Sunday, March 30, 2008

A New Garden for Pueblo

What is the issue?  I am informed of a pending project that I have no knowledge about, only what Mr. Freeman and others have e-mailed me. My comment, Is it cost effective?  What is the extent of the project?  Is it cost effective?  What will it cost?  Where is it going?  Who is making this decision and who has approved this action?  The council, to my knowledge, has not been made aware of any impending change in the landscaping of the Convention Center.  Perpaps I should take the response as others on the council have takern.  Has the city administraiton been made aware of this?  Has council’s representative on the council been made awar of this????????????????????

A New Garden for Pueblo
I believe most of us like gardens, they bring mother nature to our front door.  At a recent URA meeting Gary Trujillo announced he was planning to have the landscaping changed around the Convention Center to Xeriscape or waterwise design.  I think this is great.  The only problem(s) is that he said he was bringing some one from Denver to do the design.
Mr. Trujillo did not mention whether or not the Denver people were low bidders or that any of our pueblo landscape designers had been considered for doing the design.  Typically the URA as well as the City do not go out for bids for service oriented work, this is something that must stop.  Examples of this are Global Spectrums management contract with the URA for operating the Convention Center,  Don’s Landscaping contracts with the URA and HARP.  Many of the contracts are the result of good ole boy relationships and are not based necessarily on quality of work or the best price.  We need to incorporate an open and fair process which allows equal opportunity to all qualified businesses where our tax money is getting the best services possible for the best price.
I believe that the Xeriscape garden design must go out for bid, giving our local talent an opportunity and if the Denver people come up with the best design for the best price, so be it.
Ted Freeman

Monday, March 10, 2008

Join us for our next Pueblo Citizens for Open Government Meeting

Since the Pueblo City Council has removed the televised public comment portion of the regular city council meetings we have been working to bring it back!
Join us for a working discussion of the language for our ordinance/ballot initiative to bring back televised public comments to all Pueblo City Council meetings. Public welcome.

Tuesday March 18, 2008 at 6:00pm.
Laborers Union Hall
108 Broadway Ave (Broadway and Abriendo).

Across Abriendo from Pueblo Rawlings Library - View Map

website: http://www.pueblofreespeech.org  or email us at: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Friday, March 07, 2008

Pueblo Citizens for Positive Change(PCPC)

Strategic plans for defeating the expansion of the Convention Center. Ideas on how to better spend the Vendor Fees.

Pueblo Citizens for Positive Change
Meeting, Wednesday, March 12, 6:30PM
Barkman Library, 1300 Jerry Murphy and Bonforte
Strategy plan for opposition to the expansion of the
Convention Center.  Public welcome.
Ted Freeman
544-4479

OHNO General Membership Meeting

A quest speaker from the City Code Enforcement Office.  Committee reports and future activities.

Old Historic Northside Organization
Meeting, Tuesday, March 11, 6:30PM
Temple Emanuel, 14th and Grand
Guest Speaker from City Ordinance Department

2nd Annual OHNO Retreat

Plans for the future in many areas of interest were discussed.  Committees were formed to put some of the plans into action.

Old Historic Northside Organization
2nd Annual Retreat
Saturday Feb. 2, 2008, 9am – 2pm
1001 N. Santa Fe, County Conference Rooms
David Cockrell, Facilitator, Senior Socio-Economic Planner, City of Pueblo and
fourteen attendees.

I. Our agenda began with introductions around the room and an icebreaker activity. We reviewed what happened last year and our old issues, previous goals, accomplishments, and priorities.

II. Committee chairs gave brief reports on last year’s accomplishments.
A. Social: Angela Giron reported for Carolyn Lowrey who was out of town.
1. Block party in September at Rosemount. Considered a success with about 100 attendees and some new faces.
2. Clean up day in April. We filled 4 roll-offs with yard waste.
3. Fall social at Ascension church was well attended and lots of good conversation and wonderful desserts were shared. We were treated to a look at the beautiful church interior.
4. Christmas movable feast was wonderful. About 52 people gathered at the 3 different host homes.

More...

