Volunteer Opportunities/Donations Needed
Airport ambassadors | Denver International Airport needs 50 volunteers for its Ambassador Program for 2008. Candidates must be outgoing and able to work directly with the public, and be physically capable of standing and walking for prolonged periods of time. Prospects must be over 21, pass a background check and complete a day of training. Info: corinne.christensen@diadenver.net or 303-342-2242.
Volunteers of America | RSVP, a program sponsored by Volunteers of America, assists over 80 agencies in Denver, Douglas and western Arapahoe counties recruit volunteers. Participants must be 55 or older and can sign up for volunteer positions at partner agencies during RSVP’s “Inside Scoop” meetings. Upcoming meetings are Dec. 12 at 1 p.m.; January 15, 2008, at 10 a.m. and Feb. 13, 2008 at 1 p.m. Sessions are held at the VOA Administration Building, 2660 Larimer St. Info: Jan Munoz at 303-297-0408, ext. 13128.
Travelers assistance | The Denver International Airport Travelers Assistance Program needs volunteers (ages 30 and over) to provide comfort, information and referrals; lending of wheelchairs, car-seats, strollers; assistance for people with disabilities, social services and more to assist DIA travelers. Shifts are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. or 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Volunteers must undergo a complete background check. Training will be provided. Info: dentravler@aol.com.
Money management | Seniors Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps people maximize their personal independence, needs volunteers for its Money Management Program — Bill Payer Service. After training, volunteers will go into the residences of low income disabled or elderly persons, at no cost, to assist them with organizing and paying their bills, balancing their checkbook and providing guidance on personal budgeting and related matter. Info: Tim Cusick at 303- 300-6933 or tcusick@seniorsinc.org.
Tax preparation | The Denver Asset Building Coalition needs volunteers to assist low-income families with income tax preparation services during the tax season from January to April 15. No specialized tax experience is necessary; all training is provided. Info: 303-388-7030 or volunteer@denverabc.org.
Elder care | Total Longterm Care, a nonprofit that allows elders to live with dignity in the community for as long as possible, needs volunteers for its End of Life program. Volunteers would go into the home or other place of residence and be a companion for an individual who is experiencing end of life. Volunteers are thoroughly trained and given a great deal of support when they get started. Info: Barb Warner at 720-974-6003 or bwarner@totallongtermcare.org.
Long-term care | Denver Regional Council of Government’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteers. The volunteer visits residents in the long-term care facility and advocates on their behalf. Volunteers receive 20-hours of specific training on topics such as conflict mediation, advocacy and communication skills, powers of attorney, advance directives, the aging process, resident’s rights and more. The next series of training sessions will be on three consecutive Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Jan. 24, 31, and Feb. 7. Volunteers are needed throughout the 8-county Denver metro region, particularly in Aurora, Adams and Jefferson counties, and in central Denver. Once trained, volunteers are asked to spend a few hours a week in the program. Info: Nancy Ferrier at 303-480-5638, or e-mail Nferrier@drcog.org.
Hospice | Trinity Hospice of Colorado needs volunteers to provide visits, companionship and emotional support to terminally ill patients and their families. Contact Kathy McCune at 303-799-5096, or e-mail kathryn .mccune@trinityhospice.com.
Toy drive | Seventy metro area King Soopers’ stores will provide collection boxes for toy drop-offs for the Denver Santa Claus Shop. New and gently used toys for children ages newborn through 11 years will be accepted at the stores through Dec. 17. Info: . or 303-988-2465.
Toy drive | Colorado Springs Police Department in partnership with Christmas Unlimited are collecting new, unwrapped toys between now and Dec. 25 for children in families that are either in crisis or unable to provide Christmas gifts for their children. Toys can be dropped of 24-hours a day at the following locations: Falcon Division (North), 7850 Goddard St., 719-444-7240; Gold Hill Division (West), 955 W. Moreno Ave., 719-385-2100; Sand Creek Division (Southeast), 4125 Center Park Drive, 719-444-7270; Stetson Hills Division (Northwest), 4110 Tutt Boulevard, 719-444-3140; Police Operations Center (Downtown), 705 S. Nevada Ave., 719-444-7595.
