Connected Colony

Park City Nonprofit Highlight: National Ability Center

May 30, 2018 by Molly Miller, Colony PR

INSPIRING INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT

There’s no way we can do justice to all the good the National Ability Center does in just one post. Since its inception 30 years ago, when it started providing lessons to veterans with disabilities, NAC has touched countless lives. In fact, in 2016-2017 alone, 6600 individuals, from all 50 states and 18 countries, experienced NAC programming!

PROGRAMMING

NAC provides high-quality and inclusive programs to those of all abilities and backgrounds, and strives to “empower individuals of all abilities by building self-esteem, confidence, and lifetime skills through sport, recreation, and educational programs.”

Participants can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Park City Mountain, Deer Valley, Brighton, and Solitude with specially-trained instructors.

With year-round and seasonal programs, there is truly an option for everyone.

Alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, horseback riding, hippotherapy, indoor rock climbing, swimming, archery, sled hockey, cycling, water-skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and challenge course activities.

And now, through a partnership with Splore, NAC is able to provide adaptive adventures like river rafting, snowshoeing, climbing, Nordic skiing throughout Northern and Southern Utah’s mountains ranges and waterways.

People of all ages and abilities are able to participate – including those with orthopedic, spinal cord, neuromuscular, visual and hearing impairments, and cognitive and developmental disabilities. Specially-designed equipment is available for many of the activities and enables participants to enjoy each activity successfully.

And, to help eliminate isolation of individuals with disabilities, friends and family members are encouraged to participate alongside. This often yields results like reinforced relationships and the formation of a support system that expands well beyond the program experience.

Thanks to NAC, participants can water ski, wakeboard, tube, swim, canoe, kayak, and more at the Jordanelle.

IMPACT
(2016-2017)

NAC offered programs 365 days and provided 37,000 experiences
Programming provided to 6600 individuals from all 50 states – and 18 countries
50 athletes trained in NAC’s competition programs
700 unique pieces of adaptive equipment were used

SUPPORT | BARN PARTY

National Ability Center Barn Party 2017 (Photo courtesy: National Ability Center)

Support from individual donors, grants from private corporations and foundations, and the community has allowed NAC to provide scholarships to 100% of those who have made requests.

You can support this incredible organization in a number of ways – through the usual channels, or by joining them for this weekend’s Barn Party at the Equestrian Center!

On June 2nd, bring the entire family and enjoy live music, BBQ, a whiskey saloon, line dancing, fun for the kiddos, a petting zoo, and a live and silent auction. The Barn Party is an annual event meant to celebrate the amazing achievements of the Equestrian Program with the community – while also kicking off the start of the summer season in Park City.

Whether you donate time, funds, or join the Barn Party – you won’t regret supporting the National Ability Center and the immeasurable good they create and facilitate. (All photos in this post courtesy of National Ability Center.)

If you have a nonprofit you’d like us to highlight, please email Molly@theColonyWPC.com.

Park City Nonprofit Highlight: Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter

May 23, 2018 by Molly Miller, Colony PR

Engaging Activities In Every Season

Park City is known for its winters, and now more than ever, its summers. Our ski resorts are unmatched in the snowy months and our hiking and biking trails are among the best in the world when it’s warm. But what is a soul to do for fun during shoulder and mud season? (Photo courtesy: Dennis Hinkamp)

Our answer – learn to navigate and nurture nature with the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter, operated by Utah State University Extension. The preserve spans 1,200 acres and includes a 10,000 square foot LEED Platinum building.

Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter offers a vast array of learning activities year round.
(Photo courtesy: Dennis Hinkamp)

Inside, enjoy interactive exhibits about the environment, a lecture series, and a gift shop with eco-friendly art. Outside, Swaner offers weekly nature tours on its ten miles of trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, summer camps, and environmental education for kids and adults.

Preserve | Educate | Nurture

Swaner’s mission is three-pronged: preserve the land and the human connection to the natural landscape; educate the local and broader communities about the value of nature; nurture both the ecosystem and the people connected with it. Swaner’s mission resonates with us here at the Colony because we, too, are committed to preserving the land: nearly 90% of our 4600 acres will be held as open space and protected by conservation easements to ensure it will be enjoyed for generations to come!

Keep Those Kids Busy

Weekends at Swaner (yes, even in shoulder season) are packed with free or very low-cost activities for the community and visitors to enjoy – Saturday morning nature walks, a climbing wall which takes you “through the EcoSystem, from the bedrock all the way to the uplands,” and Swaner’s Craft Sunday, where kiddos are invited to create a nature-themed craft, are options to keep your family active and intrigued.

