Dumb Friends League/Buddy Center

What a week! First off, great job to all of the students and staff that have participated in Metro State Gets Unconventional! We have had a wonderful time getting to know each other while giving back to the community.

Today, several students worked at the Buddy Center in Castle Rock. The center is perfoming a 24 hour deep cleaning operation, and the staff was very thankful for our volunteers. They all got busy at 9am this morning scrubbing, sweeping, wiping, and cleaning, the surgery suites, dog kennels, cat holing areas, and even the break room. The Dumb Friends League is one of the best operations in the nation, according to Larry Beers, Buddy Center Technician.

Here's are some facts from the shelter itself...


According to the most recent statistics (2007) the Buddy Center shelter received 4,927 animals last year. More than 22,000 pets have been adopted since the shelter opened in 2002.

Homes with a Heart is a foster care program for the animals. This success of this program has had the most impact on saving more animal's lives. Thanks, in large part, to 113 volunteers, the program provides care for animals recovering from illness or injury, for orphaned kittens and puppies, and for mother cats and dogs with their offspring.

The Dumb Friends League also hosts a TLC Extended Care program which hosts hundred of dogs, and thousands of cats, while being treated for illness in the TLC Centers at the Quebec Street Shelter. All animals are available for adoption through the program.


Veterinary Services are also available, and before entering the adoption program, all animals are examined, evaluated, and vaccinated. Upon adoption, dogs, cats, and rabbits are spayed or neutered.


If you would like more information on volunteering for the Dumb Friends League, or to make a donation, or adopt a pet visit the website at http://www.ddfl.org/.

Thanks to Larry Beers, the Buddy Center Technician for organizing our volunteer activities, and to team leader Erica Manguia, students Isidro Susano, Mary Pierpont, Sabrina Leonard, Nicole Schultz, Melanie Dominguez, Angela Piercy, Jennifer Lonnes, and Michelle Meyer.

Great work, everyone and congratulations on a full week giving your time to some very worthwhile causes. You have all made a real difference!!!

You are all invited to Wag 'N Trail!!!!

September 20, 2008 from 8:30-12:30

Join the Dumb Freinds League at the Glendale Open Space. I-25 and Surrey Ridge, just north of Castle Rock. Hike the beautifil, 1.6 mile trail with your dog, shop for pet freindly merchandise, and enjoy demonstrations and great food.

Raise and Win!!!!

Raise at least $75 in pledges and get a limited-edition Wag "N Trail logo long-sleeved T-shirt, a fabulous photo of you and your dog, and delicious ice cream treats.

All proceeds benefit the Dumb Friends League Buddy Center in Castle Rock.

Sign up at www.ddfl.org

RNMP

Ok - the last posts about this project, I promise. But I wanted to share some pictures of our two Student Activities Staff that helped to coordinate and basically run the show up in Estes Park. For some reason, they aren't in any of the other photos I took. I'm guessing they were too busy working!

The first picture is of Zach washing his dishes after dinner. (Yes, everyone had to do their own dishes - no one brought their MOM along on the trip) Next is Jason - he's resting over lunch break after a really hard morning of work!

Here are a few more pictures from our time in Rocky Mountain National Park. Camp Central: Yes, the giant tent was home to ONE volunteer - since we were car camping, Brad decided to travel in style.













A picture of our fearless volunteers and their finished checks.








Ryan and Brad talk things over with Doug, one of our RMNP trail crew leaders.












Heather shows us her muscles, while Chris, with the RNMP trail crew crushes rock.
















Brad takes a look at all the rock he's crushed. Pretty impressive!

Pictures from Rocky Mountain National Park

Here are a few pictures from the RMNP volunteer project. First: our fearless VOC staff member Matt, cooking us pancakes for breakfast. The pancakes were pretty good, even though Matt made them too runny at first and had to add in bananas and oatmeal -- what an improviser! And a picture of a few of our great (and silly) volunteers eating breakfast. Clockwise from left: Yanessa, Heather, Kenton, Brad, and Ryan.

Metro State Gets Unconventional in Rocky Mountain National Park

I've just spent the last few days in Rocky Mountain National Park with a group of VERY dedicated student volunteers. Eight student volunteers spent four days in the park working with the National Park trail crew repairing trail near the Beaver Meadows visitor center. I was able to build trail with the group on one of the four days. It was some of the hardest work I've done in a long time!

Our students worked to put in checks (log steps) along a section of trail. This included digging trenches for the checks. Each check needed to be level and no more than 5 inches lower than the check above it. After the checks were in place, the students had to then use hammers to crush rocks for the step. The rocks were mixed with dirt to help prevent erosion of the checks.

