Summit County commissioners recently approved a plan to re-distribute about 420 units of previously approved, unbuilt density at Copper Mountain, focusing development in the core of the resort.
Copper Mt. officials said the redevelopment will breathe new life into the resort's base area by building a critical mass of beds and commercial activity with the addition of new residential units and a condo-hotel on the site of the Chapel parking lot.
The approved amendment to the resort's planned-unit development — a site-specific master plan — is a scaled-down version of several previously denied proposals. The earlier versions included significant new density that was unacceptable to the county.
“We're very pleased with the approval we received for the PUD amendment today,” said Copper president and chief operating officer Gary Rodgers, thanking the commissioners, as well as county and resort planners for all the hard work on the project.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
County Adds Open Space
The county has finalized a $350,000 acquisition of a parcel of land along a half-mile of Green Mountain Reservoir shoreline (north of Breckenridge), eliminating the potential for development and protecting wildlife habitat and view corridors.
“Development on this site would have been highly visible from Highway 9 and almost any point on the reservoir,” said Brian Lorch, director of Summit County Open Space and Trails.
“With this site in public ownership, we can work with the U.S. Forest Service to manage the whole area for public benefit.”
The McDonald Flats property also provides habitat for rare non-game wildlife species and big game.
“This is another key piece in protecting the heritage of the Lower Blue Basin," said Summit County Commissioner Tom Long.
“We feel fortunate that the Knorr Ranch family members, who have ranched in the valley for generations, worked with us to protect their legacy.”
The county's Open Space Advisory Council will take public input to develop a management plan for the property.
“Development on this site would have been highly visible from Highway 9 and almost any point on the reservoir,” said Brian Lorch, director of Summit County Open Space and Trails.
“With this site in public ownership, we can work with the U.S. Forest Service to manage the whole area for public benefit.”
The McDonald Flats property also provides habitat for rare non-game wildlife species and big game.
“This is another key piece in protecting the heritage of the Lower Blue Basin," said Summit County Commissioner Tom Long.
“We feel fortunate that the Knorr Ranch family members, who have ranched in the valley for generations, worked with us to protect their legacy.”
The county's Open Space Advisory Council will take public input to develop a management plan for the property.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Dillon Reservoir Hosts Races
The Dillon Reservoir was flooded with sail boats yesterday afternoon, as the Alpine Bank Dillon Open kicked off.
The 86 boats were divided into 10 fleets. One-design keelboat fleets — similar type of boats that race against each other without a handicap — include Etchells, J22, J24 , J80, Ensigns, Santana 20, Stars and Ultimate 20s.
A separate fleet, labeled the PHRF, allows dissimilar boats to race against one another and be scored with a handicap system based on the estimated speed of each boat. The J24 fleet was the largest with 12 boats. The dinghy sailboat fleet, called Lasers, was raced on a separate course also on the reservoir.
Participants and boats came from Texas, Georgia, New Mexico and South Dakota. Some bring their own boats, but with the cost of gas, the number of boats towed in from out of town has declined. Some crews were sailing with local skippers that they may or may not have met before, while others manage to borrow or charter a boat and bring their entire crew.
The 86 boats were divided into 10 fleets. One-design keelboat fleets — similar type of boats that race against each other without a handicap — include Etchells, J22, J24 , J80, Ensigns, Santana 20, Stars and Ultimate 20s.
A separate fleet, labeled the PHRF, allows dissimilar boats to race against one another and be scored with a handicap system based on the estimated speed of each boat. The J24 fleet was the largest with 12 boats. The dinghy sailboat fleet, called Lasers, was raced on a separate course also on the reservoir.
Participants and boats came from Texas, Georgia, New Mexico and South Dakota. Some bring their own boats, but with the cost of gas, the number of boats towed in from out of town has declined. Some crews were sailing with local skippers that they may or may not have met before, while others manage to borrow or charter a boat and bring their entire crew.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Friends of Breckenridge Trails
2008 volunteer events for the Friends of Breckenridge Trails are as follows:
Peabody Middle Flume Trail Connection - June 14 and July 14
Cucumber Weed Pull - June 28 and August 2
Pulling for Colorado - July 12
Nightmare on Baldy - July 19 and 20.
B-Line Trail Construction - August 16.
For more information contact scottr@townofbreckenridge.com or 970-547-3155
Peabody Middle Flume Trail Connection - June 14 and July 14
Cucumber Weed Pull - June 28 and August 2
Pulling for Colorado - July 12
Nightmare on Baldy - July 19 and 20.
B-Line Trail Construction - August 16.
For more information contact scottr@townofbreckenridge.com or 970-547-3155
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Golf Course Openings
Summit County golf courses anticipate opening near Memorial Day as lingering snow continues to melt.
At the Breckenridge Golf Club, the greens of the Bear, Beaver and Elk nines are uncovered but “so much snow” remains on the courses, said head golf professional Erroll Miller.
Miller said crews are raking, vacuuming and “getting bunkers back into shape” as the club hopes to open the courses May 24. Last year they opened before Memorial Day.
The Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks superintendent Trevor Broersma said snow pushed back the course’s typical May 15 opening date now estimated for May 23.
The Keystone Ranch Golf Course is scheduled to open June 6 and the River Course at Keystone is planned for May 23, according to the Keystone Resort Web site at keystone.snow.com/info/courses.
At Copper Creek Golf Club, snowblowers are at work toward a potential opening the first week in June. “We always shoot for early June; we haven’t released an opening date yet,” said Copper Creek public relations manager Lauren Pelletreau. She said golf at 9,600 feet is not an exact science, as much depends on the weather. The National Weather Service predicts slight chances of snow or rain countywide the rest of this week.
At the Breckenridge Golf Club, the greens of the Bear, Beaver and Elk nines are uncovered but “so much snow” remains on the courses, said head golf professional Erroll Miller.
Miller said crews are raking, vacuuming and “getting bunkers back into shape” as the club hopes to open the courses May 24. Last year they opened before Memorial Day.
The Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks superintendent Trevor Broersma said snow pushed back the course’s typical May 15 opening date now estimated for May 23.
The Keystone Ranch Golf Course is scheduled to open June 6 and the River Course at Keystone is planned for May 23, according to the Keystone Resort Web site at keystone.snow.com/info/courses.
At Copper Creek Golf Club, snowblowers are at work toward a potential opening the first week in June. “We always shoot for early June; we haven’t released an opening date yet,” said Copper Creek public relations manager Lauren Pelletreau. She said golf at 9,600 feet is not an exact science, as much depends on the weather. The National Weather Service predicts slight chances of snow or rain countywide the rest of this week.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Keystone Plans
Vail Resort executives will present their latest plans for Keystone at a meeting of the Keystone Citizens League tomorrow.
The meeting is open to the public and will be an opportunity to learn about the redevelopment of the Mountain House base and the new gondola being built at River Run this summer.
“This is the most exciting time for Keystone since Ralston started talking about River Run,” said Amir Pambechy, president of the Keystone Citizens League. “Until now, we've been on the back burner, now we're in the spotlight.”
The meeting is open to the public and will be an opportunity to learn about the redevelopment of the Mountain House base and the new gondola being built at River Run this summer.
“This is the most exciting time for Keystone since Ralston started talking about River Run,” said Amir Pambechy, president of the Keystone Citizens League. “Until now, we've been on the back burner, now we're in the spotlight.”
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Breckenridge Gold Run Nordic Center
An experimental Nordic trail loop at the Breckenridge Gold Run Nordic Center may soon become a more permanent addition to the Town of Breckenridge.
For the past two seasons, temporary permission, through Summit County and U.S. Forest Service, was given to groom the experimental trail that starts at the Jessie Mill site, goes up to the Preston town site and loops using Turnpike, Draw and Extension Mill routes.
