boulderweekly.com/briefs
ClimateSmart deadline nears
As part of the final 2010 funding cycle, applications for grants from the city’s ClimateSmart Solar Grant Fund must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 16. For applications and more program information, visit the city’s Solar Rebate and Grant Program’s website at www.beClimateSmart. com.
The ClimateSmart Solar Grant Fund provides financial assistance for installation of photovoltaic or solar thermal systems on housing included in the city’s permanently affordable housing program, lower-income housing developed and/or owned by nonprofit organizations, and facilities of nonprofit organizations.
The program is funded by revenue generated through a solar rebate ordinance that the Boulder City Council approved in 2006. The city collects tax on the sales of solar technologies and uses 65 percent of the undedicated revenue to fund the ClimateSmart Solar Grant Fund. The remaining 35 percent of the revenue is reserved for sales-tax rebates to those who pay solar sales taxes. For more information, visit www.beClimateSmart.com, or call 303-441- 3517.
Teens race solar cars to Boulder
High school students from across the country driving solar cars they built from scratch will complete their eight-day cross-country trek in Boulder on Sunday, July 25.
Representatives from the Boulder-based American Solar Energy Society and University of Colorado engineering students will greet the 22 teams racing in the Hunt-Wilson School Solar Car Challenge. Now in its 15th year, the event is free, open to the public, and presents an opportunity to see roadworthy solar cars built by teenagers.
The race began at Texas Motor Speedway in Dallas on July 18, and will arrive at Folsom Field on July 25 between 1 and 3 p.m. The high school students and their adult chaperones face scorching temperatures, uncertain road conditions, and unexpected “breakdowns” along the 900mile race route. States represented in this year’s event include Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, Oregon and Texas.
“As a 56-year-old professional society that laid the scientific foundation for solar energy development in the U.S., we applaud the Hunt- Wilson School Solar Car Challenge for creating a hands-on project that spurs original thinking and ingenuity in high school students,” said Brad Collins, executive director of the American Solar Energy Society.
For more information, visit www.winstonsolar.org/challenge.
Community Cycles seeks used bikes
Community Cycles, a nonprofit bike collective that serves Boulder County, will hold a used bike collection drive from July 29 through Aug. 1. The used bikes will be refurbished and recycled into the community through programs such as Community Cycles’ Earn-A-Bike and Fleet programs.
Some of the used bikes are also refurbished by volunteers and sold at greatly discounted prices or donation prices at annual events such as the CU Back to School Bike Sale and at the Community Cycles Holiday Bike Giveaway.
“Used bikes are our lifeline,” said Rich Points, executive director of Community Cycles. “We know people have many extra bikes in garages and basements that are in working order or may need a little TLC to get running again. By donating these bikes to Community Cycles, we can focus on getting them back in use and reducing car trips around town.”
Community Cycles’ main shop, at 2805 Wilderness Pl., Ste. 1000, in Boulder will take donations from 1 to 9 p.m. on July 29 and 30, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 31 and Aug. 1.
Community Cycles’ north storage, at 820 Lee Hill Dr., Boulder, will accept donations from 4 to 8 p.m. on July 29 and 30, and from noon to 4 p.m. on July 31 and Aug. 1.
Donations are tax-deductible. For more information or to volunteer with this drive, call 720-565-6019.
County seeks volunteer pickers
It may look pretty, but Oxeye Daisy is a noxious weed that has escaped gardens and is taking over mountain meadows at Caribou Ranch.
Boulder County Parks and Open Space is seeking volunteers to spend a morning finding and pulling these flowers to help protect the local ecosystem.
Volunteers can participate on Aug. 1 or 7, or on both days, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Minimum age is 8 years with adult supervision. To register, e-mail WildWorkVolunteers@ BoulderCounty.org, or call 303-678-6216 by July 28 for the first date, or by Aug. 4 for the second date.
Buy into Boulder has new site
The Boulder Chamber of Commerce, City of Boulder, Downtown Boulder, Twenty Ninth Street, Boulder County Independent Business Alliance (BIBA) and University Hill have launched a new website, www.buyintoboulder.com, for the Buy into Boulder campaign.
The City of Boulder began the Buy into Boulder campaign during the November 2009 holiday season to encourage citizens to keep their dollars in the community rather than making online purchases or shopping outside of Boulder. The website will serve as a hub of information with store listings, discounts, event calendars and articles on businesses. Liz Hanson, economic vitality coordinator at the City of Boulder, says for every $100 spent at Boulder stores, $3.41 in tax revenue stays in Boulder.
Overall, retail sales taxes will make up approximately 32 percent of Boulder’s 2010 budget, and sales tax collections have been on the decline and tax revenues are not keeping pace with the cost of services provided, Hanson adds.
“We’re encouraging community members to make the conscious decision to support their community by keeping their dollars here,” she says.
For more information about the Buy into Boulder campaign, visit the new website at www.buyintoboulder. com or follow the updates on Twitter @buyboulder.
Let’s dance!
Local dance enthusiasts Drew Biel and Lyn Gregory will host an outdoor dance, pot luck and old-time music jam at their home on 1908 Apple Valley Rd. in Lyons on July 31 from 4 to 9 p.m. This is a public dance, and all are welcome. Chris Kermiet calls the dances, and Chad Yost and Friends oldtime band provides the music. The dance will be outdoors in the shade on level grass. Biel and Gregory will provide water, tables and chairs. Attendees are asked to bring their own food, drinks and water bottle.
Cost is $6 for adults, $3 for children and seniors, or $12 for a family.
For more information, e-mail oldtimedances@musicinlyons.com, or call 303-823-0816.
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