The student volunteers worked close to 10 hour days! The group would wake around 6:30 am in order to make breakfast and pack their lunches. Then they would head out to meet the trail crew and travel to the work site by 8:00 am. The group would return to camp around 6:00 pm where they would be met by a staff member from Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (who helped to plan this volunteer project). Then everyone would pitch in to make dinner.

It wasn't all work... there was a lot of time for the group to get to know one another during the work day - and even a campfire each night - with S'mores! I was so impressed with our great group of volunteers! Many thanks to Jason, Zach, Heather, Yanessa, Raymond, Ryan, Kenton and Brad! Extra special thanks to Kara, Fletcher, Matt, and Bob from the VOC who were able to make this project possible (and who fed us so well!)! The group from the National Parks Trails Crew were really amazing too.

We plan to do more volunteering this year with the VOC -- make sure to check out some great opportunities Volunteering in Outdoor Colorado! www.voc.org

Colorado Youth at Risk

Today might have been one of best projects yet! Maybe it's the air, or the energy in town, but today's volunteers were extra enthusiastic about their service.

Today, our students worked for Colorado Youth at Risk. They helped paint the new facility at Manual High School in the historic Five Points neighborhood.

Colorado Youth at Risk is a non-profit conceived by Patti Bennett and 2 of her colleagues in 1992. The program has been providing youth mentoring services to Denver's inner city youth for more than 15 years now.

The program has served more than 2500 youth and trained over 1000 volunteers. The Steps Ahead program provides structured workshops and one-on-one mentoring designed to help 9th grade youths who are risk of dropping out of high school.

Touchstone is a program for tenth through twelve graders that supports youths who have completed the Steps Ahead program through "getting youth back in touch with the foundational skills they have learned, providing them with an environment to use these skills as they plan for their future. Touchstone focuses on grades, graduation, college preparation, interviewing skills, tutoring and career development projects."

Patti Bennett, the executive director of Colorado Youth at Risk, provided an inspirational video for our students which highlights the hopes and dreams of the youth at risk. Their stories are inspirational. Patti told all of us that she gets so much out of the program, not from what she gives in, but from what she gets out of the youth which she works with, whose lives may never have crossed paths without the opportunity to participate in the program itself.

For more information on Colorado Youth at Risk, or to volunteer, please visit the website at www.coloradoyouthatrisk.org.

Thanks to student volunteers Anna Cook, Jessica Weinacht, Kalilah Shelton, James Clover (hope we spelled that right, James), Tasha Maxwell, our our team leader, Danielle Sosias.

Special thanks as well, to Patti Bennett for introducing us to the opportunity to help Colorado kids and give back to the community.

Bowling at Elitch Lanes

We had a blast bowling! Not many people were able to make it, but we had a good time regardless. The lights were lit low and neon was glowing, the music was groovin' (thanks Kailei for the Jukebox selections!), and we had fun chilling, playing air hockey and of course, bowling. We were impressed w/Erica P's bowling and air hockey skills- she's quite the shark in this setting! Also had fun chilling w/ Erica M's parents, and with watching the bowling league on the other side of the alley.

Brooke's reason for the Metro State Get's Unconventional Program

Food Bank of the Rockies-Day 2

Day 2 at the Food Bank of the Rockies was a huge success. We had several students participate in today's activities at the food bank.

One of the most amusing projects had to be the "smashing of the bread". Team Leader Komal Suchak, and student volunteers Lashey Randon and Anisa Bartels, helped pack and smash non-usable bread products for consumption by cattle. No fancy equipment needed..they simply tossed the bread into a giant box and started stomping, jumping on, and crushing the bread with their feet. Even cows need food, right?

Our other student volunteers, including Sara Bisel, Michelle Meyer, Susan Hunley, Kimberly Gunning, Alyssa Cabrera, Sarah McClendon, and Jennifer Lonnes, helped sort and pack individual bags of food, and essentials, for distribution to senior housing developments in residential, downtown Denver. They were quite efficient with the assembly line, once they got going, and the workers at Food Bank of the Rockies were so grateful for their help.

I have to admit that I am extremely proud to see our student volunteers out working in the community. Their dedication to helping others is really what this whole week is about, and this group of extraordinary volunteers is making a difference out there in the world. We should all be inspired to take a page from their book, reach out beyond ourselves, and serve others for the greater good.

A small piece of your time can mean a great deal more to families in need.

Go Team!!!

Cycling with the Joshua School

Another bright and beautiful day began with volunteers from the Metro State Basketball and Softball teams helping out some very special kids on a cycling trip.

Once again, Bob Matter of Assisted Cycling Tours, lead a group of kids, and our volunteers, on a ride around the south part of the metro area.

The kids today were younger that yesterday (elementary aged) an all attend the Joshua School, a non-profit educational center for children with autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and other developmental challenges.