Town staff is working on a Gold Run Nordic Center Master Development Plan through the forest service to continue the loop as well as look at future expansion.
A feasibility assessment of extending Nordic trails from the existing Gold Run Nordic Center into areas of the Golden Horseshoe began and was recently completed. According to a memo summary of the findings, the Golden Horseshoe is an “exceptional” location to expand operations.
Town staff will be pursuing a conditional use permit to proceed with phase one of the Nordic expansion.
For the past two seasons, temporary permission, through Summit County and U.S. Forest Service, was given to groom the experimental trail that starts at the Jessie Mill site, goes up to the Preston town site and loops using Turnpike, Draw and Extension Mill routes.
Town staff is working on a Gold Run Nordic Center Master Development Plan through the forest service to continue the loop as well as look at future expansion.
A feasibility assessment of extending Nordic trails from the existing Gold Run Nordic Center into areas of the Golden Horseshoe began and was recently completed. According to a memo summary of the findings, the Golden Horseshoe is an “exceptional” location to expand operations.
Town staff will be pursuing a conditional use permit to proceed with phase one of the Nordic expansion.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Limiting Offices on Brecekenridge Main Street Debate Continues
After gathering community feedback about limiting ground floor office space on Main Street, Breckenridge Town council members decided they needed to take a deeper look at the concerns and all possibilities.
Town staff recently provided information from a recent public open house on the topic to the council.
The three options the council is exploring include prohibiting new offices, allowing new offices separated by a set distance, or taking no action.
With all options, current office uses could remain that way even if sold.
Discussions about limiting office space on Main Street first arose more than a year ago out of concern for the area’s vitality. And while everyone who attended the community open house agreed they wanted to maintain vitality, the most favorable option from those who attended was taking no action, Mark Truckey, assistant director of community development, told the council.
Town staff recently provided information from a recent public open house on the topic to the council.
The three options the council is exploring include prohibiting new offices, allowing new offices separated by a set distance, or taking no action.
With all options, current office uses could remain that way even if sold.
Discussions about limiting office space on Main Street first arose more than a year ago out of concern for the area’s vitality. And while everyone who attended the community open house agreed they wanted to maintain vitality, the most favorable option from those who attended was taking no action, Mark Truckey, assistant director of community development, told the council.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Keystone/Breckenridge Land Swap Moving Forward
The proposed swap of private land in the old Chihuahua town site along Peru Creek, near Keystone, involving the U.S. Forest Service and the Town of Breckenridge won’t encounter any substantive opposition from Summit County, commissioners indicated at their recent work session.
Forest Service land specialist Paul Semmer presented the board of commissioners with the particulars of the swap, which will allow his agency to acquire about 40 acres of undeveloped land from Keystone-area developer Gary Miller, who owns the Chihuahua site along with several partners, in exchange for Dercum Dash, a little more than 20 valuable acres directly east of the River Run Gondola in Keystone.
The proposed swap also includes two parcels of Forest Service land in Breckenridge: the “Wedge,” about 42 acres in Cucumber Gulch, and the “Claimjumper,” about 10 acres along Airport Road.
If the swap goes as planned, the Town of Breckenridge will buy both parcels, with the intention of maintaining the Wedge as open space and developing at least a portion of the Claimjumper as affordable housing. Semmer emphasized that years of planning have already gone into the swap proposal, and the commissioners agreed.
Forest Service land specialist Paul Semmer presented the board of commissioners with the particulars of the swap, which will allow his agency to acquire about 40 acres of undeveloped land from Keystone-area developer Gary Miller, who owns the Chihuahua site along with several partners, in exchange for Dercum Dash, a little more than 20 valuable acres directly east of the River Run Gondola in Keystone.
The proposed swap also includes two parcels of Forest Service land in Breckenridge: the “Wedge,” about 42 acres in Cucumber Gulch, and the “Claimjumper,” about 10 acres along Airport Road.
If the swap goes as planned, the Town of Breckenridge will buy both parcels, with the intention of maintaining the Wedge as open space and developing at least a portion of the Claimjumper as affordable housing. Semmer emphasized that years of planning have already gone into the swap proposal, and the commissioners agreed.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Highway 9 Improvements on Tap for this Summer
The improvements will widen the road by adding two additional lanes, a raised median, as well as a curb and gutter system.
The new road will also include a school zone in front of Summit High School.
"The construction is going to be broken into three phases," said Angelo Mancina with Zak Dirt construction. "Traffic should move pretty easily during construction but we have to have room to do our work."
The first phase of construction will add a traffic lane to the east side of the road while working on adjacent side streets. Next traffic will be split down the middle and construction crews will install a raised median and drainage pipes. Lastly, construction crews will move to the west side of the road and, if everything goes according to plan, construction should be completed by November.
The total budget for the new expansion is $5.35 million.
The new construction project is just one of the phases involved in the ongoing road expansion that will run from Breckenridge to Frisco. Other projects currently in the design process will continue the expansion of Highway 9 from Valley Brook Road, to Coyne Valley Road, Coyne Valley Road to Tiger Road, and Tiger Road to Agape Church.
The new road will also include a school zone in front of Summit High School.
"The construction is going to be broken into three phases," said Angelo Mancina with Zak Dirt construction. "Traffic should move pretty easily during construction but we have to have room to do our work."
The first phase of construction will add a traffic lane to the east side of the road while working on adjacent side streets. Next traffic will be split down the middle and construction crews will install a raised median and drainage pipes. Lastly, construction crews will move to the west side of the road and, if everything goes according to plan, construction should be completed by November.
The total budget for the new expansion is $5.35 million.
The new construction project is just one of the phases involved in the ongoing road expansion that will run from Breckenridge to Frisco. Other projects currently in the design process will continue the expansion of Highway 9 from Valley Brook Road, to Coyne Valley Road, Coyne Valley Road to Tiger Road, and Tiger Road to Agape Church.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Keystone Mountain House Re-development
Building heights, employee housing and parking were listed as key issues during a recent review of a Vail Resorts proposal to redevelop the Mountain House base area at Keystone.
Similar proposals by Copper Mountain and Vail Resorts have met similar questions from the Board of County Commissioners, who recently gave its first look at the Keystone's proposal to amend development plans for the Mountain House.
Commissioner Thomas Davidson, who previously worked for Vail Resorts at Keystone, said the neighborhood needs updating, but still has questions about the plan. Davidson said the upcoming discussions should give the county and the resort a chance to work on critical countywide issues like employee housing.
Similar proposals by Copper Mountain and Vail Resorts have met similar questions from the Board of County Commissioners, who recently gave its first look at the Keystone's proposal to amend development plans for the Mountain House.
Commissioner Thomas Davidson, who previously worked for Vail Resorts at Keystone, said the neighborhood needs updating, but still has questions about the plan. Davidson said the upcoming discussions should give the county and the resort a chance to work on critical countywide issues like employee housing.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Limit Office Space in Downtown Breckenridge?
The public is invited to an open house discussion about the possibility of restricting the location of new offices in the downtown commercial area of Breckenridge.Breckenridge
The Town Council has discussed the topic occasionally throughout the past year with mixed opinions and is looking for community input.
The idea would be that restricting office uses would ensure Main Street vitality by retaining pedestrian-friendly commercial uses such as retail shops and restaurants.
The open house will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 20, in the Council Chambers of Breckenridge Town Hall. There, the public will be able to share their thoughts about a series of options.
For more information, contact Mark Truckey in the Breckenridge Community Development Department at (970) 453-3184 or markt@townofbreckenridge.com.
The Town Council has discussed the topic occasionally throughout the past year with mixed opinions and is looking for community input.
The idea would be that restricting office uses would ensure Main Street vitality by retaining pedestrian-friendly commercial uses such as retail shops and restaurants.
