It’s going to be a busy summer for the newly-formed Alliance for Historical Preservation, thanks to the energy and hard work of president Charlotte Clarke and vice president Peggy Alexander.
Clarke has planned two Frisco events during the coming months to benefit the Alliance. The first, on Sunday, is a Ten Mile Canyon Bike Tour of Frisco’s historic mines. The two-hour tour will include a look at the famed Juno, King Solomon, Curtin, Kitty Innes, Mary Verna, Monroe and Admiral mines, with historical facts provided by Clarke, who is well-known as a local authority on Frisco’s mining history.
The second event takes place on Aug. 19, when the Alliance will host a free tour of historic Frisco Cemetery as part of the Frisco Founder’s Day Celebration. Mayor Bernie Zurbriggen, as well as locals Bill Kossian, Sally Roscoe and others, will lead the tour by impersonating costumed characters from Frisco’s past — characters such as town founder Henry Recen, town pioneers Jane Thomas and Bill Thomas, and Susan Badger.
The Alliance for Historical Preservation was formed after the Frisco Historical Society disbanded in 2006. Along with Peggy Alexander, Charlotte Clarke decided to take up where the society left off by forming a new organization dedicated to preserving Frisco’s historic structures, as well as educating others about the town’s rich historic past.
During the first week of July, Clarke sponsored a successful show geared toward local crafters and artists. The show raised $7,000, of which $5,000 went toward saving the Susan Badger house on Galena Street from destruction.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Breckenridge Restricts Main Street Development
The Breckenridge Town Council recently passed the first reading of an ordinance restricting future residential uses on the ground floor of Main Street and some adjacent streets.
"The real issue is the vibrancy of Main Street which is what this ordinance is trying to protect,” one councit member said.
Previously, the council studied other communities that put similar restrictions in place and saw the benefit of doing so. Last April, they reviewed recommendations by the Breckenridge Economic Development Advisory Commission (BEDAC) about limiting first-floor residences, sending those recommendations on to the planning commission that explored the issue at meetings in May and June.
At the time, councilmembers said they wanted to protect the core shopping and dining area from becoming condos in the future since there is a high demand and a high price for in-town condos.
Three years ago residential space could be purchased for $300 per square foot — a number that has climbed to almost $1000 today.
The ordinance that passed first reading included revisions the council discussed earlier. The revisions that took place came from councilmembers’ concerns about making sure residential uses currently in place are protected even in the case of a fire so they can rebuild. Another revision included the Wellington lot in the restricted area. As a result, the Downtown Overlay District included is Main Street from French to Ridge streets, properties backing the Riverwalk, one-block sections of Lincoln, Ridge and Washington streets, and the Wellington lot area.
Thehe ordinance is expected to come back to the Town Council for a second reading vote in August following a public hearing.
"The real issue is the vibrancy of Main Street which is what this ordinance is trying to protect,” one councit member said.
Previously, the council studied other communities that put similar restrictions in place and saw the benefit of doing so. Last April, they reviewed recommendations by the Breckenridge Economic Development Advisory Commission (BEDAC) about limiting first-floor residences, sending those recommendations on to the planning commission that explored the issue at meetings in May and June.
At the time, councilmembers said they wanted to protect the core shopping and dining area from becoming condos in the future since there is a high demand and a high price for in-town condos.
Three years ago residential space could be purchased for $300 per square foot — a number that has climbed to almost $1000 today.
The ordinance that passed first reading included revisions the council discussed earlier. The revisions that took place came from councilmembers’ concerns about making sure residential uses currently in place are protected even in the case of a fire so they can rebuild. Another revision included the Wellington lot in the restricted area. As a result, the Downtown Overlay District included is Main Street from French to Ridge streets, properties backing the Riverwalk, one-block sections of Lincoln, Ridge and Washington streets, and the Wellington lot area.
Thehe ordinance is expected to come back to the Town Council for a second reading vote in August following a public hearing.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Volunteers Needed for Meadow Creek Trail
Friends of the Eagles Nest Wilderness is looking for volunteers to help work on the Meadow Creek Trail on Saturday, July 14.
They will supply a light breakfast and tailgate party at the end of the day.
Interested volunteers should meet at the Dillon Ranger Station in Silverthorne, a half-mile north of Interstate 70 on Highway 9 at 8 a.m. on Saturday.
Please come prepared for a day on the trails with lunch, raingear, water, gloves and long pants.
Contact Jonathan at (970) 262-2399 or jonathankriegel@comcast.net to RSVP or with questions.
Go to www.fenw.org for information.
They will supply a light breakfast and tailgate party at the end of the day.
Interested volunteers should meet at the Dillon Ranger Station in Silverthorne, a half-mile north of Interstate 70 on Highway 9 at 8 a.m. on Saturday.
Please come prepared for a day on the trails with lunch, raingear, water, gloves and long pants.
Contact Jonathan at (970) 262-2399 or jonathankriegel@comcast.net to RSVP or with questions.
Go to www.fenw.org for information.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Dillon to Improve its Marina Park
The Town of Dillon will move forward with plans to improve its popular Marina Park in spite of losing out a grant that would have paid for half of the project.T
he town planned to spend about $410,000 to revamp the existing playground into a destination playground, replace and enlarge the picnic pavilion and build new restrooms. The hope was to cover half the pricetag with a grant from Great Outdoors Colorado, which funds parks, trails and open space projects with state lottery funds, but town officials learned last week that it didn’t win one of the competitive awards.
Now, to make the project more affordable, the town has decided to eliminate the new restrooms from the plans, said town manager Devin Granbery.
