Smarter Women Colorado

March Calendar of Free Events

February 27, 2014 by Pat Frederiksen · Leave a Comment

3/1 9am – 5pm Colorado Railroad Museum

17155 W. 44th Avenue, Golden 80403

The Museum is open daily, year round from 9:00am to 5:00pm. The Richardson Library is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00am to 3:00pm. The Colorado Railroad Museum is located 12 miles west of downtown Denver. Take Exit 265 off of I-70 on to Colorado Highway 58 and follow the signs.

http://coloradorailroadmuseum.org/

3/1 Denver Art Museum

100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver 80204

http://www.denverartmuseum.org/

3/1 2-3pm Central Library – Ambient Harp with Star Edwards

Central Library Schlessman Hall, 10 W. Fourteenth Ave. Pkwy. Denver 80204

Performing an eclectic repertoire of music that includes classical, Renaissance, medieval, South American, folk, Celtic and cinematic themes, soloist Star Edwards delivers a concert that is redolent with cultural connections and the musical images of ancient times. Her harp playing recalls the legendary harp from Celtic cultures. Star will also be sampling several of her own compositions for harp. This is music that combines the rhythm of the heart with the spirit of the world.

3/1 7-8pm Late Winter Skies

Pine Valley Ranch Open Space Park, 30400 Crystal Lake Road, Pine CO

Early March skies are filled with fascinating deep space objects, while prominent Jupiter takes center stage. Peer through historic and modern telescopes during this engaging program with astronomy team members. Ages 10 – adult. There is a moderate 1/3 mile hike to the observatory. Registration for this program is available one month before the date of the program. If you are registering during this time, but space is no longer available, please call Lookout Mountain Nature Center at 720-497-7600 to be placed on a waiting list.

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/late-winter-skies-tickets-10239076353?aff=eorg

3/2 12 – 4pm Boulder History Museum

1206 Euclid Avenue, Boulder CO

Free First Sundays Free admission the first Sunday of every month (however, donations are appreciated)

http://boulderhistory.org

3/2 Denver Museum of Nature and Science

2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver 80205

Natural history exhibitions, IMAX and planetarium shows, activities, and lectures that explore the wonders of science, Colorado, Earth, and the universe.

www.dmns.org

3/3, 3/22 9am – 5pm Denver Botanic Gardens

1007 York Street Denver, CO 80206

3/4 Mardi Gras

Laissez le bon temps rouler!

3/4 4:30 – 6pm Mardi Gras Procession

Main Street, Breckenridge CO

Mardi Gras Procession on Main Street and Fat Tuesday Celebration The procession will stage on North Main Street between Lincoln and Wellington Street and head south to Park Avenue. Revelers of all ages will enjoy this family-friendly celebration.

http://www.gobreck.com/events/mardi-gras

3/4 Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield

8500 West Deer Creek Canyon Road Littleton, CO 80128

Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield is a working farm located along the banks of Deer Creek in southern Jefferson County. Bring your binoculars and wander the many trails. The area is known for exceptional bird watching.

http://www.botanicgardens.org/our-gardens/chatfield/

3/4 4 – 8pm Children’s Museum

2121 Children’s Museum Dr., Denver 80211

http://mychildsmuseum.org/

3/7 5 – 9pm Museo de las Americas

861 Santa Fe Dr., Denver CO

First Fridays are free – Joining the many diverse art galleries and museums that make up the Santa Fe Arts District, Museo de las Americas opens its doors to visitors on the first Friday of each month free of charge. Art-walkers along Santa Fe Drive may visit the Museo for free from 5-9pm and enjoy drinks and our current exhibition.

http://museo.org/programming/monthly-events /

3/7 Four Mile Historic Park

715 S. Forest Street, Denver 80246

Travel back to 1859…for free! Enjoy a tour of the Four Mile House Museum – a Denver Landmark, panning for gold, and meeting our many farm-animals! On the first Friday of each month, Four Mile Historic Park is offering free general admission, courtesy of the support provided by your Scientific & Cultural Facilities District. 720-865-0800

www.FourMilePark.org

3/7 6 -9pm Arts Street

1079 Osage St., Denver, CO 80204

Every first Friday of the month, Arts Street starts popping the kernels, chills the soda-pop, and picks a movie to be shown on our big screen projector for all members of the community to see.

http://arts-street.org/

3/7 First Friday Art Walks

Art District on Santa Fe – Artify Your Brain. See, taste and feel the energy that is Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe

Belmar Block 7 Art District – Block 7 will feature four artist–owned working studios, a photographic school and a gallery showcasing a wide range of artwork by local artists. (Located in the Belmar City Center in Lakewood.)

Golden Triangle Museum District – Meet the artists, see new exhibitions, shop for local art and get inspired at the galleries open on First Friday. The neighborhood is also home to the Denver Art Museum, Clyfford Still Museum, Kirkland Museum, Denver Firefighters Museum and the Byers–Evans House Museum with Plein Air art on display.

Navajo Street Art District – Stroll the district tucked away in the Lower Highlands area of Denver, home to amazing galleries, great performance art and ample parking. Join us for Day of the Dead celebrations. It’s truly one of the best little Art Districts in town to experience art!

Old South Gaylord & South Pearl – Take time to visit these two neighborhoods south of downtown Denver; both are home to many artist’s studios and galleries, along with one–of–a–kind shops and restaurants.

RiNo (River North Art District) – Tour the district “Where art is made!” RiNo is home to creative businesses and more than 60 galleries and studios and 150 artists including painters, media artists, sculptors, photographers, illustrators, designers and furniture makers.

