NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For Further Information Contact:

Amber Garcia

City of Monte Vista

amberg@...

(719) 852-2692

Monte Vista Parks & Recreation Named

NRPA/USA Football Youth Football Grant Recipient

MONTE VISTA – The City’s tackle football program has received $2,000 in grant funding. Monte Vista Parks & Recreation was one of over 450 agencies from parks and recreation, schools, and independent youth associations that applied for the NRPA/USA Football Youth Football Grant in partnership with the National Recreation & Park Association (NRPA) and USA Football. 

Some 126 agencies or organizations received funding totaling $300,000 to enhance programs and create stability for the future of youth football at the grassroots level. Each applicant submitted detailed information concerning the state of youth football in their community in order to qualify for funding through this competitive process.  Both tackle and flag programs were considered for support across the country. Monte Vista Parks & Recreation received funding support for the 2009 Tackle Football Program in order to provide new uniforms and equipment.  This program effects more than 80 kids in Monte Vista alone every fall season.

“Millions of American youngsters, like those in Monte Vista, weave youth football into the fabric of our cities and towns,” said USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck.  “The game brings us together and instills team-first values for the kids who love to play it. USA Football is proud to partner with the National Recreation and Park Association to grant financial help for equipment, uniforms and other needs to keep America ’s favorite sport and its character-building qualities thriving.”

“This grant money will assist in the rebuilding and growth of a program that has been established solely by the Monte Vista Parks & Recreation since the early 1990’s,” said Monte Vista Recreation Supervisor Amber Garcia. “With the addition of teams from around the valley, including Del Norte, Center, Sangre and in 2008, the City of Alamosa, we are offering this program to over 300 children.  That is 300 children more likely to succeed in this sport in the future, and more likely to further and complete their education.  I am certainly looking forward to the 2009 Tackle Football Season and I anticipate great changes and improvements.”

For more information on youth football in Monte Vista, visit www.cityofmontevista.com or contact us at (719) 852-2692.

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About National Recreation and Park Association

The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of more than 21,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural resources.  For more information, visit www.nrpa.org.

About USA Football

USA Football, the sport’s national governing body on youth and amateur levels, hosts more than 100 football training events annually offering education for coaches and game officials, skill development for players and resources for youth football league commissioners. The independent non-profit manages U.S. national teams within the sport for international competitions and has provided more than $1.5 million in equipment grants and volunteer background check subsidies for youth football leagues since 2006. USA Football was started by the NFL and NFLPA in 2002 through the NFL Youth Football Fund and is chaired by former U.S. Congressman and professional quarterback Jack Kemp.

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For Further Information Contact:

Alisha Reis

City of Monte Vista

alishaj@...

(719) 852-2692

City to Host Public Hearing Regarding Downtown Clinic Project

The City of Monte Vista has been notified by the State of Colorado, Department of Local Affairs, of an award from within the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. CDBG funds are intended to provide decent housing, suitable living environments and economic opportunities, principally for low and moderate-income persons through rehabilitation and preservation, economic/job development and public facilities improvements. It is estimated that $8,265,000 will be available statewide for the "Small Cities" CDBG program projects.

The award is in the amount of $1,000,000 for transformation of a vacant downtown building into a family medical clinic. It is estimated that approximately 58.9% of the funds would benefit low and moderate-income persons. Permanent involuntary displacement of neighborhood persons or businesses is not anticipated. Should it later become necessary to consider such displacement, alternatives will be examined to minimize the displacement. If no feasible alternatives exist, required/reasonable benefits will be provided to those displaced to mitigate adverse effects and hardships. Any low and moderate income housing which is demolished or converted will be replaced.

A public hearing will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2008 at the Monte Vista City Hall, 4 Chico Camino, Monte Vista, CO 81144 to obtain citizen views and to respond to proposals and questions related to:

ˇ         The proposed CDBG application for redevelopment of a vacant downtown site into a family medical clinic;

ˇ         Overall community development and housing needs, including the needs or low and moderate income persons, as well as other needs in the community that might be addressed through the CDBG program; and

ˇ         The performance of the City of Monte Vista in carrying out its community development responsibilities.