About the Joshua School

The Joshua School is a private, non-profit school and resource center for individuals with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, or other special needs, and their families. We are committed to building a community that offers the highest level of care and individual instruction for students, the most comprehensive array of services, and the strongest level of outreach and education regarding autism spectrum disorders (ASD) for the greater Colorado community.
Located in Denver, Colorado, The Joshua School serves children 5 to 18 years of age. Our highly dedicated, passionate, and knowledgeable faculty have years of expertise in the fields of autism, education, special needs, OT, Speech, and others. We strive for balance in our approach, understanding that each student is unique and complex with varied interests, talents, and challenges. By taking the time to know our students, we build bonds with them and their families. In this structured, challenging, and encouraging environment, students discover themselves and the world around them.

(Retrieved August 26, 2008 from http://www.joshuaschool.org/)

Jason Gruhl, Director of the Joshua School, hopes to open an early intervention program for younger children as well, as young as 2 and a half. The school is proud to sponsor weekly outings in the community for the children.

Please check out the Joshua School Website at http://www.joshuaschool.org/ for more information on the wonderful opportunities they provide for children and their families.

Also, don't forget Bob and his fabulous non-profit, Assisted Cycling Tours. Be sure to check out the website at http://www.assitedcyclingtours.org/.

We are so proud to see so many Metro Students and staff coming out to support the community, and look forward to meeting more wonderful people throughout the week.

Look for more great stories of community service to come, including Project CURE, Colorado Youth at Risk, Friends of Dinosaur Ridge, and the Denver Dumb Friends League/Buddy Center.

Special thanks to...

Assistant Athletics Director Jill McCartney and her friend Bob Gunther.

Student Volunteer Nikkita Mostashiry and Director of Student Activities, Brooke Dilling.
The Metro State Girls Basketball team, including Coach Linda Lapp, Assistant Coach Tyler Cline, students Alyssa Benson and Megan Sinclair.

The Metro State Girls Softball Team including Coach Jen Fisher, Assistant Coach Vanessa Becerra, students Amber Roundtree and Danni Hedstrom.

And once again, thanks to the pillars in our community, Jason Gruhl, Director of the Joshua School and Bob Matter, founder of Assisted Cycling Tours.


Check out the some footage of today's event:

Food Bank of the Rockies

Another successful service project got underway this afternoon at Food Bank of the Rockies. Metro students, and staff, once again showed their incredible willingness to help needy families in Northern Colorado and Wyoming.

Food Bank of the Rockies Mission...

"Food Bank of the Rockies mission is to end hunger by efficiently procuring and distributing food and essentials to people in need through our partner agencies in Northern Colorado and Wyoming."

After a brief training video and orientation with a food bank representative, the students were sent out to fulfil their duties.

Student Tosin Feyintola, Jennifer Lonnes, and Angela Piercy, assisted by Food Bank of the Rockies worker Julie Atwater, worked in the reclamation area where they evaluated, sanitized, sorted, and grouped, foods and dry goods for distribution. Reclamation is the process of reclaiming slightly damaged, but usable, goods from retail establishments to be distributed to those in need.

A few other students including Brittany Bauer, Marziya Kaka, Amanda Krut helped the office staff at Food Bank of the Rockies sort, fold, and seal newsletters for distribution. Also helping out in the office was Angela LeValley, assistant director of Student Activities at Metro State.

Once again, Metro students and staff have found a noble way to contribute to the local community during the week-long break. Everyone should be so inspired by their efforts!

Stay tuned for more news on our community service projects as the week progresses.

Metro joins Assisted Cycling Tours

Video of the Assisted Cycling Tour

There will be some video for your viewing pleasure! There will be more as the week progresses.

Assisted Cycling Tours

Metro State Gets Unconventional is in full swing!

Early this morning, several outgoing and enthusiastic students, met with Bob Matter, founder of Assisted Cycling Tours. The students arrived in North Denver at 9am to assist Challenge Students from Jeffco schools on a 10 mile, round-trip, bicycle tour.




Bob began by explaining the challenges these high school age children live with. The children participating in the ride today all live with developmental disabilities. Bob made every effort to help us all understand the challenges these children face, and made a point to help us all feel at home with the kids.

After introductions, and matching up student volunteers with their partners, the group was off. 5 miles to the pavilion where they will all stop for a much deserved break, snack, drink, before they ride back.



Bob started his nonprofit for personal reasons. His son is developmentally disabled, and while there are a lot of cycling companies that cater to the physically disabled, he found that there was a missing link in the chain. Many companies are equipped to handle the physical challenges of bike riding, but do not necessarily focus on the mental or developmental disabilities of riders. His focus is not only on the disabilities of the riders, but their families as well. Bob provides cycling tours as a way for the entire family to enjoy a wonderful day outdoors and on the trails. His aim is to open the world of bicycling to everyone.