OHNO Feb. Board meeting

Dicussion of upcoming retreat

OHNO BOD Meeting
February 2, 2008
Giron/Nawrocki Residence, 1910 Court Street

Attendees: Angela Giron, President; Heather Norton, Programs; Carolyn Lowrey, Membership; Janet Dash, Secretary; Yolanda Butler, Vice President; Ted Freeman, Communications. Lamar Trant, Treasurer could not attend. Guests: Steve Nawrocki.

I. Call to Order at 1:10 PM.

II. Secretary’s Report: There was no Board meeting in January due to the holiday. Georgine Booms took minutes at the January general membership meeting because Janet was out of town. Those minutes will be emailed to board members and published in the newsletter.

III. Treasurer’s Report: Lamar reports that $135 was collected in dues bringing the current balance to $854.20.

More...

Monday, March 03, 2008

Historic Pueblo, Inc. February Membership Meeting Minutes

HPI February Minutes

MINUTES OF THE MEMBERSHIP MEETING
HISTORIC PUEBLO, INC.
FEB 4th, 2008

The membership meeting was called to order at 5:15pm by Laurel Campbell, President, at the Southern Colorado Heritage Center.

Members and guests in attendance were:  Marla and Lee Merkel, Sondra Cool Biddle, Mary Wallace, Joyce Sears, Genevieve Johannsen, Fern Forgie, Lorane Buckner, Mary Ann Thompson, Cathee Duncan, Wade Broadhead, Donna Alber, James and Patricia Good, Barbara Sabo, Kathy Pedersen, Carolynn Roche, Janet Dash, Russ Dash, Irene and John DeDe, Diana Bernauer, Bob Campbell, Amanda and Tom Russell, Bruce and Sheila Wagner, Susan Adamich, Michael Burrer, Weston Burrer, Frank Seamon, Kerrelyn Trent, Leah Samuelson, Janice Bassett, and Laurel Campbell.

The Minutes from the January meeting were read.  Kuky Harrington moved and Mary Ann Thompson seconded the minutes be approved.  There was no discussion and the motion to approve was unanimous.

Laurel Campbell introduced the 2008 Board members:  Laurel Campbell, President; Eric Bernauer, Treasurer; Janice Bassett, Secretary, Kerrelyn Trent, VP, Kuky Harrington, at large, Amanda Russell, at large, Donna Alber, past President.

Eric Bernauer gave the Treasurer’s report.  January 2008 income received total $926 while expenses paid were $561.88.  As of 1/31/08 the checking account balance is $13,295.96.  Detailed financial statements can be requested by contacting Laurel Campbell.

“Preservation 101” will be presented at the March meeting by Dave Cockrell.

New Business

The HPI Board would like to join Colorado Preservation Inc. (CPI), a state non-profit preservation organization.  Laurel asked members of HPI to consider joining CPI because Pueblo needs representation in the state association.  Eric Bernauer moved and Kuky Harrington seconded that HPI join CPI.  Motion passed unanimously.  Eric will prepare and send the $50 membership fee.

There was also discussion regarding HPI making a donation to Chocolate Indulgence.  It was suggested that HPI donate a membership and a ticket to the October Home Tour.  Sondra Biddle moved and Kuky Harrington seconded that this donation be considered.  Motion approved unanimously.

The 2008 and projected 2009 Budget were reviewed.  Kerrelyn Trent moved and Donna Alber seconded that the budget for 2008 be approved as presented.  There was a unanimous decision to accept budget. 

2008 Goals were presented.  Goals are:
§ create and maintain website,
§ expansion of membership,
§ expansion of resource plaque sales, and
§ creation of a library and contractor resource list.

Leah Samuelson moved and Mary Wallace seconded that these goals be approved.  Unanimous decision to approve goals as stated.

Wade Broadhead gave an update on the Northside Historic District.  Letters will be sent out to homes in the Northside Historic District zone.  City Council voted for an “opt-in” district. This will take place in 6 months.  This will be the first Historic District designated by the City of Pueblo.

This year the Plaque Reception will be held in September. HPI had planned on purchasing 35 plaques but will wait until it is known how many homes will be designated in the newly created Northside Historic District.  HPI is purchasing 2 road side signs to be placed on the Northside near the newly created Historic District.

