Otterocity!

Name: Chris Bergmann

Organization: 8th grade science, Kinard Middle School. Kinard CARES.

What do you do? "I am an 8th grade science teacher at Kinard Middle School in Fort Collins, Colorado. I Love teaching kids. You could say I am innovate, creative, and passionate about work. Sometimes the world isn’t nice and pretty, and can be somewhat complicated. Science can be complicated too. I don’t like to teach the traditional textbook, or compartmentalized, content. I like to teach reality, and how it all interweaves and affects our lives. For example, I like to show how chemistry is used in our local environment. One example is my air quality unit. The recent forest fire is a good example how chemistry affects our air quality etc. I like to mix it up, question, and inquire, so kids can get into their own learning. I try to keep it different every day. I also DJ weddings over the summer and I help produce music for kids. I also play the guitar."

Kinard CARES website

How did you come about it? "I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Natural Sciences from Colorado State Universiy. A Trip to Catalina Island sparked my environmental awarreness. The alternative springbreak in Calatlina, through CSU, helped me develop my appreciation for the environment and nature. I want to make a difference and to see value in this world we live in. When I started teaching at Kinard, I wanted to help kids connect as well. Kinard CARES turned into a program about being conscious about sustainability. Sometimes I think society mistakes environmentalism for activism. I also read a lot of motivational books to keep positive—I get that from my dad."

How do you bring joy to others? "I hope as science teacher I can get kids to enjoy science. I was hired to create proficient students and gain achievement. Middle school is difficult with pressure from friends and peers. Science is a small piece of their day. If science makes it to the dinner table, I win. If it gets kids excited to take another science class, I have done my job. I try to be more of a mentor, than anything. I try to think what is going to matter in 20 years, it boils down to a positive mental attitude. Focus on things you can control. Your attitude and effort is only thing can you control. I also use music in my teaching. I use it for sensory engagement and to lighten things up. My students react to different things."

What are the happiest days of your life? "The day I got married, and the day my baby girl was born. On a smaller level, waking up before sunrise, a road trip into the desert, hiking through Bryce Canyon before sunrise, looking at the moon, smelling the smells of nature, cliff jumping in Hawaii, or taking in the sights—it gives you a great sense of adventure. Also, listening to music. I am happy when I write a song or when I perform outside or in the corner of CB & Potts. I am most happy, at work."

First impression . . . Otterocity what does it mean to you? "From personal experience seeing otters at Catalina, otters are positive and playful. They are so curious, but cautious. The word made me feel fun and curious."

As you can see from the video, Chris has fun teaching. He truly shares a joyful spirit and shows Otterocity in what he does.

Keep up the great work!

Name: Jim Davidson

Organization: Speaking of Adventure

What do you do? “Since 2004, I share adventurous life lessons through speaking and writing to small and large businesses, associations, and conferences.”

How did you come about it? “I was a Technology Trainer for fifteen years. I had people asking me about climbing which led to speaking and sharing my lessons. I did this on a small scale, on demand. After a few years I went full time."

How do you bring joy to others? “I bring stories, photos, and videos of worldwide climbs sharing land and beauty that most don’t get to see in person. I want to bring hope and encouragement to be resilient through tough times."

What is the happiest day of your life? “Time spent in the mountains and outside with my family. Summit time with my climbing buddies.”

First impression . . . Otterocity what does it mean to you? “Originally I thought of otters in the physical sense. Then I thought about their character—they love life and are spunky! I smile thinking about their enthusiastic energy.”

Jim, thank you for the great Otterview! You definitely bring a joyful spirit to all you do!

Jim Davidson's Book

Buy The Lege on Amazon.com

ABOUT THE LEDGE -

In June 1992, best friends Jim Davidson and Mike Price stood triumphantly atop Washington’s Mount Rainier, celebrating what they hoped would be the first of many milestones in their lives as passionate young mountaineers. Instead, their conquest gave way to catastrophe when a cave-in plunged them deep inside a glacial crevasse—the pitch-black, ice-walled hell that every climber’s nightmares are made of.