3/7-9 Celebrating Spring in the Valley of the Cranes

Monte Vista

http://www.cranefest.com/

3/7-9 Frozen Dead Guy Days

Nederland CO

Frozen Dead Guy Days® – the GOOD the BAD and the FROZEN. Get ready to be mostly good, a little bad, and totally frozen at the 12th annual Frozen Dead Guy Days® held in the eccentric mountain town of Nederland, Colorado. Free live music, coffin races, costume polar plunging, frozen t-shirt contest, icy turkey bowling, snowy beach volleyball, frozen salmon tossing, brain freezing and new this year FROZEN DEAD POETS SOCIETY! It all kicks off with the Blue Ball and parade of hearses down Nederland’s main street. Don’t miss it this year!

http://frozendeadguydays.org/

3/8 2-3pm Central Library Avant-garde Cello: Helen Gillet
Central Library, Schlessman Hall, 10 W. Fourteenth Ave. Pkwy. 80204

Fresh City Life is pleased to host Helen Gillet, one of the most talented cellists touring the U.S. and the world. The modern usage of the phrase ‘avant-garde’ may have lost all of its power for being used to describe things that are shocking instead of genuinely new, different and deeply creative. Remind yourself what avant-garde truly means with Helen Gillet’s encore concert at Denver Public Library. Whether she’s performing solo, in intimate new ‘chamber music’ settings, or going full throttle with various jazz-driven ensembles, Helen Gillet has been described as having “a Mingus-like passion both as a player and as a band leader, often coaxing energy and lifting the spirits into dynamic and dazzling displays of artistry.”

Helen Gillet grew up in Belgium, Singapore, Chicago and Wisconsin. She has forged a path for the cello in the New Orleans music scene since her arrival in 2002 and has performed extensively across the United States and Western Europe.

3/8, 3/12, 3/21, 3/27, 3/29 9am – 5pm MOA – Museum of Outdoor Arts

1000 Englewood Parkway Suite 2-230 Englewood, CO 80110

MOA offers indoor galleries, studios and special events and programs.

http://www.moaonline.org/HOME/tabid/36/Default.aspx

3/9 Daylight Saving Time Begins

3/12, 3/19 6 – 7:30pm Women and Money….a beginner’s class

FUEL Financial, 550 S. Wadsworth, Lakewood 80226 (1^st Bank Building in Belmar)

We have different learning styles and priorities when it comes to planning our finances. Learn how to grow and protect your money, taxes and inflation, setting goals and budget in a stress free and fun class.

Limited to first 20 people RSVP to Pat 303-919-1020 or PatF@comcast.net

www.FUELFinancial.com

3/13 9am – 4pm Aurora History Museum

15051 E. Alameda Parkway Aurora, Colorado 80012

The only public, free museum in Aurora, the Aurora History Museum is a community-based cultural center featuring changing history, natural history, culture, fine and decorative arts exhibits and programs.

https://www.auroragov.org/ThingsToDo/ArtsandCulture/Museum/index.htm

3/14 7 – 8pm Why Go to Space?

Lookout Mountain Nature Center, 910 Colorow Road, Golden

In this talk, Solar System Ambassador and Lockheed Martin Propulsion Engineer Adam Pender will discuss the variety of benefits of a strong space program, including technological advancements which enable our current way of life, science discoveries leading to a greater understanding of our place in the universe, and “big picture” rationale for a strong national and global space effort. Presentation will be followed by what is sure to be a lively Q&A session. Ages 10-adult. Registration for this program is available one month before the date of the program. If you are registering during this time, but space is no longer available, please call Lookout Mountain Nature Center at 720-497-7600 to be placed on a waiting list.

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/why-go-to-space-tickets-10300488037?aff=eorg

3/15 9:30am St. Patrick’s Day Parade

http://www.denverstpatricksdayparade.com/parade-info

3/15 2-3pm Sweet Song: Hammered Dulcimer with Peter Hebert
Central Library, Schlessman Hall, 10 W. Fourteenth Ave. Pkwy. 80204

An expert instrumentalist, Peter Hebert plays the evocative hammered dulcimer and its cousin, the psaltery, with masterful ease – filling the air with the ancient sounds of Medieval Europe. The Graeco-Roman dulcimer (sweet song) derives its name from the Latin dulcis (sweet) and the Greek melos (song). Find out how perfectly named this haunting instrument can be when Peter Hebert makes his dulcimer sing a sweet song.

3/17 St Patrick’s Day

3/20 Spring Begins

3/21 10am – 3:30pm Molly Brown House Museum

1340 Pennsylvania Street

Free admission for residents of Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson Counties Admission to the Molly Brown House Museum is by guided tour only. Wonderful Docents will lead you through the Museum telling you the story of Denver’s Titanic heroine and activist, Margaret Brown. All guided tours of the Museum last approximately 45 minutes. Museum tour tickets are available in the Carriage House Visitor’s Center.

http://www.mollybrown.org/

3/22 2-3pm Renaissance Lute and Guitar with Peter Schimpf
Central Library, Schlessman Hall, 10 W. Fourteenth Ave. Pkwy. 80204

Playing a variety of pieces from the 16th and early 17th centuries on a variety of historical instruments, including the four-course Renaissance guitar, seven-course Renaissance lute, and the 14 string theorbo, no one conjures the sound of Shakespeare’s world like talented musician, Peter Schimpf. His repertoire includes intricate and lively pieces from England, France, and Italy between the years 1500 and 1640.