“The thought was that we have fairly readily available bathroom facilities that aren’t too far away already, so if we needed to cut something out, let’s cut that out,” Granbery said.
Marina Park already has restrooms, but during busy times, such as the summertime Saturday night concerts at the amphitheatre, additional portable toilets are necessary to handle the crowd. Also, the town is looking to improve the green room at the amphitheatre and may explore the possibility of adding new restrooms there, said Dillon town planner Melissa Wyatt.
The council previously set aside about $201,000 for the park improvements, and recently decided to pad that budget with another $130,000 from a portion of the proceeds from a $1 million it took out last year to pay for capital improvements and economic revitalization projects in town, Granbery said.
Groundbreaking is scheduled for this fall for the new pavilion and next spring for the playground, Wyatt said. Preliminary plans for the new pavilion call for picnic tables, benches, a skylight and a duel-faced gas fireplace under an A-frame roof.
he town planned to spend about $410,000 to revamp the existing playground into a destination playground, replace and enlarge the picnic pavilion and build new restrooms. The hope was to cover half the pricetag with a grant from Great Outdoors Colorado, which funds parks, trails and open space projects with state lottery funds, but town officials learned last week that it didn’t win one of the competitive awards.
Now, to make the project more affordable, the town has decided to eliminate the new restrooms from the plans, said town manager Devin Granbery.
“The thought was that we have fairly readily available bathroom facilities that aren’t too far away already, so if we needed to cut something out, let’s cut that out,” Granbery said.
Marina Park already has restrooms, but during busy times, such as the summertime Saturday night concerts at the amphitheatre, additional portable toilets are necessary to handle the crowd. Also, the town is looking to improve the green room at the amphitheatre and may explore the possibility of adding new restrooms there, said Dillon town planner Melissa Wyatt.
The council previously set aside about $201,000 for the park improvements, and recently decided to pad that budget with another $130,000 from a portion of the proceeds from a $1 million it took out last year to pay for capital improvements and economic revitalization projects in town, Granbery said.
Groundbreaking is scheduled for this fall for the new pavilion and next spring for the playground, Wyatt said. Preliminary plans for the new pavilion call for picnic tables, benches, a skylight and a duel-faced gas fireplace under an A-frame roof.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Breckenridge Round-a-bout to get Landscaping?
After the Breckenridge Town Council heard about plans to landscape the round-a-bout starting after the July 4 holiday, they discussed alternatives to reduce the impact to traffic as much a possible.
"For me this is a low priority," said Council member Jeffrey Bergeron, who voiced the most conservative opinion about the project. "It seems every summer we're just doing something in this area."
Other council members commented that the lack of landscaping at the town's entrance is "embarrassing" and discussed the possibility of reducing traffic impact by splitting up the work so the planting is done in the summer and rock work takes place in the fall - each part makes up about half of the expected two month project.
Councilmember Dave Rossi said he agreed that it would be a "harassment of construction," but with one-lane closure it would have only a minimal impact and it needs to get done.
The work will take place during the week and be cleaned off by Friday afternoon so it wouldn't impact weekend traffic. Also, the lane closure that would be necessary to house the equipment for the work would not impact the part of the round-a-bout that only has one lane, staff said.
The town staff is currently assessing options and will get back to council to determine what to do.
"We don't want to start right after July 4th without thinking this through as much as we can," said Mayor Ernie Blake.
"For me this is a low priority," said Council member Jeffrey Bergeron, who voiced the most conservative opinion about the project. "It seems every summer we're just doing something in this area."
Other council members commented that the lack of landscaping at the town's entrance is "embarrassing" and discussed the possibility of reducing traffic impact by splitting up the work so the planting is done in the summer and rock work takes place in the fall - each part makes up about half of the expected two month project.
Councilmember Dave Rossi said he agreed that it would be a "harassment of construction," but with one-lane closure it would have only a minimal impact and it needs to get done.
The work will take place during the week and be cleaned off by Friday afternoon so it wouldn't impact weekend traffic. Also, the lane closure that would be necessary to house the equipment for the work would not impact the part of the round-a-bout that only has one lane, staff said.
The town staff is currently assessing options and will get back to council to determine what to do.
"We don't want to start right after July 4th without thinking this through as much as we can," said Mayor Ernie Blake.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Colorado Mountain College Breckenridge Campus
The new Colorado Mountain College project is designed with a stone base that will be made from Summit County rock and dark brown brick from Denver, the 33,500-square-foot building will serve as a new facility for Colorado Mountain College's Summit Campus in Breckenridge.
"We're trying to use all local, Colorado materials," said Dan Miller, senior associate with Oz Architecture, who recently presented the design to the Breckenridge Town Council. The two-story building will measure 44 feet to the top of the light monitors and has a variety of architectural features to break up the mass of the building.
It will sit on the Block 11 property near Coyne Valley Road and Highway 9 that the college purchased from the town through a Memorandum of Understanding for $1 in March. The color will be similar to the new Breckenridge Police Station, except more brown and less red, he explained recently. Another feature that is key to the design is that, "we're trying to make the lobby space as transparent as possible. There is a lot of glass. ... The intent is to blend the boundary between indoor and outdoor," Miller said.
Kelly Yamasaki, principal with Oz Architecture, presented the preliminary plan for landscaping which will be installed in three phases. The whole process of landscaping is likely about three years out, Yamasaki said.
