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Monday, May 21, 2012
Nonprofits
Friday, April 20, 2012
Nonprofits / Business / Science & Technology / Education / Books Space group lands Russian exhibit, teaching lab
Posted by Pam Zubeck on Fri, Apr 20, 2012 at 5:17 PM
- Space Foundation
- Lunokhod rover
From the land of wheat and the Wizard of Oz comes help from the Kansas Cosmosphere & Space Center in Hutchinson, Kan., in helping the Springs-based Space Foundation get its visitors center project off to a good start.
The Cosmosphere is loaning a collection of 1970s-era Soviet space artifacts, which will be displayed at its headquarters at 4425 Arrowswest Drive.
Since the foundation moved last year into the building, it's been gradually settling in and has a generous amount of space to dedicate to a visitors center and museum.
The Russian items will be on display for three years starting Aug. 1, after making an appearance at the National Space Symposium at The Broadmoor, which closed on Thursday.
On display will be one of the few Lunokhod lunar rovers ever to be displayed outside of the former Soviet Union; a half-scale model, constructed in the Soviet Union, of the Luna 16 Robotic Probe, the first robotic probe to land on the Moon and return a sample of lunar soil to Earth, and a prototype of a Sokol (Falcon) Space Suit-K, a pressure suit that was used for on-ground engineering and thermal vacuum tests during Soviet cosmonaut training.
The foundation said in a press release:
"Initially, we will place these three extraordinary artifacts, which the Kansas Cosmosphere & Space Center has so generously loaned to us, in our extended lobby area," said Space Foundation CEO Elliot Pulham. "Then, we'll move them into the El Pomar Space Gallery, as part of the first phase of development of our visitors center."We're particularly excited because these artifacts represent a rich part of space history that few Americans have been exposed to," he continued. "We are very pleased to be able to display some of the meaningful contributions the Soviet Union made to space exploration."
The Kansas Cosmosphere & Space Center is a museum and educational facility in Hutchinson, Kan., that displays and restores spaceflight artifacts and offers educational programs and camps. It is one of only three museums to display flown spacecraft from Mercury, Gemini and Apollo missions, and it has the second-largest collection of flown Soviet and U.S. space artifacts in the world. In addition to being a destination, the Cosmosphere also sponsors traveling exhibits and loans artifacts to other museums and organizations. For more information, go to www.cosmo.org.
"These artifacts on display in our booth at the National Space Symposium are exemplary of the unique and inspiring collection accumulated during our 50-year history and housed at the Kansas Cosmosphere," said Richard Hollowell, interim president & CEO of the Kansas Cosmosphere & Space Center. "We are excited to continue our mission of honoring the past and inspiring the future of space exploration by sharing these fascinating artifacts with visitors to the Space Foundation through an annually renewable three-year loan agreement.
In a related development, industry leader Northrop Grumman Corp. has donated $375,000 to create a science center and teaching lab at the Space Foundation's headquarters.
The press release explains:
To be known as the Northrop Grumman Science Center, the facility will include a Science on a Sphere laboratory and a teaching facility that will be used for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education programs for teachers and students and for community education outreach efforts.The Northrop Grumman Science Center is the first major component of the Space Foundation's visitors center, which is under development at 4425 Arrowswest Drive in Colorado Springs, Colo. Construction will begin immediately and the new center is expected to open as early as this fall.
"This generous gift from Northrop Grumman makes it possible for the Space Foundation to realize our vision of an interactive destination for formal and informal public and private education - advancing STEM in the exciting context of space exploration, development and utilization," said Space Foundation Chief Executive Officer Elliot Pulham. "We envision a facility where children and adults can participate in highly interactive learning opportunities in multiple disciplines, including astronomy, physics, mathematics, geography, environmental sciences, planetary sciences and biology."
The Northrop Grumman Science Center will have both lecture and laboratory facilities that can be used for pre-kindergarten through graduate-level courses, educator professional development and educational multimedia events and presentations for the general public.
"Northrop Grumman is honored to partner with the Space Foundation to create this exciting new educational facility for the Rocky Mountain region that will help lead the next generation into space," said Gary Ervin, a corporate vice president of Northrop Grumman and president of the company's Aerospace Systems sector. "STEM education initiatives like this are critical for today's children to become tomorrow's leaders in space. They are the future stewards of our nation's leadership in technology to keep both our economy strong and our residents secure while advancing our understanding of the world around us."
