editorials

Did You Know?

encoder — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 20:30:42 -0600

Over 80 percent of Eagle County Schools' graduates in 2007 went on to attend a 2-year or 4-year college or university, versus a national coverage of 56 percent.

Over 95 percent of Eagle County Schools' kindergarteners attend school all day, thanks to donations from the Vail Valley Foundation and a matching commitment from the board of education.

Eagle County Schools' high school students earned nearly 3,000 college credits last year, a saving of over $500,000 in college tuition.

Over 450 of Eagle County Schools' elementary students participate in after school enrichment programs in our schools hosted by community partners.

Over 800 Eagle County Schools' high school students participate in one or more of the over 40 extra-curricular activities offered.

CME Driver Safety Training

encoder — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 03:45:13 -0600

Colorado Mountain Express (CME) operates 220 vehicles which travel 9.3 million miles annually, transporting visitors to and from Colorado’s beautiful mountain resort communities. CME wants each of those miles to be as comfortable and safe as possible, and that’s why they require all their drivers to take a two-week course with the Center for Transportation Safety.

Colorado’s State Patrol offers their expertise and advice during the training, where drivers navigate 10- passenger vans through a series of stations in a circuit course and also prepare for a written exam. From vehicle orientation—which includes checking mirrors, ensuring ski racks are secure—to emergency braking exercises, potential drivers are rigorously trained to be more alert, careful and skillful drivers. Learning to make sudden stops and weaving in and out of cones without knocking them over at a three-lane course in a 10-passenger van are all in a day’s training for these drivers. “Skid van” technology also incorporates lessons on training drivers to control a skid if the vehicle slides on a patch of ice and they need to come to an emergency stop safely.

Along with the Center for Transportation training, drivers also attend winter driving schools around the state. In the classroom and behind the wheel, drivers learn all the best techniques for keeping their passengers safe. “Training reminds you what we all learned in high school Physics – that gravity wins,” said Tom Ball, Executive Vice President of Colorado Mountain Express. “The idea that you incorporate reduction of speed as conditions change – that makes you a much safer driver. That’s what was driven home for me during my own training.”

Prevent Frostbitten Fingers!

encoder — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 01:51:00 -0600

by Katie Kukar

Frostbite is common among kids because who can resist playing in the fluffy powder! Here are some simple ways to prevent frostbite:

    • Kids have a tendency to take their gloves off, give them an extra layer along with a safety attachment so they don’t lose them.
    • Chose gloves or mittens that are highly water-resistant to prevent water penetration, so their fingers do not freeze.
    • For the coldest days, wear mittens, they are the warmest option.
    • Take your children shopping to find the right size. Gloves or mitts that are too tight can reduce circulation, and lead to frostbite.

Bulkier does not mean warmer! Visit Kidsport in Vail to find Hestra gloves and mittens, perfect for playing in the powder.

The Hunt is on Check out some local Easter egg hunts

encoder — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:44:57 -0600

By J.K. Perry

There’s gold in them hills.Well, not really, just eggs filled with kiddie prizes in time for the Easter holiday.

Avon holds the largest egg hunt in the valley, with 10,000 plastic eggs filled with candy and prizes. It takes place at Nottingham Park on March 22 from 10 a.m. to noon. “The kids make a mad dash, by age group, to pick them all up,” said Danita Chirichillo, events coordinator for the town.

There’s also a petting zoo, flower planting, tie dye station and coloring contest.Avon’s Easter Egg Hunt is sponsored in part by The Parents Handbook to the Vail Valley.

The Vail Recreation District puts on a smaller hunt the same day at 10 am. The staff scatters or hides just under 2,000 eggs that kids, in four separated age groups, can search for. Candy is purposefully left out of the eggs. “We’re not so much about candy,” said Chad Young, supervisor of youth services for the recreational district. “We think it’s more fun to celebrate Easter with a bunch of toys rather than sweets.”