Currently, the groundbreaking for the facility is planned for spring2008, and the first class to use the new building will likely be in the fall 2008 or spring 2009 semester
"We're trying to use all local, Colorado materials," said Dan Miller, senior associate with Oz Architecture, who recently presented the design to the Breckenridge Town Council. The two-story building will measure 44 feet to the top of the light monitors and has a variety of architectural features to break up the mass of the building.
It will sit on the Block 11 property near Coyne Valley Road and Highway 9 that the college purchased from the town through a Memorandum of Understanding for $1 in March. The color will be similar to the new Breckenridge Police Station, except more brown and less red, he explained recently. Another feature that is key to the design is that, "we're trying to make the lobby space as transparent as possible. There is a lot of glass. ... The intent is to blend the boundary between indoor and outdoor," Miller said.
Kelly Yamasaki, principal with Oz Architecture, presented the preliminary plan for landscaping which will be installed in three phases. The whole process of landscaping is likely about three years out, Yamasaki said.
Currently, the groundbreaking for the facility is planned for spring2008, and the first class to use the new building will likely be in the fall 2008 or spring 2009 semester
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Seeking Volunteers for Easement Stewardship Day
Continental Divide Land is looking for volunteers for Easement Stewardship Day to help monitor our conservation easement properties.
Easement Stewardship Day is on Saturday, June 30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting at the Senior and Community Center in Frisco.
The day begins with a morning of education and training on easement monitoring and an afternoon in the field and on-the-ground for open space protection. Volunteers will be divided into small groups led by experienced Land Stewards.
Monitoring consists of walking the property, taking photos and documentation. We will provide volunteers with materials, tools, morning snacks and a bag lunch. Please bring sturdy walking shoes, water, sunscreen, hat, rain jacket and dress for weather.
Conservation Easements to be monitored during Easement Stewardship Day include Fiester open Space Preserve (Frisco), McCullough Gulch Open Space (Blue River), Wetlands at Water Dance (Frisco), Overlook at Piney Acres (Dillon Valley), Willow Grove Easement (Silverthorne), and Iron Springs Easement (Farmer’s Corner).
Please sign up in advance if you are interested in attending Easement Stewardship Day. To sign up or for more information please contact CDLT at (970) 453-3875, info@cdlt.org, or visit www.cdlt.org for volunteer opportunities.
Easement Stewardship Day is on Saturday, June 30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting at the Senior and Community Center in Frisco.
The day begins with a morning of education and training on easement monitoring and an afternoon in the field and on-the-ground for open space protection. Volunteers will be divided into small groups led by experienced Land Stewards.
Monitoring consists of walking the property, taking photos and documentation. We will provide volunteers with materials, tools, morning snacks and a bag lunch. Please bring sturdy walking shoes, water, sunscreen, hat, rain jacket and dress for weather.
Conservation Easements to be monitored during Easement Stewardship Day include Fiester open Space Preserve (Frisco), McCullough Gulch Open Space (Blue River), Wetlands at Water Dance (Frisco), Overlook at Piney Acres (Dillon Valley), Willow Grove Easement (Silverthorne), and Iron Springs Easement (Farmer’s Corner).
Please sign up in advance if you are interested in attending Easement Stewardship Day. To sign up or for more information please contact CDLT at (970) 453-3875, info@cdlt.org, or visit www.cdlt.org for volunteer opportunities.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Construction in Silverthorne
The Town of Silverthorne and Columbine Hills Concrete are scheduled to begin work this week on the Lagoon Lane, Ptarmigan Trail and Tanglewood Lane Roadway, a project the town hopes will help pedestrian areas and slow down traffic.
The contractor hired by the Town will have 60 days to complete the work, which is scheduled for completion by late August.
There are three main components to the improvements scheduled for this area:
• The construction of a new sidewalk on the north side of Ptarmigan Trail, which will provide a safer route for pedestrians who wish to walk to amenities in this area.
• The reconfiguration of the Ptarmigan Trail, Tanglewood Lane and Lagoon Lane intersection, which will remedy the awkward existing flow with a more standardized alignment, including the introduction of a four way stop.
• Two traffic calming speed humps will be installed on Lagoon Lane and two on Tanglewood Lane to encourage reduced vehicle speeds appropriate for residential streets.
If you have questions about this project contact the Silverthorne's Town Engineer at (970) 262-7354.
The contractor hired by the Town will have 60 days to complete the work, which is scheduled for completion by late August.
There are three main components to the improvements scheduled for this area:
• The construction of a new sidewalk on the north side of Ptarmigan Trail, which will provide a safer route for pedestrians who wish to walk to amenities in this area.
• The reconfiguration of the Ptarmigan Trail, Tanglewood Lane and Lagoon Lane intersection, which will remedy the awkward existing flow with a more standardized alignment, including the introduction of a four way stop.
• Two traffic calming speed humps will be installed on Lagoon Lane and two on Tanglewood Lane to encourage reduced vehicle speeds appropriate for residential streets.
If you have questions about this project contact the Silverthorne's Town Engineer at (970) 262-7354.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Big Water in the Blue
Recent warm temperatures have boosted runoff in the Blue River Basin, leading to the highest flows in 10 years in the Blue River below Green Mountain Reservoir (just north of Silverthorne).
This week, the Bureau of Reclamation ramped up from Green Mountain Reservoir from about 1,800 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 2,700 cfs, just above the 2,600-cfs flood threshold for the river.
Water managers with the Bureau of Reclamation are warning anglers and boaters that high flows could persist for a week, or until inflows subside.
Water levels in the Lower Blue haven't been that high since 1997, when flows reached 3,200 cfs..
And with Green Mountain's junior refill call satisfied, the Blue River above the reservoir is now a "free" river, with all upstream users free to divert water for irrigation.
