Grand County ranked 22nd healthiest in state

On Tuesday, the Robert Wood Foundation and University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute released the results of their 2019 County Health rankings, and Grand County came in at 22nd of 60 Colorado counties ranked.

Taking a number of factors into consideration, the study showed that the county fell behind national norms in areas such as excessive drinking and alcohol-impaired driving deaths, percentage of uninsured, primary care, dentists and mental health provider to patient ratios and children in poverty. Also cited were severe housing problems.

In Colorado, Douglas County came in at #1; Pitkin County at #2 and Eagle County came in at #3. To read the full report, visit countyhealthrankings.org.

Colorado’s charitable donations to nonprofits stalled

For the first time since its inception, Colorado Gives Day 2018 fell flat. Statewide nonprofits already had seen donations decline or stagnate in 2017. And with the new tax law raising the standard deduction and largely eliminating the benefit of itemizing, charitable groups are bracing for an even tougher outcome when the 2018 numbers come out. In a survey of 100 nonprofits, nearly one-third don’t expect to meet or exceed their 2018 revenue goals. On top of all that, the December 4th Colorado Gives Day coincided with an 800-point stock market dive, which likely deterred big donors.

World Water Day

Celebrate World Water Day with the Kawuneeche Group, and help assemble a historic perspective of the Kawuneeche Valley – beaver, fish, birds, moose, and more. During the meeting, they’ll be pinning down (literally) your thoughts and experiences with beavers. Listen and share with others as they discuss beavers and the North Fork of the Colorado River, including the Kawuneeche Valley. The event takes place Friday, March 22nd at Squeaky B’s in Grand Lake from 4 – 7 pm. To learn more, visit kawuneechegroup.com.

Volunteer Opportunities at local museums

Grand County Historical Association has a number of exciting opportunities for people who are interested in donating their time and talents. Volunteers are currently being sought for roles as museum docents, gift shop attendants, program organizers, committee members for special events, and many other important tasks. If you are passionate about history, come and learn about how you can make a difference in your community.

Join Grand County Historical Association at Cozens Ranch Museum in Fraser for a Volunteer Recruitment Party. The event is set for this Friday, March 22nd, from 4 – 7 pm. Light refreshments will be served. Meet and mingle with current volunteers and staff.

Deadline for Youth Fund Applications is April 1

Everyone should have the opportunity to live their dreams! If you are passionate about sports, school trips, or additional educational pursuits, but finances are deterrent, Grand Foundation’s Opportunity for Youth Fund may be able to help. To learn more and complete an application, visit grandfoundation.com.

Blues from the Top lineup announced

Last Friday, blues fans waited anxiously to hear the lineup for the 17th annual Blues from the Top festival and it did not disappoint. Set for June 28th – 30th at the Rendezvous Event Center at Hideaway Park, the weekend will feature performances by Lucinda Williams, The Allman Betts Band, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Samantha Fish, Danielle Nicole, Selwyn Birchwood, Tinsley Ellis, Jimmy Vivino + the Kate Moss 3, Mike Zito Big Blues Band featuring BB King Horns and more. A major artist announcement will also be made in early June.

The weekend will also feature the popular ‘Keeping the Blues Alive’ Youth Stage, bringing talented young performers to the stage. 2 nights of ‘Blues after Dark’ at the Headwaters Center celebrating Blue Star Connection and Category 5 Nights. Finally, the Winter Park Pub will host the Fest ‘After Party’ on Sunday evening.

Early Bird Tickets are now available at bluesfromthetop.org.

Denver Water to go through 1041 permitting

On March 14, 2019, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held a public hearing to consider Denver Water’s appeal of the Boulder County Land Use director’s determination of Oct. 22, 2018 for the Gross Reservoir Dam expansion. The Board upheld the Director’s determination that the statutory zoned land exemption does not apply to this project and it is subject to review under Article 8 (1041 Review) of the Boulder County Land Use Code. The Board voted (3-0) to uphold the Land Use director’s determination.

Colorado law grants “1041 powers” to local governments to identify, designate, and regulate areas and activities of state interest through a local permitting process. The general intention of the powers is to allow for local governments to maintain their control over development projects even where the development project has statewide impacts. A 1041 review would allow the Boulder County Planning Commission and the County Commissioners to conduct public hearings and review the application according to the criteria in the Code. At that time, all public input, including emails, will be made a part of the record of the 1041 docket and considered by the Planning Commission and the County Commissioners as a part of their decision-making processes.

To learn more, visit bouldercounty.org.