State Fair

The Colorado State Fair starts today in Pueblo, and runs August 29 through September 7. For over 130 years, the state fair has been celebrating Colorado's agricultural heritage. Some of the many attractions include rodeos, cultural heritage exhibits, concerts, the agricultural pavilion, monster trucks, carnival rides and a petting zoo. Visit the State Fair website for the event schedule and ticket information. You can also follow the fair on You Tube, Blogspot, and MySpace.

Home care for H1N1

The Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment has just released a new guidebook concerning what to do if you get H1N1 or Swine Flu. The guidebook, released in both English and Spanish, lists the symptoms of H1N1 and how to care for a sick person at home. The guide includes suggestions for diet and medicines; fever signs to watch for; and how to keep from catching the flu when you are caring for someone. The guide isn't just for those who are sick, though: it also lists preparedness information and a supply list just in case the pandemic becomes an epidemic and we are forced to stay at home. Experts are predicting this winter is going to be a severe flu season, so it always helps to be prepared. The both language versions of the guidebook, along with flu preparedness videos and fact sheets, can be found at the CDPHE's Home Healthcare Resources for Pandemic Flu webpage.

Ground broken for new history museum

Yesterday dignitaries gave speeches and lowered shovels in a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Colorado History Museum, which will be built at 12th and Lincoln, just south of the current history museum site. The museum is being forced out of their current location by the Colorado Judicial Branch, which now shares the block at 13th between Lincoln and Broadway, but wants to build a larger facility taking up the whole block. The State is using Certificates of Participation along with ARRA funds to build the new museum. For information on the project, visit the Colorado Historical Society's project webpage. According to a CBS 4 article, actual construction will begin in September after archaeologists finish sifting through the preserved cellars of a rowhouse that once stood on the site. Meanwhile, until the new building is completed, the museum and its Stephen Hart Library will be closed. The current museum and Judicial Building will be demolished early next year.

State Budget Cuts

Governor Ritter released his latest budget plan for the 2009/10 fiscal year. A deficit of $318 million in revenue has led to program cuts and the elimination of 270 full time positions. A press release from the governor's office provides an overview. Details of the proposed cuts can be found in the governor's budget-balancing plan online.

Senior Citizens

The Colorado state government homepage, www.colorado.gov, includes a webpage with helpful information for senior citizens, including information on health, consumer protection, transportation, social security, housing/assisted living, and much more. On this site, you can find out how to get a discounted membership to State Parks or the Colorado Historical Society; where to learn computer skills; how to avoid scams and fraud; learn about driving safety; find volunteer opportunities; and understand Medicaid.

The State Publications Library has also produced a guide to information for seniors, Quick Guide to State Information for Seniors and Caregivers, with helpful state information resources and websites.

Health Care Reform in Colorado

It's impossible to pick up a newspaper these days without seeing an article on President Obama's proposals for health care reform. Here in Colorado, the governor is also focused on reform of the health care system. Governor Ritter has released a new report: "Leading Colorado to a Healthier Future," outlining the progress made in Colorado health care initiatives over the past two years, and setting goals for the future.

The following publications from our collection might also be of interest:

• Blue Ribbon Commission for Health Care Reform, Final Report to the General Assembly, 2008
• Rural Task Force Report for the Blue Ribbon Commission for Health Care Reform, 2007
• Cost and Coverage Impacts of Five Proposals to Reform the Colorado Health Care System, 2007

Find a Child Care Facility

The Colorado Dept. of Human Services just made your search for child care easier. They've set up a new database, Colorado Child Care Facility Search. Here you can locate child care providers based on location or by name or license number. This website is helpful not only in finding a nearby provider, but also allows you to search for information on providers' licensing activity, inspections, complaints, and investigations.

Favorite Historical Sites

In honor of Colorado Day (the 133rd anniversary of Colorado's statehood), Governor Ritter is gathering a list of favorite destinations "for experiencing or learning about Colorado's rich history. "

Coloradans have been invited to recommend three of their favorite historical sites before August 16th. The governor will post a list of the 133 most popular sites on his web page and encourage tourists and natives alike to visit a place of historical interest before the end of summer. Jump on in, and add your vote!