COOL beer

This past Sunday, Altoona Community Theatre (ACT) hosted a SeptemBeerfest at the local Lakemont Park Picnic Pavilions. All monies raised go to the ACT's upcoming 2012-2013 season. Entertainment was provided by the Hurricanes while others were able to enjoy pre-game Steeler action at another tent. It was a wonderful event that provided lots of fun for those that attended and helped raise money so that more will be able to be done with the theatre in the future. Breweries that poured beer for the fundraiser included:Crispin Cider, Henry Weinhard's, Magic Hat, Shock Top, Duquense, Yuengling, and McSorley's. The theatre gets a big boost from fundraisers like this and helps them to continue to operate. ACT Operations Manager Steven C. Helsel states, “All non-profit arts groups depend on fund-raising projects to help provide operating income. Because our performance year opens at a time when beer-makers are featuring new and popular seasonal brews, we thought a tasting afternoon the week of our opening show would be a great kickoff. And Lakemont Park, although shut down by then for the year, is working with us to meet all of our needs and provides a great outdoor venue with covered pavilions should the weather not cooperate.” Here's to the Altoona Community Theatre and the breweries that helped make this event a success and providing a community a place to enjoy plays and the arts-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL! How do you enjoy or support the arts?

COOL swimmers

For Swim Across America, 2012 marks its 25th year in existance. [SAA] "is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming-related events." The past 25 years have seen SAA's swimming events expand from one single event in Nantucket, MA to dozens of events that reach across the U.S. starting in New York to California. This year the organization looks to help people all over the country sponsor and hold their own pool swims. Over the past 25 years SAA has been able to raise over $40 million for cancer research, prevention, and treatment. The money has helped support institutes in Boston, NYC, Tampa, Dallas, and Oakland, CA to name a few. This year's events will bring together recreational swimmers to competive swimmers who have competed in the Olympics. Also, hundreds of volunteers will be giving their time to pursue a cure for cancer. Ranging in ages from 4 to 78, more than 4,000 swimmers will participate in these swim events across America. Remember, you don't have to be a swimmer to help "Make Wave to Fight Cancer" with Swim Across America. You can volunteer, donate money, or just cheer on a love one as he/she swims in an event. Here's to all the swimmer, volunteers, donators, and family and friends who help make Swim Across America a success every year-keep swimmming, stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL! To learn more please visit: www.swimacrossamerica.org What are your thoughts about "Swim Across America" and their efforts to fund cancer research?

COOL listeners

5-year-old Stanton and his friend Faith sat patiently while a 4-year-old girl curled up next to them and read from her favorite book. They sat for a long time while 20 other children read to them. The only sign that one could tell they were really enjoying themselves was the way their tails wagged as each child read their favorite story.

Stanton and Faith are a part of the national Read to a Dog Program. The program introduces children to dogs while they sit and read to them. Parents who either knew about the program or ones who stumbled upon it were pleased with the concept. Jennifer York, mother to 3-year-old Betsy, woke to find her daughter practicing reading prior to going to the library for the event, "It's never too early to get children started on reading books and I love that it encourages kids to read by letting them interact with animals. I wish there had been a program like this when I was growing up."

4-year-old Violet Lewis was apprehensive about reading to such large dogs but was glad she did, "I could tell he liked the book because he was wagging his tail. He was a good listener and a nice dog." Violet's mother, Amy, appreciated the chance for her to be up close with such a large dog, "It was good for her to be in a controlled environment with a large dog who was so well-behaved."

Mary Letourneau, Stanton's owner, was overjoyed to see how much the children appeared to connect with him. They have been a part of the program for over three years, "It's so rewarding to see children gaining confidence by reading to these dogs. And Stanton enjoys being entertained by these kids so much. His tail never stops wagging."

Here's to the dogs, as well as their owners, who sit so patiently while children read to them and gain confidence-keep your tails wagging-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!

