Foundation For Sight & Sound Launches Help America Hear Scholarship
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From the Pen of Dr. Frieda Toback – Director of Audiology McGuire’s Hearing Aids and Audiology The Hearing Center
There is an exquisite plan to the design of the human
body. Each organ has a role to play and each organ interacts with another to maintain a homeostasis, a balance.
When one organ stops working properly, other parts of the body are affected.
Thus, when the pancreas stops working efficiently, diabetes ensues which in turn affects circulation, the heart, kidneys and even hearing. We will be discussing diabetes and hearing loss in the future.
Today, I want to talk about some recent research into kidney dysfunction and hearing loss.
The kidneys are the filters of the body. They allow us to excrete impurities which would otherwise continue to float through our bodies like a rain of garbage. Over 26 million
Americans have chronic kidney disease(CKD) and millions more have it and are unaware
they have it.
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, with 44% of all new cases ascribed to Diabetes. The second most common cause is poorly controlled high blood pressure. The bad news is that over half of the adults with chronic kidney disease have hearing loss. In 30% of the cases, that loss is severe.
A study was published in October, 2011 in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases which looked at the relationship between CKD and age-related hearing loss. The researchers found that 54% of the patients with moderate kidney disease had hearing loss.It was
thought that the loss occurred because the commonalities between the structure of the kidneys and a structure in the inner ear called the stria vascularis. But there are also multiple risk factors between CKD and hearing loss. Additionally, some of the medications used in the treatment of these diseases are both nephrotoxic ( toxic to the kidneys) as well as ototoxic ( toxic to the ear).
Although there will need to be many more studies to develop a clearer picture of the relationship between diabetes, CKD and hearing loss, this latest study again reminds us to be proactive with our health. If you suspect you may be developing diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney disease, don’t delay discussing this with your physician. Make an appointment with your audiologist for a diagnostic hearing test and be sure to discuss with
your audiologist all the medications you take, prescriptions and over the counter. That test will become the baseline in case your hearing needs to be monitored in the future. If any of your medications are considered to be nephrotoxic or ototoxic, you may need to have your hearing monitored on a regular basis. Most insurances cover hearing tests and the test itself is painless. Good luck.
Dr. Frieda Toback
Director of Audiology
McGuire’s Hearing Aids and Audiology
The Hearing Center
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From the Pen of Dr. Frieda Toback – Director of Audiology McGuire’s Hearing Aids and Audiology The Hearing Center
I’ve been thinking lately about why Mitch Shapiro and David Carr and their staff work so very hard to provide 2 good quality hearing aids to people in need. Wouldn’t one be sufficient? If they only gave out one hearing aid they could help twice as many people. Couldn’t they?
Although that idea seems to have face value, it is not necessarily accurate.
We know from countless studies that there is a significant advantage to using two ears together. This is called “binaural advantage”. Because the two ears are separated by about 8 inches in an adult, the 2 ears get a slightly different message which allows the brain to extract alot more information than could be obtained with only one ear. Thus the binaural advantage allows us to localize where sounds are coming from, allow better hearing ability for soft sounds such as childrens’ voices, allow for less strain when listening, and give us the ability to better understand speech in a background of noise.
Whenever possible the foundation recommends the use of 2 hearing devices. It means more work for the foundation but it has significant advantages for the recipient.
Just this week we received a gratefull call from one of the people who received 2 hearing aids at the last mission on Long Island. He wanted us to know that we changed his life. We love hearing that.
Dr. Frieda Toback
Director of Audiology
McGuire’s Hearing Aids and Audiology The Hearing Center
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New Year’s Message
New Year Message
As the year comes to a close, I am reflecting back on the many new and exciting developments the year has brought and the very special people who continue to be part of this amazingly exciting adventure. I am truly grateful for all. It’s a privilege for me to share with you where life’s journey continues to lead me.
Professionally, I continue to make major changes in my life and personal mission, reinforcing the commitment as a dedicated and full-time volunteer for charity, in particular The Foundation For Sight & Sound. I feel fortunate to be joined in this mission by a growing and committed Board of Directors and a strong core of talented and hard-working volunteers. Together, we’ve increased our network of generous supporters who help us help the many men, women & children with vision and/or hearing challenges.
