MEDIA BUZZ: 'Extreme Makeover' family visits Springs–Show Premieres Today!

Glad the Springs got to show off what it’s got!

Don’t you often feel like Colorado Springs’ national image could use an extreme makeover?

Well, here’s a step in the right direction:

At 7 p.m. Friday on ABC,  “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” will kick off its new season with a big fat wet kiss to The Broadmoor and Colorado Springs.

The episode will focus on the Keefer family, which gets a blow-out dream vacation at The Broadmoor while their home in Etters, Pa., gets a rebuild.

The show focuses primarily on Brian Keefer, a young athlete paralyzed in a 2008 gymnastic accident. This remodel will turn the Keefer’s family home into one of the most handicapped accessible houses ever made, with a separate entrance and space for Brian.

Expect a tearjerker. Expect Colorado Springs to look prettier than you’ve ever seen it. And expect The Broadmoor to dazzle — even though The Broadmoor folks had to put this together on the fly.

Turns out, the original dream vacation venue didn’t pan out.

“We received a call on Thursday late afternoon from the producer,” said Broadmoor spokeswoman Allison Scott. “From Thursday night to their arrival late Saturday night,  we had to obtain rooms that could accommodate Brian and his family with the appropriate access, find rooms for the crew, get a special hospital bed, a lift and figure out all locations and transportation.”

But those are only some of the moving parts involved in getting an instant vacation for the Keefer family. For the trip up and down Pikes Peak, a tour of the area via helicopter, a bowling jaunt to Mr. Bigg’s Family Fun Center and the rest, it took coordination with the Broadmoor staff, the TV crew, the Colorado Springs Film Commission and many others.

“This really showed the best of the Springs and how truly wonderful our community is when we’re pressed into action for a great cause,” Scott said.

The show airs on ABC Friday, October 21, in a two hour special.

Also, check out this video of Scott and Adam Keefer teasing each other while describing the trip and what it has meant to them and their family: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFquxKdvRlk

Source: http://www.gazette.com/articles/media-12487-colsprings-springs-buzz.html#ixzz1bQXobf4F

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Top 10 Things To Do In Colorado Springs

 

It's easy to live in a city and never really take advantage of everything it has to offer. You think to yourself, "Oh, I live here so I'll always have a chance to do it later!" But that's no way to live. You never know what might not be available later on.   

Below is a list of some of the best things to do and places to visit in and around the Springs. Which ones have you done? Which ones are you planning to do?

“1. CHEYENNE MT. ZOO

One of the best zoos, if somewhat unknown, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo sits on the side of a mountain at 6,800 feet above sea level. The zoo boasts more than 500 types of animal, many of which live in environments specifically built for them. The zoo is home, as well, to 30 endangered species including the Siberian tiger.

Probably the most "famous" of the animals at this zoo are the giraffes, which are the most prolific captive herd in the world. There's an antique carousel, built in the same year that the zoo was founded. Some of the more popular exhibits include Primate World which brings you up close and personal with an amazing variety of monkeys and apes, Wolf Woods with it's endangered wolves in their mountainside habitat, Asian Highlands featuring Siberian tigers, Amur leopards and other cats in their natural habitats.

All of this comes with a fabulous view of the city below. If you're not up to the hiking, there's a

tram that you can ride all day for only $1.00. Ride up and walk down if you like.

2. AIR FORCE ACADEMY

A trip to the Springs wouldn't be complete without a trip to the Academy, which just celebrated it's 50th anniversary.

See the fabulous Cadet Chapel with it's 17 sparkling spires that rise 150 feet into the air. The chapel is open Monday through Saturday for most of the year. It's closed for a few days around graduation when many of the graduating officers have weddings there. See Arnold Hall and the Honor Court as well as Falcon Stadium.

3. GARDEN OF THE GODS

Spectacular - that's the only way to describe the Garden of the Gods. It's really the site you most see in advertisement for the Springs. (As a matter of fact, I saw a Colorado Spring travel poster featuring this rock garden when walking down the Champs Elysees in Paris.)

