The  polar plunge at the Boulder Reservoir on New Year’s Day is an annual fund-raiser for The Young Professionals Alzheimer’s Association. Sarah Spaulding discusses the issues and research around the disease with host Nikki Kayser. Early detection is important for the most effective drug treatment, so they mention the signs and how families are affected by the gradual loss of their loved-one.

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Winter Meltdown is an eight-week fitness and weight-loss challenge to inspire New Year’s resolutions that lead to permanent changes. Debbie Milmot at the Lafayette Recreation Department chats with host Nikki Kayser about the prevalence of over-weigh adults – two-thirds of all adults in the U.S. Wilmot discusses the challenges such as all the associated health costs. The incentives will hopefully encourage more folks in Layaette will meet the challenge by learning about nutrition and maintaining an exercise plan.

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Boulder resi­dents recognize there are so many people in our very own community, who are at risk of not having food on their tables.  Meals On Wheels Boulder is revitalized each time they receive a donation because it reminds them that their service is needed and wanted in this community.  They provide support for our vulnerable elderly and disabled neighbors as one way we can all help to create a community in which everyone ages well. Executive Director, Francea Phillips, chats with host Nikki Kayser about the Cafe, project homecoming and the popular quiche sales.

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One in a series of nature walks for seniors, Walden Ponds is a wetlands  in winter transition. Boulder County Open Space provides many programs for all ages. Larry Colbenson chats with host Nikki Kayser about the wildlife one might see this time of year.

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Some college students who are high performers, leaders in their communities, and yet under-resourced are helped each year as Greenhouse Scholars. Andra Pool and one of the scholars, An Dang, chat with host Nikki Kayser about the program that provides mentorship and financial support to fully guide the students toward being the next generation of leaders in a unique and comprehensive approach.

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The community cafe is a non-profit restaurant in Northwest Denver that will serve  Special gourmet meals  to one and all Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Comfort Cafe provides comfort on many levels, 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM, seven days a week as Jan Bezuidenhout explains to host Nikki Kayser.

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Since 1979, Lefthand Bookstore in Boulder has run as a volunteer collective. It is a not-for-profit, progressive bookstore providing access to alternative viewpoints and difficult-to-obtain sources of information. They are located on 1200 Pearl Street on the walking mall at (303) 443-8252. They are open Monday-Saturday 10am to 9pm & Sunday 12pm to 6pm. Rachel Sapin discussed this season’s good reads with longtime volunteer Louise Knap.

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Tanya Wheeler-Berliner, Director of Public Relations & Marketing, chats with host Nikki Kayser about the trends they are seeing in their drop-in day shelter for people without homes at The Gathering Place. More and more women and children make up Denver’s homeless. Many are not seen on the streets, since they stay with others. The center provides resources and support as people get back on their feet, including mental health and vocational counseling, financial planning and supplies such as toilet articles and diapers. They are taking donations of gift cards, so that people can give them to their loved ones during the holidays.

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Curt Cheesman chats with host Nikki Kayser about the rock formations and unique design of the new skate park in the City of Lafayette, just behind the recreation center off Baseline/South Boulder Road. The construction crew are themselves skaters, so the design is state-of-the art. Initiated by a youth group, people from many towns and of many ages are coming to the park.

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The Slow Foods Movement of Italy has spread to include all sorts of projects. Chefs Move to Schools is an initiative of the Obama Administration that has inspired a group of independent restaurants  in Denver to form a networking group called Eat Denver Serves Schools. Chefs go into schools to help teach food prep and start gardens. Leigh Jones, chair of the group of 64 members, chats with host Nikki Kayser.

With schoolyard gardens in 35 Denver Public Schools, Slow Food Denver is making real headway in the quest. Each garden has volunteer parents who help the children prepare the soil and plant in the spring, maintain the plot during the summer and harvest in the fall.

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