Because the school is an International Baccalaureate World School, the children learn about being aware of what’s going on in the world and caring about others in need. Classrooms throughout the school had watched videos and news stories of the tsunami disaster during the previous week and the kids decided they wanted to take action.  While the news crew walked along and interviewed them, the kids cheered and held up signs they had made for the event. If you would like to see the video- Elementary school children ‘Walk for Japan’. Cheryl Preheim reports. 9NEWS at 4 p.m. 03/30/11

http://www.9news.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=870950862001

Read the full release here.  They also have a Twitter and Facebook Page

“LostCoffee will revolutionize the way the world sees, drinks, and buys coffee.  In early 2011 we will release our first mobile coffee truck.  Our truck will be serving brewed and espresso blended coffee drinks, along with a variety of hot and cold teas and tasty fruit smoothies.  We will also be serving your choice of fresh pastries and hot breakfast items.

Each truck is designed to run self sustained.  No external power source is needed.  These trucks are revolutionary and will change the coffee business forever.  Along with game-changing trucks comes game-changing technology.  Every LostCoffee truck customer will be able to order and pay by a simple cell phone text message.  There is no need for a smartphone, app, or a mobile browser.  Just a simple text message will order and pay for your favorite drink and pastry.”

[via LostCoffee]

photo courtesy of Eagle Eye Photography

Castle Rock resident Sebastian Vennard attended the NHRA Division 5 Banquet of Champions this last weekend in Kansas City. Vennard is the 11 yr old Junior Dragster National Western Conference Champion. He won the title in July at Bandimere Speedway in Denver. The banquet honored national and divisional champions from all of the age divisions up through the adult ranks. Vennard had already received a savings bond for $5,000 and a Wally trophy after his win in July, but was awarded a name plate for the Wally, an embroidered champion’s NHRA jacket, and a Gold Card which allows him to race for free this season(2011) at any track in the western United States. Vennard’s parents traveled with him and were thrilled to take part. ” I am very proud and I was impressed by all of the winners and their graciousness- it was a magical evening”, said Vennard’s mother. She is excited to go racing again this year as they have purchased a new car for Sebastian and they also have friends who are entering their kids into the fun. “Junior drag racing is a family sport and we have made a great deal of friends and look forward to seeing them again when the season starts in April. ” Vennard plans to run the JD2 class ( for ages 11-12) this year at both Pueblo Motorsports Park and Bandimere Speedway, but will also travel to some other tracks in the division to take advantage of his Gold Card pass. Vennard was featured in National Dragster Magazine in an article, he was on the cover of Jr. Dragster Magazine, and he was also featured on the NHRA’s website. He attends South Elementary , plays baseball, intramural basketball, and is into gaming and reading. He also participates in Bandimere’s Race to Read program with his dad who also drag races. The program encourages elementary school kids to read books to earn tickets to the races at Bandimere. The racers show their cars at the schools for the kids to see to get them started in the program. If you would like more information or wish to become a sponsor, please visit the Heupel Racing Inc. Facebook page or get in touch with the blog editors .

We do find it puzzling that the Town has chosen the 29th for mulching.  If memory serves me, the Town starts removing decorations after the New Year, and the Castle Rock Star stays lit until after the National Western Stock Show is over.  It’s tradition in our home to leave decorations up until after the New Year.  According to the Town’s release it appears today is the only day mulching occurs.  If we are wrong on that please let us know. This is the 11th year the town has offered mulching of old Christmas trees.  It’s a great program.  The mulch is be available to residents at Metzler Ranch Park through Mar 31 or when its gone.

UPDATE: We have been notified by a Twitter follower that the Town is offering mulching of Christmas Trees through Jan 31st.  The program just starts today.  Thanks for the correction.

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Attention Castle Rock merchants the town’s sales tax rates go up to 7.9% on Saturday Jan 1st.  Just a friendly reminder to update your cash registers and point of sale systems.  Also don’t forget to update your web site that may offer purchasing with local pick-up.

Have a Happy New Year.

1. Drink more water. Simple you say? It is. Fill a water bottle and carry it with you like it was your oxygen tank. Make sure you have emptied and refilled that bottle several times a day and your skin and your body’s inner systems will thank you. Drinking more water encourages you to eat less too- and you won’t even notice. Nine times out of ten, when you are craving something sweet, it is because you are dehydrated, not because you need sugar- drink a glass of water first and see if you don’t feel better.

2. Get some sleep. People who sleep more, weigh less- scientific fact. If you sleep 4-6 hours a night, aim for 8. Go to bed when your kids do, make your bedroom a zen area- do whatever it takes. In a recent study done by a health magazine , women who slept 6 hours a night who bumped up their sleep to 8 hours a night , all lost at least 5 pounds in the first month- one woman lost 12. Well gosh, I’m not an expert but sleeping off weight seems to be the easiest and least painful way to lose weight to me. Sleep helps you ward off stress too.

3. Get a pedometer. Walking is healthy. (duh!) If you are the slightest bit competitive, the great thing about having a pedometer is that once you see how far you walk on average every day, you will want to beat your mileage from time to time. Competing against yourself is much easier than competing against someone else.  “I can do it” will carry you along.

Starting with these instead of some unrealistic bid to join the Olympics will encourage you to be successful and responsible for your own health, your family’s health, and create a more positive “can do ” ethic for things you want to do in the future. Baby steps, people- “Baby New Year” steps.

To your health!

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