The garden is made up of giant red sandstone formations worn smooth over millions of years by the elements. The park has a wide variety of nice, easy hiking trails. Or take a horseback ride through the park. (Some fools get married there)

The beautiful, new visitor center offers maps and exhibits on the area as well as a cafeteria. Don't miss the 12 minute theater presentation How Did Those Red Rocks Get There? ($2 adults, $1 children 5-12, free for children under 5). Technical rock climbing is allowed in some areas but climbers are required to register at the visitor center.

4. PIKES PEAK

Pikes Peak towers over the city from it's 14,110 foot height. This famous landmark is perhaps best known as the spot which inspired Katherine Lee Bates to write America the Beautiful. From the summit, one can indeed see spacious skies and off in the vast distance, amber waves of grain.

There are two options for reaching the summit: the Pikes Peak highway or the Cog Railway. If you've driven from the plains, you may want to reconsider taking your car up the highway. Your carburetor will be set for a much lower altitude and your car may not like the trip. This trip is not for those with an extreme fear of heights and ESPECIALLY for those with heart or breathing problems. Even those in great shape may feel lightheaded - don't hesitate to get help if that is the case. They keep plenty of oxygen handy for just that eventuality.

The highway is paved for the first 7 miles then gravel from there to the top. There are 156 curves and, if you drive, you'll come to appreciate those intrepid racers that speed up the mountain every July.

The other alternative is the cog railway. From this very nice train, you can relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery, especially once you break out of the forest at timberline - 11,500 feet. Watch for the bighorn sheep and the marmots. The marmots, while cute, are a major pain to hikers and climbers alike. The 9-mile route takes 75 minutes. You'll have 40 minutes at the top to enjoy the view, the restaurant and the gift shop. Then it's down again in the Swiss built rail car.

Remember, it's likely to be cold and windy at the summit, even on the hottest summer days.”

Read more http://www.essortment.com/top-10-things-colorado-springs-32074.html 

Photo from http://images.businessweek.com/ss/09/10/1022_40_strongest_us_metro_economies/25.htm

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Utilities signs $73.5 million contract to clean power plant emissions

New contract for environmentally-friendly technology means cleaner emissions, savings for ratepayers, and new jobs for residents!

“Colorado Springs Utilities signed a $73.5 million contract Tuesday with a local company to install environmentally-friendly technology in the Martin Drake Power Plant’s smoke stacks, intended to lower the plant’s sulfur dioxide emissions to almost zero.

In anticipation of new emissions regulations handed down by the federal and state governments, Utilities began working with Colorado Springs-based Neumann Systems Group Inc. in 2008 to develop new processes for cleaning the output from the tons of coal it burns every day.

Earlier this year, Neumann won a $7.2 million contract from the federal Department of Energy to further develop its emissions-scrubbing technology, and now the company can boast a system that removes 97 percent of the sulfur dioxide in Drake’s emissions, said Neumann Vice President of Operations Suzanne Kladder.

The total cost of the installation at Drake will be roughly $113 million, said Utilities Chief Energy Services Officer Bruce McCormick, because they’ll also have to hire a contractor to do the labor. Neumann will design and manufacture the mechanism, and also purchase equipment and oversee the project. A contractor has not yet been hired for the job.

The contract also includes financial incentives for Neumann — if the project is completed on time and if the system exceeds expectations, the company may get up to a 5 percent bonus, or $3.6 million.

The system, called Neustream, will also save ratepayers money, said McCormick, by helping drive down operating costs for Utilities in the long run. Competing systems are more expensive to operate and maintain, and also use more expensive chemicals, said McCormick. Though $113 million may sound like a steep price, he said, other systems run up to $150 million.

“It’s going to have lower operating and maintenance costs, and that’s what carries on forever through the life of the plant. So there are savings in multiple ways in this technology,” said McCormick.

Neustream works by rerouting emissions gas through a liquid composite that absorbs sulfur dioxide, or SO2. The liquid is pumped out of the stack, processed, and then sent back into circulation, to absorb more SO2. Work on the project will start this year and be completed by 2014.

McCormick said Utilities will hire at least 15 full-time employees to run the Neustream system after it’s completed.