The open house will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 20, in the Council Chambers of Breckenridge Town Hall. There, the public will be able to share their thoughts about a series of options.
For more information, contact Mark Truckey in the Breckenridge Community Development Department at (970) 453-3184 or markt@townofbreckenridge.com.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Breckenridge Heritage Alliance Appoints Director
The Breckenridge Heritage Alliance has named a new executive director.
- Linda Kay Peterson. Ms. Peterson has worked with the Summit Historical Society as a volunteer and tour coordinator and will continue to volunteer for the organization as secretary, while she takes on the lead of the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance.
She's been working with the Alliance since its inception in February of 2007.
The Breckenridge Heritage Alliance promotes heritage tourism in the town through offering tours at and maintaining the local historic sites, along with events like Kingdom Days and outreach programs.
In the year ahead, Peterson said the organization is working with the Breckenridge Arts District to restore historic buildings into art workshop space, along with the National Repertory Orchestra to incorporate history into their concerts.
Breckenridge will celebrate its 150th birthday next year.
- Linda Kay Peterson. Ms. Peterson has worked with the Summit Historical Society as a volunteer and tour coordinator and will continue to volunteer for the organization as secretary, while she takes on the lead of the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance.
She's been working with the Alliance since its inception in February of 2007.
The Breckenridge Heritage Alliance promotes heritage tourism in the town through offering tours at and maintaining the local historic sites, along with events like Kingdom Days and outreach programs.
In the year ahead, Peterson said the organization is working with the Breckenridge Arts District to restore historic buildings into art workshop space, along with the National Repertory Orchestra to incorporate history into their concerts.
Breckenridge will celebrate its 150th birthday next year.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Old Dillon Reservoir to be Expanded?
The U.S. Forest Service will soon begin a formal review of plans to enlarge Old Dillon Reservoir.
The proposal to increase the reservoir’s surface area from 10 acres to about 16 acres has been in the works for several years.
Pending completion of the Forest Service analysis, work could start on the ground in 2009, said County Commissioner Tom Long.
The project is a partnership between Dillon, Silverthorne and Summit County. Long said all those entities could benefit from an increase in capacity.
Right now, the reservoir, built in the 1930s, holds about 46 acres feet (and acre foot equals about 326,000 gallons).
As envisioned, that capacity would increase to more than 200 acre feet, Long said.
“It’s a strategic spot ... it would be valuable water,” Long said.
The project could be developed at a cost of about $40,000 per acre foot. For the sake of comparison, Long said water from Clinton Gulch reservoir costs about $35,000 per acre foot.
The proposal to increase the reservoir’s surface area from 10 acres to about 16 acres has been in the works for several years.
Pending completion of the Forest Service analysis, work could start on the ground in 2009, said County Commissioner Tom Long.
The project is a partnership between Dillon, Silverthorne and Summit County. Long said all those entities could benefit from an increase in capacity.
Right now, the reservoir, built in the 1930s, holds about 46 acres feet (and acre foot equals about 326,000 gallons).
As envisioned, that capacity would increase to more than 200 acre feet, Long said.
“It’s a strategic spot ... it would be valuable water,” Long said.
The project could be developed at a cost of about $40,000 per acre foot. For the sake of comparison, Long said water from Clinton Gulch reservoir costs about $35,000 per acre foot.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Land Swap In Progress
The U.S. Forest Service has formally launched the public process of a land swap in the county. The trade involves several federal parcels, including the Dercum Dash property just east of the River Run Gondola. That parcel has preliminary zoning approval for 24 single-family homes, subject to completion of the land exchange.
The other National Forest lands that would go to private ownership are the Claimjumper and Wedge parcels near the town of Breckenridge. Breckenridge wants to use the lower part of the land, along Airport Road, to expand its affordable housing supply. The upper part would be managed as open space.
The Wedge parcel is a key piece of open space near Cucumber Gulch that will help preserve habitat connectivity from the wetlands in the gulch to nearby upland forest areas.
The key private tract in the deal is the Chihuahua town site along Peru Creek. Keystone-area developer Gary Miller owns the town site along with several partners. He has been trying to trade it for the federal owned Dercum Dash parcel for several years.
In a prepared statement announcing the exchange, the Forest Service said acquisition of the Chihuahua town site is the primary purpose of the deal. The parcel has a diversity of habitats, high quality wetlands and is also a key piece of land for recreation in the Snake River Basin. The Forest Service also cited Chihuahua’s historical significance as a motivation for the trade, with federal ownership “enhancing management” of the parcel and consolidating federal land ownership patterns in the area.
The other National Forest lands that would go to private ownership are the Claimjumper and Wedge parcels near the town of Breckenridge. Breckenridge wants to use the lower part of the land, along Airport Road, to expand its affordable housing supply. The upper part would be managed as open space.
The Wedge parcel is a key piece of open space near Cucumber Gulch that will help preserve habitat connectivity from the wetlands in the gulch to nearby upland forest areas.
The key private tract in the deal is the Chihuahua town site along Peru Creek. Keystone-area developer Gary Miller owns the town site along with several partners. He has been trying to trade it for the federal owned Dercum Dash parcel for several years.
In a prepared statement announcing the exchange, the Forest Service said acquisition of the Chihuahua town site is the primary purpose of the deal. The parcel has a diversity of habitats, high quality wetlands and is also a key piece of land for recreation in the Snake River Basin. The Forest Service also cited Chihuahua’s historical significance as a motivation for the trade, with federal ownership “enhancing management” of the parcel and consolidating federal land ownership patterns in the area.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Summit School District's Water Rights
The Summit School Distict is considering selling water rights it owns near Summit High School.
The district owns 21.87 acre feet and .9928 cfs of the Blue Danube Ditch No. 2 water rights.
While the value has not recently been assessed, about 10 years ago these rights were worth about $220,000, school officials said.
Selling is an option that has been discussed for several years.
And after looking into whether the rights would be more cost effective to use as irrigation for the fields at the high school, it was determined that it is less expensive to purchase the water needed from Breckenridge, said Karen Strakbein, assistant superintendent of business services for the district.
The district owns 21.87 acre feet and .9928 cfs of the Blue Danube Ditch No. 2 water rights.
While the value has not recently been assessed, about 10 years ago these rights were worth about $220,000, school officials said.
Selling is an option that has been discussed for several years.
And after looking into whether the rights would be more cost effective to use as irrigation for the fields at the high school, it was determined that it is less expensive to purchase the water needed from Breckenridge, said Karen Strakbein, assistant superintendent of business services for the district.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Breckenridge Peak 6 Meeting Postponed
An open house to present plans for new lifts and trails on Peak 6 at Breckenridge will not be held January 9 as previously announced by the U.S. Forest Service.
No new date for the meeting and the start of the formal Forest Service review process has been announced yet.
The Forest Service is set to begin evaluating a ski area proposal to add 450 acres of traditional downhill and hike-to skiing accessed by a single lift on Peak 6.
According to a press release issued last month, the agency will do a full-blown Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), the highest level of environmental review, for the project.
Although the formal public involvement process has not yet started, pending notification in the Federal Register, the Forest Service said it will include any public comments already received as part of the review.
No new date for the meeting and the start of the formal Forest Service review process has been announced yet.
The Forest Service is set to begin evaluating a ski area proposal to add 450 acres of traditional downhill and hike-to skiing accessed by a single lift on Peak 6.
According to a press release issued last month, the agency will do a full-blown Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), the highest level of environmental review, for the project.
Although the formal public involvement process has not yet started, pending notification in the Federal Register, the Forest Service said it will include any public comments already received as part of the review.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Breckenridge's Ullr Fest
Breckenridge's annual Ullr Fest will take place this January 6-11.