Then there’s two special eggs for each age group that contain a redemption for a stuffed animal. And another animal — the Easter bunny — will be on hand starting at 9:30 a.m.

Sun Poses Extreme Danger to Children’s Eyes

encoder — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 21:58:27 -0600

(WILLISTON, VT) – Quality eyewear is particularly important for children because most kids spend more time outdoors than adults do.

The American Optometric Association emphasizes the importance of getting children sunglasses that block 99- to 100-percent of the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays. According to the AOA, the earlier children begin wearing sunglasses outdoors, the better their chances of avoiding eye health problems, such as cataracts, later in life.

“UV protection for the eyes is as important or more important than UV protection for our skin,” said Opticus Inc. owner Fred Seitzman, an expert optician who specializes in eye protection for the athletes and explorers.

Seitzman cautions that eye damage from consistent UV exposure often goes unnoticed, because, unlike a sunburn, it’s usually painless. “For this reason, it is important to instill in our children the need to have and wear quality sunglasses when exposed to the sun for significant periods of time,” Seitzman said, “especially at higher altitudes or in areas of concentrated reflection such as beaches, lakes and ski areas.”

With this in mind, Julbo, the leading manufacturer of eyewear for highaltitude mountaineering and glacier exploration, has developed a line of affordable, durable, 100-percent UVprotective eyewear made specifically for children from infants to teens.

Local housing market strong While the national market suffers

encoder — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 06:23:20 -0600

By J.K. Perry

While the national housing market slogs through recent troubles, the Eagle County market continues to chug along unaffected.

“There’s never been a stronger case of apples and oranges,” said Ben Kleimer, president of Kleimer Company Real Estate.

Eagle County is relatively immune to market swings because so many people want to buy homes here and enjoy the recreation, entertainment and culture, he said. But there exists fewer homes than people who want to live in the valley.

“Worldwide appeal has always kept the demand higher than the supply,” Kleimer said.

The national problem came to a head as low interest rates in recent years prompted many people to purchase homes. Some buyers overextended themselves and consequently their homes were foreclosed. Banks got stuck with the loans they issued to the buyers and then couldn’t sell the loans on the secondary market.

The local market did experience a three-week hiccup in September and October as people waited to see if the overburdened banks might go under. The Federal Reserve then bailed out the overextended home buyers by cutting interest rates and, locally, people became more comfortable with the housing market.

“Nothing really changed in that time period other than buyers’ attitudes,” Kleimer said. “The interest rate drop has really meant that it released the fear.”

The market is now focusing on qualified buyers, rather than the riskier first-time home buyer, he said. To entice buyers, banks have lowered interest rates.

“As long as you’re well qualified, it’s actually going to be less expensive to buy a home than it was a month ago,” Kleimer said in mid October.

Spotting Winter Wildlife

encoder — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 00:32:33 -0600

By Jamie Kujawa

Although some of Colorado’s major wildlife packs it in for the winter, there is still adequate wildlife available throughout the Vail valley. The major winter species in Colorado are elk, marmots, squirrels, snowshoe hares, fox, eagles, and the endangered, yet viewable, Canada lynx.

Anne Stevenson, of the Gore Range Natural Science School (GRNSS), encourages people wanting to see some Colorado critters to begin right at the ski resort by looking for footprints in the snow. Although much of the wildlife is nocturnal, she has still seen the occasional weasel while skiing. Also, there is a “whole underground world of wildlife,” says Stevenson. Weasels and mice have systems of tunnels underneath the snow pack to keep themselves warm and safe all season.

The best chances for seeing some of the area’s wildlife is to take part in one of the many awesome programs of GRNSS. If you’re looking for elk, Stevenson recommends heading down valley a bit towards Eagle and Brush Creek, as elk are seasonal migrators. Elk can be seen in the springtime on south facing lower slopes, namely Lionshead rock in Minturn. Eagles mainly habitat by the Colorado River, but can be spotted flying up and down the Eagle River as well.