Regulations for the Ray Nixon Power Plant have also been written by the state, but those haven’t yet been addressed. Utilities spokeswoman Natalie Eckhart said in an email that Neumann might also be hired to install Neustream at Nixon, but nothing has been finalized.”

Read more: http://www.gazette.com/articles/plant-126184-power-contract.html#ixzz1a129b1DV

Photo from: http://www.csu.org/residential/about/newsroom/photos/item2430.jpg

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Your Guide To Apartment Living: Pre-Furnished Or Unfurnished?

Not sure whether a furnished or unfurnished apartment is right for you? Fireside Suites offers both. Read on for tips on how to decide!

“When you are searching for an apartment that fits your needs, you are presented with a number of different choices, that each have their ups and downs. One choice that you will have to make, is between moving into a pre-furnished apartment, or an empty apartment that you will have to furnish yourself. Read further as I evaluate the pros and cons of each option.

Pre-Furnished Apartments

Pros:

In pre-furnished apartments, you are provided with the standard furniture necessary for living. A bed, several tables, a few chairs, and a possible desk will be included in the apartment; it'll essentially be equipped as a hotel room would be (a big plus for short-term tenants).

• The provided furniture is usually of the same brand and follows a uniform style. This means you will be able to rearrange the items throughout your apartment without running into an unattractive design conflict.
• If you are not already in the possession of furniture, you will be saved both the time and expenses of shopping for new furniture.
• If you are planning to stay for a short period of time, do not spend much time at home, or do not wish to have guests over, you will not have a problem sticking with the included furniture; to you, a home is for sleeping and eating in, and nothing more.

Cons:

• The most obvious downside to this option, is that it will have a higher monthly rate than an unfurnished equivalent.
• If you already have your own furniture, you may run out of space quickly when it is combined with the included items.
• If you break an included item, you will have to pay to replace it. Costs such as this are often unexpected, and therefore dangerous to a low income household. If you were to make specific calculations, you'd find that the amount of money you've spent in both replacement costs and monthly rental fees, will be higher than if you had just bought the exact same item to own for yourself.

Unfurnished Apartments

Pros:

• In unfurnished apartments, you have complete creative freedom over the décor that you bring into the household. You do not have to fit in with a pre-selected color palette or material selection; it's completely up to you to bring out your inner artist through home decoration.
• The monthly rental fees are much cheaper than the equivalent apartments that are pre-furnished.
• If you already own essential furniture (i.e. a bed, table, and couple of chairs), then you will be able to live comfortably until you can afford more furniture (if you even need any more)

Cons:

• If you don't have your own furniture, you'll be greeted by an absolutely empty apartment. Unless you can afford a bed, or comforter at the very least, you'll have to get used to sleeping on the floor.
• You must take the time to shop for furniture and decorate your apartment. If you are artistically-challenged, an unfurnished apartment is not for you.”

Read more: http://www.infobarrel.com/Your_Guide_To_Apartment_Living%3A_Pre-Furnished_Or_Unfurnished%3F#ixzz1ZMDMxwDJ

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Car thefts on the rise in the Springs

Attention Fireside residents! The FBI’s annual Uniform Crime Report shows that car thefts are becoming more frequent in the Springs area. Read on to make sure you are being as safe as possible.

“According to the report thefts are down around 7.2 percent nationwide, but Colorado Auto Theft Investigators are reporting a nearly 23 percent increase in auto thefts in Colorado Springs since 2009.

A lot of newer cars are equipped with multiple anti-theft devices such as alarms and smart-keys, but experts said there are things drivers can do to make their cars look less enticing that won't cost a dime.

"First and foremost, so many of us might forget to lock our vehicle, and I think if we can just remember to always make sure our windows are all up and the vehicle is locked," Allstate Agency Owner Cally O'Donnell said.

O'Donnell said she hasn't noticed an increase in thefts in her customers, but she's not surprised by the statistics.

