Books for children
    Thompson Valley Preschool students received a special surprise recently, thanks to the Loveland Breakfast Optimists and their generous donation of 100 books for all of the children.
Through a joint effort of many members of the Optimists’ Club, a dream of providing every child with a hardcover book that would last and be treasured, came to fruition. And, an added surprise at the presentation was the attendance of the 2012 Miss Loveland Valentine, Mary Askham, an alumni of Thompson Valley Preschool.
We appreciate the Optimist’s awareness and support of the value of literacy for young children. We are also gratefulto be included in a great local partnership to benefit our community.

Submitted by Gail Yant
Loveland ,  CO
February 22, 2012

TVHS Band Students Pearl Harbor Concert
    On February 17th, 33 members of the Thompson Valley Band performed with 20 students from Pomona High School at Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. This collaboration was the end result of two years of planning, organizing and fundraising for this amazing experience.
Just after 8:00am, the band arrived at Pearl Harbor, now operated by the U.S. National Parks Service. The students had some time to visit the various museums on the grounds before entering the theatre at 9:00. They watched a 23 minute documentary film on the attack of Pearl Harbor, followed by a visit to the memorial. Upon entering the memorial, which is only reachable by Navy shuttle boat the students fell silent. One by one they moved to the far side of the memorial where the names of the ship’s 1,177 crewmen who lost their lives on December 7th, 1941 are engraved on a white marble wall, including the name of Harold Dwayne Webster. Many of the students presented their Orchid Lei’s on the posts holding the velvet rope in front of the names, which is a Hawaiian custom showing honor and respect to the fallen. Other students removed the flowers from strings in their lei’s and dropped them into the water over the Arizona. They were moving in quiet contemplation while looking at the sunken hulk of the Arizona, fully absorbing the reality of what actually happened on that day in 1941.
While the band was at the Memorial, a Navy aircraft carrier entered the harbor and sailed past the Arizona. The deck was lined with the seamen standing side-by-side, at-ease. When they passed the Arizona, they came to attention until they were past. For the students to witness how much the men and women of the Navy regard and respect the fallen from the Arizona was a moving experience. After touring the USS Arizona Memorial, the band performed patriotic music, including the songs and hymns of the United States Armed Forces on the dock next to the U.S.S. Missouri for an audience of more than 100 visitors. The band was asked to play for a special reenlistment, and later got to meet a Navy officer who was just returning from an 8-year stint commanding a submarine in Guam. The Navy officer spoke to the band of the importance of continuing to perform music and the significance of paying honor to the USS Arizona where World War II began for the United States, and the USS Missouri where the war ended for all. Upon completion of the performance, the USS Missouri Memorial Association Education Events Coordinator Bobi Baclaan, presented an American flag to the band with a certificate, authenticating it had been flown on the fantail of the ship on January 28, 2012. She emphasized to the band how everyone associated with Pearl Harbor is privileged and proud that a group of high school students would come all the way from Colorado to honor the USS Missouri and the living history it provides. They know this is how we keep the memory of those events alive in our country for all time. The students learned much more than the typical lessons associated with diligent preparation for an excellent performance. They learned how they played an important role in celebrating the history of this great country and honoring the events of December 7th, 1941. They learned how their music creates different feelings in the people for whom they perform. For some, the music provided inspiration, others a sense of pride and patriotism. Perhaps others took the opportunity to reflect on family or friends in the armed forces either associated with Pearl Harbor and WWII, or currently overseas. Maybe some simply contemplated the significance of having high school students engaged in a performance at such an important historical site. One thing is for certain. The students who performed that day have a better understanding and respect for the freedom we enjoy every day. They are changed forever they are changed for the better.

Submitted by Les Baur
Loveland ,  Co
February 22, 2012

Envision's 1st Early Bird Winner in Home Raffle
    On behalf of Envision’s Board of Directors, Mary Lu Walton, Executive Director (right) and Kara Harvey, Development and Communications Coordinator give Christy Schmuhl of Greeley (center) a check for $2,500 in Envision’s 1st Early Bird Drawing held on February 13, 2012.
Envision’s Home Raffle proceeds will benefit people with developmental disabilities in Weld County. The grand prize drawing will be held on May 31, 2012 with a purchase deadline of May 16th. Visit www.envisionhomeraffle.org for more information.

Submitted by Kara Harvey
Greeley ,  CO
February 22, 2012

vacashon
    This is my photos that I took on my vacashon
that i enjoy hope you do too

Submitted by mandi brooks
loveland ,  colorado
February 21, 2012

vacashon
    This is my photos that I took on my vacashon
that i enjoy hope you do too

Submitted by mandi brooks
loveland ,  colorado
February 21, 2012

Loveland Cash Mob Off To A Good Start
    On a recent Saturday, Loveland residents 'mobbed' the Anthology Book Co. with cash in hand to show support to the locally-owned business.

The Loveland Cash Mob is part of a movement of local Mobs that are making an appearance in communities across the U.S. They are organized and publicized through social media (FaceBook, email and Twitter). Members "join" by "liking" the group through their FaceBook page.

Each month a different local business is targeted and members congregate and spend at least $20 to show support.

The Loveland group was started in January, 2012 by resident Renee Blanchard. The next mob event is scheduled for March 24, 2012, which is National Cash Mob Day. The location will be determined and announced one week prior to the event.

Submitted by Renee Blanchard
Loveland ,  CO
February 21, 2012

Seagull at Sundown
    A Seagull catches the fading light from the sun as it lowers in the sky on Monday (2/20) early evening over Loveland Lake at North Park.

Submitted by Kevin Liebel
loveland ,  co
February 20, 2012

ST MATTHEW'S CLINIC
    St Matthew's Free Medical Clinic will be held
this Thursday, 2/23/12. If you need to see a
doctor please call 624-3425. The visits are BY
APPOINTMENT ONLY. We have a limited number of
appointments, so call now.

Submitted by Paulette Waite
Loveland ,  CO
February 20, 2012

Berthoud Library Valentine Storytellers
    Stories From The Heart at the Berthoud Library.
Fables, classic & modern stories, plus
folktales were told by these enchanting
spellbinders: Sharon Bauer, Nora Heaton, Kathy
Weddel, Jody Glasgow, Constance Holland and
Elektra Greer.

Submitted by Robyn Hutson
Berthoud ,  CO
February 17, 2012

FREE Concert Version of
    Rocky Mountain High School cast of the musical
"Annie" joins the Loveland Concert Band at
Loveland's Mountain View High School for a fun
and lively concert version. Family fun! Bring
friends! See you at Mountain View HS 7pm Sunday
night.

Submitted by Jim Wright
Loveland ,  CO
February 17, 2012