3/28 5-8 pm Last Friday Gallery Walk

Downtown Evergreen. Galleries throughout Evergreen.
Art Galleries are open until 8 pm on the last Friday of the month.

www.evergreenarts.org

3/29 2-3pm The Kindred Spirits
Central Library, Schlessman Hall, 10 W. Fourteenth Ave. Pkwy. 80204

Throw on your best Ren Faire gear and come to the Denver Public Library to enjoy an inspired concert in our great hall – and yes, it’s safety dance. The Kindred Spirits is a musical ensemble comprised of professional, accomplished and experienced musicians based in Colorado and performing as a group since 1992. Their unique selection of Renaissance and traditional Celtic music, pairs beautifully with their period and eccentric concert dress. And, in the spirit of anachronism, don’t be surprised to hear a modern tune as well. Don’t miss the fun!

Ongoing

Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm Money Museum
Federal Reserve Bank of KC – Denver Branch

1020 16^th Street, Denver

The Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City – Denver Branch offers a unique and up-close look at the nation’s financial system in action. Visitors can learn more about the Fed through our educational panels, view historical currency – including a real $100,000 dollar note! Guests can see what $30,000,000 dollars looks like, watch a movie and leave with a bag of money!

Love Music? Check out these web sites for DU and UCD. There are concerts and recitals by students and faculty for free or very low cost. Guest artists that come for the Colorado Symphony also do mini concerts for the students/public. It is a wealth of excellent music! UCD also offers theater from their drama majors. ♪

http://ducal.du.edu/webevent/scripts/webevent.plx?cmd=calmonth;calID=272

http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/CAM/events/Pages/index.aspx

Not free but…SCFD 10 for $10

Low cost ticket program supported by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District.
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts provides $10 tickets throughout the year. Supported by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, we invite people who have not experienced the joy of live theatre to attend. Each Tuesday at 10am, we will release “10 for $10″ – a limited number of $10 tickets for every Denver Center Theatre Company performance in the coming week (up to 25 shows per week). Occasionally, tickets to select Denver Center Attractions shows may be available.

How to buy – each Tuesday at 10am: Call 303.893.4100 or Visit our Box Office at Speer & Arapahoe in the lobby of the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex

Filed Under: Featured ·

February 2014 Calendar of Free Events

January 24, 2014 by Pat Frederiksen · Leave a Comment

1/30 6 – 7:30pm Social Security Class
FUEL Financial, 550 S. Wadsworth, Lakewood 80226 (1st Bank Building in Belmar)
Get answers to your questions on Social Security. Get all the money you earned.
Limited to 20 people RSVP Pat 303-919-1020 or PatF@comcast.net
www.FUELFinancial.com

1/31 Chinese New Year – Year of the Horse

2/1 Denver Art Museum
100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver 80204

http://www.denverartmuseum.org/

See what the DAM and SAM (Denver Art Museum and Seattle Art Museum) are doing for the Super Bowl! http://www.denverartmuseum.org/article/press-release/seattle-art-museum-offers-new-work-art-denver-art-museum-outcome-super-bowl

2/2 Denver Museum of Nature and Science
2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver 80205
Natural history exhibitions, IMAX and planetarium shows, activities, and lectures that explore the wonders of science, Colorado, Earth, and the universe.
www.dmns.org

2/2 Groundhog Day

2/2, 2/3 Denver Zoo
2300 Steele St, Denver 80205
The Denver Zoo is an 80-acre facility located in City Park of Denver, Colorado, USA. Founded in 1896, it is owned by the City and County of Denver and funded in part by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District.
www.denverzoo.org

2/4 Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield
8500 West Deer Creek Canyon Road Littleton, CO 80128
Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield is a working farm located along the banks of Deer Creek in southern Jefferson County. Bring your binoculars and wander the many trails. The area is known for exceptional bird watching.

http://www.botanicgardens.org/our-gardens/chatfield

2/4 6 – 7:30pm Social Security Untangled

FUEL Financial 550 S. Wadsworth, Lakewood, CO 80226

There is more to Social Security than deciding when to take it. Learn how to get the most out of your earned benefit!

2/7 Four Mile Historic Park
715 S. Forest Street, Denver 80246
Travel back to 1859…for free! Enjoy a tour of the Four Mile House Museum – a Denver Landmark, panning for gold, and meeting our many farm-animals! On the first Friday of each month, Four Mile Historic Park is offering free general admission, courtesy of the support provided by your Scientific & Cultural Facilities District.
info@fourmilepark.org www.FourMileHistoricPark.org

2/7 First Friday Art Walks
Art District on Santa Fe – Artify Your Brain. See, taste and feel the energy that is Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe
Belmar Block 7 Art District – Block 7 will feature four artist–owned working studios, a photographic school and a gallery showcasing a wide range of artwork by local artists. (Located in the Belmar City Center in Lakewood.)
Golden Triangle Museum District – Meet the artists, see new exhibitions, shop for local art and get inspired at the galleries open on First Friday. The neighborhood is also home to the Denver Art Museum, Clyfford Still Museum, Kirkland Museum, Denver Firefighters Museum and the Byers–Evans House Museum with Plein Air art on display.
Navajo Street Art District – Stroll the district tucked away in the Lower Highlands area of Denver, home to amazing galleries, great performance art and ample parking. Join us for Day of the Dead celebrations. It’s truly one of the best little Art Districts in town to experience art!
Old South Gaylord & South Pearl – Take time to visit these two neighborhoods south of downtown Denver; both are home to many artist’s studios and galleries, along with one–of–a–kind shops and restaurants.
RiNo (River North Art District) – Tour the district “Where art is made!” RiNo is home to creative businesses and more than 60 galleries and studios and 150 artists including painters, media artists, sculptors, photographers, illustrators, designers and furniture makers. Several locations will have work available for the beginning collector, with prices starting at $52.80.
Tennyson Street Cultural District – 5280 Art Collectors’ Sale. Start your holiday shopping early and expand your art collection. Many galleries have art for sale starting at $52.80.

