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Storm
Mountain News
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Local News
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Saturday,
March 10th - Spring Ahead Tonight...
This Sunday, the second Sunday in March, at 2 a.m., Daylight Saving
Time begins in the United States. This year, Daylight Saving Time is
four weeks longer than last year due passage of the Energy Policy Act in
2005.
The Energy Policy Act, which extends Daylight Saving Time by four
weeks from the second Sunday of March to the first Sunday of November,
is expected to save 10,000 barrels of oil each day due to reduced use of
power by businesses during daylight hours.
The phrase "Spring forward, fall back" helps people
remember how Daylight Saving Time affects their clocks. At 2 a.m. on the
second Sunday in March, we set our clocks forward one hour ahead of
standard time ("spring forward"). We "fall back" at
2 a.m. on the first Sunday in November by setting our clock back one
hour and thus returning to standard time.
Computer owners are advised to have the "Automatic Updates"
feature turned on so the proper updates for the time change can be
applied. Resetting your computer time manually may be necessary
otherwise.
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Tuesday,
March 6th - Loveland Worker Awarded International
Fellowship...
Keith Reester, director of public works for the City of Loveland, this week was named a 2007 International Fellow by the American Public Works Association and the Eisenhower World Affairs Institute. Through the Jennings Randolph International Fellowship Program, Reester will travel to Australia this August for nearly a month to attend the International Public Works and Engineering Australia (IPWEA) Conference and then complete a research fellowship in Australia.
Reester is only the 12th person selected for this prestigious Australian fellowship award from the United States since the program’s inception in 1987. Reester will officially be representing the United States, the American Public Works Association (APWA), and the City of Loveland.
The heart of Keith Reester’s research will be aimed at finding innovative approaches to replacing the retiring baby boomer generation in the public works and engineering fields. In this research Reester will conduct interviews, lead focus groups and survey professionals in Australia.
This research will be coupled with work already underway stateside; including surveys already completed with Colorado municipal executives. Australia, like many other modern nations, is facing this retirement crisis in the next decade as employers seek to replace the talent, experience and legacy of baby boomers in the workforce.
While attending the IPWEA Conference Reester will also present his American research findings while leading a program on “Building Exceptional Teams.”
The conference will be held in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. Reester will also travel with American Public Works Association President Bill Verkest.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to learn and share with other public works professionals from Australia and the world.” Reester said. “They face so many similar issues, from development to traffic control to recruiting and retaining top-flight talent, I am really looking forward to learning and sharing that with Loveland and Colorado.”
Keith Reester leads the City of Loveland’s Public Works Department, the City’s largest. Reester has been with the City for over 4 years. He currently also serves as a volunteer member of the APWA-Colorado Chapter Board of Directors. Reester has also published a host of professional articles and programs dedicated to improving organizations and communities around the country.
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Sunday,
March 4th - Photo Of The Week...
This week's photo of the week features a magnificent view of
Ptarmigan Glacier and 12,139' Notchtop Mountain in Rocky Mountain
National Park of northern Colorado.
Ptarmigan Glacier is the remains of the massive glaciers that carved
out the spectacular scenery of the Odessa Gorge area many thousands of
years ago. Situated in a glacial cirque, the impressive Notchtop
Mountain was also shaped by these same glaciers.
Today the area is a reminder of the awesome forces of nature and is a
popular moderate hike among park visitors and locals. The recommended
starting point is at Bear Lake. Take the Flattop Mountain trail about
one mile to a junction with the Odessa Lake Trail. From the junction, it is a six mile downhill walk through the amazing
Odessa Gorge.
Along the way you will pass by Odessa Lake, Fern Lake and
Fern Falls. This is quite possibly the most scenic hike in the entire
park. Words cannot begin to describe the breath-taking views and the
overwhelming feelings experienced along the way.
At the end of your hike, you can catch a ride on the Bear Lake
Shuttle from the Cub Lake trailhead back to the Bear Lake trailhead,
parking and your vehicle. The National Park Shuttle Service now makes
these type of hikes much easier to plan and do.
The hike is around 7 miles total distance with 6 miles being
predominately downhill. This journey is highly recommended for any avid
hiker visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. Make sure to bring you
camera! It will be a hike you will never forget!
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Friday,
March 2nd - Lunar Eclipse Saturday Evening...
On the evening of Saturday, March 3rd, sky watchers worldwide will be
treated to a total eclipse of the moon. Depending on your location, and
of course the weather, varying degrees of totality will be seen.
Europe, Africa and the Middle East will see the entire eclipse. In
the United States, the eclipse will already be underway when the moon
rises on Saturday evening. In our local area, the eclipse will be well
underway at the time of moonrise.
For the best viewing, find a place with a clear view of the eastern
horizon and station yourself there at sunset, 5:54PM local time. As the
sun goes down behind you, a red moon will rise before your eyes.
If your get a chance, go outside at sunset on Saturday and
look to the East. You may be treated to one of our world's little
wonders. Make sure to show your kids too!
For more complete information read the NASA article on the March 3rd
lunar eclipse via the link provided below:
March
3rd Lunar Eclipse
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