along with fresh produce and homemade food like gyros and crepes, this market - touted as the largest around - has a special artist section as well. Often times jazz musicians like the Tony Gulizia Trio perform as part of Jazz@the Market, hosted by the Vail Jazz Foundation (visit vailjazz.org for a schedule of performers). There’s also a mechanical bull and train rides for kids.

Minturn Market
Open: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 27-Sept. 5
Where: Downtown Minturn
Parking: Free parking in the dirt lot near The Turntable restaurant on North Main Street or at St. Peter’s Church or the Minturn Municipal Building, both on Pine Street.

Join the fun as the IronKids Triathlon comes to Avon, CO. on September 5-6 2009.  One of eight events in the national series, the IronKids Triathlon provides youth, ranging in age from 6 to 15, with an opportunity to swim, bike, run and celebrate their accomplishment.  All finishers receive a commemorative medal and trophies will be awarded to those within the senior division.
IronKids Avon offers mountains of fun for the whole family! Families are encouraged to take part in the IronKids Avon event weekend, with interactive elements such as the Expo and IronFlix, which are free to the public.  The IronKids Avon Expo will take place at Harry A. Nottingham Park on Saturday, Sept. 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Sunday, Sept. 6 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  IronFlix, a children’s film festival presented by KIDSFIRST, will include a mix of inspirational animated shorts and feature films.  Families can experience IronFlix on Friday evening and on Saturday, with multiple showings, throughout the day.
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, IronKids Avon offers a swim course in Nottingham Lake, where kids will enter the water in groups.  A scenic bike ride will follow an out-and-back course finishing with a run on paved sidewalks and grass.  A finish line celebration at Nottingham Park will round out a day of excitement.  Distances for the IronKids Race will vary, depending on the age of participants:
-    Junior (ages 6 to 8): 50-yard swim, 2-mile bike and 500-yard run
-    Intermediate (ages 9 to 11): 150-yard swim, 4-mile bike and 1-mile run
-    Senior (ages 12 to 15): 300-yard swim, 8-mile bike and 2-mile run
IronKids’ mission is to inspire and motivate youth through sport to lead an active, positive and healthy lifestyle.  For volunteer or sponsorship/expo details, contact Michelle Payette at Michelle@ironkids.com.  Register today at www.IronKids.com!

Gore Range Natural Science School’s mission is to awaken a sense of wonder and inspire environmental stewardship through natural science education.  Over the last decade, we have offered substantive and engaging field based natural science education to thousands of children and adults- inspiring them as students and stewards of our natural world.  We now serve over 23,000 people annually through the following innovative programs: Avon In-School Program,   School Field Studies Programs, Summer Youth Science Camps, After School Science Programs, Graduate Studies Programs, Undergraduate Internships, Adult Natural History Seminars, Guided Naturalist Programs, High Country Speaker Series, US Forest Service Programs.

Our school has become a regional model for how nonprofit organizations might partner with public and private schools to support their educational missions.  Our programs are aligned with state and national curriculum standards.  

As our student numbers grow substantially each year, we have begun to explore ways that we might accommodate this growth and capitalize on current opportunities.  Our capital campaign has been carefully planned in response to a gift of a 5 acre parcel centrally located in Eagle County.  In addition to its accessibility, it boasts a pond, a natural spring, wetlands, aspen stands, pine forests, access to the backcountry, and other natural attributes that make it the perfect setting for field based scientific exploration.

Kids can cool off this summer at watering spots in Vail and Edwards

By L.S. Burns
(599 words)

============
Going deeper
• The Eagle Pool opens for the 2009 season on June 5, and features a large pool, a kid’s pool and a water slide. The pool is located at 1700 Brush Creek Road in Eagle.Admission is free for kids 2 and under, $4.50 for kids age 3 to 17 and for senior citizens and $6 for adults. There are also family passes and punchcards available. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Monday, noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. Call 970-328-5277 or visit wecmrd.org for more information.

• The Eagle-Vail Swim Club opens for the season May 23 and closes Sept. 6. The pool is located at 99 Eagle Drive in Eagle-Vail and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The fee for non-residents is $8 per day and Eagle-Vail residents pay $6 per day. Call 970-949-4257 for more information.
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Besides the pool, there are plenty of ways and places where kids can play in the water in the Vail Valley and, even better, they’re free.
You know its summertime when little kids start frolicking in the Children’s Fountain in Vail Village. The fountain is turned on each summer by Memorial Day and sometimes earlier if the weather is good. The water flows until shortly after Labor Day, though an exact date varies each year depending on the weather, town officials said. Swimming suits are required, said Todd Oppenheimer of the town of Vail’s public works department. Public restrooms are located just south of the fountain.
As a 7-year-old Leslie Fordham’s daughter, Lettie Fickling, loved playing in the fountain, Fordham said.
“She liked jumping from rock to rock and if she fell in, well that was fun too,” she said.