Each board member and volunteer plays a crucial role in the future of Foundation For Sight & Sound. Everyone brings something to the organization. It is a pleasure to have each one of you as part of the growth and success we all work hard to achieve.
Behind the scenes our staff is working hard to find new resources of revenue and sponsorships for our variety of events. You may be unaware of the many other daily components of the daily grind. There are many phone calls, coming and going, research, updating of our website and social media, letters to prospects, database upkeep and the list goes on and on; yes it’s like any other business!
Our volunteer base is slowly growing again. Volunteers assist in an array of tasks. This includes but is not limited to design of marketing materials, public relations/awareness, helping with mailings, data entry, writing grants to obtain funds, joining event committees and spreading the word of the good work the Foundation For Sight & Sound does. Volunteers are an important part of the organization.
Listed below are some Foundation For Sight & Sound highlights and milestones worthy of being proud of!
Help America Hear continues to grow by leaps and bounds. There are many oganizations & agencies that have recognized us as a reputable source for people who lack financial resources and are seeking help in obtaining hearing aids. Help America Hear
since it’s inception on January 2009, has fitted over 220 people with hearing aids.
The Foundation did 4 Day of Giving Hearing Aid Missions. One each in Denver & Pueblo Colorado and the Bronx & Riverhead NY. A total of 58 men, women & children received the gift of two hearing aids each.
The Middle Country Library in Centereach, New York received an Inductive Loop System for their conference room. This will enable hearing and cochlear users to participate in seminars and other activities with more direct hearing capabilities.
The Library Program outfitted five Long Island Libraries with assistive technologies for their visually impaired patrons. Since 2004 at least 30 libraries have benefitted from our donations.
A formidable partnership was formed with GN ReSound, a manufacturer of high quality hearing aids. Through this partnership the Help America Hear Program is able to provide the Gift of Sound through special arrangements.
Help America Hear launched Tier II for people with a gross household income of
$35,000 or less. This fills a gap of people who are ‘caught in the middle’ and still have financial difficulties.
The Foundation has some wonderful fundraising events; two golf outings in Denver & Long Island. We had our Art of Giving event, Friends & Family Summer Bash, Baseball Card Show Raffle and of course the Denver Wine/Beer Festival and Culinary Competition.
We have a host of new events to take place in 2012!
The Foundation For Sight & Sound’s website traffic and ratings have prospered through
the generosity of a donation by Google Ad Words Campaign. We have also revamped
the site to make it easier to navigate. We are listed on GuideStar where anyone can validate our credibility. This site is used by grant givers.
Our new video showcases our 3rd Hearing Aid Mission at Montefiore in the Bronx. This video truly captures the essence of our Help America Hear Program and how it impacts the lives we change.
All in all, despite the slow economy, I believe the Foundation For Sight & Sound is fairing OK and holding its own. Of course, to expand our programs, more donations must be raised. We are positioned perfectly to make a n even bigger difference in the community.
On the personal/professional side of things, I plan to spend some time working on developing and expanding my Public Speaking career. It has always been my heart’s desire to inspire and empower people to take action in reaching their full personal
potential and hitting their goals for the future. I know I am capable of enabling participants to better confront the challenges that life inevitably brings to our doorsteps. I look forward to sharing this experience with many audiences in 2012.
Briefly, I’d like to discuss “Giving”. It comes in all shapes and sizes, but mostly it comes from the heart. It isn’t always about financial commitment; it is about offering your time, expertise, resources and energy to help make the world a better place.
For me, the satisfaction of knowing I’ve made some kind of dent in this crazy world we all live in is extremely fulfilling. If you aren’t already passionately involved in a charitable endeavor of your choice, I urge you to do that! It’s worth it to find the time.
Remember, what you give of yourself comes back in many forms. My dad always taught me it’s great when you are a giver, it is then you can receive. Time has proven again and again that things come back. How great it feels to have the ability to keep ‘Paying it forward’ to yet another person who needs that lift!
It’s a great time of the year to take inventory of your life. It’s time to reflect on where you
have been and where you choose to be. It’s also a good time to ask yourself if you are truly committed to giving 125% of yourself to everything you do. Are you passionate about the things you are involved in? Is your life fulfilling?