Blanket drive | The Jeffco Action Center, 8755 W. 14th Ave., Lakewood, is collecting blankets and sleeping bags for the homeless and the “working poor” who are in homes without sufficient heat. The Jeffco Action Center is a nonprofit organization that provides emergency services to needy residents in Jefferson County. Info: 303-237-7704 or .
Socks and mittens drive | Foothills United Way is holding its fourth annual “Socks and Mittens Drive” through Dec. 15. This yearly holiday-time event provides much-needed cold-weather clothing items to children and adults in need in Boulder and Broomfield Counties. Collection bins will be set out by participating companies, groups and organizations, where donors can drop off new, unused pairs of socks, mittens, gloves, hats and scarves that will be donated to local non-profit organizations for distribution. Info: .
Railroad museum | The Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden needs volunteers for ongoing projects to work in the office, on the track crew, in restoration projects in the roundhouse, in the library and as tour guides. Contact: David Williams at 720 274-5147 or david @crrn.org.
Habitat for Humanity | Volunteers are needed starting Dec. 5 to help a single dad and his daughter build a home for Christmas in Downtown Denver. Volunteers must be 16-years and older, but no special skills are necessary. Work will continue through March. Info: .
Trail guides | The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks needs trail guides to visit trailheads and hike trails on OSMP lands six-10 hours per month, providing visitors with information on area features, seasonal changes and local and natural history. Free classroom and field training is provided in four sessions. Info: osmp . or 720-579-4161.
Puppy raisers | Canine Partners of the Rockies, Inc., is having an informational meeting for people interested in becoming volunteer puppy raisers. An introductory program will be at Jan. 23, 2008 at the offices and training facility of CaPR, at 651-E Potomac St., Aurora. Linda Port, training director, will introduce the program and answer questions. Guests will learn about the importance of service dogs in the lives of people with severe mobility limitations. The base requirements for puppy raisers include raising the puppy for 18 months and attending scheduled training classes with other puppy raisers. A volunteer orientation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Feb. 23, 2008, at CaPR’s training facility, immediately followed by a training class at 12:30 p.m. Info/Register: 303-364-9040, Linda@caninepartnersoftherockies or .
Raptor program | Rocky Mountain Raptor Program, based in Fort Collins, needs volunteers. RMRP encourages preservation of our environmental and cultural resources through excellence in raptor rehabilitation, community education and research. Info: 970-484-7756 or e-mail info@rmrp.org.
Teddy Bear Project | The ninth annual Teddy Bear Project needs volunteers to do independent collections of new and slightly used plush animals, any size, shape or color. Through Dec. 12, the drop-off site is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays at 3021 S. University Blvd. Info: 303-628-0477.
Medical relief | Project C.U.R.E. delivers donated medical supplies and equipment to people in need of medical relief around the world. Project C.U.R.E. Corps needs groups of volunteers to sort items, load containers and for warehouse organization. Individual volunteers are needed to work as truck drivers, volunteer coordinators, couriers, sorting team leaders, and in procurement and general administration. Info: . or 303-792-0729.
Child assistance | CASA of Adams and Broomfield Counties needs volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children. Volunteers gather information about a child or sibling group that is involved with the court system due to abuse or neglect and make recommendations as to what is in the best interest of the child/sibling group. Info: casa17th ., 303-654-3378 or rhea@casa17.com.
Gift wrapping | The Aurora Public Library needs volunteers now through Dec. 24 to gift wrap books and other items purchased at Barnes & Noble, 170 S. Abilene St., at Aurora City Place shopping center. The gift-wrapping will be provided free of charge to customers. Customer donations for the services benefit the Aurora Public Library’s programs and collections. Weekend, evening and some day shifts are available. Info: 303-739-6580.
English tutors | The Colorado Refugee English as a Second Language program needs volunteers to teach English to recently-arrived refugees. Tutoring takes place in the student’s home. The next training date will be in early December. Info: Sharon McCreary at 720-423-4843 or sharon_mccreary@dpsk12.org; or refugee-esl.org.English tutors/teachers Central Denver Language School is a nonprofit, centrally-located English language program that teaches English to non-English speaking adults. CDLS’s student population has grown from thirty to over 70. CDLS needs volunteers to interact with foreign students in a classroom setting as a teacher, or one-on-one as a tutor. There are no requirements; training and guidance will be provided. Classes are Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in the mornings, located near Broadway and 1st Avenue. Info: Bud at 303-520-4466.