The Center will extend the reach and capabilities of the Space Foundation's education enterprise, which offers space-themed, standards-based education programs to teachers and students. Programs include Space Across the Curriculum teacher professional development courses, STARS science enrichment programs for schools, New Horizons community programs that combine school-based education programs with community events and lectures, Audience with an Astronaut sessions for schools, school and youth tours of major space industry exhibits, including those at the National Space Symposium, lesson plans and teaching resources and a NASA Educator Resource Center.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
City Gov / Outdoors / Nonprofits Be like a city employee, except ... not
Posted by J. Adrian Stanley on Tue, Apr 17, 2012 at 12:04 PM
Over the last few years, the city has witnessed a lot of brown grass, free-flying trash, weeds and trail damage in its open spaces and parks.
Money has been spotty, and not all of the problems have been addressed adequately by the city. Thus, the city parks department and the Trails and Open Space Coalition have been working together since 2010 to train volunteers that could take up where city workers left off. The program is called the Open Space Volunteers.
But there is a problem. While volunteers can easily pick up trash, it takes special training to be able to maintain and renovate trails. More "crew leaders" are needed to direct larger groups of untrained volunteers. And those are lacking.
This weekend may help to alleviate that shortage. The city parks department, TOSC, the Rocky Mountain Field Institute, the Friends of Red Rock Canyon and the Friends of the Peak are working together to present a weekend-long intensive training. The sessions are free, and 10 of 40 spots remain open.
"This is really different," TOSC executive director Susan Davies says. "We brought these people together to put together a really exhaustive training ... there's a lot of pieces to this and we really hope this takes us to a new level."
Volunteers for the training will receive meals, a "how to" manual, and a free water bottle. To sign up for the training call TOSC at 633-6884, or call City Parks at 385-6542 and ask for Deb.
Not able to dedicate so much time to parks and open space? Davies points out that regular volunteers are still needed to get trails in shape for the summer. Many projects are underway there are four volunteer projects around the city on this Saturday alone. Check openspacevolunteers.org for volunteer opportunities.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Nonprofits / Local News / Education CC celebrates 20 years of helping others
Posted by J. Adrian Stanley on Fri, Apr 13, 2012 at 12:18 PM
College kids get a bad rap sometimes.
People say they're lazy. Entitled. Party animals.
But Colorado College kids have spent the last two decades proving that they have a heart for the community. CC's Community Kitchen is celebrating 20 years of helping the city's homeless and poor get a hot meal.
You can help the college celebrate this milestone Sunday.
Read on:
Colorado Colleges Community Kitchen, one of the oldest student-run community kitchens in the nation, will celebrate its 20th anniversary from noon to 4 p.m., on Sunday, April 15, at Shove Memorial Chapel, 1010 N. Nevada Ave. The meal will be served at 1:30 p.m., and the Colorado Springs community is invited to join in the meal and the celebration.The kitchen will commemorate its anniversary with local bands, speakers on homelessness and poverty and a picnic-style meal
Since 1992, the kitchen has provided a hot meal to the citys hungry and homeless 52 Sundays a year, including summer, winter, Thanksgiving, spring and all block breaks, with students often staying on campus to help operate the kitchen.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Nonprofits Help keep kids safe, get prize
Posted by J. Adrian Stanley on Wed, Apr 4, 2012 at 11:52 AM
- whatleydude
- Mmmm, sandwich.
There's really no way to lose on this one.
Go online to changemob.com and donate a dollar to CASA to help kids escape abuse. Collect a coupon for a free P.B. & Jellies sandwich.
You heard that right: Do something really good, only spend one dollar, get a sandwich.
Do it now.
And when you're done, read up about Change Mob here. It's a swell local company that's giving you good deals and helping our local community.
ChangeMob Rewards People for Doing GoodCause-Marketplace Rewards Giving, Supporting CASA of the Pikes Peak Region April 2012 in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. April 3, 2012 ChangeMob, a forward thinking social start-up, today announced it's partnership with CASA of the Pikes Peak Region for the month of April in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. CASA of the Pikes Peak Region is a nonprofit organization that trains and supervises volunteers to represent the best interests of victims of child abuse, neglect, and severe domestic conflict. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to be a voice for these children in court and in the community. The desired result is that children be placed in safe, loving homes where they can thrive.