This week, the Bureau of Reclamation ramped up from Green Mountain Reservoir from about 1,800 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 2,700 cfs, just above the 2,600-cfs flood threshold for the river.
Water managers with the Bureau of Reclamation are warning anglers and boaters that high flows could persist for a week, or until inflows subside.
Water levels in the Lower Blue haven't been that high since 1997, when flows reached 3,200 cfs..
And with Green Mountain's junior refill call satisfied, the Blue River above the reservoir is now a "free" river, with all upstream users free to divert water for irrigation.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Breckenridge to Annex Stan Miller Property
The Breckenridge Town Council recently gave an approving nod to the annexation proposal of the Stan Miller property which would create 100 affordable housing units.
It was the third review of the proposal on the 40-acre parcel along Highway 9 near the town’s Block 11/ McCain property. And since the last review in March, a commercial aspect was removed from the plan, said Don Nilsson, agent for the property. With the commercial removal and the 75 percent deed-restricted units, “we now believe that this annexation is substantially similar to other annexations that included substantial affordable housing components, such as Wellington Neighborhood, Vista Point and the more recent Vic’s Landing annexation,” Nilsson wrote in a letter to the council.
Within the 100 affordable units in the proposal, 21 are single family houses, eight are duplexes, 31 are townhomes and 40 are condominium units. Also, the 33 market units are blended in with the affordable units on the parcel that includes 6.5 acres of open space. And while the project falls slightly short of the 80 percent affordable housing guidelines the town has, it includes public benefits such as Blue River restoration, a public trail along the west side of the river and open space.
During last week’s presentation to the town, Councilmember Jennifer McAtamney commented that she would like to see that 5 percent more affordable housing, but she didn’t have a problem with the proposed density and this project is a logical place for housing. Overall, the council said they “feel a lot more comfortable with it.”
The next step will be to petition the town for annexation using the plan they’ve presented to the council as framework for the project. Following the petition, a resolution will come before council and a month later the ordinance can be adopted.
The development would be gradually phased in as the construction operations there that have gone on for 35 years wind down. Stan Miller, Inc. estimates that it will need another 10 years to continue operations on the southerly portion of the property, the letter to council said.
It was the third review of the proposal on the 40-acre parcel along Highway 9 near the town’s Block 11/ McCain property. And since the last review in March, a commercial aspect was removed from the plan, said Don Nilsson, agent for the property. With the commercial removal and the 75 percent deed-restricted units, “we now believe that this annexation is substantially similar to other annexations that included substantial affordable housing components, such as Wellington Neighborhood, Vista Point and the more recent Vic’s Landing annexation,” Nilsson wrote in a letter to the council.
Within the 100 affordable units in the proposal, 21 are single family houses, eight are duplexes, 31 are townhomes and 40 are condominium units. Also, the 33 market units are blended in with the affordable units on the parcel that includes 6.5 acres of open space. And while the project falls slightly short of the 80 percent affordable housing guidelines the town has, it includes public benefits such as Blue River restoration, a public trail along the west side of the river and open space.
During last week’s presentation to the town, Councilmember Jennifer McAtamney commented that she would like to see that 5 percent more affordable housing, but she didn’t have a problem with the proposed density and this project is a logical place for housing. Overall, the council said they “feel a lot more comfortable with it.”
The next step will be to petition the town for annexation using the plan they’ve presented to the council as framework for the project. Following the petition, a resolution will come before council and a month later the ordinance can be adopted.
The development would be gradually phased in as the construction operations there that have gone on for 35 years wind down. Stan Miller, Inc. estimates that it will need another 10 years to continue operations on the southerly portion of the property, the letter to council said.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Summit Foundation's Annual Golf Tournament
Jay Cutler and Jesper Parnevik are coming soon to Summit County for The Summit Foundation's annual golf tournament.
With the recent additions, this year's field of sports celebrities is as eye-catching as ever.
"It's one of the strongest groups we've had," said Åsa Armstrong, The Summit Foundation's special events and business development director. "It's right up there with when we had John Elway, Ed McCaffrey and Steve Watson.
"The Broncos' quarterback and the Swedish PGA golfer will join, among others, NHL hockey players Adam Foote, Ken Klee and Chris McAllister at the 20th annual event.
The four-person scramble will take place June 25-26 at both the Breckenridge and Copper Creek golf clubs.
With the recent additions, this year's field of sports celebrities is as eye-catching as ever.
"It's one of the strongest groups we've had," said Åsa Armstrong, The Summit Foundation's special events and business development director. "It's right up there with when we had John Elway, Ed McCaffrey and Steve Watson.
"The Broncos' quarterback and the Swedish PGA golfer will join, among others, NHL hockey players Adam Foote, Ken Klee and Chris McAllister at the 20th annual event.
The four-person scramble will take place June 25-26 at both the Breckenridge and Copper Creek golf clubs.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Breckenridge's "Kingdom Days"
Kingdom Days, Breckenridge’s inaugural event celebrating the town’s rich history, is named for an incidence of Breckenridge being left out. In the mid-1800s the U.S. map forgot to include the town, and so it was dubbed “Colorado’s Kingdom” until the mistake was corrected in 1936.
The event is being held this weekend - June 16 and 17.
Outhouse Races highlight the weekend of events: At 2 p.m. on Sunday on the 100 S. block of Ridge St. (between Lincoln and Washington) homemade outhouse vehicles will race from one end of the block to the other for a prize of $500.