Websites to check out:
Colorado Department of Natural Resources: www.wildlife.state.co.us
Gore Range Natural Science www.gorerange.org

The Art of Fine Dining with Kids

encoder — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 23:34:55 -0600

By L.S. Burns

Skip the usual babysitter SOS and consider taking the whole family out for a nice dinner.Many local fine dining restaurants not only accommodate family meals, but even encourage it by offering special “kid cocktails” and children’s menus designed with both health and happiness in mind.It’s important “for families to dine together as often as possible,” said Pollyanna Forster, coowner of eat! drink! and Dish restaurants in Edwards.

Healthful fare Tired of the typical chicken-nugget, macaroni-and-cheese, hot-dog trifecta found on kid’s menus across the country? Many of the valley’s restaurants have taken the hint.

The menu at Dish restaurant in Edwards adheres to the small plate philosophy, which is inherently kidfriendly because of the size, Forster said. There are also kid-specific options, too, like organic four-cheese mac and cheese, organic chicken tenders and kid-sized steaks. “Nothing is ever processed and we feel children should eat as organically and deliciously as possible,” Forster said. “Most times children at Dish order off the regular menu as the portions are more their size and they may like beans, but not potatoes, and they all come on separate plates.”

Recipe for success “It’s always good to remind children to be respectful, to look servers in the eye, to speak loudly and clearly when they place their orders. It’s good practice for them to have that experience,” Forster said. It’s also important to remind children that their behavior affects other people’s experiences.

Preparing for Winter Sports

encoder — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 21:12:32 -0600

As we embark on winter in Eagle County, and the many sporting opportunities available, it is important to take steps to prevent sporting injuries. Some simple preparation and tips can prevent injury and maximize your performance throughout the season!

Conditioning – Exercise before the season starts to strengthen your body before the season starts - especially your legs and core. Whether you run, bike, swim or walk, there are many ways to improve your conditioning. Get your equipment ready - make sure it fits and it is tuned properly by someone who is qualified.

Pre-activity warm up – Always do a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes of pre-activity exercise to warm-up your muscles and joints. Skiing or snowboarding without a warm-up increases the possibility of injury and decreases your performance.

Take lessons to improve your abilities – even if you are experienced at your activity there is always an advantage to working with a coach or trainer to improve your ability.

Don’t push yourself beyond your capabilities. Even if you have to take breaks during your activity it will reduce your risk of injury. Most injuries take place later in the day when you are too tired to pay attention to your energy level at the end of your activity. Don’t make the “last run of the day” your last run of the season! Enjoy yourself and have fun!

Here at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics we believe that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of treatment. Following these tips can help you avoid both minor and major injuries and keep you in the winter playground!

OK Corral Camp

encoder — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 21:06:39 -0600

Summer Camp. Two magical words that invoke thoughts of building campfires, paddling a canoe and lifelong friendships. Going to camp is a privilege that children across the country enjoy every summer.

Now picture a child in the hospital – a child who would love to swim and fish and sleep outside but can’t go to camp because of a serious illness. Regular summer camps aren’t equipped to handle platelet transfusions, insulin shots and wheelchairs. For children with serious illnesses, the opportunity to go to camp is often not a possibility, unless there is a camp that is made especially for them.

The OK Corral Camp will be such a place. Nestled in the heart of Eagle County, this camp will be a place where children with serious illnesses rediscover the simple joys of childhood. The activities from catching a fish to climbing a tower to singing on stage give campers a sense of accomplishment and independence. All of this will be provided to the campers free of charge. When a child is diagnosed with a serious illness, they are very often defined by their disease. They are sheltered from traditional kid activities, friendships and school. At the OK Corral, they can check their illness at the door and just be a camper.

The OK Corral Camp has the ability to change thousands of lives and at the same time be a vibrant addition to the Vail Valley. There will be the opportunity for hundreds of people to volunteer every year on the beautiful camp site along the Colorado River in Dotsero. The Camp, slated to open in the summer of 2010, welcomes your interest and support.