Throughout the week of this annual winter festival, both visitors and locals pay homage to the mythical Norse god of snow, Ullr-and every year he rewards the historic town and world-class ski resort with nearly 300 inches of powder.
In return, Breckenridge throws Ullr the biggest party of the year, with the help of presenting sponsor, Bud Light.
Events include an Ullr skating party, bonfire, dating game, Ullympics, comedy night and the famous Ullr Fest Parade down Main Street.
The 45th Annual Ullr Fest is produced by the Breckenridge Resort Chamber.
Call Carly Grimes at 877-593-5260 or visit http://www.gobreck.com/ for the latest event details and lodging information.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Two Easy Things to do to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Thousands of families have one or more rooms in their homes ruined and their lives disrupted each winter by water pipes freezing and breaking, warns the nation's largest insurer of homes, State Farm Insurance.
According to the Institute for Business and Home Safety, claim payments by all insurance companies over the past decade for these kinds of losses have exceeded $4 billion.
When the outside temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 6 degrees Celsius), water pipes in homes with little or no insulation are likely to freeze and break. In fact, a one-eighth inch (3-millimeter) crack in a pipe can spew out more than 250 gallons of water a day, destroying floors, furniture, appliances and personal items.
Homeowners can avoid frozen pipes by having adequate insulation where pipes run along outside walls, floors and ceilings. They can disconnect outside garden hoses, wrap exposed pipes with insulating sleeves or tape, and seal foundation cracks that let arctic air freeze pipes in crawlspaces.
Additionally, there are two simple tasks homeowners can do in about two minutes that can help protect pipes and homes when a severe freeze is predicted: open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to piping under sinks and vanities near exterior walls, and run a small trickle of water at vulnerable cold and hot faucets.
According to the Institute for Business and Home Safety, claim payments by all insurance companies over the past decade for these kinds of losses have exceeded $4 billion.
When the outside temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 6 degrees Celsius), water pipes in homes with little or no insulation are likely to freeze and break. In fact, a one-eighth inch (3-millimeter) crack in a pipe can spew out more than 250 gallons of water a day, destroying floors, furniture, appliances and personal items.
Homeowners can avoid frozen pipes by having adequate insulation where pipes run along outside walls, floors and ceilings. They can disconnect outside garden hoses, wrap exposed pipes with insulating sleeves or tape, and seal foundation cracks that let arctic air freeze pipes in crawlspaces.
Additionally, there are two simple tasks homeowners can do in about two minutes that can help protect pipes and homes when a severe freeze is predicted: open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to piping under sinks and vanities near exterior walls, and run a small trickle of water at vulnerable cold and hot faucets.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Eagle County Water Deal Could Affect Summit County
A recent deal between Denver Water and Eagle County won't have any immediate effect on reservoir operations and trans-divide diversions in Summit County.
But the agreement could increase the pressure to export more water from Summit County in the long run - or it could provide impetus for an overall settlement that balances West Slope and Front Range interests.
"Anytime something like that happens, it puts a bigger bulls eye on Summit and Grand County," said County Commissioner Tom Long. "It's just a matter of time before they Denver Water) look to start maximizing and exercising their water rights here," Long said.
Under the agreement, Denver Water relinquished long-held rights to water from streams flowing out of the Eagles Nest Wilderness, on the Eagle County side of the Gore Range, including the Upper Eagle River, the Piney River and Turkey Creek.
Plans for developing that water included a pipeline through the Gore Range to North Tenmile Creek and into Dillon Reservoir, for export to the Front Range via the Roberts Tunnel.
But the agreement could increase the pressure to export more water from Summit County in the long run - or it could provide impetus for an overall settlement that balances West Slope and Front Range interests.
"Anytime something like that happens, it puts a bigger bulls eye on Summit and Grand County," said County Commissioner Tom Long. "It's just a matter of time before they Denver Water) look to start maximizing and exercising their water rights here," Long said.
Under the agreement, Denver Water relinquished long-held rights to water from streams flowing out of the Eagles Nest Wilderness, on the Eagle County side of the Gore Range, including the Upper Eagle River, the Piney River and Turkey Creek.
Plans for developing that water included a pipeline through the Gore Range to North Tenmile Creek and into Dillon Reservoir, for export to the Front Range via the Roberts Tunnel.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Silverthorne Annexes More Land
The Silverthorne Town Council annexed another small portion of South Maryland Creek Ranch on Wednesday adding 61 more acres to the 355 that was included into the Town two years ago.
Ranch owner Tom Everist is developing a high-end subdivision on a portion of his ranch on the northern end of town.
He requested the second annexation in May in order to create 12 additional home sites, but still stay within the ranch’s rural residential density of one home per five acres.
With Wednesday’s approval, the subdivision will now include 82 single-family lots and one caretaker unit spread over 416 acres. The ranch development will also include a 61-acre meadow, a 120-acre nature preserve, a 50-acre private lake area and a 20-acre town park.
Ranch owner Tom Everist is developing a high-end subdivision on a portion of his ranch on the northern end of town.
He requested the second annexation in May in order to create 12 additional home sites, but still stay within the ranch’s rural residential density of one home per five acres.
With Wednesday’s approval, the subdivision will now include 82 single-family lots and one caretaker unit spread over 416 acres. The ranch development will also include a 61-acre meadow, a 120-acre nature preserve, a 50-acre private lake area and a 20-acre town park.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Breckenridge Increases Mill Levy
With a 5-2 vote, Breckenridge Town Council passed the second reading of a ordinance that sets the Town’s 2008 mill levy at 7.52 mills, an increase of 1.45 mills from 2007.
The increase will go to pay the debt related to Breckenridge Recreation Center and Stephen C. West Ice Arena.
As a result, money will be freed up from other funds so the Town can continue to work on its vision plan for a sustainable community, council members said.
A mill is $1 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
The increase will go to pay the debt related to Breckenridge Recreation Center and Stephen C. West Ice Arena.
As a result, money will be freed up from other funds so the Town can continue to work on its vision plan for a sustainable community, council members said.
A mill is $1 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Silverthorne to Underground Utility Lines
Residents of Silverthorne’s older neighborhoods have asked the Town, for years, to underground unsightly utility lines.
The Town is offering to subsidize the high-priced project at $4,000 per lot.
The Silverthorne Town Council cemented its commitment this month by passing a resolution outlining the terms of its contribution. The money would come from $225,000 the Town set aside in next year’s budget for neighborhood improvements.
That same money has been earmarked in the 2009 and 2010 budgets.
The Town’s contribution will likely be about one-third to one-half of the overall cost per lot for undergrounding, said Silverthorne public works director Bill Linfield.
Citizens would only be eligible for the money if their neighborhood petitions the Town to form a special improvement district to pay for the rest of the project.
The Town is offering to subsidize the high-priced project at $4,000 per lot.
The Silverthorne Town Council cemented its commitment this month by passing a resolution outlining the terms of its contribution. The money would come from $225,000 the Town set aside in next year’s budget for neighborhood improvements.
That same money has been earmarked in the 2009 and 2010 budgets.
The Town’s contribution will likely be about one-third to one-half of the overall cost per lot for undergrounding, said Silverthorne public works director Bill Linfield.
Citizens would only be eligible for the money if their neighborhood petitions the Town to form a special improvement district to pay for the rest of the project.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Frisco Museum Undergoing Evaluation
The Frisco Historic Park and Museum is one of 111 museums around the country that will go through an in-depth assessment by the American Association of Museums (AAM) and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Those organizations use a guided self-study process and on-site consultations with museum professionals to evaluate its current practices and establish priorities to achieve professional museum standards.
The idea is to help the Frisco museum plan how to best and most effectively serve the community."We welcome these museums into a process of self-reflection and improvement and congratulate them on their commitment to field-wide excellence," said Ford W. Bell, President of AAM. "Our nation's museums are already high performing and strong organizations.