Voting for the best outhouse will take place from noon to 2 p.m.Saturday and Sunday in the Blue River Plaza and Riverwalk Center, there will be gold panning and mining demonstrations, interactive kids activities like making homemade root beer and a build-your-own-log-cabin project.
Also downtown, there will be old-time photo opportunities at the Briar Rose Restaurant, as well as a Western Photography Exhibit at Abby Hall and the Breckenridge Theatre Gallery.
Saturday and Sunday the Breckenridge Festival of Film will host a “Best of Fest” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Breckenridge Theatre, showing films of historic Breckenridge and films from the last 27 years of the festival.
All museums and historic tours are free during the weekend.
The event is being held this weekend - June 16 and 17.
Outhouse Races highlight the weekend of events: At 2 p.m. on Sunday on the 100 S. block of Ridge St. (between Lincoln and Washington) homemade outhouse vehicles will race from one end of the block to the other for a prize of $500.
Voting for the best outhouse will take place from noon to 2 p.m.Saturday and Sunday in the Blue River Plaza and Riverwalk Center, there will be gold panning and mining demonstrations, interactive kids activities like making homemade root beer and a build-your-own-log-cabin project.
Also downtown, there will be old-time photo opportunities at the Briar Rose Restaurant, as well as a Western Photography Exhibit at Abby Hall and the Breckenridge Theatre Gallery.
Saturday and Sunday the Breckenridge Festival of Film will host a “Best of Fest” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Breckenridge Theatre, showing films of historic Breckenridge and films from the last 27 years of the festival.
All museums and historic tours are free during the weekend.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Ride the Rockies in Frisco
More than 2,000 cyclists have entered the week-long Ride the Rockies, that starts and ends with parties in Frisco.
The route is different than last year and it will be a bit more difficult.
After Steamboat Springs, the tour goes to Craig, Rifle, Glenwood Springs, Aspen and Leadville before finishing June 23 at the Frisco Bay Marina. The first day will be the longest, and the shortest will be the 36 miles from Rifle to Glenwood Springs. The elevation gain for each day ranges from 700 feet during a ride from Steamboat Springs to Craig the second day to a steep climb of 5,700 feet over Independence Pass Friday.
This is the 11th time in the 22-year history of Ride the Rockies that the town has been a host community. In the past, riders have varied in age from 8 to 92, representing all 50 states and 18 countries, a press release said. This year’s participants, who registered during the allotted time in February, will kick-off the tour Saturday at Boogie Downtown with Barbecue Challenge goers. Staring at 3 p.m., Frisco restaurants on Main Street offer free live music until midnight. Riders will be wearing wrist bands that entitle them to special drink and food prices at participating places. That night, many riders will be camping at Summit High School.
The town is still in need of volunteers to help with Ride the Rockies. Anyone interested can call Linda Lichtendahl at (970) 668-5276 ext. 3037 or visit a volunteer link on www.townoffrisco.com.
The route is different than last year and it will be a bit more difficult.
After Steamboat Springs, the tour goes to Craig, Rifle, Glenwood Springs, Aspen and Leadville before finishing June 23 at the Frisco Bay Marina. The first day will be the longest, and the shortest will be the 36 miles from Rifle to Glenwood Springs. The elevation gain for each day ranges from 700 feet during a ride from Steamboat Springs to Craig the second day to a steep climb of 5,700 feet over Independence Pass Friday.
This is the 11th time in the 22-year history of Ride the Rockies that the town has been a host community. In the past, riders have varied in age from 8 to 92, representing all 50 states and 18 countries, a press release said. This year’s participants, who registered during the allotted time in February, will kick-off the tour Saturday at Boogie Downtown with Barbecue Challenge goers. Staring at 3 p.m., Frisco restaurants on Main Street offer free live music until midnight. Riders will be wearing wrist bands that entitle them to special drink and food prices at participating places. That night, many riders will be camping at Summit High School.
The town is still in need of volunteers to help with Ride the Rockies. Anyone interested can call Linda Lichtendahl at (970) 668-5276 ext. 3037 or visit a volunteer link on www.townoffrisco.com.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Premieres at the Breckenridge Film Festival
Breckenridge Film Fest 2007 premieres
• Friday 6 p.m. at Summit High School“I Have Never Forgotten You: The Life and Legacy of Simon Weisenthal.” A documentary on the Austrian-Jewish architectural engineer who became a Nazi hunter after surviving the Holocaust. Written by Richard Trank. 105 Minutes. Documentary. Narrated by Nicole Kidman.
• Friday at 9 p.m. at Summit High School“September Dawn.” A story set against the Mountain Meadows Massacre, the film is based upon the tragedy which occurred in Utah in 1857. A group of settlers, traveling on wagons, was murdered by the native Mormons. All together, about 140 souls of men, women and children, were taken. Amid this, two young lovers-to-be, one a Mormon and the other one of the doomed settlers from Arkansas, develop a relationship in an atmosphere of suspicion and rancor. Directed by Christopher Cain. Opens in theaters June 22. Drama, Romance and Western. Stars Jon Vioght, Trent Ford and Tamara Hope.
• Saturday 3 p.m. at Summit High School“Rocket Science.” A teenage boy with a horrific stuttering problem joins his high-school debate team in an ill-fated effort to win the girl of his dreams. 101 Minutes. Teen Comedy/Drama. Opens in theaters Nov. 8.