Summer Camp just became magical words for thousands of children who never thought they would have the chance to be a camper.

Contact the OK Corral Camp at (970) 926-2448, info@okcorralcamp.org or www.okcorralcamp.org

Planning Your Retirement Can Be Stressful — But it Doesn’t Have to Be

encoder — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 20:49:25 -0600

Whether you’re a baby boomer (born in the years 1946-1964) or not, you know about them. These 76 million Americans have driven major national trends since they were born.With the oldest of the baby boomers having turned 59 in 2005, many are thinking seriously about retirement.

And there’s a lot to think about:

The Delight in Cooking with Children

encoder — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 03:15:04 -0600

By Vail Sitters LLC

Cooking is a great way to bond with your children and help to develop their cognitive skills. With the long winter lights and increased appetites from spirited winter activities, this is the perfect time to begin baking with your children!

Cooking with children is also a perfect way to introduce your child to healthy eating habits. It’s recommended that you introduce your child into the kitchen at age 3. Cooking with children is often times consuming, messy, and very rewarding for all involved. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time! Keep in mind that when doing a project with children the process is always more important then the finished product. Take pride in what you create!

To develop your child’s language skills, read the directions out loud and discuss the ingredients as a team. Emphasize the importance of the directions and work together to gather the ingredients. Seeing the label on the ingredients helps develop word recognition and placing the ingredients in order as they are needed is great for sequencing and following directions.

Math and cooking go hand in hand. Let your child measure and pour the ingredients. Have them estimate how many tablespoons fill a cup. Set out all the measured ingredients and let them recognize what is more and less. One of the best things about cooking with children is stirring. Have the children count every time they are mixing to either a number you set or as high as they can go.

Cooking meets more science goals then most activities performed in the classroom. Let the children smell each ingredient and describe the scent to you. Let them taste certain things such as sugar or vanilla and describe the taste! Have them observe the change in the food. Cooking helps children to understand solids, liquids, textures, and smells.

Housing for local families

encoder — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 01:48:46 -0600

Habitat for Humanity of Eagle & Lake Counties builds simple, decent homes in partnership with families in need. Since the affiliate opened its doors in 1995 it has been focused on creating low income housing opportunities for working families in Eagle & Lake Counties. Throughout its 11 year existence, Habitat for Humanity of Eagle & Lake Counties has completed 14 homes in partnership with 14 families in need and is currently working to complete three more homes at the Bluffs in Eagle. Worldwide, Habitat for Humanity International has built over 200,000 homes providing shelter to over 1 million people in nearly 100 countries since its inception in 1976.

Partner families are selected based on their need for adequate shelter, their ability to pay for a home and their willingness to partner with Habitat. Habitat for Humanity is not a hand-out, but a hand-up. Families are required to pay a small down payment and a monthly mortgage payment at zero interest and must invest hundreds of “sweat equity” hours into the construction of their home.

Habitat for Humanity of Eagle & Lake Counties relies on cash donations, volunteer labor and donated construction materials to build affordable homes. We also operate the Habitat Home Outlet in Gypsum. The Outlet takes donations of furniture, appliances and building materials and sells them. The proceeds from sales of items at the Outlet go towards funding a home.

If you would like to get involved with Habitat for Humanity and make a direct impact on substandard housing in our community please call us at 970-748-6718 or visit us on the web at: www.habitateaglelake.org.

The Golden Child

encoder — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 07:33:43 -0600

It is my belief that when a parent puts their child in an activity be it sports, dance, or martial arts, the unspoken request is “Treat my child like the Golden Child,” keep him/her safe, physically and emotionally, and put their wellbeing before the activity you are teaching. I am trusting you! “Treat my child like the Golden Child.”