Boulder Creek Watershed Initiative | BCWI needs volunteers to help with forums, to work on StreamTeams to protect local waterways, to write articles and take photographs, to help with general clerical duties and more. Info: KeepItCleanPartner . or 303-413-7365.
Wilderness environmental service programs | The Rocky Mountain Field Institute is a nonprofit organization based in Colorado Springs, dedicated to the preservation and restoration of wildlands and key natural areas. RMFI accomplishes its mission through environmental service, education and research. RMFI programs are developed around comprehensive, multi-year or long-term projects developed in concert with land management agencies to meet critical preservation and restoration goals. Info: RMFI at 719-471-7736 or rmfibox@qwest.net.
Park weeding and trail maintenance | Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton, needs volunteers to work with trained crew leaders to pull, snip and collect noxious weeds and help maintain the hiking trails. Info: 303-973-3959.
Morrison Museum | The Morrison Natural History Museum, 501 Colorado 8, needs volunteers to teach about local fossils and rocks using hands-on exhibits and interactive demonstrations. Training and mentorship provided. Volunteers are also needed to assist with reptile collection care, fossil molding and casting, and information desk/gift shop operations. Info: 303-697-1873 or .
Museo de las Americas | The Museo de las Americas is recruiting and training volunteers for art, programs and events. Contact Kristi Martens at 303-571-4401, ext. 28, or e-mail Kristi@ .
Air and Space museum | Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 7711 E. Academy Blvd., needs volunteers to help with youth and adult education programs offered by the Museum’s Education Department. Volunteers conduct tours, assist with hands-on activities, teach in the flight simulator lab and conduct our Project Pilot course. Project Pilot is a team building course in which students learn the basics of flight planning and then fly a mission in the Museum’s Flight Simulator Lab. Wings offers progressive training for all of these volunteer positions. Aviation experience is a plus, but is not required. Info: Education Department at 303-360-5360, ext. 106 or 116, or education@ .
Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory | Visitor Center School field trip program guides and docents are needed to serve as hosts and conduct programs appropriate for school groups, youth and scouting organizations, senior citizen and civic groups at the Department of Energy’s NREL Visitors Center, 15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden. Info: Ivilina Thornton at 303-384-6566 or ivilina_thornton@nrel.gov.
Zoo | The Denver Zoo, 2300 Steele St., needs volunteers to assist with special events, to assist zookeepers and to work in the zoo’s membership, education and administration departments. Info: . or 303-376-4894.
Dinosaur Ridge | Volunteer tour guides are needed to teach people about the paleontological, geological, natural resources and history of Dinosaur Ridge. Applicants must be at least 18 and must complete required training. Info: 303-697-3466 or .
Science Museum | The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., needs volunteers to work with visitors in the Museum’s diorama halls, galleries and activity areas. Also needed are volunteers to be guides, interpreters, collections assistants and classroom prep assistants. Info: Volunteer Services Office, 303-370-6419.
Nature Center | Bluff Lake Nature Center, East 30th Avenue and Moline Street, needs volunteer naturalists to work with kids, using games, science experiments and hands-on activities to teach them about nature. No experience is required. Info: Sue Schafer, 303-468-3245.
Butterfly Pavilion | The Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 W. 104th Ave., Westminster, needs volunteers to work with visitors and to help in its tropical butterfly conservatory, tide pool, touch cart, and garden areas. Info: . or Kris Desmarais, 720-974-1868.
TWICE WEEKLY
Telescope viewing | Chamberlin Observatory, 2930 E. Warren Ave., on the University of Denver campus, has astronomy presentations and allows use of the 20-inch Alvan Clark refractor telescope beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Info: ., or call 303-871-5172 for reservations.
ONGOING
River table | Visit South Suburban Parks and Recreation’s Carson Nature Center in South Platte Park, 3000 W. Carson Drive, the first Saturday of each month and manipulate a river in the 12-foot stainless steel river table. The table is filled with plastic sand and recirculating water powered by pumps that can be controlled by participants. Visitors can create a city landscape and see how natural river actions affect their creation. Naturalists are on hand from 2-3 the first Saturday of each month to guide individuals and families through the free, hands-on experience. Info: 303-730-1022 or .