I guess …in a nutshell…life continues to be a wonderful experience! On a personal level, this includes the love and support of a wonderful family, network of friends and of
course the many people I come in contact with every day.
I have spent many a moment reflecting on how, for me, life in the fast lane is no longer appealing and I’ve started to rediscover many of the everyday things so often overlooked. Truly, a good balance of work, combined with a healthy lifestyle, mixed with family and friends along with a wonderful relationship are what is most important. Another important element is taking some time out to have FUN! A short list of activities
included obtaining a tandem bike and doing a few ‘marathon’ bike rides…..42 & 100 miles. Of course I used this as a vehicle to raise money for the Foundation. Not to forget the fun rappelling down a 12 story building! What’s next? I hope you are taking advantage and giving yourself permission to spend a little Fun Time in your life as well.
I have also come to realize how important it is to be myself, as a person, despite the challenges faced with a world without sight or sound. I am committed to continuing to stay “out there,” enjoying my life as much as anyone else(and probably more than
many!). I lead life each day forgetting the fact my vision is disappearing and the sounds I hear have diminished. I know there’s much I am missing, but truthfully, am I? (Chuckle)
With all this being said, as we start the New Year 2012, remember this:
Enjoy each day for what it is, take it moment by moment. Appreciate what you have in your life, what you don’t have doesn’t exist and is irrelevant at the moment. Be generous in spreading good positive influence to everyone and anyone you come in contact with, it adds sunshine and smiles. It costs nothing and makes a difference all around.
Last but not least…Each and every day is a new and exciting experience, make
every moment count!
Thank you again for being a part of the bigger picture of all good things to come.
Wishing you a healthy prosperous, productive, abundant, exhilarating, wonderful, exciting & loving Happy New Year!!
Mitch
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From the Pen of Dr. Frieda Toback – Director of Audiology McGuire’s Hearing Aids and Audiology The Hearing Center
This time of year is so exciting. There is an aura of good will and cheer wherever you go. People are happy, smiling, shopping and planning on who gets what for the holidays. I wonder if they realize that the people who make Help America Hear missions possible, work all year long. It takes alot of planning to raise the funds necessary to carry out the missions. In a way, Mitch Shapiro and David Carr and the entire staff and donors make Christmas happen all year long. Do people understand what a burden hearing loss becomes? Studies show that people who are hearing impaired will work more years than people with unimpaired hearing. They will also make significantly less money and obtain fewer promotions. Their self image will suffer as will their interpersonal relationships. How many times have we said “WHAT?” to someone and thought it was funny? We don’t have a compulsion about making fun of the visually impaired but it’s open season on the hearing impaired. At one of the missions we had in the Bronx, we met a young man who was in college. He told me how he had been bullied in school because of his hearing loss. When the foundation gave him his hearing aids, he realised how much he had been missing and how much easier communication would be from now on. Imagine what hurdles this young man had to overcome to even get to college. Imagine how his life has changed now that the foundation provided him with the hearing aids. He will no longer feel frustrated in large lecture halls. He will be able to participate in class discussions and show the faculty how truly gifted he is.He can strive to be anything he wants. The foundation gave him back his life and a potential for greatness.. So, at this wonderful time of year when we think about the ones we love,we also need to consider that we have a greater responsibility . Your donation to the foundation truly changes lives.
Dr. Frieda Toback
Director of Audiology
McGuire’s Hearing Aids and Audiology The Hearing Center
First Long Island Day of Thanks Hearing Aid Mission
On Saturday, November 19th, 2011, McGuires Hearing & Audiological Services hosted its First Day of Thanks Hearing Aid Mission at their Riverhead location. The mission was held in cooperation with the Foundation For Sight & Sounds (FSS) Help America Hear program (HAH) and the manufacturer GN Resound.
It was a day filled with excitement and anticipation as 17 hearing-impaired patients were fit with hearing devices acquired through HAH’s efforts. One by one each person’s face lit up as the hearing aids were turned on and they could once again hear people talking and laughing around them. It was a day of celebration for not only the patients but for everyone involved with the mission because we all knew how much their lives were about to improve. They will once again be able to hear the birds sing, hear their grandchildren’s laughter, hear the phone ring or even a knock at the door. It was most definitely a day of Thanks and a day of Giving!