The Frisco Historic Park and Museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Closed Mondays. A self-guided tour of 12 original historic buildings lets visitors explore the park at their own pace. Admission is free, however donations are appreciated.
The idea is to help the Frisco museum plan how to best and most effectively serve the community."We welcome these museums into a process of self-reflection and improvement and congratulate them on their commitment to field-wide excellence," said Ford W. Bell, President of AAM. "Our nation's museums are already high performing and strong organizations.
The Frisco Historic Park and Museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Closed Mondays. A self-guided tour of 12 original historic buildings lets visitors explore the park at their own pace. Admission is free, however donations are appreciated.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Backcountry Huts Open for the Season
Francies's Cabin, Janet's Cabin, Ken's Cabin and the Section House all will open for the season on November 21.
These are backcountry huts, availabe for rent for an overnight stay. Accesable by snowshoe or backcountry skis.
For more information call 970-453-8583 or log onto www.summithuts.org
These are backcountry huts, availabe for rent for an overnight stay. Accesable by snowshoe or backcountry skis.
For more information call 970-453-8583 or log onto www.summithuts.org
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Dog Park Discussions
The Town of Breckenridge will hold a public comment meeting next Tuesday on the future uses of Carter Park. The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at Breckenridge Town Hall.
Throughout the past several months, residents have met with Town staff regarding the current seasonal dog park plan at Carter Park. Out of those discussions, they arrived at two options for a permanent dog park. Now, the Town is seeking input regarding each plan at the meeting from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
“This has been a collaborative effort fueled by concerned citizens from the beginning when we came up with the seasonal plan,” Chief of Breckenridge Police Rick Holman said in a press release. “Citizens have told us that the current seasonal plan doesn’t work so we went back to the drawing board with those same citizens and are ready to present some new solutions. With the input that we will gather during the November meeting, we feel confident we will arrive at a plan that meets the community’s needs.”
For more information, contact Holman at (970) 547-3163 or e-mail rickh@townofbreckenridge.com.
Throughout the past several months, residents have met with Town staff regarding the current seasonal dog park plan at Carter Park. Out of those discussions, they arrived at two options for a permanent dog park. Now, the Town is seeking input regarding each plan at the meeting from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
“This has been a collaborative effort fueled by concerned citizens from the beginning when we came up with the seasonal plan,” Chief of Breckenridge Police Rick Holman said in a press release. “Citizens have told us that the current seasonal plan doesn’t work so we went back to the drawing board with those same citizens and are ready to present some new solutions. With the input that we will gather during the November meeting, we feel confident we will arrive at a plan that meets the community’s needs.”
For more information, contact Holman at (970) 547-3163 or e-mail rickh@townofbreckenridge.com.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Keystone Opens for the Season
Keystone Resort will open for the season a week earlier than anticipated due to October snowfall and favorable snow-making conditions.
The county’s largest ski area will open tomorrow (Friday) with a 12-inch base, according to Keystone communications coordinator Lindsey Fussenegger.
Copper Mountain Resort is also set to open Friday morning.
Keystone will start the season with service on the River Run Gondola delivering skiers and riders to the intermediate Spring Dipper trail. Limited beginner skiing will be available in the designated learning area on top of Dercum Mountain. The Summit Express Chairlift will also be operating, as well as the mid-mountain Montezuma Express.
Skiers and riders will need to download on the gondola or the Summit Express at the day’s end. All skier access and services will be provided in the River Run Village base area.
The A51 Terrain Park will be open, offering 20 rails, boxes, walls and other features.
The mountain will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and adult lift tickets cost $59.
Keystone’s season opener festivities continue next week with a special one-day sneak peek of night skiing and riding on Friday, Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The resort’s fourth annual 36 Hours of Keystone returns Nov. 30 through Dec. 1. For more information, visit www.keystone.snow.com.
The county’s largest ski area will open tomorrow (Friday) with a 12-inch base, according to Keystone communications coordinator Lindsey Fussenegger.
Copper Mountain Resort is also set to open Friday morning.
Keystone will start the season with service on the River Run Gondola delivering skiers and riders to the intermediate Spring Dipper trail. Limited beginner skiing will be available in the designated learning area on top of Dercum Mountain. The Summit Express Chairlift will also be operating, as well as the mid-mountain Montezuma Express.
Skiers and riders will need to download on the gondola or the Summit Express at the day’s end. All skier access and services will be provided in the River Run Village base area.
The A51 Terrain Park will be open, offering 20 rails, boxes, walls and other features.
The mountain will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and adult lift tickets cost $59.
Keystone’s season opener festivities continue next week with a special one-day sneak peek of night skiing and riding on Friday, Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The resort’s fourth annual 36 Hours of Keystone returns Nov. 30 through Dec. 1. For more information, visit www.keystone.snow.com.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Blue River to Vote on Tax Increase
Blue River voters will decide on November 6 whether to raise their property taxes by $100,000 per year to pay for road improvements and maintenance and to build a second bridge on Mountain View Drive for emergency access.
If the ballot question passes, the town’s mill levy could be raised up to three mills to a maximum of 15.29 mills.
“This gives us the ability to use some of the money should we need it. That doesn’t mean we’re automatically going to raise it. It’ll be there if we need it,” Blue River Mayor Lindsay Backas said.
The Town of Blue River doesn’t have any commercial businesses, and therefore is not supported by sales tax. Instead, it relies almost solely on property taxes to pay for services for its residents, Backas said.
The town spends a third of its approximately $690,000 budget on public safety, a third on snow removal and plowing and a third on road grading in the summer, leaving little room for larger projects, she said.
One of the town’s priorities is fixing Blue River Road, which needs new culverts, that cost about $250,000. Another is building a new bridge to connect the subdivisions on the east side of the Blue River to Highway 9 to provide a second route for emergency access.
If the ballot question passes, the town’s mill levy could be raised up to three mills to a maximum of 15.29 mills.
“This gives us the ability to use some of the money should we need it. That doesn’t mean we’re automatically going to raise it. It’ll be there if we need it,” Blue River Mayor Lindsay Backas said.
The Town of Blue River doesn’t have any commercial businesses, and therefore is not supported by sales tax. Instead, it relies almost solely on property taxes to pay for services for its residents, Backas said.
The town spends a third of its approximately $690,000 budget on public safety, a third on snow removal and plowing and a third on road grading in the summer, leaving little room for larger projects, she said.
One of the town’s priorities is fixing Blue River Road, which needs new culverts, that cost about $250,000. Another is building a new bridge to connect the subdivisions on the east side of the Blue River to Highway 9 to provide a second route for emergency access.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Construction of New Roof for River Walk Center Underway
The Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge must have its hardshell cover and sides done before the National Repertory Orchestra musicians show up in early June of 2008, and they’ve hired a construction company with the capability to get it done, Kim DiLallo, director of communications for Breckenridge said.
The town is taking things slow to start to work out the kinks, but DiLallo is confident the facility will be well-utilized.
“It’s important to provide an incredible home for the Breckenridge Music Festival and National Repertory Orchestra, our two anchor tenants. We want to make sure we get it right and good for them first and then fill in programming as we can,” DiLallo said.
At this point, the town is not actively seeking more programming for the winter seasons, instead focusing on use issues for this winter while construction is taking place.
DiLallo said the construction schedule has been worked out to accommodate the International Snow Sculpture Championships which take place in the Riverwalk parking lot for a week in January.
The town is taking things slow to start to work out the kinks, but DiLallo is confident the facility will be well-utilized.
“It’s important to provide an incredible home for the Breckenridge Music Festival and National Repertory Orchestra, our two anchor tenants. We want to make sure we get it right and good for them first and then fill in programming as we can,” DiLallo said.