Sadly, child abuse and neglect are huge factors in the Pikes Peak region. We jumped on the opportunity to partner with ChangeMob to raise awareness and help create change in the lives of children, one dollar at a time, Tracy Sellars, PR & Marketing Manger for CASA PPR.
ChangeMob users, affectionately referred to as Mobsters, can track exactly where their dollar is being spent by visiting the companys website. Through graphics, social media and live tracking, those who give a dollar can follow ChangeMob as it completes each project, and begins the next.
At ChangeMob we're creating a tribe of compelling causes, socially responsible corporate partners, and engaged Mobsters. We know it's ambitious, but we believe this is how to change the world one dollar at a time, said Jonathan Kuiper, ChangeMob's Founder and Chief TechlanthropistTM.
ChangeMob will be offering a host of deals throughout the month of April benefitting CASA PPR. Deals are available at changemob.com or through iPhone, iPad and Android apps. Simply click to give a dollar and unlock an exclusive deal. The reward can be redeemed from your phone, or you can print off a copy. 100% of the one-dollar donation will go directly to CASA of the Pikes Peak Region.
To learn more about ChangeMob, visit changemob.com or facebook.com/thechangemob.About ChangeMob
Founded in 2011, The ChangeMob uses social application-based technology to change the world one dollar at a time. The focus of the company is to end global poverty, make historical change, reward people for doing good, and change the world with a dollar. For more information visit noninterchangeable.# # # #
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Entertainment / Nonprofits Mark your calendars for inauguration day
Posted by Edie Adelstein on Tue, Apr 3, 2012 at 8:28 PM
At high noon this Saturday, April 7, the new Mayor of Divide will be sworn into office.
And to no one's surprise, the voters' choice is Walter, the three-legged cat. The front-runner all along, he finished with nearly 4,000 votes when voting closed at 7 o'clock tonight. Nakai the wolf was a distant second, at 1,761. None of the other candidates even broke 1,000.
Of course, the ultimate winner is Teller County Regional Animal Shelter, which benefits from the votes; they cost a dollar-donation apiece.
The ceremony will take place at the TCRAS (located at 308 Weaverville Road, behind the sheriff's office), with a barbecue lunch to follow.
Friday, March 9, 2012
City Gov / Nonprofits City gets grant to help injured vets, but ...
Posted by J. Adrian Stanley on Fri, Mar 9, 2012 at 2:31 PM
The City of Colorado Springs Therapeutic Recreation Program has long been helping injured and disabled vets and other citizens in the area to move their bodies.
Now the program has something to celebrate, but also some uncertainty on the horizon.
A recent $31,000 grant from the United States Olympic Committee‘s U.S. Paralympics division, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the National Recreation and Park Association will help further the program's aim to help injured veterans. (The program also gets funding from the city to help others in the community.)
But one of the program's main stomping grounds could be in jeopardy. The city's Cottonwood Creek Recreation Center has long been used for the program's summer camp, aqua rehab classes, fitness classes for adults with developmental disabilities and programs for injured vets. But it's not been determined if the pool with still be available to that program if the YMCA takes over city pools in April.
The TR program also uses other facilities scattered across the city, but Cottonwood is an important resource, especially since it has a pool, which is essential to many of the activities.
- expertinfantry
City Therapeutic Recreation Program receives $31,000 in grant funding from USOC and NRPA to serve injured service members and veterans in Colorado Springs
The City of Colorado Springs Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Program has received $31,000 in grant funding to continue programming for injured service members and veterans in Colorado Springs; $11,000 from the United States Olympic Committee‘s U.S. Paralympics division through funding provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and $20,000 from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)’s Parks: Return & Restore program, a partnership between U.S. Paralympics and NRPA.This funding allows the TR Program to offer adaptive sports and physical training opportunities for injured service members and expand opportunities for injured veterans in the Colorado Springs community.