Stella Vinje was 1 of the 17 recipients that day and her niece, Diane, wrote to us just 2 days later to explain the immediate impact it had on Stella’s life. Diane stated, “When she left your office on Saturday she felt so good that she asked me to take her shopping, something she hadn’t done in over two years and enjoyed it immensely. Since she is home she is able to hear and participate in all conversations, hear the phone ring and also asked to have her radio turned down. She feels amazing since she is able to hear”.
“It is such a rewarding feeling to make a difference to people who are less fortunate” stated David Carr, Owner of McGuire’s and co-founder of the Help America Hear program.
David is a 3rd generation hearing specialist and he has dedicated his life to helping people in need. He has strong civic values and is a firm believer in the importance of giving back to his community.
A special thanks to Audiologist Kristi Mohr from Stony Brook Hospital for assisting the McGuire team and making this mission a huge success! And to Riverhead Councilman James Wooten, Suffolk County Legislator Ed Romaine and Director of Handicapped Services for Suffolk County, Frank Krotschinsky, we thank you for your on-going support as we continue our commitment in creating a world where people with hearing challenges can realize their full potential in order to lead lives of inclusion and not isolation.
The mission was made possible in part by Astoria Federal Savings in Smithtown, Thomas Fitzgerald, Don Raad and Frank Fineo. It’s because of organizations and individuals like these, that we are able to provide the “Gift of Sound” to many people who lack the financial resources to obtain hearing aids on their own.
If you are a hearing health care professional and would like more information about hosting a mission in your local community, please contact the Foundation For Sight & Sound. Learn how you too can help make a difference in the lives of men, women
and children, one person at a time, each and every day by visiting us at www.foundationforsightandsound.org.
Respectfully,
Mitchel Shapiro, Founder President/CEO of Foundation For Sight & Sound
Click here to view more pictures from this mission: https://picasaweb.google.com/110304480671505876217/LongIslandDayOfThanks#slideshow
Second Day of Giving Hearing Aid Mission in Denver
On Wednesday, November 2, 2011, the Foundation For Sight & Sound completed it’s Second Day of Giving Hearing Aid Mission in Denver.
Once again Randall D. Smith, Owner of Lakewood Hearing & Speech Center in Lakewood, CO hosted this event that fitted 18 people with hearing aids.
Here’s the amazing part; there was nine inches of snowfall the evening before. Did that stop anyone? Absolutely not, all volunteer Hearing Health Professionals and recipients showed up! The event started at 9am and finished around 3pm with many smiling faces.
“We did more than dispense hearing aids. We saw their easier access to sound relationships with their family, friends, and coworkers”, says Randy Smith.
On hand to assist Randy were Lori Wattigney, Melissa DeBoer,AuD, Jerome G. Alpiner, PhD, Sarah Smith, AuD, Eric Koval, Robert Isphording, George Hannes and Ken Kelly. On hand from GN ReSound were Adrienne Levy and Jade Petersen.
The mission in Denver started in November 2010 with financial support provided by the Denver International Wine Festival. Due to the generosity of hosts Christopher & Darci Davies, 100% of the proceeds from the live and silent auctions went towards the Denver Day of Giving Hearing Aid Mission. The Denver Wine Festival has played a major role for the past three years in raising funds to be used in Colorado for Help America Hear.
Randy Smith is a true humanitarian who firmly believes in the spirit of community service. Most of all Randy is dedicated to the hearing health care profession, always looking to improve the quality of life for people with hearing impairments.
If you are a hearing health care professional interested in hosting a mission in your local community contact the Foundation For Sight & Sound for more information.
The Foundation For Sight & Sound through its Help America Hear Program is making a difference to men, women & children, one person at a time each and every day.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mitchel Shapiro Founder, President/CEO of Foundation For Sight & Sound
Middle Country Library Receives Loop System
In July 2011 the Foundation For Sight & Sound donated an Inductive Loop System for use by Middle Country Library patrons with hearing impairments. The installation was made possible with a partial grant from Astoria Federal Savings Bank, Hauppauge Branch.