Science open house | The Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, offers a free open house with hands-on science activities from 1 p.m. on the third Sunday of the month. Register: 303-739-2428.
The National Center for Atmospheric Research | NCAR’s Mesa Lab, a working research laboratory at the west end of Table Mesa Drive in Boulder, has a free visitor center that is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends. The visitor center has a climate exhibit, an eclipse telescope, working supercomputers, a gravity well, and hands on demonstrations of lightning, tornados and fluid dynamics. Info: 303-497-1174 or .
Renewable energy | The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory Visitors Center, 15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Visitors Center features an interactive exhibit hall and DOE public reading room. Info: . or 303-384-6565.
Children’s workshops | The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., has many children’s workshops and events for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. For a list, call the Children’s Workshop coordinators at 303-370-8225 or 303-370-8347.
Nature movies | Morrison Nature Center, 16002 E. Smith Road, offers a free nature movie, popcorn and hands-on projects at 2 p.m. the 3rd Sunday monthly. Register: 303-739-2428.
Kids nature programs | Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora, offers a free program for kids ages 5 and under every Thursday at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. with puppets, stories, activities and outdoor exploration. Info: 303-739-2428 or .
Kids nature programs | Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora, offers a free program for kids ages 6-10, “Junior Rangers,” which meets the second Sunday every month at 1:30 p.m. Register: 303-739-2428.
Nature activities | South Suburban Parks and Recreation naturalists lead many outdoor, nature and environmentally related activities and events at Carson Nature Center, 3000 W. Carson Drive, Littleton. For a list of events, visit . or call 303-730-1022.
Nature programs | The Morrison Nature Center at Star K Ranch, 16002 E. Smith Road, Aurora, offers a variety of nature programs for children and adults. For a list of events, call 303-739-2428 or visit .
Nature programs and hikes | “Rox-Revealed,” a program featuring naturalist-led programs and hikes, is at 11 a.m. Saturdays at Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive. A $5 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 303-973-3959 or .
Wildlife program | Starsmore Discovery Center, 2120 S. Cheyenne Cañon Road, is offering free hands-on wildlife programs led by park interpreters at 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The program features mountain lions, black bears, hummingbirds, porcupines, common birds and other wildlife. An optional hike on the Columbine Trail will follow the talk.
Wildlife program | “North Cheyenne Cañon Wildlife,” a park interpreter-led program, will be at noon Saturdays and Sundays at Starsmore Discovery Center, 2120 S. Cheyenne Canon Road. An optional walk on the Columbine Trail will follow the talk. Info: 719-385-6086.
Wildlife refuge programs | The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, East 56th Avenue at Havana Street, is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. There are various exhibits at the Visitor Center, and free nature programs and refuge tours. Info: 303-289-0930 for times and reservations, or visit .
Natural history seminars | The Rocky Mountain Nature Association offers a series of outdoor seminars on natural history topics in Rocky Mountain National Park. Info: 970-586-3262 or .
Astronomy events | Fiske Planetarium, on the University of Colorado Boulder campus, has a variety of astronomy shows, talks, and family matinees. The evening talks and shows are $6 adults, $5 students with valid I.D., and $3.50 for children and seniors. Saturday family shows are $5 adults, $3.50 children and seniors. Laser shows are $5. Info: 303-492-5002 or .
SCIENTIFICALLY SPEAKING
TODAY
Museum free day | The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2201 Colorado Blvd., is offering free admission to Colorado residents with valid ID. Paleopuppeteer, “Mr. Bones” will be in the Museum from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Secrets of the Dioramas” tour is at 12:30 and 2 p.m. A scavenger hunt is taking place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Separate admission fees to Phipps IMAX Theater and the Gates Planetarium remain in effect. Info: 303-322-7009, 800-925-2250, or .
Open House and nature walk | Navajo State Park is having an open house from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A nature walk will be at 1 p.m. After the nature walk, visitors will be served hot chocolate, hot cider, coffee and homemade cookies and pastries. At 5 p.m. at the Picnic Pavilion near the Visitor Center, visitors can enjoy marshmallows and hot chocolate by a fire. Info/directions: 970-883-2208.
MONDAY
ENERGY STAR summit | The second annual ENERGY STAR Summit will be Dec. 3-4 at the Hyatt Regency in the Denver Tech Center. The summit brings together the best minds in the home building industry to discuss and educate home builders, contractors, architects, manufacturers, code officials, remodeling professionals, utilities, students and educators about the cutting edge designs and techniques for the construction of high performance homes. Info: e-star.com/summit.