• Saturday at 6 p.m. at Summit High School“La Vie En Rose.” The life story of iconic French singer Edith Piaf.• Saturday at 9 p.m. at Summit High School“Black Sheep.” An experiment in genetic engineering turns harmless sheep into blood-thirsty killers that terrorize a sprawling New Zealand farm. 87 minutes. Comedy/Horror.• Sunday at 6 p.m. at Summit High SchoolClosing Night Premiere, “Rescue Dawn.” A U.S. Fighter pilot’s epic struggle of survival after being shot down on a mission over Laos during the Vietnam War. 126 Minutes. Action/Drama/Adventure. Opens in theaters Aug. 23. Written and directed by Werner Herzog. Stars Christian Bale.
• Friday 6 p.m. at Summit High School“I Have Never Forgotten You: The Life and Legacy of Simon Weisenthal.” A documentary on the Austrian-Jewish architectural engineer who became a Nazi hunter after surviving the Holocaust. Written by Richard Trank. 105 Minutes. Documentary. Narrated by Nicole Kidman.
• Friday at 9 p.m. at Summit High School“September Dawn.” A story set against the Mountain Meadows Massacre, the film is based upon the tragedy which occurred in Utah in 1857. A group of settlers, traveling on wagons, was murdered by the native Mormons. All together, about 140 souls of men, women and children, were taken. Amid this, two young lovers-to-be, one a Mormon and the other one of the doomed settlers from Arkansas, develop a relationship in an atmosphere of suspicion and rancor. Directed by Christopher Cain. Opens in theaters June 22. Drama, Romance and Western. Stars Jon Vioght, Trent Ford and Tamara Hope.
• Saturday 3 p.m. at Summit High School“Rocket Science.” A teenage boy with a horrific stuttering problem joins his high-school debate team in an ill-fated effort to win the girl of his dreams. 101 Minutes. Teen Comedy/Drama. Opens in theaters Nov. 8.
• Saturday at 6 p.m. at Summit High School“La Vie En Rose.” The life story of iconic French singer Edith Piaf.• Saturday at 9 p.m. at Summit High School“Black Sheep.” An experiment in genetic engineering turns harmless sheep into blood-thirsty killers that terrorize a sprawling New Zealand farm. 87 minutes. Comedy/Horror.• Sunday at 6 p.m. at Summit High SchoolClosing Night Premiere, “Rescue Dawn.” A U.S. Fighter pilot’s epic struggle of survival after being shot down on a mission over Laos during the Vietnam War. 126 Minutes. Action/Drama/Adventure. Opens in theaters Aug. 23. Written and directed by Werner Herzog. Stars Christian Bale.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Summit Foundation Needs Volunteers
The Summit Foundation is seeking volunteers to help with events.
Listed below are some of the events in need of volunteers.
Christel House Open - Charity Golf on a Global Scale. June 11, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Location: Breckenridge Golf Club.
Grand Timber Lodge Adam Foote Celebrity Golf Tournament. June 24 - 26, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Location: Breckenridge Golf Club and Copper Creek Golf Club.
Mountain Art Gathering. July 27 - 29. Location: Pavilion at Keystone in River Run.
20th Annual Rubber Duck Races. Date: September 1, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Location: Breckenridge Riverwalk Center.
Summit County Parade of Homes.Dates: September 8 - 9, 15 -16, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Location: Homes around Summit County
Contact Juli Rathke or Åsa Armstrong at The Summit Foundation at (970) 453-5970 or email tsfevents@summitfoundation.org or jrfitinbreck@aol.com
Visit www.summitfoundation.org for additional information on The Summit Foundation or any of the above events or for sponsorship information please call (970) 547-5970.
Listed below are some of the events in need of volunteers.
Christel House Open - Charity Golf on a Global Scale. June 11, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Location: Breckenridge Golf Club.
Grand Timber Lodge Adam Foote Celebrity Golf Tournament. June 24 - 26, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Location: Breckenridge Golf Club and Copper Creek Golf Club.
Mountain Art Gathering. July 27 - 29. Location: Pavilion at Keystone in River Run.
20th Annual Rubber Duck Races. Date: September 1, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Location: Breckenridge Riverwalk Center.
Summit County Parade of Homes.Dates: September 8 - 9, 15 -16, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Location: Homes around Summit County
Contact Juli Rathke or Åsa Armstrong at The Summit Foundation at (970) 453-5970 or email tsfevents@summitfoundation.org or jrfitinbreck@aol.com
Visit www.summitfoundation.org for additional information on The Summit Foundation or any of the above events or for sponsorship information please call (970) 547-5970.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Breckenridge Festival of Film this Weekend
The Breckenridge Film Festival takes place this weekend - June 7 - 10.
While this year's festival takes place during a different time of the year, the Festival’s essential character will remain the same. Festival President Karin Penegor said,
“June is equally well-suited to the casual and interactive atmosphere that has made the Breckenridge Film Festival special. The Festival has always been enhanced by its beautiful mountain environment and June will provide as perfect a setting for the event as September always has.”
There are several reasons for the new date, Penegor explained. “The fall season is saturated with film festivals – not only in Colorado, but nationally and internationally; in the spring, Breckenridge will provide a better opportunity for filmmakers to present their work…and for film fans to attend the Breckenridge Film Festival.”
Furthermore, she noted that, “As September, in general, has become a busier time, the choices for potential audiences have multiplied…and have become harder to make. The spring is, by comparison, relatively open. Our sponsors, lodging partners, event venues and the Town are all looking forward to hosting a spring Festival, so it will benefit our audiences and guests, as well.”
Vanessa Flaherty, Facilities and Events Manager for the Town of Breckenridge, confirmed that assessment, saying, “This type of event is very welcome during June which has typically been a slower time of year.”