At this point, the town is not actively seeking more programming for the winter seasons, instead focusing on use issues for this winter while construction is taking place.
DiLallo said the construction schedule has been worked out to accommodate the International Snow Sculpture Championships which take place in the Riverwalk parking lot for a week in January.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
BOEC Seeks Volunteers
Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) is seeking ski and snowboard volunteers.
Assist on adaptive ski and ride lessons, working with individuals with disabilities and special needs.
Join them for an open house at our Breckenridge ski office on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Village Base Area, Maggie Pond level.
Or, learn more at the Keystone Adaptive Center (a program of the BOEC) on Thursday, Nov. 1 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Mountain House Base Area, Guest Services Building.
Must be an intermediate level skier or rider; three days/month equals opportunity for a season pass.
For more information contact Jennifer Schappert, Volunteer Coordinator, at (970) 453-5633 or email volunteer@boec.org. Or visit http://www.boec
Assist on adaptive ski and ride lessons, working with individuals with disabilities and special needs.
Join them for an open house at our Breckenridge ski office on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Village Base Area, Maggie Pond level.
Or, learn more at the Keystone Adaptive Center (a program of the BOEC) on Thursday, Nov. 1 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Mountain House Base Area, Guest Services Building.
Must be an intermediate level skier or rider; three days/month equals opportunity for a season pass.
For more information contact Jennifer Schappert, Volunteer Coordinator, at (970) 453-5633 or email volunteer@boec.org. Or visit http://www.boec
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Another Sign Winter is Just Around the Corner
Trail Ridge Road across the high tundra of Rocky Mountain National Park closed for the season on Monday.
The road reaches more than 12,000 feet above sea level.
It's the highest continuous paved road in the nation, and winter wind and snow make it impossible to keep open.
Park officials say it closed Monday. The road connects Estes Park on the east with Grand Lake on the west.
The road reaches more than 12,000 feet above sea level.
It's the highest continuous paved road in the nation, and winter wind and snow make it impossible to keep open.
Park officials say it closed Monday. The road connects Estes Park on the east with Grand Lake on the west.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
More Snow Hits Summit County
The latest storm has brought snow, icy and snowpack conditions to most of the roads in Summit County.
Chain restrictions are in effect on US 6 Loveland Pass, Interstate 70 Eisenhower Tunnel Eastbound, Interstate 70 Vail Pass East and Westbound, and Southbound Hwy 9 from Frisco to Hoosier pass.
A winter storm warning is in effect until 6 p.m. this evening as snow will increase in intensity across the mountains this morning and then diminish during the late afternoon hours.
Total accumulations of 6 to 14 inches can be expected.
North winds of 15 to 25 mph gusting above timberline will produce areas of blowing and drifting snow.
Highs today will be in the mid 20's with the wind chill making it feel like single digit temperatures
.As of 5 a.m. this morning, both Arapahoe Basin and Loveland Ski Area reported three inches of new snow.
Chain restrictions are in effect on US 6 Loveland Pass, Interstate 70 Eisenhower Tunnel Eastbound, Interstate 70 Vail Pass East and Westbound, and Southbound Hwy 9 from Frisco to Hoosier pass.
A winter storm warning is in effect until 6 p.m. this evening as snow will increase in intensity across the mountains this morning and then diminish during the late afternoon hours.
Total accumulations of 6 to 14 inches can be expected.
North winds of 15 to 25 mph gusting above timberline will produce areas of blowing and drifting snow.
Highs today will be in the mid 20's with the wind chill making it feel like single digit temperatures
.As of 5 a.m. this morning, both Arapahoe Basin and Loveland Ski Area reported three inches of new snow.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Two Ski Areas Open, More to Open Soon
Arapahoe Basin, had one run open as of yesterday, the beginner level High Noon, which winds down to the base from the Exhibition Lift.
The High Divide Terrain Park is also open.
A total of 20 acres is open at the hill with an 18 inch base.
Over the pass at Loveland Ski Area, Spillway, the short intermediate trail under Chair 1 opened on Friday, and Lower Richards Run, another intermediate was set to open today, according to Loveland marketing director John Sellers.
That's in addition to the beginner Mambo and Home Run trails that opened on Tuesday, Loveland's first day of the season.
Sellers said that with snow in the forecast Saturday and Sunday, more trails should be opening soon. Loveland also has an 18-inch base.
The other resorts in the area are gearing up for their respective seasons to start. Copper Mountain Resort is next in line, with a scheduled opening date of Nov. 2. Keystone and Breckenridge will follow on Nov. 9.
The High Divide Terrain Park is also open.
A total of 20 acres is open at the hill with an 18 inch base.
Over the pass at Loveland Ski Area, Spillway, the short intermediate trail under Chair 1 opened on Friday, and Lower Richards Run, another intermediate was set to open today, according to Loveland marketing director John Sellers.
That's in addition to the beginner Mambo and Home Run trails that opened on Tuesday, Loveland's first day of the season.
Sellers said that with snow in the forecast Saturday and Sunday, more trails should be opening soon. Loveland also has an 18-inch base.
The other resorts in the area are gearing up for their respective seasons to start. Copper Mountain Resort is next in line, with a scheduled opening date of Nov. 2. Keystone and Breckenridge will follow on Nov. 9.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Chamber Generates Dollars
An evaluation done by the Breckenridge Resort Chamber found the group's marketing efforts in 2006 generated anywhere from $39 million to $63 million in tourist spending in the town, representing at least a 166 percent return on investment for the BRC's budget.
The BRC's efforts to quantify its contributions to the town won general praise from Breckenridge officials, and because of the strong performance the study shows, the group is asking for more than $600,000 in additional funding next year from Breckenridge.
But Town officials are split in both their support for more BRC funding and their reactions to the evaluation's findings.
The BRC's efforts to quantify its contributions to the town won general praise from Breckenridge officials, and because of the strong performance the study shows, the group is asking for more than $600,000 in additional funding next year from Breckenridge.
But Town officials are split in both their support for more BRC funding and their reactions to the evaluation's findings.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Home Depot for Silverthorne?
Home Depot has purchased land in Silverthorne and is exploring the possibility of building a store in town, according to Mike Ciletti, a principal with Denver-based Phase Line Strategies, a consulting firm hired by Home Depot to look for alternative store locations to Frisco.
The land, three parcels in total, is located just south of Interstate 70 on S. Adams Avenue near the fairgrounds.
Ciletti said the purchase was a joint venture between the land owners and Home Depot.
Part of the reason the company purchased the land was because of the positive state of the real estate market in Summit County, Ciletti said
All three parcels are already zoned light commercial, and a Home Depot would fall into the use-by-right category, said Silverthorne town manager Kevin Batchelder.
The land, three parcels in total, is located just south of Interstate 70 on S. Adams Avenue near the fairgrounds.
Ciletti said the purchase was a joint venture between the land owners and Home Depot.
Part of the reason the company purchased the land was because of the positive state of the real estate market in Summit County, Ciletti said
All three parcels are already zoned light commercial, and a Home Depot would fall into the use-by-right category, said Silverthorne town manager Kevin Batchelder.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Second Ski Area in Colorado Opens for the Season
Loveland Ski Area opened this morning - the second ski area in Colorado (and North America) to open for the 2007/08 season.
An 18 inch base, supplemented by a weekend snowfall that measured 10 inches in my back yard, gave Loveland a great start to the ski/snowboard season.
We will see many more ski areas open in the next few weeks. Tomorrow's forcase is for more snow. It looks as though winter has begun in Colorado.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Summit Foundation Philanthropy Nominations
The Summit Foundation is accepting nominations to honor and recognize outstanding philanthropy in Summit County. This year's event will be held on Friday, Nov. 16, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Keystone Conference Center.
