Denver, CO

As the summer days get hotter, a great way to cool off is going to Water World! Water World is open Mon-Fri from 10am to 6pm and is fun for the whole family, a date, a daycare, or a group of friends. Located at 88th Ave. and Pecos Street, 15 minutes north of Downtown Denver, there is no excuse not to check out this water park this year.

This last Saturday, June 2nd, I took the time and opportunity to volunteer at a local Kids Fishing Derby in Northglenn. Those of you new to this blog and the Denver area, the city of Northglenn is north of Downtown Denver, about a 15 minute drive.
This event saw about 200 hundred kids cast out into a neighborhood lake and test their luck against pre-stocked fish. All participants received a thank you prize package, were entertained by music, provided snacks, and were able to enjoy some pleasant sunshine on the lake. The grand prize winners (kids who caught the biggest fish) were awarded trophies and their own, brand new fishing pole!
Going into this event I knew that fishing required patience, and volunteer work is usually in that same ‘boat.’ My experience with this event, however, was extremely pleasant, fulfilling, and relaxing. Another helper there, a paid girl in high school, was not able to understand why I was working the event without pay. But for those of us who have contributed time and effort for worthy volunteer causes, the reason to do so is difficult to describe.
In my experience, volunteer work gives a sense of accomplishment and that, at least for that day, you really helped out some people and the community.
As author of About-Denverco.com and as a human being, I strongly encourage readers to actively participate in volunteer efforts this summer. If nothing else, it is a nice change of pace from the daily grind.
This Fishing Derby was put on by the City of Northglenn and for me to volunteer, all I had to do was pick up the phone and call. They were eager to have the volunteer efforts of myself and some friends from our FusBoxe Martial Arts Volunteer program. If you’re looking for volunteer work in Denver-area this summer, think about what would be most enjoyable to help out with, then start making the calls.
I really do think everyone, and I mean everyone, could stand to benefit from some volunteer efforts. Its a community service to the community we are all responsible for.

Part one of my blog entry detailing the day I spent with Debbie Benefield, Colorado House of Representatives District 29:

The most interesting part of this blog has to do with the wording of the title. The word ‘day’ is used to accurately describe the time I was privileged to spend with Debbie Benefield, more importantly, the time that is privileged to anyone seeking an active role in our democratic system of government.
Most people would not expect their government representatives to spend much time with them or to even give their concerns much thought. But Debbie Benefield willingly spent the better part of a day - a full three and a half hours - with me sitting in her office, asking her question after question. This is one representative that does not tire nor lose enthusiasm!
In addition, Debbie personally led me on a grand tour of our State Capitol building describing, in detail, the areas of historical significance and how our officials go about their business.
It was clear to me that Debbie was genuinely happy and enthused to have me, a young college student, actively asking questions and attempting to become involved in the political process. Debbie truly believes that the government is for the people and the people should actively be involved. Voting is the main and primary means for being involved. But if you feel as I do, and seek more involvement, a trip to the Capitol is also a great start. Or visit your District Representatives website and send them an email. There are lots of opportunities to have a say in our government here in Colorado; most people just overlook them.

more of this trip will be recorded next week…