An induction loop or hearing loop is a type of Hearing Assistive Technology (HAT)/Assistive Listening Device (ALD) that works in conjunction with hearing instruments (hearing aids) and cochlear implants (CI). Hearing loops pick up the intended signal (music or speech) via a microphone and transmit the signal wirelessly to hearing instruments and cochlear implants. Individuals who use hearing instruments and cochlear implants switch their instruments to T coil mode to receive the signal. While in T coil mode, the listener hears the intended signal that is transmitted directly to the hearing instrument or cochlear implant from the hearing loop. The hearing loop provides a clear signal to the listener that is not degraded by distance, background noise and reverberation.
Foundation For Sight & Sound made the official presentation to Middle Country Library staff Elizabeth, Sophia, Sal and Library director Sandra Feinberg. Also in attendance was State Senator John Flannagan, Karen McClenon O.D. of Northeast Hearing, Gary and Chris from Astoria Federal and Mitchel Shapiro, Founder of Foundation For Sight & Sound.
“It’s a wonderful feeling to know hearing impaired library patrons who attend seminars and other presentations have the ability to feel included without having to struggle to comprehend what is being said by the speakers.” states Mitchel Shapiro. Mitch
knows first hand as he wears two cochlear implants.
The costs for inductive loop system vary based on the size of the room being fitted as well as the ease or difficulty of installation. To read more about loop systems go to www.hearingloopny.com
Contact the Foundation For Sight & Sound office if you are interested in donating towards this worthwhile project.
Respectfully submitted,
Mitch Shapiro
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Your Support is Working!
Hello Friends and Collegues!!
The year has gone by quite fast with much excitement. The Foundation For Sight & Sound is proud of its accomplishments nationwide as we continue to grow and provide a better quality of life for men, women & children with vision and/or hearing challenges.
Our lead program, Help America Hear, continues to change the lives of people with hearing loss. The program has provided the Gift of Sound, almost 400 hearing aids, to people across the nation! A special thanks to the many hearing health care professionals who have donated their time and expertise to make this happen. We’d also like to extend a special thanks for our participating hearing aid manufacturer GN ReSound for the company’s continued generosity and commitment to the Help America Hear Program.
The Help America Hear Program works by people applying for hearing aids individually or on a group-basis through our Hearing Aid Missions.
Since the beginning of the program, The Foundation For Sight & Sound has completed FIVE Hearing Aid Missions. Three in New York and two in Colorado. A Total of 73 people have received hearing aids through these missions. We will be hosting three additional Hearing Aid Missions before the end of 2011. They will take place in Denver, CO, Long Island, NY and Minnesota.
Our next Hearing Aid Mission will take place on November 2nd at the Lakewood Hearing & Speech Center in Lakewood Colorado. This is the Second year they will be hosting this mission where we will be providing 15 Denver residents with hearing aids. The recipients of these aids would not otherwise have the means to purchase them.
Randall D. Smith of Lakewood Hearing & Speech Center said, “Affording improved hearing can be difficult for many people. My goal is to provide better hearing which leads to an improved life where one can communicate more easily in their work or home environment. We know that when hearing becomes difficult it’s often easier to stay at home and avoid family and friends. When you stay at home, you can become isolated and alone. We are reaching out to help.”
In collaboration with the Denver International Wine Festival, Foundation For Sight & Sound receives 100% of the proceeds from the Silent & Live auctions. Events like the Wine Festival help to fund the Colorado missions.
On November 19th, Dave Carr of McGuire’s Hearing & Audiological Services, Riverhead, NY, will be hosting Long Island’s first Day of Thanks Hearing Aid Mission. Dave feels, “It’s a great time of year to partake in the spirit of giving through The Gift of Sound for those in need who could not afford to purchase vitally necessary hearing aids.” Joining in the Long Island mission will be Dr. Schissel who is head of the ENT services at SUNY Stony Brook Hospital.
If you are interested in sponsoring a Day of Giving Hearing Aid Mission in your community, contact the Foundation For Sight & Sound office at 631-366-3461 for more information.
Thank you for taking the time to read our emails and for all the support you provide the Foundation For Sight & Sound. If you are interested in getting involved or learning more about the Foundation email us at info@foundationforsightandsound.org
Thanks so much for your continued support.