We know, we know, it’s nearly summer but seriously, doesn’t this look awesome? It’s the Swaner EcoClub, for kids in 6th-8th grades. (Photo courtesy: Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter)

School year fun for children includes a Little Naturalist Story Time, Swaner EcoClub, and school field trips. Sessions like Wetland Warriors, Swaner Scientists, and Creature Feature teach summer students (K-8) about the natural world through STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math). Tuition waivers ensure anyone who wants to participate – can. Teens have options, too; they can score leadership development jobs as a summer camp counselors.

Oh, and did we mention birthday parties?! No muss, no fuss – you schedule the party and they take over, with themes like Wilderness Explorers, Nature Art, and even a Geocache Adventure.

Adult Activities

The action isn’t just for kids; Swaner has a robust offering of opportunities for adults, too. Talks, tours, and workshops provide plenty of fun ways to get smart about sustainability and nature (like the Avian Adventures birding tour, and the Wasatch Wildflower Walk).

The Utah Master Naturalist Program includes three 40-hour courses focused on exploring, learning about, and conserving our natural ecosystems. (Photo courtesy: Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter)

And, unique partner programs like Utah Water Watch, Master Gardener, and Master Naturalist offer ways for the community to work and collect data with scientists, learn to garden, and receive certification to conserve Utah’s ecosystems.

Support & Sustain

Now you know how to get involved, so here’s a way for you to support if you wish. On Thursday, May 31, Swaner will hold its annual fundraising breakfast with a keynote speaker and a live auction at the Preserve. To participate, contact Swaner to RSVP. Of course, traditional giving is welcome, too.

The close of shoulder season is rapidly approaching, but Swaner’s steadfast commitment to providing rich opportunities for us to grow and learn and sustain continues. We’re grateful for its contributions to and connections for our community.

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If you have a favorite nonprofit you’d like us to highlight, please email Molly@theColonyWPC.com.

Park City Event Guide: May 18 – 20, 2018

May 18, 2018 by Molly Miller, Colony PR

DO

2018 Cole Sport Bike Swap
Saturday, May 19 → 9AM – 5PM
Sunday, May 20 → 9AM – 3PM

The $10 fee is applied only if your bike sells – and all of those proceeds go to support the Mountain Trails Foundation. The Bike Swap is happening at the Park Avenue location.

Running With Ed
Saturday, May 19 → Runners start between 8 and 9:30AM

Running With Ed (RWE), Park City’s favorite relay race, is Saturday, May 19!
(Photo: Park City Education Foundation.)

We first told you about this event HERE; and while it’s just a bit too late to sign up to run in the race to raise money, you can show up to raise some cheer for the participants! This event is a fundraiser for the Park City Education Foundation.

Wake & Draw VII
Saturday, May 19 → 10AM – 1PM
Kimball Art Center

Adults 18 years and older are invited to spend a few hours in the Wake & Draw class in the Kimball Art Center studio. A figure model is provided, but everything else is up to you, so grab an easel or a pad of paper and your preferred drawing tool. No instructor is present, so it’s suggested that participants have a bit of figure drawing experience. Because space is limited to 10 students, it’s recommended you register in advance. The class is $15 (BYO materials).

Wake & Draw is meant to be a creative meeting place for artistic people to share their techniques and skills in a community setting.

Swaner’s Craft Sunday
Sunday, May 20 → 11AM – 1PM
Swaner Eco Center

Bring your kiddos to the Eco Center to enjoy a nature-themed craft midday Sunday! All ages are welcome at this free event.

WATCH

Salt Lake City’s Repertory Dance Theatre is the nation’s oldest and most successful dance company.

Repertory Dance Theatre
Saturday, May 19 & Sunday May 20 → 8PM
The Egyptian Theatre

Repertory Dance Theatre is dedicated to the creation, performance, perpetuation, and appreciation of modern dance. The RDT has designed a concert for the Egyptian Theatre which includes several works from its repertory and more than 30 pieces of choreography.

Park City Film Series → “Final Portrait”
Friday and Saturday → 8PM
Sunday → 6PM

“Final Portrait” is the story of a touching and off-beat friendship between an American writer and art-lover James Lord and the world-famous artist Alberto Giacometti. Told through Lord’s eyes, it reveals insight into the beauty, frustration, profundity, and sometimes the chaos of the artistic process. Stars Geoffrey Rush and Armie Hammer; rated R.

The Park City Film Series is a nonprofit organization which presents the best of independent feature, documentary, world, and local cinema. Its mission is to create community through film.

Upcoming Events in Park City

CONNECT Summit County is a nonprofit organization which works to create a well-informed and stigma-free community with access to mental health services for all.