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday March 3, 2008 at St. Mary’s Genealogy Center, 211 E. Mesa.  Following the meeting, members and guests are invited to Eiler’s for dinner (dutch treat).

At the conclusion of the meeting, Weston Burrer, Mike Burrer, and Frank Seamon gave a presentation on Understanding Historic Architecture and the Appropriate Color Pallettes.

Respectfully Submitted,

Janice Bassett

Historic Pueblo, Inc January Membership Minut

HPI January 08 Minutes

MINUTES OF THE MEMBERSHIP MEETING
HISTORIC PUEBLO, INC.
JAN 8, 2008

The membership meeting was called to order at 5:05pm by Laurel Campbell, President, in the Carriage House at the Orman-Adams Mansion.

Members and guests in attendance were:  Joyce Spears, Kerrelyn Trent, Donna Alber, Sondra Biddle, Lee and Marla Merkel, Janice Bassett, Lorane Buckler, Mary Bonogorsky, Sheila Wagner, E & D Bernaner, Leah Samuelson, Paul
Fanning, Myrna Slate, Wade Broadhead, Susan Adamich, K. Harrington, Cara Housman, Laurel Campbell, Bob Campbell and Wade Broadhead.

The Minutes from the November meeting were not read.  They will be read and approved at the February meeting.

Eric Bernauer gave the Treasurer’s report.  Concerning the Holiday Orman-Adams Mansion Tour, expenses were estimated at $725.24.  He did not have total income raised from the tour available.  He will give a full financial report at the February meeting.

Regarding overall HPI Financials, Eric reported income in November and December of $3812.00 with expenses for November and December totaling $865.91.

Laurel reported that Historic Pueblo, Inc. currently has approximately 150 members.

Wade Broadhead, Pueblo City Planning Department (553-2248) gave a brief report on the Northside Historic District and the Eastside Context Study.  The City Planning Dept. received a $14,000 grant from the Colorado Historical Society to do an Eastside Context Study. There currently is not a historic district on the east side.  If anyone would like to have land/property designated please contact Wade.  The Northside Historic District vote will go before City Council Monday 1/14/08.  If passed, this will be the first residential historic district in Pueblo.

Discussion took place on a preferred meeting night.  Meetings are generally held at the SCHC.  Wednesday evening meetings often present a challenge for some members to attend.  It was suggested that meetings be moved to Monday or Tuesday evenings.  Donna Alber moved and Lee Merkel seconded that meetings be held the 1st Monday of each month at 5:15pm.  The vote was unanimous in favor of the change. 

Laurel Campbell reviewed the tentative meeting schedule for 2008.  She also discussed the 2008 budget and advised that the 2008 budget is balanced.  However, there is concern regarding the 2009 budget.  HPI hopes to pursue matching grants and find innovate ways to generate income going forward.

Donna Alber distributed a flyer for members interested in learning how to write grants for historic preservation.  There will be a session on grant writing in Pueblo on January 29, 2008 at the El Pueblo Museum.  All members were encouraged to attend.

Meeting wad adjourned at 5:45pm and members moved to the Mansion to take down Christmas decoration.

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday February 4, 2008 at the Southern Colorado Heritage Center at 5:00pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Janice Bassett

Pueblo’s May Preservation Month Activity Calendar

May is National Historic Preservation Month and, as usual, Pueblo historical and preservation organizations have outdone themselves!  The list is long and interesting.

MAY PRESERVATION MONTH ACTIVITIES FOR PUEBLO, COLORADO

Saturday, April 26th – El Pueblo History Museum’s “On the Road to Denver’s Little Italy,” includes a tour of the Colorado Historical Society’s exhibit, “The Italians of Denver,” and a tour of the Italian District.  A box lunch is provided. The bus will leave EPHM at 9:00 a.m. and return to the Museum at 5:30 p.m. Cost per person is $50 for members and $55 for non-members. Reservations are required.  Please call 583-0453.