“The TR Program has been fortunate to be recipients of these grants. Over the years we have been thrilled to witness changes in physical activity and self-confidence through participation in program activities of biathlon, adaptive cycling, and adaptive sports. We look forward to continuing to grow our programming to benefit disabled service members in our community by implementing additional activities of archery, “Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies”, and more adaptive sports. We’ve seen firsthand the transformation of injured service members that can happen through sport and physical activity, from overall improved health, to adjustment to disability and maximizing individuals’ abilities, to transitioning back into the local community,” said Diane Ridderhoff, TR Program Supervisor.More than $4.4M in funds from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has been awarded to 95 community organizations around the country. Through this program, grants ranging from $2,500 to $500,000 were provided to increase the number and quality of opportunities for physically or visually impaired Veterans to participate in physical activity within their home communities and in more advanced Paralympic sport programs at the regional and national levels.
“This funding is already having a tremendous impact on disabled veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forces,” said USOC CEO Scott Blackmun. “Through the USOC/Veterans Affairs partnership many community programs have been able to expand their programming and provide increased opportunities for Veterans to participate.”
The City of Colorado Springs Therapeutic Recreation Program was officially designated a Paralympic Sport Club in July 2008 by U.S. Paralympics. As a Paralympic Sport Club, the Therapeutic Recreation Program provides club sport programs, Paralympic Academies, and sport clinics. For more information, visit www.SpringsGov.com/TR.
# # #
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Nonprofits / Rants & Raves / National News WWI vets may be honored; too bad they're all dead
Posted by J. Adrian Stanley on Wed, Mar 7, 2012 at 10:54 AM
Guess what? The veterans of World War I may finally get a commemorative coin and a proper national memorial to their sacrifice.
I know this, because the press release I received this morning told me so.
Really, if I hadn't gotten that e-mail I would have never guessed that America hadn't done all that stuff already. I mean, this is a world war we're talking about. Millions of Americans served. It seems crazy that our country never bothered to acknowledge that. America has a national memorial to Robert E. Lee, for crying out loud. A guy who fought against the United States.
Now, I guess this latest move is supposed to be good news — because America hasn't forgotten its history. But what is there for us to be proud of, really? The last American World War I veteran, Frank Buckles, died last year. And that means not a single vet from the "Great War" will be able to appreciate this honor.
Depressing, isn't it?
ANA encourages members to support efforts to create a World War I commemorative coinThe American Numismatic Association is asking members to support legislative efforts to create a commemorative dollar coin honoring World War I veterans.
The United States has memorialized the Civil War, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War on U.S. commemorative coins, but no coin honors World War I veterans. ANA Numismatic Educator Rod Gillis is working to correct that oversight.
“It was really surprising to me that World War I veterans were never honored with their own coin,” Gillis said. “This legislation will help give these veterans proper recognition.”
More than two years ago, Gillis launched the effort to create this commemorative. Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.) agreed to sponsor H.R. 4107, the “World War I American Veterans Centennial Commemorative Coin Act.”
Under the proposed law, the coin would be minted in 2017 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of America’s participation in World War I. The United States formally declared war against Germany and entered the conflict in Europe on April 6, 1917. More than
4 million U.S. men and women served in uniform during World War I, and more than 2 million American soldiers served overseas.For every coin sold, a surcharge would go to the World War I Memorial Foundation in Washington, D.C. This group was founded after Frank Buckles, the last surviving American World War I veteran, visited the District of Columbia War Memorial on the National Mall in March 2008.
Buckles observed that this memorial — dedicated in 1931 to the 499 District of Columbia residents who gave their lives in that war — sat neglected and in extreme disrepair. Noting that there is no national World War I memorial, he issued a call for the memorial’s restoration and re-dedication as a National and District of Columbia World War I Memorial.
“The new memorial will honor all World War I veterans and make Frank Buckles’ dream a reality,” said Gillis, who is currently working to secure a sponsor for the bill in the U.S. Senate.
Please contact your Congressional representative and voice your support. Contact information can be found at www.house.gov/representatives/.If you have questions about this effort, please contact Gillis at 719-482-9845 or email gillis@money.org.