Penegor emphasized the new date does not mean a change in the Festival’s fundamental goals of hosting stellar guests, presenting exceptional premieres and independent films, and creating an event to be shared by filmmakers and film-goers alike. “We are pleased there are no red carpets, no velvet ropes at Breckenridge…and that tradition will continue,” she said.
The Festival has welcomed some 80 luminaries of the cinema world including Donald Sutherland, Jon Voight, Eva Marie Saint, Sydney Pollack, James Earl Jones, Jane Alexander, Irvin Kershner, Alan Arkin, Jonathan Demme, Jon Favreau, Michael York, Lou Diamond Phillips and the late Rod Steiger; it has premiered such acclaimed films as The Shawshank Redemption, L.A. Confidential, American Beauty and Motorcycle Diaries; and it has presented hundreds of new independent films in many genres with filmmakers attending to discuss their work with audiences. The 2007 Breckenridge Film Festival will feature forums, panel discussions and seminars throughout the weekend and continue its educational programs in association with the University of Colorado Film Studies Department.
Jeffrey Lyons, NBC Film Critic and co-host of ReelTalk, and Ben Lyons, Movie Correspondent for The E! Network, host the Festival each year and conduct interviews with special guests at the open forums and post-screening Q&A sessions. Representatives of production companies and agencies will again be on hand to consult with filmmakers…and enlighten audiences…on the ‘behind-the-scenes’ processes of film production and distribution.
Director, and 2006 Festival guest, Irvin Kershner (The Empire Strikes Back, The Eyes of Laura Mars, The Film-Flam Man, A Fine Madness) observed that, with its growing emphasis on film arts development and its commitment to screening high quality independent films, the Breckenridge Film Festival “recaptures the early days of Sundance.”
For more information go to www.breckfilmfest.com
While this year's festival takes place during a different time of the year, the Festival’s essential character will remain the same. Festival President Karin Penegor said,
“June is equally well-suited to the casual and interactive atmosphere that has made the Breckenridge Film Festival special. The Festival has always been enhanced by its beautiful mountain environment and June will provide as perfect a setting for the event as September always has.”
There are several reasons for the new date, Penegor explained. “The fall season is saturated with film festivals – not only in Colorado, but nationally and internationally; in the spring, Breckenridge will provide a better opportunity for filmmakers to present their work…and for film fans to attend the Breckenridge Film Festival.”
Furthermore, she noted that, “As September, in general, has become a busier time, the choices for potential audiences have multiplied…and have become harder to make. The spring is, by comparison, relatively open. Our sponsors, lodging partners, event venues and the Town are all looking forward to hosting a spring Festival, so it will benefit our audiences and guests, as well.”
Vanessa Flaherty, Facilities and Events Manager for the Town of Breckenridge, confirmed that assessment, saying, “This type of event is very welcome during June which has typically been a slower time of year.”
Penegor emphasized the new date does not mean a change in the Festival’s fundamental goals of hosting stellar guests, presenting exceptional premieres and independent films, and creating an event to be shared by filmmakers and film-goers alike. “We are pleased there are no red carpets, no velvet ropes at Breckenridge…and that tradition will continue,” she said.
The Festival has welcomed some 80 luminaries of the cinema world including Donald Sutherland, Jon Voight, Eva Marie Saint, Sydney Pollack, James Earl Jones, Jane Alexander, Irvin Kershner, Alan Arkin, Jonathan Demme, Jon Favreau, Michael York, Lou Diamond Phillips and the late Rod Steiger; it has premiered such acclaimed films as The Shawshank Redemption, L.A. Confidential, American Beauty and Motorcycle Diaries; and it has presented hundreds of new independent films in many genres with filmmakers attending to discuss their work with audiences. The 2007 Breckenridge Film Festival will feature forums, panel discussions and seminars throughout the weekend and continue its educational programs in association with the University of Colorado Film Studies Department.
Jeffrey Lyons, NBC Film Critic and co-host of ReelTalk, and Ben Lyons, Movie Correspondent for The E! Network, host the Festival each year and conduct interviews with special guests at the open forums and post-screening Q&A sessions. Representatives of production companies and agencies will again be on hand to consult with filmmakers…and enlighten audiences…on the ‘behind-the-scenes’ processes of film production and distribution.
Director, and 2006 Festival guest, Irvin Kershner (The Empire Strikes Back, The Eyes of Laura Mars, The Film-Flam Man, A Fine Madness) observed that, with its growing emphasis on film arts development and its commitment to screening high quality independent films, the Breckenridge Film Festival “recaptures the early days of Sundance.”
For more information go to www.breckfilmfest.com
Monday, June 04, 2007
Ski Season is Over - Really!
It was not exactly a day at the Beach Sunday during closing day at Arapahoe Basin, but plenty of locals and visitors alike ventured to give it a try.
Snow, clouds, rain and a little bit of sunshine greeted skiers and boarders, as the last ski resort open in Summit County — and Colorado — closed for the season.
All the Summit County golf courses are open, though. It's time for a beautiful summer in the Rocky Mountains.
Snow, clouds, rain and a little bit of sunshine greeted skiers and boarders, as the last ski resort open in Summit County — and Colorado — closed for the season.
All the Summit County golf courses are open, though. It's time for a beautiful summer in the Rocky Mountains.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Snake River Clean-up
State and federal water quality experts will take a close look at the polluted water leaking from the abandoned Pennsylvania Mine into Peru Creek this summer, eying designs for a treatment plant that could remove some of the toxic heavy metals.
Zinc and cadmium leaking from the mine taint the creek all the way to its confluence with the Snake River and beyond - creating a dead zone, where trout don't survive for long.