2/8 10am – 4pm Denver Firefighters Museum
1326 Tremont Place Denver 80204
The Museum does not have parking. The best parking option when visiting the museum is metered street parking. There are meters on both sides of the street throughout the immediate area that cost $1.00 per hour with a 2 hour limit.

http://www.denverfirefightersmuseum.org/index

2/8 11am – 3pm 13th Annual Chocolate Affair
Olde Town Arvada
Free to enter but tickets for the tastings
Olde Town Arvada’s 13th annual love affair with everything chocolate will take place Saturday, February 8, at DiCicco’s Restaurant, 5660 Olde Wadsworth Boulevard, and the D Note, 7519 Grandview Avenue, Arvada.
*Tickets will be sold for $1 per sample or 6 for $5 tickets at four locations: Town Square, DiCicco’s, DNote, & the Arvada Historical Society.

http://arvada.org/about-arvada/annual-chocolate-affair

2/8, 2/12, 2/21, 2/22, 2/27 MOA – Museum of Outdoor Arts
1000 Englewood Parkway Suite 2-230 Englewood, CO 80110
MOA offers indoor galleries, studios and special events and programs.

http://www.moaonline.org/HOME/tabid/36/Default.aspx

2/12 Lincoln’s Birthday

2/14 Valentine’s Day

2/14 7:30 pm – St. John’s Cathedral – Michael Hey, organist
1350 Washington St., Denver 80203
A student of of Paul Jacobs at The Juilliard School, Michael Hey is a full-tuition recipient of the Alice Tully, Bidu Sayao, Noble Foundation, and Juilliard Organ scholarships. He is also Assistant Organist at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City. He gave his official New York City debut in November 2010 at Lincoln Center performing a Handel organ concerto with the Juilliard Orchestra. He has given solo concerts throughout the country, and has been featured on Philadelphia’s WRTI-FM playing the Wanamaker Organ in Macy’s, the largest functioning musical instrument in the world. Freewill offering.

2/16 3pm St. John’s Cathedral – Evensong and Pre-Evensong Music
1350 Washington St., Denver 80203
In 2013, Saint John’s introduced free Pre-Evensong “recitals” featuring local artists from 3:00 to 3:25 pm on the third Sunday of the month. Intended as an extended prelude to Evensong, these programs are an excellent way to prepare for this quiet evening service, and hear skillful music-making as well. Pre-Evensong recital by Lucy Garrett and Rosanne Sterne, pianist and flutist.

2/16 3pm Aurora Symphony Children’s Concert – Wondrous Machines
Highpoint Church 6450 S Southlands Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80016
No tickets are required for the Children’s Concert performance. General seating. Children of all ages are welcome! Bring the kids onstage after the performance and have them try their hand at some of the orchestral instruments. This is a great way to introduce children to instrumental music, and a great way to enjoy it yourself! The musicians of the ASO stay onstage and are happy to answer questions about playing their instrument and getting a young musician started. Music Go Round will also be at the concert and have plenty of instruments to show and answer any questions about renting an instrument.

2/17 President’s Day & Washington’s Birthday

2/20 6 – 7:30pm Women and Money….a beginner’s class
FUEL Financial, 550 S. Wadsworth, Lakewood 80226 (1st Bank Building in Belmar)
We have different learning styles and priorities when it comes to planning our finances. Learn how to grow and protect your money, taxes and inflation, setting goals, budget in a stress free and fun class.
Limited to first 20 people RSVP to Pat 303-919-1020 or PatF@comcast.net
www.FUELFinancial.com

2/28 5-8 pm Last Friday Gallery Walk
Downtown Evergreen
Art Galleries are open until 8 pm on the last Friday of the month.
Galleries throughout Evergreen.
www.evergreenarts.org

Love Music? Check out these web sites for DU and UCD. There are concerts and recitals by students and faculty for free or very low cost. Guest artists that come for the Colorado Symphony also do mini concerts for the students/public. It is a wealth of excellent music! UCD also offers theater from their drama majors.

http://ducal.du.edu/webevent/scripts/webevent.plx?cmd=calmonth;calID=272

http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/CAM/events/Pages/index.aspx

Not free but…
SCFD 10 for $10
Low cost ticket program supported by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District.
The Denver Center for the Performing Arts provides $10 tickets throughout the year. Supported by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, we invite people who have not experienced the joy of live theatre to attend.
Each Tuesday at 10am, we will release “10 for $10″ – a limited number of $10 tickets for every Denver Center Theatre Company performance in the coming week (up to 25 shows per week). Occasionally, tickets to select Denver Center Attractions shows may be available.
How to buy – each Tuesday at 10am:
• Call 303.893.4100
• Visit our Box Office at Speer & Arapahoe in the lobby of the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex

January 2014

January 6, 2014 by Pat Frederiksen · Leave a Comment

January 2014 Calendar of Free Events

December 31 9pm and midnight New Year’s Eve Fireworks Downtown Denver

16^th Street Mall

The sky will once again sparkle over the 16th Street Mall this New Year’s Eve with the New Year’s Eve Fireworks Downtown, presented by the Downtown Denver Partnership. Co-sponsors of the display are VISIT DENVER and the Downtown Denver Business Improvement District. As part of the Partnership’s Winter in the City program, the two spectacular fireworks shows will occur at 9 p.m. and Midnight. It is recommended that viewers stand along the 16th Street Mall for optimal viewing.