The American Numismatic Association is a congressionally chartered, nonprofit educational organization dedicated to encouraging people to study and collect money and related items. The ANA helps its 28,000 members and the public discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of education and outreach programs, as well as its museum, library, publications, conventions and seminars. For more information, call 719-632-2646 or go to www.money.org.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Nonprofits / Local News Cindy Fowler: tribute to a friend and community leader
Posted by John Hazlehurst on Fri, Mar 2, 2012 at 3:25 PM
Remember “shaggy dog” stories? Long, deliberately tedious, fancifully embroidered stories that end with an abrupt, unexpected joke? Here’s one:
A young man abandons his home, family, and job to seek truth. He travels for many years and endures terrible hardship (here, the storyteller goes on at length about the journeys and hardships). At last he reaches the cave of the legendary Crystal Guru high in the Himalayas. Famished, sick, and weak he falls to his knees and asks the Guru the question that has obsessed him for so many years:
“O wisest of the wise,” he asked, “what is the meaning of life?”
The Guru, bathed in celestial light, doesn’t hesitate.
“Life is a fountain.”
“What!!??” said the young man. “What kind of ridiculous crap is that? You mean I’ve endured all of this to hear you say this utter nonsense? I’ve thrown away my life, and this is all you can say??!! You better tell me the truth!!!”
“All right,” said the Guru with a shrug. “Life isn’t a fountain.”
Cindy Fowler, who died on Wednesday at 53 after a long struggle with breast cancer, might have laughed at that story — but the young man’s question would never have occurred to her.
She knew the meaning of life. She knew that life could be short, that each day was precious, that time wasted was time lost.
Her achievements were significant, but her character both trumped and made possible those achievements.
She knew what was important — having a good marriage with Chuck, raising Emily, being kind and giving to friends, acquaintances, and strangers, working to enrich her community, learning from mentors, and teaching others to lead. She was tough and strong, but never pointlessly angry, a leader who never bullied or blustered, and a merry companion to her friends during happy hour at her favorite downtown bar.
The opening sentence of Gone with the Wind could have been written about Cindy.
“Scarlett O’Hara was not beautiful, but men seldom realized it when caught by her charm…”
Like Scarlett, Cindy had abundant good looks and overwhelming presence. Unlike Scarlett, she used her force and presence to enrich the lives of everyone she touched. Her message was simple: Work with me and make our community better.
Diagnosed with a particularly virulent and aggressive form of breast cancer five years ago, Cindy didn’t waste her time in self-pity. She fought the cancer, and went on with her life. Here’s her last message, posted on caringbridge.com:
“There is nothing like a breast cancer diagnosis and a strong dose of chemotherapy to make you feel like your world is spinning out of control. As a Type-A, 'fingers on the pulse of the community' type of gal, I was not ready to give into uncertainty, weakness and life altering change. So, on a spring day in 2008 when I could barely get off the couch and my brain was at about 50% of normal function, ideas flew and the Cowgirls & Cocktails fundraiser was born, with the hope of helping women breast cancer in El Paso County.
Fast forward two short years, we pulled together great volunteers, hundreds of friends, hot bartenders, Jim Beam, Coors, Leaping Horse Vineyards, restaurants, caterers, local vendors and press. The outcome - Cowgirls & Cocktails has raised over $25,000.00. Through different organizations, we have been able to reach women on a grassroots level, assisting with everything from taxi vouchers to providing much needed goody bags filled with products to aid in the surgical healing process, both mentally and physically. We are touching those in need on a very basic level.
Cowgirls and Cocktails speaks to my heart and lives up to our vision. Women joining together to support one another is a powerful statement, especially when they all wear pink, and they all like to have fun! This event makes each of us realize how lucky we are to have each other and is a celebration of life at its best. Please join us on Thursday, June 7th, 2012. We have only just begun to make our mark!”
Cindy, we’ll be there. And Friday night at the Famous we missed you, and Chuck, and Emily. I’m proud to have been one of your legions of friends. There will be tears — but you’ll be remembered with joy. You died too soon. I don’t know what else to say — there’s not much to add after reading a few dozen of the 200-plus deeply felt posts about you on caringbridge.com.
Peter Husak, with whom you worked for 15 years, may have spoken for us all.
“She made me better than I am.”
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Nonprofits / Music Philharmonic to play it pretty safe in 2012-13
Posted by Bill Forman on Sat, Feb 18, 2012 at 8:00 PM
After all, the season’s special guest artist will be Sir James Galway (left), an Irish flautist whose name is virtually synonymous with mainstream classical crossover. Upon leaving the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra in 1975, Galway launched a solo career that includes his ongoing collaboration with the Chieftains, performances on two Pink Floyd songs during Roger Waters’ “The Wall — Live in Berlin Concert,” and a flashy adaptation of “Flight of the Bumblebee.”