What do you think of the "Read to a Dog Program" and how the children respond to it?

a COOL raft guide

Dave Kadlock of Salt Lake City, UT is a skilled raft guide for the nonprofit organization SPLORE, which helps people of all abilities experience adventures of the great outdoors.

As a skilled guide, Dave has made himself known to those in his field but has distinguished himself from all other guides with his attitude in working with clients who are battling various physical and cognitive disabilities.

Lindsay Malone, marketing coordinator for SPLORE expresses how valuable Dave is to the organization, "Dave is always right there putting a smile on everyone's face. Being a gifted storyteller, Dave is often found telling legends around a campfire or causing uproarious laughter while floating down the river. Dave's passion for people makes him an invaluable partner for our organization."

Here's to Dave Kadlock for allowing those with physical and cognitive disabilities to experience the great outdoors with dignity and laughter-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!

For more information about SPLORE please visit: www.splore.org

What do you think of Dave and the work he does on the river?

a COOL valentine

For this Valentine's Day, a request has gone out to Colorado residents to make or buy a card for veterans at the veteran's hospital or living in the Colorado State Veteran's Nursing Home. Colorado resident, Sean Tompkins states, "This is such a great idea. I am a veteran and fortunately I am healthy. But I can imagine the cheer a card would bring me if I was in the VA hospital or nursing home."

Rick Krandall, radio personality for KEZW, is helping to promote the idea locally, "This program is more than 30 years old. It was started by newspaper columnist Ann Landers in response to a request from the head of the Veteran's Administration to have people send Valentine's cards to veterans in recognition of National Hospitalized Veteran's Week." Krandall also informs that the program was continued by several individuals after Mrs. Landers passed away and the station has been promoting it for the past 10 years.

With the support of school classes, churches, organizations such as the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce, and individuals either making or buying cards they had about 10,000 cards donated last year. They are looking to exceed that number this year. Veterans who are in-patients receive their card on their meal tray and veterans receiving out-patient care are handed theirs. Veterans in the nursing home also receive a card.

Here's to all those who make a veteran's day by donating a Valentine's Day card-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!

What do you think of this program to send veterans in the hospital or nursing home a Valentine's Day card?

COOL pajamas

The Pajama Program is a none profit organization that provides new pajamas and books to needy children in the United states and around the world. Many of these children are waiting to be adopted and have never had a mother or father read them a bedtime story. To date they have given over 1,000,000 new pajamas and books to children in need.

Many of the children served through this program have grown up in orphanages, group homes or shelters. Also, many are shuffled between these facilities with never having a home to call their own.

Genevieve Piturro, Found and Executive Director, states, "So many children are without warm bedtime clothing and education so we developed a creative program to provide some of both. We intend to make a difference-giving back is what it's all about."

Here's to Genevieve and the volunteers at Pajama Program for making a child's bedtime more comforting-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!

The Pajama Program depends of volunteers, sponsors, and donation. If you would like to know more: www.pajamaprogram.org

What do you think of the Pajama Program and how it affects children?

to a COOL new year

Well, here we are again, in the beginning of a new year which hopefully will bring new beginnings and new possibilities. The cool thing about new beginnings is that we get a chance to get things right this time around. The cool thing about new possibilities is that we might not be real sure what they are until they are upon us. The key is to take advantage of the new beginnings and possibilities before that new year attitude becomes an after thought.

Here's hoping your new beginnings bring about new results and that your new possibilities allow you to fulfill your potential.

Here's hoping your new beginnings heal old wounds and that your new possibilities allow you to meet people who will support you through your endeavours.

Here's hoping your new beginnings keep you motivated throughout the year and that your new possibilities bring you wealth far beyond the meaning of money.

Here's hoping your new beginnings keep you young at heart and that your new possibilities help you to embrace the uncertainties that life throws at you.

Here's hoping your new beginnings create fond memories and that your new possibilities guide you to the happiness you deserve.

Here's hoping your new beginnings and new possibilities bring cool things and cool people into your life throughout the entire year!

Here's to you...stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!