January 1 – February 16 Skyline Rink Ice Skating

Southwest Airlines and the Downtown Denver Partnership invite you to grab your family and friends and head to 16th and Arapahoe in Downtown Denver to the Southwest Rink at Skyline Park! The rink will be open daily from November 26 – February 16. Skate rental is $2 – or bring your own pair and skate for free! Free days for kids will take place every Sunday throughout the season. Look for regularly scheduled entertainment and activities each week. The Saturday live music schedule will be coming soon. – See more at: http://www.downtowndenver.com/events/southwest-rink-at-skylinepark/#sthash.R9bDJLIf.dpuf

January 1 First Day Hikes

Start off the New Year on the right foot with a free guided hike at one of Colorado’s state parks. On Jan. 1, 2013, state parks will offer hikes led by rangers at 15 state parks, including several parks in the Denver metro area. While the hikes are free, all visitors must purchase a daily or annual state parks pass to attend.

Barr Lake 11am easy 3 mile hike-no dogs.

Castlewood Canyon 10am moderate 3 mile hike

Chatfield 9am easy hike 2-3 miles

Golden Gate Canyon 10am strenuous 3 mile hike

Roxborough 9am advanced hikers 6 miles no dogs, bring lunch

Matthews/Winters Park moderate 2.8 miles

Chatauqua park 1-6 miles with all ability levels

http://wildlife.state.co.us/NewsMedia/PressReleases/pages/pressrelease.aspx?PressId=8688

January 3 First Friday Art Walks

Art District on Santa Fe – Artify Your Brain. See, taste and feel the energy that is Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe

Tennyson Street Cultural District – 5280 Art Collectors’ Sale. Start your holiday shopping early and expand your art collection. Many galleries have art for sale starting at $52.80.

January 3 Four Mile Historic Park

715 S. Forest Street, Denver 80246

www.FourMileHistoricPark.org

January 4 Denver Art Museum

100 West 14th Avenue Parkway

January 4 10am-5pm Jefferson Symphony Orchestra International Young Artists Competition Recital

Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd.

A rare opportunity to hear rising stars in the world of classical music. 11 finalist will compete in the piano category for the top prize of $7,000 and the chance to perform with the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra.

January 7 Denver Botanic Gardens

8500 Deer Creek Canyon Road

January 7 4pm Target Tuesday Nights @ Children’s Museum of Denver

2121 Children’s Museum Dr.

Target is committed to giving back to the communities where their guests and team members live and work. Through their generous sponsorship to the Children’s Museum of Denver, families can play for free the first Tuesday of each month.

January 8 Clyfford Still Museum

Bannock Street Denver, CO 80204

https://www.clyffordstillmuseum.org

January 10 Denver Zoo

2300 Steele Street

January 11 Denver Zoo

2300 Steele Street

January 13 Denver Museum of Nature & Science

2001 Colorado Blvd.

January 12 10am Denver Firefighters Museum

1326 Tremont Place, Denver 80204

January 13-February 2 24^th Annual International Snow Sculpture Championships

Breckenridge

January 13-17 Stomping Week

January 21-25 Sculpture Championships

January 25-February 2 Snow Sculpture Viewing

January 14 7:30pm Dr. Martin Luther King presented by Colorado Symphony

Boettcher Concert Hall, 14^th and Curtis Street

Conducted again by Joseph Young, the Colorado Symphony celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. King with a classical program that exalts both the hardships and heroism of the Civil Rights Movement. This is a free Community Concert, but a ticket is required for admission.

January 17, 24, 31 5pm Flo’s Underground Jazz

Williams Recital Salon, Newman Center for the Performing Arts

January 20 Denver Botanic Gardens

1007 York Street, Denver

January 22 Denver Zoo

2300 Steele Street

January 29 7:30pm Lamont Wind Ensemble

Newman Center for the Performing Arts, Gates Concert Hall, 2344 E. Iliff Ave.

Filed Under: Featured ·

December 2013 Calendar of Free Events

November 27, 2013 by Pat Frederiksen · Leave a Comment

11/30 – 12/21 11am – 2pm St Nick on the Bricks

PRESENTED BY Downtown Boulder, Inc. , Pearl Street Mall, Boulder 80302

Kids of all ages can visit with Santa at the Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center for FREE. Bring your list and a camera to capture priceless holiday memories.

11/30 – 1/1 Olde Golden Christmas

PRESENTED BY Golden Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center

Arapahoe Street between 12th and 13th Streets

Experience small town, authentic holiday charm at Olde Golden Christmas in festive downtown Golden. A month long magical celebration featuring Victorian carolers, live reindeer, free horse drawn carriage rides, a dazzling lights display, barbershop quartets, free Newfoundland dog-pulled cart rides and plenty of free family fun. Don’t miss Golden’s awe-inspiring Candlelight Walk on December 6th and lively Olde Golden Christmas parades on Saturdays from November 30 – December 21. Where else can you find Santa driving a motorcycle, the Grinch in a corvette and real cowboys astride their horses.

12/1 Boulder History Museum

1206 Euclid Avenue Boulder 80302

http://boulderhistory.org/

12/1 4:30-6pm Farolito Lighting & Pinecone Ceremony

The Tesoro Cultural Center will kick off the holiday season with live musical entertainment, seasonal carols and the lighting of the farolitos. Each year this even honors an individual who has enlightened the minds and souls of our community.

12/3 4 – 8pm Children’s Museum of Denver

2121 Children’s Museum Drive Denver, CO 80211

12/4 5:30 – 7:30pm Colorado Hebrew Chorale – Festival of Lights

McNichols Building, 144 West Colfax Avenue

Join the Colorado Hebrew Chorale and our guests

The Rocky Mountain Ringers for an exciting holiday program of music, food and fun!

Be sure to BYOM (Bring Your Own Menorah) and participate in our communal candle lighting for the EIGHTH night of Chanukah!

http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=adece83b9f7f9c6712f6f5b52&id=0841e34610

12/6 5 – 9 pm Museo de las Americas

861 Santa Fe Drive Denver, CO 80204

12/6 5pm 22nd Annual Downtown Evergreen Holiday Walk

Tree Lighting at the Lake House

Join Santa and & Ms. Claus as they walk to Downtown Evergreen for fun and live entertainment.