But while Galway’s folk and pop crossover inclinations have helped move some 30 million albums, the flautist continues to draw upon the classical canon for his recordings and performances. At this point, the repertoire for his March 21, 2013 performance is still up in the air, so we’ll see if he can resist using his Colorado date as an excuse to dust off his hit version of John Denver’s “Annie’s Song.”
Likewise, the season’s repertoire is dominated by well-known composers — as evidenced by Masterworks pairings like Shostakovich and Schumann, Wagner and Beethoven, Mozart and Prokofiev, Stravinski and Debussy, and a closing performance of Verdi Requiem.
Scratch the surface, though, and the season becomes more interesting.
Most importantly, Josep Caballé-Domenech will be conducting 20 performances, nearly twice as many as this current season. When the fiery conductor from Barcelona came onboard as music director last year (read the Indy interview here), his schedule was already filled with guest conducting commitments around the world. Now he's got more time, and his ability to bring out the best in the orchestra is almost guaranteed to add renewed inspiration to even the most well-known works.
Caballé-Domenech’s personal impact on the repertoire is most obvious in two Masterworks programs: “The Pines of Rome” season opener includes works by Verdi, Rota and Respighi that the conductor recently recorded with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. He's also recruited Joaquín Achúcarro — a Basque Spanish classical pianist with more than 30 albums to his credit — as the guest soloist for “Gardens of Spain,” a late-season program that will include works by Arriaga, De Falla, Grieg and Turina.
Another important change this season will be the incorporation of ambitious multimedia elements into the Vanguard Performances series.
While the actual works in the series — Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition,” Copland’s “Appalachian Spring,” and Sibelius’ “Symphony Number 5” — may not be particularly vanguard at this point, their presentation will be. Drawing upon the Chicago Symphony’s “Beyond the Score” program, each work will be preceded by a half-hour presentation that combines orchestral excerpts, live actors, film, photos and narration.
You can go to the Colorado Springs Philharmonic’s website for a full schedule of the 2012-13 season, including traditional holiday programming and a Philharmonic Pops series with programs devoted to Led Zeppelin, Danny Elfman, Casablanca and John Williams.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Nonprofits / Local News How to feel good about an oil change
Posted by Molly Mrazek on Mon, Feb 6, 2012 at 7:46 PM
- Aspen Auto Clinic
Getting an oil change is one of those things that you never want to do, but you have to do — if you want your car to continue running, that is. Aspen Auto Clinic's new offer may not completely change your outlook on getting it done, but it will make you feel a bit better while you're there.
In its "Oil Changes That Change the World" program, Aspen is helping out local nonprofits, schools and churches by offering to donate $40 for every oil change package bought in the name of that organization.
Interested friends, families, clients and other supporters can choose from three packages, ranging from $80 to $240, that include five oil changes and free tire rotation with no expiration date. (Organizations interested in participating can contact the fundraiser's project manager.)
The auto clinic's founder, Greg Bunch, says he wants to give back to the community in thanks for the support his business has gotten over the years. Over the next two years, he hopes to raise $1 million for local organizations.
For more information visit: aspenautoclinic.com or any one of its four Colorado Springs locations.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Nonprofits / Local News City suffers a loss with Bob Small's sudden passing
Posted by Ralph Routon on Sun, Feb 5, 2012 at 8:15 AM
Our city is powered by many wonderful people who often work behind the scenes to make huge differences to local organizations and individuals.
Bob Small has been one of those people.
In his role as associate director of the Pikes Peak Community Foundation, Small has always made the extra effort to make the local philanthropic and nonprofit scene thrive.
And since 2003, Bob and his wife Beth have built many more friendships in a different way, as owners of The Wine Store on 523 S. Cascade Ave.
Sadly, though, all those references have to become past tense now. Last Sunday, Small suffered a major heart attack, reportedly after a typical (for him) bicycle run that kept him in great physical shape. Friday afternoon, he passed away at the age of 61.