Deadline for receipt of nominations is noon on Monday, Oct. 15.
Since the inception of the program in 1991, 169 individuals, organizations and businesses have been recognized for their outstanding philanthropic efforts in Summit County.
This year's awards will be presented in recognition of outstanding contributions in nine categories: Outstanding Philanthropist, Outstanding Volunteer, Outstanding Board Member, Outstanding Citizen, Outstanding Youth, Outstanding Professional in a Nonprofit Organization ("seasoned" and "novice"), Outstanding Educator, Outstanding Business and/or Corporation and Outstanding Nonprofit/Community Organization.
Nominations will be accepted for Summit County individuals, organizations and businesses only but may be submitted for more than one nominee in more than one category. You will be notified if your nominee is selected to receive an award.
For more information about making a contribution to the foundation or to obtain Philanthropy Day nomination forms, please contact The Summit Foundation office at (970) 453-5970 or at www.summitfoundation.org, and click on the "About Us" and "Philanthropy Day" tab. Completed nomination forms should be received in the Foundation office, 108 North French Street, (P.O. Box 4000), Breckenridge, no later than noon on Monday, Oct. 15.
Deadline for receipt of nominations is noon on Monday, Oct. 15.
Since the inception of the program in 1991, 169 individuals, organizations and businesses have been recognized for their outstanding philanthropic efforts in Summit County.
This year's awards will be presented in recognition of outstanding contributions in nine categories: Outstanding Philanthropist, Outstanding Volunteer, Outstanding Board Member, Outstanding Citizen, Outstanding Youth, Outstanding Professional in a Nonprofit Organization ("seasoned" and "novice"), Outstanding Educator, Outstanding Business and/or Corporation and Outstanding Nonprofit/Community Organization.
Nominations will be accepted for Summit County individuals, organizations and businesses only but may be submitted for more than one nominee in more than one category. You will be notified if your nominee is selected to receive an award.
For more information about making a contribution to the foundation or to obtain Philanthropy Day nomination forms, please contact The Summit Foundation office at (970) 453-5970 or at www.summitfoundation.org, and click on the "About Us" and "Philanthropy Day" tab. Completed nomination forms should be received in the Foundation office, 108 North French Street, (P.O. Box 4000), Breckenridge, no later than noon on Monday, Oct. 15.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area Opens
Arapahoe Basin ski area officials announce that its opening day for the 2007-2008 ski season will be tomorrow, Wednesday, October 10, 2007. This marks Arapahoe Basin’s earliest opening in its 61 years of operation. Last year the ski area was the first to open in the nation and this year A-Basin continues that trend.
The Exhibition chair will open to the public at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday. Skiers and riders can look forward to an 18-inch base on the intermediate High Noon run and some features in the High Divide terrain park. The will be no beginner skiing at this time.
New this season, A-Basin will introduce Montezuma Bowl, 400 acres of lift served groomed runs, glades, chutes and wide-open bowl skiing. The new expansion is expected to open sometime in late December, snow conditions permitting.
The Exhibition chair will open to the public at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday. Skiers and riders can look forward to an 18-inch base on the intermediate High Noon run and some features in the High Divide terrain park. The will be no beginner skiing at this time.
New this season, A-Basin will introduce Montezuma Bowl, 400 acres of lift served groomed runs, glades, chutes and wide-open bowl skiing. The new expansion is expected to open sometime in late December, snow conditions permitting.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Silverthorne Updating Height Restrictions
Silverthorne is proposing new height restrictions in different parts of town as part of its comprehensive plan update.T
he height limit for all commercial buildings in Silverthorne is 35 feet, although builders are given some leeway for architectural features.
The new proposal would allow buildings up to 50 feet on either side of Interstate 70, where the La Quinta is already 76 feet and the Day’s Inn reaches 52 feet and around the Summit Place Shopping Center and the Red Village of the Outlets at Silverthorne.
The two hotels are considered legal, non-conforming projects because town records don’t show how their respective heights were approved, according to town planner Mary Devlin.
The height limit would taper down to 45 feet around where the Silverthorne Pavilion is located, as well as the Blue Village of the Outlets at Silverthorne. The east side of the Blue River from Tanglewood Lane down to 6th Street would lower to 40 feet, as well as the commercial area west of Adams Ave. behind the Outlets’ Blue Village.
Most of the other commercial areas would remain at 35 feet and the residential height limit of 25 feet wouldn’t change.
Devlin said the proposed numbers came from the community development department, as well as suggestions from the town council, on where best additional height could be accommodated and still maintain the character of the town.
he height limit for all commercial buildings in Silverthorne is 35 feet, although builders are given some leeway for architectural features.
The new proposal would allow buildings up to 50 feet on either side of Interstate 70, where the La Quinta is already 76 feet and the Day’s Inn reaches 52 feet and around the Summit Place Shopping Center and the Red Village of the Outlets at Silverthorne.
The two hotels are considered legal, non-conforming projects because town records don’t show how their respective heights were approved, according to town planner Mary Devlin.
The height limit would taper down to 45 feet around where the Silverthorne Pavilion is located, as well as the Blue Village of the Outlets at Silverthorne. The east side of the Blue River from Tanglewood Lane down to 6th Street would lower to 40 feet, as well as the commercial area west of Adams Ave. behind the Outlets’ Blue Village.
Most of the other commercial areas would remain at 35 feet and the residential height limit of 25 feet wouldn’t change.
Devlin said the proposed numbers came from the community development department, as well as suggestions from the town council, on where best additional height could be accommodated and still maintain the character of the town.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Breckenridge Discusses more Main St. Restrictions
After passing an ordinance restricting residential development on Main Street and some surrounding areas, the Breckenridge Town Council is discussing similar restrictions for office space.
The concern is that offices on Main Street take spaces away from retail businesses, which council members said are the main tourist attraction for downtown.
Town Manager Tim Gagen said real estate offices - by far the most common office use on Main Street - account for about 20 percent of Main Street businesses. Many towns with a similar percentage in retail districts have imposed office development restrictions, he said, because some studies show that at that ratio the prevalence of offices starts to reduce pedestrian draw.
As with the residential ordinance, the council expressed support for a grandfather clause for any office space restriction to protect current businesses.
Recently retired realtor Bob Girvin, who owns an office building on Main Street, said he worries that some spaces will remain vacant if office space is restricted. He'd like to see the Town encourage retail instead of discouraging other uses.
I'm with you Bob, let's encourage retail instead of discouraging other uses.
The concern is that offices on Main Street take spaces away from retail businesses, which council members said are the main tourist attraction for downtown.
Town Manager Tim Gagen said real estate offices - by far the most common office use on Main Street - account for about 20 percent of Main Street businesses. Many towns with a similar percentage in retail districts have imposed office development restrictions, he said, because some studies show that at that ratio the prevalence of offices starts to reduce pedestrian draw.
As with the residential ordinance, the council expressed support for a grandfather clause for any office space restriction to protect current businesses.
Recently retired realtor Bob Girvin, who owns an office building on Main Street, said he worries that some spaces will remain vacant if office space is restricted. He'd like to see the Town encourage retail instead of discouraging other uses.
I'm with you Bob, let's encourage retail instead of discouraging other uses.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Aspens in their Autumn Glory
The Aspens are in their full Autumn Glory. Just look at the photograph Michael took yesterday near Silverthorne.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Colorado’s favorite annual autumn show is getting good reviews even before it opens.
The aspen leaves are beginning to change color.
The late moisture we have received lately has delayed the change of colors and should make it a spectacular year, says Clare Sinacori, spokeswoman for Colorado State Parks.
But don’t get impatient. “We are pretty darn green, still,” Kyle Patterson of Rocky Mountain National Park told the Greeley Tribune. “There is a little tiny bit of color changing at higher elevations, but it’s not really noticeable yet.”