TUESDAY
Café Scientifique meeting | “DNA: From Crime Scene to Courtroom!” a free interdisciplinary science lecture-and-discussion will be at 6:30 p.m. in the Wynkoop Mercantile Room, 1634 18th St. Info: .
WEDNESDAY
History of squash blossom necklaces lecture | “The Allure of Squash Blossom Necklaces,” a program about the history of the squash blossom, will be at noon at Colorado College, Gaylord Hall, main floor of Worner Campus Center, 902 N. Cascade Ave. The lecturers are Chris Jones, proprietor of The Great Southwest and Claire R. Farrer, emeritus professor of anthropology at University of California-Chico and CC visiting Southwest Studies faculty. CC’s Native American students will model examples of their necklaces. Cost is $12.50.
THURSDAY
Astronomy program | “Colorado Skies: Winter Skies,” will be at 7:30 p.m. in the Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Cost is $6 adults, $3.50 child/senior, free for students with valid ID. Info: . or 303-492-5002.
Nature program | The fourth and final free installment of the State of the Rockies Project Wilderness/Wildlands Speaker Series will be at 7:30 p.m. at Colorado College, Gates Common Room, third floor of Palmer Hall, 1025 N. Cascade Ave. Bill Cronon, author and the Frederick Jackson Turner Professor of History, Geography, and Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will discuss “Saving Nature in Time.”
FRIDAY
Botanic Gardens at Chatfield free day | Colorado residents with valid identification are admitted at no cost from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road. Info: 720-865-3500.
Gem and mineral show | The Flatirons (Boulder) Gem and Mineral Club is holding its annual Gem and Mineral Show at the Longmont County Fairgrounds, Exhibit Building, 9595 Nelson Road, Longmont. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 7; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 8; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 9. There will be exhibits, speakers and classes. The USGS will have an exhibit booth, and Pete Modreski of the USGS will give a talk about coal mining during the afternoon on Dec. 9.
SATURDAY
Sate Park open house | Barr Lake State Park, 13401 Picadilly Road, is having an open house event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be live Harris hawks and a Red-tailed hawk on display at 10:30 a.m., and there will be kids crafts from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Attendees will have the chance to enter to win a free 2008 Colorado State Parks Annual Park. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 303-659-6005.
State Park open house | Jackson Lake State Park, 26363 County Road 3, Orchard, is having a holiday event with a visit from Santa, cookies and punch. The Wiggins Volunteer Fire Department will be on hand to give children a ride on a fire truck (weather permitting). Those visiting Santa and the Visitor Center only will not be required to have a vehicle pass. Use of the park beyond the Visitor Center will require a $6 daily Colorado State Parks pass. Info: 970-645-2551.
Author/book signing event | Roxborough State Park, 4751 N. Roxborough Drive, Littleton, is having a holiday event from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with authors Ben Fogelberg, Steve Grinstead, G.K. Guennel, Andy Marquez, Vince Matthews, Jan Murphy and Maryann Guag. Each author will introduce his or her featured book(s) and a book signing will follow in the Visitor Center Lobby. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 303-973-3959.
State Park open house | Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs, is having a two-day open house event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 8 and 9. There will be programs for children, including hikes, wildlife interpretive programs and crafts for kids. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 719-576-2016.
State Park open house | Vega State Park in Collbran is having an open house event from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 8 and 9 at the Visitor Center. There will be refreshments, music, interpretive programs for children, and winter project ideas, activities and stories. A $6 daily State Parks pass is required for all vehicles entering the park. Info: 970-487-3407.
Dec. 9
Guided nature walk | South Suburban Parks and Recreation is offering a free naturalist-guided walk from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the Cooley Lake Wildlife area at South Platte Park, 3000 W. Carson Drive. The area is normally closed to general public access to protect wildlife. Info: 303-730-1022.
To publicize upcoming events geared toward and open to the public, please mail details at least two weeks in advance to Andrea Labak, Scientifically Speaking, The Denver Post, City Desk, 101 W. Colfax Ave., Suite 600, Denver, CO 80202, or e-mail to Scispeak@denverpost.com.
