Gilpin Gold Nuggets

Mock elections were held at the Gilpin County Courthouse in Central City on Thursday, May 1, 2008. This effort was in order to ensure that the election equipment now being used is functioning properly. A sample of registered electors was chosen at random from each major party and unaffiliated voters. These selected 'voters' had their votes recorded, then electronically transmitted to the Secretary of State's office where they were tabulated. The word received from our personable Clerk Lovingier is that the trial run was a success and things are looking good for the upcoming real elections.

Is it possible that the nation's banking system is taking advantage of the citizenry? How is it that bonds, cd's, and savings accounts pay such nominal interest; yet when our credit unions and banks loan those same funds out they charge high rates of interest? Why is there such a wide gap between the two rates? Is it reasonable that a certificate of deposit earns a mere 3% while a mortgage rate is double digits? Aren't the middlemen being a little more than a little bit greedy? Perhaps new forms of entrepreneurs will step forward to manage the situation so the fiscally prudent can receive interest commensurate with their solid cash position while simultaneously financing homebuyers at more advantageous rates. Time will tell.

The Colorado Native plant Society has announced their annual list of field trips to be held this spring and summer. As always they are exciting and educational outdoor experiences conducted by the botanical creme de la creme. Contact information for CONPS can be gotten at their website: http:// www.conps.org

In other botanical news, the celebrated 'Laubhan Lazarus' variety of lilac commonly found in Russell Gulch and surrounding suburbs has performed the eponymous miracle and returned seemingly from the dead. Oh, thee of little faith.

Our friends in Leadville are excited at the prospect of the revival of the Climax Mine in their area. The job is already beginning with a familiar name, Ames Construction of Central City Parkway fame, performing the earth moving and site preparation. As anybody on upper Spring or Roworth Streets in Central can testify, those folks know how to move ground around!

The 12'th Annual Race for Research is scheduled to be held August 24, 2008. This is a fund-raising benefit race in memory of Michelle Plachy-Rubin, a young mother who was stricken with brain cancer. The Cancer League of Colorado receives all of the money raised and they use it to endow cancer research. It is an all-volunteer organization and all of the money raised is used for research. In ten years over $700,000 has been raised and utilized to better life for us all. Please help. Enter and run in Wash Park in Denver with them if you can or simply send a donation, however small to Race for Research P.O. Box 101435 Denver 80250. More info can be had at: www.race4research.com

If you find old postcards and ephemera interesting, probably you'll want to attend the Denver Postcard and Paper spring show being held at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds Friday May 16 (noon to 8PM) and Saturday May 17 (9AM to 5 PM). Admission for either day is $4.00, parking is free, food and drink available. Lots of interesting and peculiar stuff to inspect and usually priced quite inexpensively.

Some sad news to report. William 'Barnacle Bill' Round, formerly of Russell Gulch has gone to Neptune's Lair for the final voyage. The belated condolences of his many friends and neighbors in these parts are extended to Penny and the kids. Penny was formerly associated with this paper and also with the City of Black Hawk.


The Colorado General Assembly recently (April 30, 2008) passed a joint resolution that acknowledged 'cruelty and inhumanity' toward the indigenous peoples of North America during the European conquest of the continent. It specifically cited the atrocities of Methodist Reverend John Chivington of Central City at the Sand Creek slaughter, where friendly Indians encamped under a white flag and an American flag given them as signs of their peaceful nature, had the most barbaric atrocities imaginable inflicted upon them. The resolution expressed 'grief' the Assembly now claims to feel and urged 'recognition of our mutual humanity' in the resolution of future disputes. Whether or not that will translate into an Indian casino in the metro area remains to be seen.

Calling all Vets…Saturday May 17th the Gilpin County Veteran's will be conducting their Second Anniversary celebration at the Veteran's Memorial loctated in front of the Gilpin County Recreation Center. The celebration starts at 11:00 and will be in honor of all Gilpin County Veteran's. Light refreshments follow the event.

The non-motorized pathway in Clear Creek County has now assembled 13 miles of walking/biking/skipping trails. The paths largely parallel Clear Creek itself and offer a pleasant atmosphere as well as a way to actually travel locally without a car. The proponents of this system are very interested in connecting 'around the corner' into Gilpin if there is any interest from local authorities. The beavers living below Bullwhackers gas station probably wouldn't mind a little company.

We are informed that Diann Sill (wife of Web, of course) of Diann Sill Design will be providing the interior design for one of the homes at the 2008 Metro Denver Parade of Homes. This year's theme was inspired by the hill top towns of Europe, Central City comes pretty darn close…Congrats girl!