Definition – The word “doula” comes from the Greek, meaning “woman’s servant”.  In our culture, this definition has been expanded to mean “Family Helper”.  There are birthing doulas, which assist the mother, father and medical staff during birth. There are postpartum doulas that assist the entire family to heal and adjust following birth.

Success – Studies have proven that births are easier and the period of time following birth is less traumatic, more relaxing and joyful with the presence and assistance of a postpartum doula.

Postpartum Timelines – The postpartum doula (PPD) may arrange a meeting prior to birth to discuss expectations and goals.  Immediate following birth, the PPD may come to the hospital and/or home to begin her work. She may then come to the home on a daily basis or as needed for a period of time ranging from birth – 2 weeks – 3 or 4 months, depending on needs.

Types of Assistance – The PPD ALWAYS encourages the new Mom to rest and heal.  She may assist with a proper latch (if breastfeeding), give an occasional bottle, prepare light meals and snacks, provide sibling care, run errands, provide partner support, suggestions and educational insights.  Her role is ALWAYS non-invasive, non-medical, but strongly supportive to the new family.

Rates – Rates can vary in different locations, from $25-60/hr.  Keep in mind that the doula is a highly educated and well-practiced woman, and deserves to be paid her worth during the most challenging transition in a family’s life.

Marcy D. Tracy, MS Ed., PCD (DONA)
VAIL VALLEY DOULA,
PO Box 4481 Avon, CO 81620-4481
44 Larkspur Lane, Avon, CO 81620
(970) 688-4868 or (760) 846-0419
www.vailvalleydoula.com
marcy@vailvalleydoula.com

Paper, plastic or reusable? Having a little foresight and reusing bags will have one community to seeing green. The Colorado Association of Ski Towns issued the “Bring Your Own Bag” challenge earlier this year. And many ski towns accepted with the hopes of, er, bagging the grand prize of a $5,000 grant from Alpine Bank to be used to install a solar panel system at a public school.
Eagle County is competing as a single entity against ski towns throughout the west including Steamboat Springs, Aspen, Telluride, Summit County, Park City, Utah, Jackson Hole and Ketchum, Idaho. The contest runs from March 1 till September 1 and only a few weeks into the challenge, a significant reduction in single usage bags has been measured. “This is a nice friendly competition. It’s about all of us in the valley reducing the single use of plastic bags” said Kristen Bertuglia, environmental sustainability coordinator for the Town of Vail. “It’s going very well but there are still lots of people using plastic. I think people are getting it now, though, we are making strides.”
The town has teamed with First Bank and has been giving away recycled cotton bags to encourage shoppers to say no to plastic. Local businesses are embracing the contest—one local hotel is even giving its customers bags for grocery store runs. Best of all, using cloth bags really does have an impact on the environment, from reducing litter to cutting down on petroleum. By some estimates, each year Americans throw away some 100 billion plastic bags, which is equivalent to wasting nearly 12 million barrels of oil.
Obviously, there are numerous reasons to stop using plastic bags, but the hardest part of the challenge might be remembering to grab the bags from the car before you hit the shops.

This is a time of change, not only for Eagle County, but for the nation and the world. With the effects of the economic downturn now hitting close to home, the Board of County Commissioners is committed to finding ways to help support our community.

We recognize we must be fiscally responsible now, while positioning ourselves for success in the future. This means continuing to explore new and collaborative ways to house our local workforce, provide efficient transportation and sustain our natural environment for years to come, while being mindful of the financial challenges we face today.

To this end, the county will continue to actively seek federal economic stimulus money, which will bring immediate jobs to the area while creating much-needed infrastructure down the road. Through foresight and careful planning, projects in Eagle County have already received millions and additional projects and programs are ready to go should more funding become available.

We know that many in our community are experiencing financial hardships and several county departments can help. Health & Human Services can provide temporary assistance with food, rent and basic medical services. The Housing and Development Department offers credit and foreclosure prevention counseling. ECO Transit continues to provide safe, reliable and economical transportation throughout the valley.

In addition, our community grant process awarded funds in three categories, with over $430,000 earmarked in the “social services” category for local non-profits whose programs provide economic support, medical care and youth services. These organizations are fielding a larger number of requests for assistance than ever before.

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