Following is a letter sent out late Friday from Michael Hannigan, executive director of the Pikes Peak Community Foundation:
Today at about 4:20 pm, my close friend and wonderful colleague, Bob Small, passed away. Bob suffered a massive heart attack last Sunday, and never regained consciousness. A good, good man of integrity and tremendous generosity…we will miss him so much.
Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers as they strive to understand this sudden and completely unexpected end to Bob’s life.
I will be in touch as we know more about a memorial celebration of Bob’s life. Please forward this email to those who may have known Bob.
With best regards to you all,
Michael Hannigan
Independent publisher John Weiss worked with Bob through the IndyGive! campaign, which is a project of the foundation's Community Fund.
“Our heart goes out to Bob and his whole family, including all his non-related kin at PPCF," Weiss said. "Bob, always caring and a great listener, got needed things done. Everyone who knows him feels emptier for his passing."
We will post more information about services as it comes available.
- File photo
- Bob Small with his wife Beth at The Wine Store.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Eco News / City Gov / Nonprofits Unwanted office supplies looking for new home
Posted by Molly Mrazek on Thu, Jan 26, 2012 at 10:47 AM
Some offices have large copiers with a million trap doors that seemingly lead to an office machine version of Narnia. They've since replaced this old copy machine with a newer version that spits out copies at lightspeed; however, like any sturdy, reliable machine, old Narnia still works.
The city of Colorado Springs sees this as an opportunity to recycle. On Feb. 6, the city's holding its annual supply-swap, Supply-O-Grab.
Local businesses are encouraged to clean out their supply closets and bring their working office items to the City Administration Building (30 S. Nevada Ave., #102) on Feb. 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Nonprofits (with proof of nonprofit status) are then invited to come by from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 6 and peruse the old supplies and take what they need.
According to the City's website, common items include 3-ring binders, printer cartridges, typewriters, overhead projectors, and microfiche machines among other things. (You never know when nostalgia may hit and need to hear the satisfying "click click click DING" of an old typewriter.)
In all seriousness though, clear some much-needed space in your office and let someone else benefit from it by participating in Supply-O-Grab.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Nonprofits UPDATE: Gill points to other meeting spots
Posted by J. Adrian Stanley on Tue, Jan 17, 2012 at 1:24 PM
A Gill Foundation representative contacted the Indy today to say that a decision on the fate of the shuttered Colorado Springs offices of the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado will come later than we originally reported.
A new renter or owner for the Costilla Street building will likely be announced in April or May.
——- ORIGINAL POST, MONDAY, 8:29 A.M. ——-
With the closing of the Colorado Springs branch of the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado at the end of 2011, many lost more than a favorite advocate for equal rights in the community. Local nonprofits, for instance, had used the Center's offices to host meetings, free-of-charge.
The Gill Foundation, the fund's parent and owner of the building, is aware of the loss and wants to help. I spoke with a Gill representative recently, who told me that the foundation hasn't yet decided what to do with its gorgeous building on East Costilla Street, but would likely make a call in February or March. It's not clear if the building will be sold or leased, or if the new occupant will allow the space to be used by nonprofits.
The representative, however, said the Gill Foundation has been trying to inform nonprofits of other free meeting spots available to them in Colorado Springs. She even had a list.
Since the closure affected so many organizations, the list seemed worth posting. Here it is:
Alternative free event space in Colorado Springs:AspenPointe Café and Catering in the Citizen’s Service Center on Garden of the Gods Road
http://aspenpointe.org/
Contact: Karen Harding, 719.237.2380 or Karen.harding@aspenpointe.org
o 50 person meeting room with possibility of larger accommodations
o Onsite food and beverage (including Starbuck’s)
o AV equipment available
o Schedule in advance, based on availabilityPikes Peak United Way
www.ppunitedway.org
Reservation form must be made through the website; form on “Contact Us” page.
o Two rooms, one for 12-15 people, another with a kitchen holds 30-40 people
o Must bring own catering/food in
o Must bring all presentation equipment; Ethernet is available
o Schedule 2 weeks+ in advanceEl Pomar Foundation, Penrose House Nonprofit Event & Conference Center
http://www.elpomar.org/what-we-do/penrose-house-conference-center
Reservation form must be made through the website.