5:30 p.m. Road closed from the light at Hwy 73 and Hwy 74 through downtown to Meadow Drive. Shuttles will be running from Church of the Hills, Lake House, Christ the King Catholic Church, Hiwan Homestead, Mountain Home and Church of the Transfiguration.

12/6 5 – 8pm First Friday Art Walk

Explore Denver’s creative neighborhoods on First Friday and find local art for as low as $52.80 at many participating galleries! Plus, there are more workshops, lectures and happenings scheduled during the week. Museums and galleries opening receptions from 5 to 8 p.m. with a free Museum District First Friday circulating trolley from Towne Place Suites by Marriott. Colorado Plein Air 2013 exhibit on the Denver Public Library, 7th floor gallery, November 13 through December 31, 2013.

www.gtmd.org

Art District on Santa Fe – Explore artistic expression in all forms, from photography, ceramics, music and dance, to gallery exhibits and live performances all week long starting with First Friday. Don’t miss the Dia de los Muertos celebration at the Museo de las Americas or the food trucks on 7th and 9th avenues!

Belmar Block 7 Art District – Explore artist-owned working studios, galleries and a photographic school during the First Friday Art Walk in Block 7, located in the Belmar City Center in Lakewood.

Golden Triangle Museum District – Visit the museums and galleries opening receptions from 5-8 p.m. with a free Museum District First Friday circulating trolley from Towne Place Suites by Marriott.

Navajo Street Art District – Stroll the district tucked away in the Lower Highlands area of Denver, home to amazing galleries, Day of the Dead exhibitions, great performance art and ample parking. It’s truly one of the best little neighborhoods in town to experience art!

Old South Gaylord & South Pearl – Take time to visit these two neighborhoods south of downtown Denver; both are home to many artists’ studios and galleries, along with one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants.

RiNo (River North Art District) – Explore more than 30 locations, including several galleries and studio spaces. See “Where art is made!” in Denver. Hop on the RiNo Safari Tour Bus for a VIP Art Safari Tour of 10 creative spaces, complete with receptions and a tour guide. Make reservations: $52.80 for two ($26.40 for one).

Tennyson Street Cultural District – 5280 Art Collectors’ Sale. Start your holiday shopping early and expand your art collection. Many galleries have art for sale starting at $52.80.

12/6 8pm, 12/7 6pm Denver Parade of Lights

Begin your holiday season at the spectacular 39th Annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights. The two-mile parade route in Downtown Denver is the stage for Colorado’s brightest holiday tradition. The FREE holiday spectacular features marching bands, ornate floats, and, of course, a special appearance by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa! Grab your hot chocolate and ear-muffs, this year is going to be better than ever !!!

http://www.downtowndenver.com/downtown-news/parade-of-lights/#sthash.WXTLIoWc.dpuf

12/7 Pearl Harbor Day

12/7 – 12/15 Wassail Days

Experience Frisco, Colorado’s distinctive mountain charm this holiday season. Stroll among holiday decorations and Frisco’s one-of-a-kind shops offering unique Colorado gifts while sipping a steaming cup of warm Wassail (Old English apple cider) on Frisco’s charming Main Street and Summit Blvd. As you walk around town you will hear the sounds of carolers singing and holiday cheer.

Participating merchants will compete for the Frisco Wassail Day Cup based on your vote! Secret ingredients from red chili powder to nutmeg have been known to be added to some recipes! Who will be challenging the reigning 2012 Frisco Wassail champion Lost Cajun this year? Who will win the top honor of 2013 Frisco Wassail Champion? You’ll have to be here to vote for your favorite this December. Wassail Days is filled with family photo opportunities around each corner, from the Holiday lighting display at the Triangle Park to the Russian Horse drawn sleigh at the gazebo.

12/7 10am Englewood Chamber’s Holiday Parade

Englewood Parkway from South Acoma to the Civic Center

12/7, 12/14, 12/21, 12/28 Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA)

1750 13th Street, Boulder, CO 80302

http://www.bmoca.org/

12/7 Denver Art Museum

12/2 7 – 9pm Boulder International Fringe Festival – community performance

Previews of upcoming Performing Arts events!

Your chance to get a glimpse of what’s going on in our bustling little town.

BIG TIME! “Wild-Card” performances!

Available to local performers on a first come, first serve basis on the night of the event. Come at 6:30 to sign up! Musical stylings by the BIG TIME! House Band!

http://www.boulderfringe.com/big-time/

12/7 4 – 6pm Firefighters Museum

1326 Tremont Place, Denver, Colorado 80204 (map)

We will have some small art projects for you and the family to work on while you enjoy cookies and hot cocoa. Of course, the night wouldn’t be complete without a visit from Firefighter Santa! Our Friends at Sabs Sourire Images LLC will be here to professionally capture the moment your kiddos meet Santa.

We just ask that you bring a new gift for a needy child at our drop-off station for Toys for Tots. Please call the Museum for more information. (303)892-1436

http://www.denverfirefightersmuseum.org/

12/7&8 & 12/14&15 10am – 6pm Georgetown Christmas Market

Historic Georgetown, 6th Street, Georgetown 80444

PRESENTED BY Historic Georgetown, Inc.

Each December the town of Georgetown transforms for two weekends into a bustling Christmas scene reminiscent of Christmas of long ago. Thousands come to this tiny mountain town to experience a traditional holiday where Christmas hasn’t changed in 100 years: roasted chestnuts, holiday shopping, horse-drawn wagon rides through historic Georgetown, and wonderful sights and smells. Visitors enjoy appearances by St. Nicholas in his traditional dress and the daily procession of the Santa Lucia, as well as carolers in Victorian costume, dancers, and other family entertainment. Adorned with lights and Christmas greenery and blanketed with snow, the quaint, historic town of Georgetown, Colorado has been a Christmas tradition for generations of Colorado families. The 53rd Georgetown Christmas Market will be held the first and second weekends of December and admission is free.