The collaborative Snake River Task Force has been working for years to develop a cleanup plan for the drainage. The biggest question marks include what sort of technology is best suited for the remote site, how to fund construction and operation, and how to deal with potential Clean Water Act liability of taking action, said Summit County environmental planner Brian Lorch.
Along with treating the water coming out of the mine, state experts will also try to determine other ways of improving water quality in Peru Creek and the Snake River, maybe by moving some of mine waste material or re-routing surface flows away from the polluted tailings piles.
Similar tactics were used at the Shoe Basin Mine last summer, where the county completed a remediation project that will reduce the amount of zinc reaching the water.
Snake River cleanup plans have started to look more promising since Trout Unlimited, a cold-water fisheries conservation group, took a lead role in the process. Fresh from a model mine cleanup in Utah, the organization hopes to bring a similar approach to table for Peru Creek.
Zinc and cadmium leaking from the mine taint the creek all the way to its confluence with the Snake River and beyond - creating a dead zone, where trout don't survive for long.
The collaborative Snake River Task Force has been working for years to develop a cleanup plan for the drainage. The biggest question marks include what sort of technology is best suited for the remote site, how to fund construction and operation, and how to deal with potential Clean Water Act liability of taking action, said Summit County environmental planner Brian Lorch.
Along with treating the water coming out of the mine, state experts will also try to determine other ways of improving water quality in Peru Creek and the Snake River, maybe by moving some of mine waste material or re-routing surface flows away from the polluted tailings piles.
Similar tactics were used at the Shoe Basin Mine last summer, where the county completed a remediation project that will reduce the amount of zinc reaching the water.
Snake River cleanup plans have started to look more promising since Trout Unlimited, a cold-water fisheries conservation group, took a lead role in the process. Fresh from a model mine cleanup in Utah, the organization hopes to bring a similar approach to table for Peru Creek.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Silverthorne Approves Blue River Crossing
The Silverthorne Town Council approved the initial plans for the Blue River Crossing development recently.
The company developing the project - the Greenwald Group - presented plans for the Blue River Crossing, a three-story mixed-use building proposed between the Blue River and Rainbow Drive next to the Alpen Hutte Lodge.
The project is a scaled back version of the developer's first attempt, the Blue River Lofts, which the council flatly denied last December for its 50-foot height and overall mass.
The company developing the project - the Greenwald Group - presented plans for the Blue River Crossing, a three-story mixed-use building proposed between the Blue River and Rainbow Drive next to the Alpen Hutte Lodge.
The project is a scaled back version of the developer's first attempt, the Blue River Lofts, which the council flatly denied last December for its 50-foot height and overall mass.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Frontier Airlines to Select Eagle Airport?
Lynx Aviation, a new division of Frontier Airlines, may fly into the Eagle County Regional Airport. The airport is just west of Vail and approximately 50 miles from Breckenridge. Frontier will choose nine to 12 regional airports that Lynx will connect with Denver, said Joe Hodas, spokesman for Frontier.
Sixty-two airports have applied to be selected, and a decision will be made in the next week or two, Hodas said.
Kent Myers, an airline consultant who is helping with the bid, said he was confident that Frontier would select the Eagle County airport.
“It’s not a question of if, but when,” he said.
Service could start this winter but may be delayed until next summer, he said.
“I would say that I’m confident that Vail will have service on Frontier in the next 12 months,” he said.
The Eagle County community has put together an incentive package to woo the airline. The package is probably worth about $180,000, Robinson said. Glenwood Spring has contributed $40,000 in “in-kind” services to help the airport. Aspen has offered $100,000 if its airport is selected.
But the incentives aren’t a primary factor in the decision, Hodas said.
“The incentive package is one of those pieces that can be a tiebreaker between a couple of markets,” Hodas said.
“Our goal is not to take money. It’s to create a route, a service that’s profitable from itself.”
The addition of Frontier would bring a low-fare carrier to the Eagle County airport, said Ian Arthur, vice president of marketing and sales for Vail and Beaver Creek mountains. It would also make Eagle County’s ski resorts more competitive in the West, Arthur said.
“Frontier’s planned West Coast routes include L.A., which is a top skiing market and obviously a large population base,” Arthur said.
Lynx Aviation will operate 70-seat Bombadier Q400 turbo-prop jets.
Sixty-two airports have applied to be selected, and a decision will be made in the next week or two, Hodas said.
Kent Myers, an airline consultant who is helping with the bid, said he was confident that Frontier would select the Eagle County airport.
“It’s not a question of if, but when,” he said.
Service could start this winter but may be delayed until next summer, he said.
“I would say that I’m confident that Vail will have service on Frontier in the next 12 months,” he said.
The Eagle County community has put together an incentive package to woo the airline. The package is probably worth about $180,000, Robinson said. Glenwood Spring has contributed $40,000 in “in-kind” services to help the airport. Aspen has offered $100,000 if its airport is selected.
But the incentives aren’t a primary factor in the decision, Hodas said.
“The incentive package is one of those pieces that can be a tiebreaker between a couple of markets,” Hodas said.
“Our goal is not to take money. It’s to create a route, a service that’s profitable from itself.”
The addition of Frontier would bring a low-fare carrier to the Eagle County airport, said Ian Arthur, vice president of marketing and sales for Vail and Beaver Creek mountains. It would also make Eagle County’s ski resorts more competitive in the West, Arthur said.
“Frontier’s planned West Coast routes include L.A., which is a top skiing market and obviously a large population base,” Arthur said.
Lynx Aviation will operate 70-seat Bombadier Q400 turbo-prop jets.
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