As a father of four, and a professional educator for 35 years, I do treat every child in my martial arts program as if they are the Golden Child and I never accept less from any adult overseeing my children. There is a lot of money to be made teaching after-school activities to children and anyone can say anything about their motives, experience and ability to instruct children. It is every parent’s responsibility to clearly express their expectation to the coach or instructor, and actively monitor the program. I do believe that the majority of coaches and instructors are sincere in their efforts to be a positive influence on the children they teach. But we are the parents and it is our job to hold all adults involved in our children’s life to the highest standard.

As a children’s instructor, I expect to be held to that standard every day, every class. My proposition: If every parent, when signing their child up for an after-school program, would look the instructor in the eyes and say “Treat my child like the Golden Child” it would ultimately improve the quality of every program by reminding us all why we are there and what our true purpose is.

Mathew Bayley, Vail Academy of Martial Arts.

Usher in the Holiday Spirit

encoder — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 06:16:01 -0600

The Vail Valley is the perfect place to get in the holiday spirit with a variety of holiday events and activities taking place from Vail down to Gypsum.

Downvalley, folks have a chance to get in the spirit early and even get a jump on holiday shopping at the annual Holiday Artisan and Craft Show on Nov. 16 and 17 at the Eagle River Center. Visit www.eaglevalley.org for all the details.

The annual tree lighting ceremony and gingerbread house competition in Beaver Creek kicks off the holiday spirit on Nov. 23. Enjoy free cookies and hot chocolate, free ice skating, fireworks and carollers at the celebration. The elaborate gingerbread house entries (there’s both professional and amateur divisions) are on display at the Park Hyatt in Beaver Creek. To learn more, call (970) 845-9090.

Hanukkah begins at Sun down on Dec. 4, and Bnai Vail congregation will be hosting a Sabbath dinner and Hannukkah celebration at the Vail inter-faith chapel. Contact Bnai Vail at (970) 477-2992, or visit www.bnaivail.org.

Eagle County public libraries have holiday parties and open houses all through December. On Dec. 5, Avon library hosts a children’s holiday party from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Children can help trim the tree in the children’s room, listen to some holiday stories, make a craft and enjoy a special treat. The Eagle library will host a Holiday Open House on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. Both children and adults are invited for music and refreshments. Kids can enjoy crafts and stories and a special guest from the North Pole. Gypsum library joins in the fun on Dec. 20 at 4 p.m. with their Winter Wonderland Party. “Celebrate the winter season and spirit of giving by learning about some holiday traditions and making a feeder to give to our feathered friends who stick around all year.” Visit www.evld.org, where you can find more information.

Do you know who or what your child has encountered online?

encoder — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 06:00:57 -0600

One in five children who uses an Internet chat room is approached by a pedophile, and one in four children who use the Internet is 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 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 onlinethan 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

AXS Vail Valley

encoder — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 05:59:04 -0600

AXS Vail Valley is a private, not-forprofit corporation that encourages the growth and expansion of recreation programs and services for the physically disabled Vail Valley resident and visitor.

The mission of AXS Vail Valley is to link existing programs and services, facilitate networking among these offerings, promote adaptive recreational services and facilities, and expand public awareness.

The Vail Valley might be known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, but it is also home to renowned seasonal festivals, concerts, sporting events, and outdoor activities ranging from mountain biking to fishing to golf.

We at AXS Vail Valley strive to make sure all of these events and activities are available to everyone.

AXS Vail Valley has developed a website with detailed information including accessible parking options, hotel room descriptions, accessible restaurants, area maps, activities, bus routes, local adaptive programs and more.

We want to take the guess-work out of accessible travel and recreation in the Vail Valley. The high country has a lot to offer, and our goal is to help people with disabilities and their families make the most of their visit. Vail is truly a world-class resort, but it is also our home, and we want to share it with the world.

AXS Vail Valley was started by a part-time local and parent of a child with a disability, Sally Sakin. Sakin, who lives in New York, has been a visitor and resident of Beaver Creek for 10 years. The Sakin’s recognize a need for change to successfully attract the tourism dollars from travelers and adventurers with disabilities.

Contact AXS Vail Valley at (970) 926-3222, Or visit www.axsvail.org