12/7 Englewood Parade

Englewood Parkway from South Acoma to the Civic Center

The Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce will help the community celebrate the season with a Holiday Parade down Englewood Parkway.

www.myenglewoodchamber.com

12/7 & 12/24 12 – 4pm Holiday Carolers

12/12 & 12/18 5 – 7pm

Larimer Square 1430 Larimer Square, #200 Denver, CO 80202

PRESENTED BY Larimer Square

Come down to Larimer Square this December for good holiday cheer with the Dickens Carolers. The singing group will be filling the historic block of Larimer Square with warming holiday harmonies! Enjoy this free entertainment to put yourself in the holiday spirit.

12/8 3 – 7pm Holiday Celebration

7085 West 38th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Wheat Ridge 5-8 School Green and Main Parking Lot

Tree lighting, Santa, storefront decorating and holiday festivities

12/7-8 11am – 5pm Denver Holly Days

McNichols Civic Center Building, Colfax and Bannock, Denver 80205

PRESENTED BY Colorado Events

A shopping event featuring one of-a-kind seasonal items, handcrafted goods, and holiday gift ideas. There is also a live concert by the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus, the Colorado Gingerbread House Competition, Free Hot Chocolate, Free Admission, and a whole lot of family fun. Come down before the 9News Parade of Lights. This is the beginning of a 3 day Holiday Spectacular. 12/6 on the 16th St Mall and 12/7, 12/8 in the McNicols Building

12/9 Denver Museum of Nature and Science

12/10 Colorado Gives Day 2013

designed to increase philanthropy in Colorado through online giving, will take place on Tuesday, December 10, 2013. Learn more. Colorado Gives Day 2012 was an astounding success! More than $15.4 million was raised and, including the FirstBank Incentive Fund and other prizes, a total of $15.7 distributed to Colorado nonprofits.

12/11, 12/14, 12/26, 12/28 9a – 5pm MOA – Museum of Outdoor Arts

1000 Englewood Parkway Suite 2-230 Englewood 80110

MOA offers indoor galleries, studios and special events and programs. http://www.moaonline.org/HOME/tabid/36/Default.aspx

12/14 – 12/20 10am – 2pm Holiday Tours at the Governor’s Residence

Governor’s Residence at Boettcher Mansion 400 E. 8th Ave., Denver 80202

PRESENTED BY Governor’s Residence Preservation Fund

Free Holiday Tours of the Governor’s residence at the Boettcher Mansion. ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) has been invited by the Governor’s office and the Governor’s Residence Preservation Fund to provide the holiday decorations for Colorado’s home.

12/21 First Day of Winter

12/21 11:00-11:45 am Nature Adventures: an Interactive Experience

Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St., Arvada 80004

Celebrate the wonders of nature with you child through short hikes, hands-on activities, crafts and books. Dress for the weather as we may spend some time outside. Third Saturday of the month, different topics each month. Ages 4-6 and parents. Must pre-register 720-898-7405

12/22 1 – 2pm TubaChristmas Concert

Skyline Park 1600 Arapahoe St Denver

Presented by Downtown Denver Partnership, Inc.

Tap your toes to your favorite holiday tunes at the TubaChristmas Concert at Skyline Park. Featuring 300 tuba players from all over the region. Produced by the University of Colorado at Denver’s College of Arts & Media, the TubaChristmas Concert is one of the most celebrated and longest-running holiday festivities in Colorado! Skyline Park from the 16th Street Mall to 15th Street will be decorated in its finest holiday décor and is a perfect setting for this traditional event.

12/24 Christmas Eve

12/24 Track Santa Claus

http://www.noradsanta.org/

12/24 4-5:30pm Las Posadas

Celebrated in Mexico and throughout the United States from December 16 to 24, the Las Posadas celebration commemorates May and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of shelter on the night of baby Jesus’ birth. Tesoro partners with the Christian Life Movement to present this traditional event.

12/25 Christmas Day

12/30 9am – 5pm Kids

Dinosaur Resource Center, 120 s. Fairview St. Woodland Park 80863

This annual event presents an opportunity to bring the whole family out for a day of education and entertainment with Marc Straub of “Cool Science”. He will do 2 shows at 12:00pm and 2:00pm and will be here from 11am-4pm with hands on activities in-between shows. Two kids age 12 and under will be admitted.

12/31 9pm and Midnight – New Years Ever Fireworks on the 16^th Street Mall

Prepare to be dazzled, the New Year’s Eve Firework show is set to be over the top this year! Two spectacular fireworks shows will occur simultaneously, once at 9 pm and once at Midnight, from two undisclosed sites along the 16th Street Mall. Pick a spot along the 16th Street Mall to get the perfect view and get ready to ring in the New Year. DJs will be spinning music all night long on the 16th Street Mall.

Fireworks will be visible from anywhere along the 16th Street Mall. http://www.downtowndenver.com/uncategorized/new-years-eve-fireworks-downtown/#sthash.NG1wI0gm.dpuf

Filed Under: Featured, The Free Events Calendar · Tagged: December calendar

10 Tips to Ace Obamacare Enrollment

October 31, 2013 by Pat Frederiksen · Leave a Comment

10 Tips to Ace Obamacare Enrollment

By Colette Snyder of FUEL Financial, Inc. in Lakewood Colorado

If you’re shopping for health insurance through the state, you may have some concerns about the process. There’s definitely a lot to learn but there is also good news! Two major changes have come about since the Affordable Care Act that could make shopping for health insurance less painful. First, starting next year, health insurance applications will no longer ask you questions about your health. You can no longer be denied or be forced to pay more for premiums because of your current health situation. Second, depending on your income, and what state you live in, you may be eligible for some premium assistance. So take heart! But be aware, big changes mean learning curves and confusion. So here are 10 tips to help you enroll.