Also open TWO Saturdays a month.
o Space is for nonprofit and gov’t entities, and only if they are not charging for the event and it is NOT a fundraiser.
o Approved caterers only.
o AV equipment available at no costPikes Peak Library District — Community room in downtown branch, smaller rooms at the east branch (no fundraisers or costs associated with the event)
Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments — Large training room available
Pikes Peak YMCA
Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau — meeting room available
Metropolitan Community Church — meeting room available, contact Rev. Wes Mullins revwmullins@gmail.com, 719.634.3771, www.ppmcc.org
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Entertainment / Nonprofits / Music / Theater Indy Minute
Posted by Jack Ward on Wed, Jan 4, 2012 at 5:37 PM
Tune in to the Indy Minute — as seen on ABC affiliate KRDO News Channel 13 — each week for details on all the events that entertain and bring our community together. It's simulcast on KRDO News Radio 105.5 FM and 1240 AM.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Nonprofits UPDATE: Give! closes at $515,371.97, with more to come
Posted by Ralph Routon on Sun, Jan 1, 2012 at 6:28 AM
Another record-smashing Give! campaign has ended, with the late rush of online donations taking the total all the way to $515,371.97.
But that won't be the final amount going to 49 area nonprofits. Not even close.
Checks that were dated Dec. 31 and put in the mail before the deadline of 11:59 p.m. Saturday will continue to arrive for a few days, and they will count. We've heard anecdotal reports of several nonprofits putting many checks into the mail Saturday, so we'll be ready to include those.
Then, matching grants and pledges will come into play, and they're certain to add more than $180,000 to the total, which eventually could climb to the vicinity of $700,000. In other words, an increase of well more than 50 percent from 2010. Considering that the goal for this campaign was $555,555.55, that's an extraordinary reflection on the community as a whole.
Final numbers will be determined and announced by mid-January, and checks will be distributed at the Give! awards celebration on Jan. 31.
—————LAST POST, 1:48 P.M., SATURDAY—————
You did it! This amazingly generous community has just lifted the Indy's Give! campaign over the half-million threshold, as donations now stand at $502,469.97 as of 1:45 p.m. Saturday.
The campaign ends at 11:59 p.m. tonight, as we say farewell to 2011. So that's still 10 more hours for anyone to join in the thrill of helping local nonprofits that serve the Colorado Springs area in so many ways. Go to indygive.com to follow the campaign's progress on its stretch run ... and perhaps to add more to that total.
—————LAST POST, 6:35 A.M.—————
Finally, New Year's Eve has arrived, but Dec. 31 means more to those who care about many of the area's nonprofits serving the Colorado Springs area.
This is also the final day of the Independent's third annual Give! campaign, which means you have until 11:59 p.m. tonight to make your donations online at indygive.com or mail them with a Dec. 31 postmark.
Our total as of 6:35 a.m. Saturday has reached $490,702.97, which means donors came through with more than $26,000 just yesterday. Now we'll see if Give! can jump past $500,000 in the final hours.
The ultimate goal is $555,555.55, but we're guaranteed now to obliterate that total, which seemed so elusive back in early November when the 2011 campaign began. Now, with more than $150,000 in matching grants and pledges, this year's effort should end up exceeding $650,000.
To the many who already have been so generous, thank you. To those who still want to give, there are still lots of incentives for you, with plenty of rewards still available for gifts as little as $33. Go to indygive.com and check out the possibilities.
Oh, and Happy New Year!
—————ORIGINAL POST, 6:32 A.M. FRIDAY—————
For those who've waited until the end to join in making donations to the Indy's 2011 Give! campaign benefiting 49 local nonprofits, your time has come.
The two-month effort ends at 11:59 p.m. Saturday night, Dec. 31. But you literally have until that moment to make your gift via indygive.com as we push toward new records with 100 percent of donations going directly to the participating nonprofits.
As of 6:30 a.m. Friday, the Give! campaign stands $464,209.97, pushing toward the ultimate goal of $555,555.55. Actually, with more than $150,000 in matching funds and pledges, the total obviously will advance well beyond the goal and, if the procrastinators pull through, the final number might make it to $650,000.
The area's generosity is remarkable, given that last year's donations totaled $336,872.44 with a goal of $333,333, but after the matching grants were added, the final total surpassed $422,000.