Next week should be the start of the good viewing with the peak following closely thereafter.
That’s of course if wind doesn’t blown them off, or snow cover them.
The photograph above was taken last year by Michael.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Breckenridge Town Council Supports Child Care
The Breckenridge Town Council continued it's support for more quality childcare options in the town when it approved a grant to aid Breckenridge Montessori at a recent council meeting.
The grant gives the chlidcare provider $32,000 to pay off its mortgage debts and more than $40,000 for salary supplements and scholarships in 2007.
Breckenridge Montessori's grant comes after the council approved similar grants for Little Red Schoolhouse and The Carriage House last month.
Breckenridge events and communication manager Kim DiLallo said the grants fulfill the Town's goals to encourage quality, affordable childcare in the community.
The grant gives the chlidcare provider $32,000 to pay off its mortgage debts and more than $40,000 for salary supplements and scholarships in 2007.
Breckenridge Montessori's grant comes after the council approved similar grants for Little Red Schoolhouse and The Carriage House last month.
Breckenridge events and communication manager Kim DiLallo said the grants fulfill the Town's goals to encourage quality, affordable childcare in the community.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Interstate 70 Now Has a Web Site
A website created by the I-70 Mountain Corridor Coalition will help everyone who wants to stay informed about planned improvements along the state's main east-west highway corridor.
"We're really trying to be friendly to the public and help people understand what's going on and who the players are," said coalition director Flo Raitano.
Along with providing timely I-70 information for travelers, www.i70solutions.org also includes a link to sign up for the coalition's e-newsletter, to be published throughout the year to inform people about coalition activities and transportation issues under discussion at the state level.
Timely notice about any upcoming public involvement opportunities is a key part of the e-newsletter, Raitano said.
The site also includes tips for avoiding highway congestion and links to live highway web cams.
The redesigned website contains information tips for avoiding traffic congestion on I-70, the latest news about the coalition and its history, vision and strategy for the future. The site also includes a link to the Colorado Department of Transportation's (CDOT) live Web cams where users can preview traffic along the corridor 24 hours per day.
"We're really trying to be friendly to the public and help people understand what's going on and who the players are," said coalition director Flo Raitano.
Along with providing timely I-70 information for travelers, www.i70solutions.org also includes a link to sign up for the coalition's e-newsletter, to be published throughout the year to inform people about coalition activities and transportation issues under discussion at the state level.
Timely notice about any upcoming public involvement opportunities is a key part of the e-newsletter, Raitano said.
The site also includes tips for avoiding highway congestion and links to live highway web cams.
The redesigned website contains information tips for avoiding traffic congestion on I-70, the latest news about the coalition and its history, vision and strategy for the future. The site also includes a link to the Colorado Department of Transportation's (CDOT) live Web cams where users can preview traffic along the corridor 24 hours per day.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Stan Miller Property Public Hearing Set
The Breckenridge Town Council recently approved a resolution about the potential annexation of the Stan Miller property located approximately 3 miles north of town.
The petition met the Town's requirements and a public hearing has been set for September 25.
In recent months, the Town has reviewed the proposal for the 40-acre property along Highway 9 near the Town's Block 11/ McCain property.
The design plan includes about 100 affordable housing units, a public trail along the west side of the river, open space and Blue River restoration. The development would be phased in gradually as construction operations that have taken place there for 35 years wind down.
The petition met the Town's requirements and a public hearing has been set for September 25.
In recent months, the Town has reviewed the proposal for the 40-acre property along Highway 9 near the Town's Block 11/ McCain property.
The design plan includes about 100 affordable housing units, a public trail along the west side of the river, open space and Blue River restoration. The development would be phased in gradually as construction operations that have taken place there for 35 years wind down.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Be Aware of Bears
The Breckenridge Police Department is cracking down on violations of the town's trash ordinance in an effort to keep foraging bears out of garbage cans around town.
The police department has noticed an increase in the past week of bears coming to feed in local garbage cans, according to a press release from Breckenridge Police spokeswoman Crystal Dean.
"This is unhealthy for the bears, problematic for the community and could result in a ticket for the homeowner," Dean wrote.
So far this summer, the police department has issued 200 to 300 warnings to property owners for violating the trash ordinance and will start handing out citations, which require a court appearance. The ordinance, passed in 2001, addresses placement and use of garbage cans and similar receptacles.
All households are required to store garbage cans inside a home, garage, building or shed. Garbage cans may be placed at the curbside on the day of pickup only and must be removed by 10 p.m. that evening. The only exception to this requirement is if the can is equipped with some type of latching mechanism that will hold the lid securely to the can.
Some bears actively feed for 20 hours a day and ingest as much as 20,000 calories to prepare for winter hibernation. If natural foods are not readily available, bears will travel over 60 miles to find other food. Once bears know where to find a non-natural food source they will return again and again.
Some things you can do to help keep the bears in the woods, and trash in the cans:
• Keep your garbage secured inside until morning of trash pickup
• Ensure you have a locking lid on any garbage stored outside - call your carrier on how to obtain a wildlife-proof receptacle
• Ensure bird feeders and other sources of food are not bear-accessible
• Keep your grill clean of any food debris
The Breckenridge Police Department will be working with the local Bear Aware group to identify trash violations in the community and strict enforcement will be taken.
The police department has noticed an increase in the past week of bears coming to feed in local garbage cans, according to a press release from Breckenridge Police spokeswoman Crystal Dean.
"This is unhealthy for the bears, problematic for the community and could result in a ticket for the homeowner," Dean wrote.
So far this summer, the police department has issued 200 to 300 warnings to property owners for violating the trash ordinance and will start handing out citations, which require a court appearance. The ordinance, passed in 2001, addresses placement and use of garbage cans and similar receptacles.
All households are required to store garbage cans inside a home, garage, building or shed. Garbage cans may be placed at the curbside on the day of pickup only and must be removed by 10 p.m. that evening. The only exception to this requirement is if the can is equipped with some type of latching mechanism that will hold the lid securely to the can.
Some bears actively feed for 20 hours a day and ingest as much as 20,000 calories to prepare for winter hibernation. If natural foods are not readily available, bears will travel over 60 miles to find other food. Once bears know where to find a non-natural food source they will return again and again.
Some things you can do to help keep the bears in the woods, and trash in the cans:
• Keep your garbage secured inside until morning of trash pickup
• Ensure you have a locking lid on any garbage stored outside - call your carrier on how to obtain a wildlife-proof receptacle
• Ensure bird feeders and other sources of food are not bear-accessible
• Keep your grill clean of any food debris
The Breckenridge Police Department will be working with the local Bear Aware group to identify trash violations in the community and strict enforcement will be taken.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Breckenridge Music Festival Wraps up the Season
The Breckenridge Music Festival’s 27th Season Finale will feature BMF Orchestra members John Macfarlane, violinist, Timothy McFadden, trumpet and Kenneth Krause, clarinet, this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge.
The evening will feature Rossini’s Overture to “Cenerentola,” Hummel’s Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra, Debussy’s Premiere Rhapsody for Clarinet and Orchestra, Sarasate’s Carmen Fantasy for Violin and Orchestra and Britten’s Variations on a Theme of Purcell.
Tickets are $22, $27 and $32 (including a $2 box office service fee).
The evening will feature Rossini’s Overture to “Cenerentola,” Hummel’s Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra, Debussy’s Premiere Rhapsody for Clarinet and Orchestra, Sarasate’s Carmen Fantasy for Violin and Orchestra and Britten’s Variations on a Theme of Purcell.
Tickets are $22, $27 and $32 (including a $2 box office service fee).
Friday, July 20, 2007
Alliance for Historical Preservation - Frisco
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.
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.
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.
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