Mitch Shapiro
President
Foundation For Sight and Sound
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Help America Hear Denver Day of Giving Hearing Aid Mission
Media Contacts:
Mitchel Shapiro Christopher Davies
Tel.631-366-3461 Tel. 303 664-5700
Email: info@foundationforsightandsound.org
Email: davies@winecountrynetwork.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HELP AMERICA HEAR PROGRAM PLANS SECOND DENVER HEARING AID MISSION
Support from The Denver International Wine Festival will benefit Denver area residents on November 2, 2011.
Denver, CO, October 11, 2011 –On Wednesday November 2, 2011 the Foundation For Sight & Sound’s Help America Hear Program will be fitting 15 Denver area residents with hearing aids. This Hearing Aid Mission will take place at the Lakewood Hearing & Speech Center, 3110 S Wadsworth Blvd, Suite #107, Lakewood, CO 80227 at 9:30 am.
Randall D. Smith, a hearing instruments specialist, is assisting Mitchell Shapiro and Dave Carr, co-founders of the Help America Hear Program in fitting the recipients. For more info about the Foundation for Sight and Sound visit: www.foundationforsightandsound.org
The Foundation For Sight and Sound, a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization and their Help America Hear Program provides hearing aids to men, women and children with a moderate to profound hearing loss, that lack the financial resources to obtain them on their own.
The Help America Hear Program was created in January 2009 and has since fitted over 190 people nationwide with high quality Resound hearing aids. With the minimum cost of a hearing aid averaging $2,000, many individuals are unable to afford this necessary tool for improving their quality of life.
The 2011 Denver International Wine Festival will donate a portion of ticket sales and 100% of the proceeds of all silent and live auctions to the Foundation for Sight and Sound and their Help America Hear Program. This not-for-profit has pledged to use these funds to directly help individuals in Denver, Colorado.
Christopher Davies, CEO of Wine Country Network, Inc., the producers of The Denver International Wine Festival said, “We are excited to support The Help America Hear Program for the second year in a row… It’s quite fulfilling to see that local residents will receive a direct benefit from our wine festival ” Randall D. Smith of Lakewood Hearing & Speech Center said, “We know that when hearing becomes difficult it’s often easier to stay at home and avoid family and friends. When you stay at home, you can become isolated and alone. We are reaching out to help.”
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION FOR SIGHT & SOUND
The Foundation for Sight & Sound‘s mission is to enhance the quality of life for men women and children with vision and/or hearing challenges.
The Foundation for Sight and Sound has developed the Help America Hear Program to provide hearing aids for men, women and children with limited financial resources.
In most states, Medicare and Medicaid do not cover these costs and many insurance providers do not offer full medical coverage.
The manufacturer suggested retail cost averages from $2,000 to $4,000 per hearing aid. With this program, each person receives: two hearing aids, custom ear molds and one year limited service.
Help America Hear is sponsored by the generosity of hearing health care providers, corporate and private donors, and manufacturers.
www.foundationforsightandsound.org
ABOUT THE DENVER INTERNATIONAL WINE FESTIVAL
The Denver International Wine Festival and Competition are produced by Wine Country Network, Inc. Established in 2005, the annual Denver International Wine Festival is the premier wine and culinary festival in the Rocky Mountains. The festival showcases premium wines from more than 18 countries, together with a signature chef’s food and wine competition, called the Paisine/Taste of Elegance that has been fondly referred to as “Iron Chef™ meets wine.
Main contacts:
Christopher J. Davies & Darcy R. Davies
Taste of Elegance Chefs Food & Wine Competition event info web page:
http://www.denverwinefest.com/taste_of_elegance.html
2011 Denver International Wine Festival Major Sponsors
-Key Private Bank (presenting sponsor)
-Thermador Kitchen Appliances
-Anheuser-Busch Belgium Beers (Stella Artois, Hoegaarden and Leffe)
-Mountain High Appliance
-Red Bird Farms
-The Broadmoor
-The Omni Interlocken Resort
-Outdoor Kitchen
-The Big Green Egg
-Wisconsin Cheese
-Cooper Mountain
The 2011 Denver International Wine Festival will be held November 2 to 5, 2011.
Visit: Denverwinefest.com