1. Buy health insurance. One of the functions of the Affordable Care Act, is to impose a tax penalty on individuals who do not purchase health insurance. In most states, that penalty is based on a percentage of your income. But the penalty shouldn’t scare you as much as living day-to-day without health insurance. You’ve probably heard about the close correlation between bankruptcy and medical bills, but did you know that not having health insurance can actually kill you? Most hospitals are not required to treat you if your situation does not appear to be life threatening, and you don’t have health insurance. So buy it, even if all you can afford is the catastrophic plan. That insurance card may just save your life.

2. Don’t wait too long. The federal and state exchange sites still have some kinks to work out. Trying to purchase a plan in early November could be frustrating, so I would suggest waiting until late November or early December to purchase your plan. However, be sure to get your shopping done before the 15^th of the month PRIOR to the month you need coverage to start. So for many of us, that’s December 15^th. Many carriers are forcing their enrollees to pick a new Obamacare-compliant plan to start January 1st of 2014.

3. Get the right plan first. It is my understanding, that you will have limited opportunities to shop for insurance in the future. In the past, you could apply for a plan and go through underwriting at any time, if you were healthy. Starting next year, you will need complete your shopping during open enrollment (this year is Oct 1^st through March 31^st, every year after will be October 15^th through December 7^th), or during your own personal qualifying event. These events include divorce, marriage, coming off of COBRA, change in employment, birth of a child, and more. If you want to purchase a plan or need to make a change, and you’re not within this time frame, you will need to wait. That could mean waiting up to ten months. So do your research, and get a plan that suits your long term needs.

4. Don’t be subsidy greedy. In Colorado, if your income falls between 133% and 400% of the federal poverty level, you might be eligible to receive money in the form of a premium subsidy that will decrease the cost of your health insurance. Subsidy thresholds vary state-to-state. Though it may be tempting to take every dollar the government offers you in premium subsidies, you may regret it. If your income increases during the year, the state expects you to report that change, and adjust your subsidy down (this is confirmed for Colorado, but I’m not sure about all states). If you don’t, you will be expected to pay the overdue subsidy amount BACK when you reconcile your taxes that year. You have the option to adjust your subsidy amount if you expect changes in the coming year, so be sure to plan ahead!

5. Know your exposure. In order to control costs, companies are getting creative with plan designs. Some of them have relatively low deductibles, but have higher out of pocket costs. Get a plan that you know will fit your current medical expenses; and it’s also important to understand what your worst case out-of-pocket costs are. That number is what you will owe if something serious happens to your health. Be sure you are comfortable in your ability to cover that worst case out-of-pocket amount, not just the deductible.

6. Consider using non-taxable funds first to increase subsidy amount. If you’re near retirement, you may have some assets or potential income streams that you can access tax free. If you’re close to the subsidy eligibility range, or looking to get a higher subsidy, take income from these kinds of accounts first. They don’t count toward you MAGI (modified adjusted growth income) which determines your subsidy amount. Examples include: Roth IRA’s, money from the sale of a house, personal savings, and cash value life insurance.

7. Check your doctor. Once again, companies are attempting to control costs, and one way to achieve this is by limiting the size of their networks. You may have had a large network with your carrier in the past, but don’t assume that you doctor or preferred hospital are still going to be available under a plan through the exchange. If your doctor is not in the network of the plan you are considering, and you don’t want to change doctors, you should look for another plan.

8. Check your drugs. The same goes for drugs. Don’t assume your drug is covered by a company that previously covered it. It might only be covered as a generic now, or will be covered at a different rate. Some companies are scaling back on expensive drug coverage, or forcing enrollees to try generic versions of drugs before covering brand name versions. Ask your broker to check all of your drugs and dosages before you sign up.

9. Know all of your options. If you make more than 400% of poverty level (which is about 40% of the population) then you probably won’t be eligible for a subsidy. You still have the option to shop on the exchange, but you don’t have to. There are more companies and more plans available in the private market that you can shop as well. Both on and off exchange plans will be available to you with no medical questions during the open enrollment period.

10. Talk to a broker. In Colorado, individuals working for the state exchange can help consumers navigate the website, and can answer many common questions. They cannot, however, recommend a specific plan or company. That’s where independent brokers take over. Brokers can help you with all of the above obstacles, and help you find the plan that’s right for you. There’s no extra charge to work with a broker, so you might as well get some extra help.

Colette Snyder is a licensed health and life insurance agent certified to sell state exchange health insurance plans in Colorado. Colette and her mother, Jo-Ann Holst, are the owners of FUEL Financial, Inc. (Finances Understood, Empowerment Launched), an insurance and financial services company based in Lakewood Colorado. Both Colette and Jo-Ann give public seminars on a wide range of financial topics including: Healthcare Reform, Social Security, Medicare and Planning for Retirement.

For help with health insurance enrollment in Colorado on or off the state exchange, or to view an upcoming classes by FUEL Financial, visit www.fuelfinancial.com, or call 720-287-5880.

Filed Under: Featured, Money Tips ·

March Calendar of Free Events

Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm Money Museum Federal Reserve Bank of KC – Denver Branch

February 2014 Calendar of Free Events

January 2014

December 2013 Calendar of Free Events

10 Tips to Ace Obamacare Enrollment

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Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm Money Museum
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