CONNECT Summit County and its partners will host 5 more opportunities to get informed, get involved – or get help – during Mental Health Awareness Month.

Tuesday, May 22 → Noon
Jim Santy Auditorium
“Portrait of An Alzheimer Caregiver,” a play performed by WALK-ONS, INC. and talk by author Sheryl Bagshaw (Dementia Assist).
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Tuesday, May 22 → 6:30PM
Intermountain Park City Hospital
“The Brain Story: Come learn the science behind brain development, mental health, and addiction” talk by Dr. Nicole Blair Education and Conference Center Sherren, Neuroscientist (The Palix Foundation).
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Thursday, May 24 → 6:30PM
Jim Santy Auditorium
Film: “Heaven Is A Traffic Jam on the 405” 2018 Oscar-winning short documentary about artist Mindy Alper channeling her depression and anxiety into her work. Followed by panel discussion with psychiatrist Dr. Melissa Lopez-Larson and Ida Yoked (Expressive Therapies Utah).
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Wednesday, May 30 → 6:30PM
Jim Santy Auditorium
Film: “Dying to be Thin” followed by panel discussion on eating disorders with Karen Malm, (PhD, Summit Community Counseling), Melissa Taylor (MS, LMFT, Center for Change), and Sloane Pitman (survivor).
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Thursday, May 31 → 6:30PM
Sheldon Richins Building Auditorium
“70 Years of Healthy Minds: Current Research on Brain and Behavioral Health,” Talks and a Research Showcase presented by the University of Utah Psychiatry Department.

If you have an event you’d like featured in our weekly guide, please email us: Molly@thecolonywpc.com.

Park City Nonprofit Highlight: Park City Education Foundation

May 16, 2018 by Molly Miller, Colony PR

Park City Nonprofits Provide Support For Any Need

Here in Park City, we have more than 100 nonprofits whose work spans the spectrum of support. From providing things like basic human needs (The Hope Alliance), to access to sport and recreation opportunities for Latino children in our community (The Solomon Fund), to maintenance and upkeep for the trails you bike on and hike with your pup (Mountain Trails Foundation), our nonprofits are committed to making lives in our community better in every single way.

Park City Education Foundation

Among the most spectacular nonprofits in our community is one which works day-in and day-out to provide capital to “go beyond what public education provides to meet the needs of our students, teachers, and community.” The nonprofit spotlight today is on the Park City Education Foundation.

In existence since 1986, PCEF has worked to support and advance academics and student success in the Park City School District in the areas of Academic Success, College and Career Readiness, Early Childhood Education, Professional Development for Teachers, STEM, Student Wellness, and the Arts.

In 2016-2017 alone, PCEF committed $1.5 million in funding to these areas. The Foundation provides 100% of PCSD’s discretionary budget, and PCEF programs reach every single one of our districts 5,000 students.

Here’s a look at PCEF’s impact, broken out into those seven areas of support.

Academic Success

College and Career Readiness

Early Childhood Education

Professional Development for Teachers

STEM

Student Wellness

Arts

How To Get Connected: Running With Ed (RWE)

This race is a win for everyone!
(Photo courtesy of the Park City Education Foundation.)

This weekend, Park City Education Foundation facilitates one of its largest events of the year – Running With Ed. The 9th annual 38-mile relay gets underway on Saturday, May 19. The race is run by teams, in 10 legs, and crosses the entirety of Park City, on trails, pavement, with climbing and quick downhills. There are easy legs and tough ones, and they’ll take you past Olympic venues, iconic landmarks, neighborhood schools, and historic Main Street.

While it’s too late to get a team registered (bookmark it for next year!), you can still sign up to volunteer, donate to your favorite team, and, of course, show up to cheer for the runners! The course begins between 8 and 9:30 a.m., at Newpark Field House in Kimball Junction. From there, teams head to Jeremy Ranch, Ecker Hill, the Utah Olympic Park, Park City Mountain’s Canyons Village, Parley’s Park, Park City Mountain Village, McPolin, Treasure Mountain, Trailside, and then back to Newpark. Whew! Plenty of opportunities to cheer our community on!

Best of luck to all of the runners!

Support PCEF All Year Long

While RWE is one of PCEF’s largest fundraising events, there are many other ways for people to give. From the Give $180 campaign, to the Scholar Circle, to Men4Ed, to the Red Apple Gala, any philanthropic contribution you provide is sure to enrich the lives of children attending Park City schools. If it means more to you to get out and get involved, there are dozens of volunteer opportunities throughout the year. However you show your support, your efforts make a difference!

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