Please take a moment to check out his website at www.assistedcyclingtours.org and explore the wonderful resources this amazing nonprofit has to offer.

If you are interested in making a donation to this very worthy cause, Assisted Cycling Tours is a 501 (c) (3) and gladly accepts donations on it's website. Spread the word!

Thanks to Bob Matter, again, for allowing all of us the opportunity to participate in such a worthy cause, and helping make a sunny Colorado day even more beautiful for our student volunteers, and a great great group of deserving kids!

Metro Students Participating include: Isidro Susano, Tisha Pfister, Sara Bisel, Melina Enriquez, Mark Schwartz, Jimmie Braley, and Nick Videse.

With special recognition to Jeffco schools teacher, Amy Griffiths (Challenge teacher), Amy Mohorne (Para. Ed. teacher) and Theresa Breazeale (Adapted P.E. Teacher).

Let Us Know Where You Plan to Be

If you are planning to join us next week - let us know where to look for you. You can tell us by logging in to our event registry here.

http://studentactivities.mscd.edu/modules/events/

see you next week!

A Introduction to a Blogger..... Carrie

I am a senior at the Metropolitan State College of Denver and a self-professed "political junkie". I will receive a B.A. in "Political History" this December from the Individualized Degree Program at Metro State. I am an active member in my community of Douglas County and am looking forward to a career in public service following graduation. I believe, strongly, that each of us has the power to change the world. Through active participation in our communities, each one of us can make a difference in the lives of others. In the future, I hope to play an active role in local politics and help shape policy which will continually enhance the lives of Colorado residents and beyond. I encourage everyone to explore ways to get involved your own community, and to become actively aware, and engaged, in a cause for the greater good. I guarantee that the benefits will far outweigh the costs.

If everyone gives just a small piece of their time and energy, together, we can make a difference.

Favorite Quotes:

"Ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things." - Greenpeace

"...Be the change you want to see in the world." -Gandhi

Fearless Leader

Where are the T-Shirts at?

I know that some of you wondering about the t-shirt's design. Below you'll see pictures of various people in the brand new spanking t-shirt.

If you want to volunteer - we've still got a few spaces

So -- for all you students who have procrastinated on signing up for a volunteer opportunity - we've still got a few openings. I'll list those here - and then in a later blog, I'll tell you about all the great volunteering we're going to do next week.

If you still want to get involved, here's your chance!

Monday -- you can volunteer with Assisted Cycling Tours. If you want to join us, we'll will be riding tandem bikes with kids with disabilities up near Arvada.

Tuesday - you can volunteer with Food Bank of the Rockies. This volunteer opportunity will consist of helping out in the food bank warehouse.

Thursday - Colorado Youth at Risk is looking for a few more people to assist them in moving into their new office in Manuel High School.

Monday - Thursday: we're looking for a few more folks to make either a long-term (four day commitment) or a one to two day commitment with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado. You will be assisting Rocky Mountain National Park with trail work on the trail that leads to Longs Peak.

For more information about any of these opportunities - or to sign up... call Student Activities at 303-556-2595.

We are one week out from Metro State Get's Unconventional. Are you excited? We are!!

The tee shirts have been designed and they. are. cool. We can't wait to get you your shirts for volunteering...or for heading out to our social events throughout the week. We've included a picture of the t-shirt design so that you can see for yourself just how cool it is.

Here are the dates, times, places for where we'll be all next week. We're in the Office of Student Activities until 5:00 Friday August 22 so feel free to call us at 303-556-2595 or stop by Tivoli 305. After Friday, we won't be allowed back to campus until after Labor Day -- just like all of you... so we look forward to seeing you "get unconventional" with us!

Monday - Heritage Square
18301 W. Colfax Ave. Golden, CO ph (303) 279-2789
$18 all day and $6.00 for the alpine slide
Hours are from 10 am - 8pm --

Tuesday - Elitch Lanes
3825 Tennyson, Denver, CO ph (303) 477-1633
$1 games/ $1 shoes
6 pm - 2 am -- Look for Student Activities Staff from 6 pm - 9 pm

Wednesday - Denver Museum of Nature and Science
2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO ph (303) 322-7009
$6.00 admission
Hours are from 9 am - 5 pm -- Look for Student Activities Staff at noon by the brontosaurus

Thursday - Denver Zoo
3477 E. 36th Ave, Denver, CO ph (303) 376- 4800
$8.50 admission
Hours are from 9 am - 5 pm -- Look for Student Activities Staff at 10 am by the entrance

Friday -- Boondocks
11425 Community Center Drive, Northglenn (1-25 and 120th) Denver, CO ph (720) 977 8000
$20 all-day admission
Hours are from 10 am - midnight