Saturday, May 3rd – El Pueblo History Museum’s “On the Road to A Victorian Mother’s Day.” Tour the McAllister House in Colorado Springs and Miramount Castle.  Enjoy High Tea at Miramount. The bus will leave EPHM at 11:00 a.m. and return to the Museum at 5:45 p.m. Cost per person is $50 for members and $55 for non-members. Reservations are required.  Please call 583-0453.

Saturday, May 3rd, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, May 4th,  10 a.m.-4 p.m.- Hose Co. No 3 Fire Museum, 116 Broadway Ave. The Pueblo Firefighters Historical Society will sponsor two open house weekends at the Hose Co. No. 3 Fire Museum during May’s Historic Preservation Month festivities. In addition to the exhibits at the museum, they will have several historic fire trucks on display, including the 1928 American LaFrance Aerial Ladder Truck.  Admission is free.
Saturday, May 3, 2008- Rosemount Museum presents “A Peak into the Past” will be held at Rosemount Museum in celebration of Historic Preservation Month.  The museum will offer half price tours for all visitors throughout the day.  The museum opens at 10 a.m. and the last tour of the day is at 3:30 p.m.  Groups of 10 or more people need to make reservations in advance.  Tentatively, there will be other activities available on the grounds that day.  Regular museum prices are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors (60 yrs. and above) and $4 for children 6 - 18 yrs.  Prices will be half that on May 3.

May 2, 3 and 4 - The Pueblo Archaeological and Historical Society will be assisting the Colorado Rock Art chapter of the Colorado Archaeological Society with the Rock Art Symposium that is being held in La Junta on the weekend of May 2,3,4. In connection with the symposium, Larry Loendorf, a well-known archaeologist who has done extensive work in Southeastern Colorado, will be giving a presentation on rock art at the main library on Thursday, May 1st at 7p.m. with the presentation at about 7:30p.m.  For more information, please contact Charles Booms, President PAHS at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Sunday, May 4th, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.  (Reservations & payment by Thurs May 1st)
Historic Pueblo, Inc. presents “The Thatcher’s Historic North Side Neighborhood Walking Tour”
Come take a stroll through the streets of Pueblo’s historic North Side.  We begin at the site of the once Mineral Palace at the north end of Mineral Palace Park.  Learn about the palace, why it was built and what happened to it.  We’ll walk along the streets that were scraped out of the prairie lying to the north of the down town business district.  The hill at 15th and Greenwood gave Mahlon Thatcher’s Hillcrest a grand view of the surrounding area.  Many of the earliest houses were the residences of Pueblo’s upper class who sought to remove themselves from more developed neighborhoods that lay closer to the down town area. 
The tour begins at the north end of Mineral Palace Park; cost includes light refreshments provided at the end of the tour.
Cost is $10.00 per person, make checks payable to HPI. Reservations should be mailed to:  Historic Pueblo, Inc., 201 West B Street, Pueblo, CO 81003, OR taken to the Heritage Center at the above address. Tour Guides are Susan Adamich and Laurel Campbell. For information please call 719-406-0785

Thursday, May 8th, Dinner, 6:00 p.m., program, 7:00 p.m. The Pueblo County Historical Society will hold its annual Historical Preservation Awards banquet and program at the Elks Club, 6th & Santa Fe; dinner will be followed by the award presentations at 7:00 P.M..  Reservations are necessary, please call 543-6772.  The PCHS annually honors individuals and businesses with their prestigious award that signifies exceptional effort in preserving, promoting and protecting Pueblo’s history.

Saturday, May 10th 10:00 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. (Reservations and payment by Thurs, May 8)
Historic Pueblo, Inc. presents “The Historic South Pueblo Walking Tour”
Walk the streets beyond the bluff of the Mesa Junction.  General William Jackson Palmer laid out South Pueblo in the 1870’s and homes began appearing in the early 1880’s.  See the original street names and the enchanting homes built by entrepreneurs and emigrants alike.  The tour will take us past the Walter’s Mansion (of Walter’s Beer), the homes of Pitkin Place, and on to the Orman/Adams mansion.  Hear stories of rags to riches, and back again; a passenger on the Titanic who once lived here and a home lost in a wager! 
The tour begins and ends at the corner of Abriendo and Jackson near the Abriendo Inn, cost includes light refreshment provided at the end of the tour.
Cost is $10.00 per person, make checks payable to HPI. Reservations should be mailed to: Historic Pueblo, Inc., 201 West B Street, Pueblo, CO 81003, OR taken to the Heritage Center at the above address.  Tour guides are Susan Adamich and Laurel Campbell. For information please call 719-406-0785