Written comments are also welcome and must be received by February 27 at Monte Vista City Hall, 4 Camino, Monte Vista, CO 81144. Oral and written comments will be considered in consideration of the proposed project. Written summary information will be available at Monte Vista City Hall, 4 Chico Camino, Monte Vista, CO 81144 on February 27 at noon on any CDBG application(s) the City of Monte Vista has submitted during 2008-09 to the state. A copy of the application(s) as submitted to the state are available for public review at Monte Vista City Hall, 4 Chico Camino, Monte Vista, CO 81144.

Information and records regarding the City of Monte Vista˘s proposed and past use of CDBG funds are available at City Hall during regular office hours. Advance notice is requested. If special

accommodations are needed, please notify so that appropriate aids can be made available.

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For Further Information Contact:

Laura Murphy

laura@...

(719) 850-0114

Input Sought for Community Arts Plan

MONTE VISTA – Residents are invited to discuss ideas for arts and cultural services and facilities at a community meeting on March 24.

A group of volunteers is working on a 20-year arts and culture plan for Monte Vista, as one of several communities throughout the state that are part of the Collaborative Community Planning Program (CCPP). The program seeks to assist communities in integrating arts and culture into their long-term planning efforts. It is designed to stimulate a strong sense that the arts can be a factor in enhanced community vitality and economic potential. The program is sponsored statewide by Pinnacol Assurance, the Colorado Council on the Arts, and the Boettcher Foundation.

The community meeting will be March 24 at 6 p.m. at the Information Center, 947 First Ave. Refreshments will be served. Examples of community-based music acts and art will be on display. For more information, please call 850-0114.

Monte Vista Named Tree City USAÂŽ by the Arbor Day Foundation

Monte Vista has been named a Tree City USA community by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to community forestry. It is the 19th year the city has received this national recognition.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. 

Monte Vista has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA community:  having a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

Communities that receive Tree City USA recognition not only have taken the time to meet these four standards, they recognize that:

¡            Trees promote healthier communities. Leaves filter the air we breathe by removing dust and other particles.

¡            Trees moderate climate, conserve water and provide habitat for wildlife.

¡            Trees in urban areas reduce the heat island effect caused by pavement and buildings.

¡            Properly placed trees can increase property values, and buildings in wooded areas rent more quickly and tenants stay longer.

“A community, its elected officials and its citizens that provide needed care for its trees deserves recognition and thanks,” said John Rosenow, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees are a vital component of the infrastructure in our cities and towns, and they also provide environmental and economical benefits. Cities that are recognized with a Tree City USA designation go to great lengths to plant and care for the community forest.”

More information about Tree City USA can be found at www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.

About the Arbor Day Foundation

The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit, environmental, an education organization of nearly

1 million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at www.arborday.org.

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For Further Information Contact:

Alisha Reis

City of Monte Vista

alishaj@...

(719) 852-2692

Adams Street Crosswalks to be Rebuilt

MONTE VISTA – Starting Monday, April 13, the brick crosswalks on the 100 block of Adams Street will be replaced. During the two-week project, access to businesses on Adams Street will continue to be available.

Monte Vista contractor SLV Quality Concrete Inc. has formulated a plan to finish the work with as minimal disruption as possible to parking and access to Adams Street businesses. The disintegrating pavers in place now will be removed and replaced with stamped decorative concrete. Seven days are required for the concrete to cure.

The project will be accomplished in two phases:

¡        During the week of April 13, the crosswalk at First Avenue and Adams Street will be completed. During that time, the half block surrounding that crosswalk will be closed to traffic. Business access will be open from the Second Avenue side of Adams Street.

¡        During the week of April 20, the crosswalks at mid-block on Adams Street and at Adams Street and Second Avenue will be replaced. At that time, access to businesses will be open from First Avenue. The entire project is scheduled to be complete at the end of that week.

Contact Community Development Director Alisha Reis with any questions regarding the project. She may be reached at (719) 852-2692.