With the 2010 Census now underway, the Better Business Bureau urges the public to cooperate but cautions people about potential fraud and identity theft. Here are three things you should know and share with family and friends:

• Official U. S. Census workers now going door to door can be identified by their
badge, handheld device and canvas Census Bureau bag. Ask to see the individual’s
badge before answering any questions, and do not invite anyone you don’t know
into your home.

• Census workers will verify how many people live at your address and gather
information about each person, including name, age, gender, race, and so on.
Although they may ask for basic financial information, such as salary range, they will
NOT ask for Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers, nor will they solicit
donations. You are not required to answer any questions about your
financial situation.

• Census workers may contact you in person or by telephone or mail, but they will NOT
contact you by email. Beware of email scams and never click on a link or open an
attachment in an email allegedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org.

Have you ever considered the bottom line impact of real estate transactions on our local economy? According to the National Association of Realtors’ Bureau of Economic Analysis, for every home sold in Colorado, $21,429 in income is generated from real estate related industries, including home construction, mortgage lending, title insurance, rental and leasing, home appraisal, and moving services. Expenditures on consumer items, such as indoor and outdoor furniture, appliances, paint and so on, generate an additional $5,331.

Each home sale also spurs spending at restaurants, sports games and charity events; the size of this “multiplier” effect is estimated at $12,845. Furthermore, home sales induce additional home production; typically one new home is constructed for every eight existing home sales. Therefore, for each existing home sale in the state, 1/8 of the new home’s value is added to the economy, or an estimated $29,763.

In sum, the total economic impact of a typical home sale for a median priced property ($238,100) in Colorado is $69,367. Homebuyers’ tax credits are being more than paid for by the positive economic impact of home sales.

Love Letters is a Pulitzer Prize for Drama nominated play by A. R. Gurney.  The bittersweet story of a lawyer and artist’s relationship unfolds from what is written and what is left unsaid in their letters.

Evergreen Players
Saturday, February 13, 2010
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Center Stage
27608 Fireweed Dr.
Evergreen, CO

Adults $18
Senior (60 and up) $14
Youth 12 and under $8

Gold Rush is the theme for the night commemorating the 150thanniversary of Colorado’s Gold Rush.  Help our community while enjoying a glittering event that includes dinner, dancing, a silent and live auction.  Come dressed for the Gold Rush and bring along unwanted gold jewelry and other items to be weighed by an assayer with proceeds benefiting Mt. Evans Hospice.

Saturday, February 20, 2010
6 pm – 10 pm

Mt. Vernon Country Club
24933 Clubhouse Circle
Golden
303-674-6400

$75 per person
$125 Patron Level

Here’s an interactive chart that shows how Denver’s real estate market has fared compared to other major cities across the US.

Denver area appears to be poised to start 2010 right.

Winter is here and skating at the Lake House is here!   Skating will be closed Monday Dec. 14 – Dec 17, opening again on Friday, December 18, 2009 weather permitting.  Rentals are available.  Always call ahead to check conditions of the ice. 720-880-1391.

Christ the King’s building project is underway.  The sincere hope is to increase community-oriented efforts in the mountain area.   Read the press realease from Christ the King Catholic Church.

Metro Denver’s real estate market is turning. Can Evergreen/Conifer be far behind?

A must read article!
Denver home resales up 23% in November from 2008

The Yule Log is burned in the fireplace as part of the Christmas celebration.  Traditionally the log is not burned completely.  A small part is saved and kept in the house to start the following years’ log.  The log brings good luck and keeps the house safe for the year.  Different types of wood release their own kind of “magic”.

Ash brings protection, prosperity & health.

Aspen invokes understanding.

Birch signifies new beginnings.

Oak brings healing, strenght & wisdom.

Pine signifies prosperity and growth.

Make your own Yule Log -

1 large log 12″-15″
evergreen branches
pine cones
cinnamon sticks
fresh rosemary branches (optional)
2 candles

Cut holes in the log for the candles.  Arrange evergreen branches on the log. Add pine cones, fresh rosemary branches, holly or other Christmas decorations.  This make a beautiful Holiday Centerpiece.  Remove decorations from the log and burn on Christmas Eve.