Saturday, May 10th, 8 a.m. to 12 Noon – Pueblo Pioneer Cemetery’s Annual Cemetery Clean-up Day

Saturday May 17th, 10:00 a.m.- 12 Noon (Reservations & payment by Thurs May 15th)

Historic Pueblo, Inc. presents “The Thatcher’s Historic North Side Neighborhood Walking Tour”
Come take a stroll through the streets of Pueblo’s historic North Side.  We begin at the site of the once Mineral Palace at the north end of Mineral Palace Park.  Learn about the palace, why it was built and what happened to it.  We’ll walk along the streets that were scraped out of the prairie lying to the north of the down town business district.  The hill at 15th and Greenwood gave Mahlon Thatcher’s Hillcrest a grand view of the surrounding area.  Many of the earliest houses were the residences of Pueblo’s upper class who sought to remove themselves from more developed neighborhoods that lay closer to the down town area. 
The tour begins at the north end of Mineral Palace Park; cost includes light refreshments provided at the end of the tour.
Cost is $10.00 per person, make checks payable to HPI. Reservations should be mailed to:  Historic Pueblo, Inc., 201 West B Street, Pueblo, CO 81003, OR taken to the Heritage Center at the above address. Tour Guides are Susan Adamich and Laurel Campbell. For information please call 719-406-0785

Saturday, May 17th,  9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, May 18th,  10 a.m.-4 p.m.- Hose Co. No 3 Fire Museum, 116 Broadway Ave. The Pueblo Firefighters Historical Society will sponsor two open house weekends at the Hose Co. No. 3 Fire Museum during May’s Historic Preservation Month festivities. In addition to the exhibits at the museum, they will have several historic fire trucks on display, including the 1928 American LaFrance Aerial Ladder Truck.  Admission is free.
Saturday, May 17th, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m -Pueblo County Historical Society’s “Pueblo New Deal Bus Tour.” Enjoy a bus ride around town to the various New Deal project sites in Pueblo.  Your tour guide, George Williams will tell you about the history of these projects which were carried out throughout the Pueblo area.  The tour includes admission to Pueblo Zoo and a catered Lunch. Cost is $20 per person.
Meet at the Pueblo Zoo, City Park, Pueblo CO by 9:30 a.m.  Enrollment is limited.  For reservations please call Bill Crain at 546-1443.  Payment must be received by Thursday, May 15th and should be mailed to PCHS, 201 B St., Pueblo, CO 81003.

Saturday, May 17th,  2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. -The First United Methodist Church of Pueblo, 310 W. 11th Street, Pueblo, CO, was designated as a City of Pueblo Historic Landmark in 2007.  The Church will host tours of the sanctuary. Light refreshments will be served and some members will be in historic costume. 

Sunday, May 18th – “On the Road to Denver’s Tribal Paths.”  Tour the Tesoro Indian Market and Powwow. A box lunch is provided.  Tour the Colorado History Museum’s Tribal Paths exhibit. The bus will leave EPHM at 8:30 a.m. and return to the Museum at 6:00 p.m. Cost per person is $50 for members and $55 for non-members. Reservations are required.  Please call 583-0453.

Saturday, May 24th -  Bessemer Historical Society’s The Fourth Annual Coal Camp Excursion will hit the road for an in-depth look at the mine and campsites located in Huerfano County.

This very popular program of the Bessemer Historical Society (BHS) has visited the sites of company coal camps in Florence, Huerfano and Las Animas Counties in the past. This year’s return to Huerfano County will highlight not only the physical sites, but also look into the lives of the people who lived in the camps (towns). Many of these individuals were first generation Americans from a variety of countries. They faced
hardships and happiness. They endured strife and strikes, and many went on to economic prosperity. Their descendants now populate the cities and towns of Colorado and are from every socio-economic level of society.