"The economy can have a play in increased instances. There's also just some other interesting factors that you'll see. Geography can play a role, you can see proximity when you look at some of the reasons behind theft. I mean, some of them they are purely just theft for economics, they're stealing it to take it to a chop shop and break it down, or you know what's it being used for? In certain border states you might see an increase in it as well with certain vehicle types so geography definitely plays a role," O'Donnell said.

She recommended parking cars in well-lit areas and close to entrances.

"Keep it as close to the entrance as possible or as close to an area where you have traffic, people moving to and from the apartment building, through the parking lot. Those that are parked you know furthest away from the buildings in the darkest spots they're gonna be a bigger target because people can move in and out without being detected," O'Donnell said.

Experts said those with some extra cash should consider VIN etching or installing after market alarms.

"Anything that you can do to help cause attention, draw attention, that create a loud noise is certainly not gonna hurt," O'Donnell said.

Those in the market for a new car should look for one that offers anti-theft devices such as smart-keys.

"Basically what Ford has done is they have key systems that don't allow the vehicle to be started unless the key is present. There's a computer chip in there that talks to the computer on board that doesn't allow that vehicle to be hot wired or stolen in any way," Brent Hall, General Sales Manager with Phil Long Ford of Chapel Hills, said.

O'Donnell said drivers should never underestimate what a thief will do, and cars should never be left running with the keys inside, even if it's just for a second.

Read more: http://www.coloradoconnection.com/news/story.aspx?id=665611

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World Trade Center Beam Unveiled in Colorado Springs

World Trade Center Beam Unveiled in Colorado Springs

The Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station will serve as the new home for a September 11 artifact, as a beam from the World Trade Center was put on display after a ceremony Monday morning.

The World Trade Center beam will be a part of a display at CMAFS paying tribute to the men and women who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks. Members of the 21st Space Wing unveiled the artifact in front of a crowd of supporters. High-ranking members of the Air Force gave emotional speeches on how important the display would be to Colorado Springs.

"This is not just for Cheyenne Mountain...a lasting remembrance," Colonel Joseph Turk said.

According to Air Force officials, the beam is one of eight artifacts from 9/11 displayed in Colorado Springs. The beam was donated by the National Homeland Defense Foundation (NHDF). University of Colorado at Colorado Springs students built the display. Pleased with the work UCCS students did, NHDF says the university will soon receive another 9/11 artifact to transform into a future tribute display.

http://www.kktv.com/military/headlines/World_Trade_Center_Beam_To_Be_Unveiled__129641598.html

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Faces of Freedom Event at the World Arena

 

How are you honoring September 11th?  Why not come down to the World Arena for a very special event:

LifeQuest transitions will host a 9-11 Faces of Freedom event at the World Arena in Colorado Springs to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attack on the United States. World renowned musicians, entertainers and public figures will be among those who gather to remember the fateful day and salute those who have answered the call to serve and those who continue to pay the price for Freedom. This tribute honors our men and women returning home from military service and heightens awareness of the physical and invisible wounds suffered along with the far-reaching effects on the individuals, families and society for generations to come. The event challenges our communities to develop and facilitate community blue prints that will effectively re-integrate the hundreds of thousands of military personnel and families back to meaningful civilian lives.

Program Agenda – The Faces of Freedom event will include:

Video Documentary – Special video footage of our wounded warriors sharing personal experiences through music, facilitated by professional singers/song writers.

Additional footage will include:

   - Personal stories of veterans from this generation
    - Faces of Freedom Guidon Ceremony
   -  A look at our communities and some of the programs that have evolved to provide transitional support, education, and awareness campaigns for our service members.
    - A matter-of-fact look at the effects of invisible wounds; this will act as the launch for a national awareness campaign called Mission7.

Music – Featured Performers
    - Josh Gracin - American Idol Star, singer, songwriter

    - Tyler Ward - Singer, songwriter and over 180 million YouTube views
   -  Wounded Warrior Music-songs composed by professional song writers and soldiers
   - Darden Smith – acclaimed musician, founder of The Be An Artist Program, Soldier Songwriter Project
    - Radney Foster (Angel fight Video) – multi award winning artist

     - Jay Clementi - Singer, Songwriter and producer

For more program information or to purchase tickets, check out the World Arena Website. 

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