There are over 90 mine sites in Huerfano County including: Pictou, Walsen, Cameron, Ideal, Rouse and Solar. Some of these sites are only depressions in the earth, while other feature the remains of structures,
or perhaps only foundations.

Due to weather the tour route is tentative, but will include a side trip to the screening plant at Rocky Mountain Steel Mills’ Reservoir #3 at Stem Beach. This reservoir, along with Reservoir #2, has supplied the Pueblo steel plant with water for over 100 years. Lunch will be in Walsenburg following a tour of the Walsenburg Mining Museum.

Excursionists will meet at 8 a.m. Saturday morning at the Steelworks Museum of Industry and Culture, 215 Canal Street, Pueblo. Cost for the tour is yet to be determined, but includes a continental breakfast, guided tour, companion tour book, lunch, and refreshments on the bus. Seating is limited and reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information call the Bessemer Historical Society at 719-564-9086 or visit http://www.cfisteel.org.

Saturday, May 24th and May 31st – El Pueblo History Museum’s “On the Road to Pueblo’s Historic Cemeteries.”  Continental breakfast at EPHM, with a tour of the Museum’s Descansos exhibit.  The bus will tour Pioneer Cemetery (with possible costumed interpreters) and Roselawn Cemetery with guide.  A box lunch will be served at Roselawn’s Hall with a lecture.  Meet at EPHM at 9 a.m. Bus will return at 4:15 p.m.  Cost per person is $40 for members and $45 for non-members. Reservations are required.  Please call 583-0453.

Sunday May 25th 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Reservations & payment by Thurs. May 22)
Historic Pueblo, Inc. presents “The Historic South Pueblo Walking Tour”
Walk the streets beyond the bluff of the Mesa Junction.  General William Jackson Palmer laid out South Pueblo in the 1870’s and homes began appearing in the early 1880’s.  See the original street names and the enchanting homes built by entrepreneurs and emigrants alike.  The tour will take us past the Walter’s Mansion (Walter’s Beer), the homes of Pitkin Place, and on to the Orman/Adams mansion.  Hear stories of rags to riches, and back again; a passenger on the Titanic who once lived here and a home lost in a wager! 
The tour begins and ends at the corner of Abriendo and Jackson near the Abriendo Inn, cost includes light refreshment provided at the end of the tour.
Cost is $10.00 per person, make checks payable to HPI. Reservations should be mailed to: Historic Pueblo, Inc., 201 West B Street, Pueblo, CO 81003, OR taken to the Heritage Center at the above address.  Tour guides are Susan Adamich and Laurel Campbell. For information please call 719-406-0785.

May 26, 2008, 9:00 a.m. Pueblo Pioneer Cemetery - Memorial Services will be held at the Cemetery, including posting of the colors, a memorial prayer and music.  The public is invited.

Info Zone - Pueblo City-County Library – Exhibits on Walter’s Brewery.  For information on dates and times, please contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Saturday, June 14th - Roselawn Cemetery Walking Tour, 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 Noon
This walking tour through the park-like setting of Roselawn Cemetery, will take you past the final resting places of many of Pueblo’s finest.  The grand monuments remind us of a time when the size of your success can be shown in the size of your family marker.  There are governors, doctors, bankers and businessmen, women, children and immigrants, with stories that will impress and amaze.  Meet in the parking lot at Roselawn.  Tour guide Susan Adamich
Event Location - Roselawn Cemetery, 1706 Roselawn Rd., Pueblo 81006
COST is $10.00 per person 12 years and older, under 12 no charge.
Reservations or information call 719-406-0785
PARTICIPANTS: Anyone interested in local history, children welcome, strollers suggested for young children.
RESTRICTIONS:
· These are one and a half to two hour walks, which may not be suitable for all children.  Parents must supervise their children, if they are disruptive you may be ask to leave the tour.
· Wheelchairs are welcome, please note however that some streets are paved and some are gravel, some travel on grass that is uneven.