An avid adventurer from an early age, Davidson was already a seasoned climber at the time of the Rainier ascent, fully aware of the risks and hopelessly in love with the challenge. But in the blur of a harrowing free fall,

he suddenly found himself challenged by nature’s grandeur at its most unforgiving. Trapped on a narrow, unstable frozen ledge, deep below daylight and high above a yawning chasm, he would desperately battle crumbling ice and snow that threatened to bury him alive, while struggling in vain to save his fatally injured companion. And finally, with little equipment, no partner, and rapidly dwindling hope, he would have to make a fateful choice—between the certainty of a slow, lonely death or the seeming impossibility of climbing for his life.

At once a heart-stopping adventure story, a heartfelt memoir of friendship, and a stirring meditation on fleeting mortality and immutable nature, The Ledge chronicles one man’s transforming odyssey from the dizzying heights of elation and awe to the punishing depths of grief and hard-won wisdom. This book’s visceral, lyrical prose sings the praises of the physical world’s wonders, while searching the souls of those willing, for better or worse, to fully embrace it.

Jim - Keep climbing with Otterocity!

Name: Jodi Starke

Organization: Premiersolutionz

What do you do? “I am the Regional Director of Premiersolutionz. We provide internet support services to Automotive Dealerships.”

How did you come about it? “A while back my brother’s girlfriend did photos and EBay management for some dealers. She needed help with that, so I thought I could do that when my kids were in school. It worked well. Then the phone blew up with referrals and it merged into taking photos for dealer websites, etc. I worked for a few companies, now I am my own reseller providing photos and products (ie. craigslist tools) to dealers.

How do you bring joy to others? “I try to be the best boss ever. I try to employ people who have the same win-win attitude as me. I see it as a blessing when it is a happy fit. Also, I work hard and play hard. I enjoy playing with my kids—we have fun frolicking and doing stuff together. For example, my son and I are getting dive certified. It is great doing that with him.

What is the happiest day/s of your life? “When my children were born. Each one was special and different—even though it was stressful.”

First impression . . . Otterocity what does it mean to you? “First thing that camet o mind was my 6th grade Science Fair project. I did it on Otters. They are fun loving creatures—I love to swim.”

Thank you Jodi for doing this OtterView. You work smart with your business and you show a joyful spirit every time you come into the dealership.

Name : Kim Lang

Organization/s: Canyon Concert Ballet & Dance Center / High Performance Dance Theatr

What do you do? “I am the Executive Director of Canyon Concert Ballet and Dance Center. I am in charge of the studio, classes, staff and management. I also am in charge of marketing and fundraising. I am also the owner/operator and Artistic Director of High Performance Dance Theatre."

Wow, you wear many hats. "Yes I do."

Canyon Concert Ballet & Dance Center

Canyon Concert Ballet (CCB) & Dance Center is a 501 (c) (3) non profit arts organization that provides the community with quality instruction and performance in a variety of dance forms with ballet as the core. CCB is in its 30th year of performing the Fort Collins Nutcracker at the Lincoln Center.

High Performance Dance Theatre

High Performance Dance Theatre (HPDT) has a strong background of performing in Northern Colorado. Performing since 1996, HPDT is a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational organization. Our mission is to combine dance and modern technology to provide high quality training and productions, while increasing the community’s knowledge of the arts. We present two evening length shows as well as performing at local benefit concerts and special events throughout the year. Many collaborations between musicians, visual artists, choreographers and other dancers help HPDT to bring successful and innovative performances to our community. HPDT also facilitates dance residencies in the public school districts around Colorado. This unique interactive experience brings dance instruction and education to thousands of children of all ages who might otherwise lack valuable exposure to the performing arts.

Under the artistic direction of Kim Lang, HPDT has produced over 36 full stage productions, 20 residencies, and performed at numerous other venues. HPDT is proud to be based in Fort Collins with opportunities to perform throughout Colorado.

How did you come about doing this? “I have a degree in dance. Since 1992 I taught and choreographed for Canyon Concert Bballet and Dance Center. For a while I was the Administrative Assistant. I left for a bit and came back as the Admin Assistant and Bookkeeper. When the Artistic Director left I assumed those duties and eventually I became the Executive director of Canyon Concert Ballet.”

How do you bring joy to others? “I teach kids to dance and provide a good community for them to dance in. I hope it brings them joy. Also, I enjoy passing on my appreciation of dance to others.”

What is the happiest day of your life? “When my daughter, Mikayla was born.”

First impression . . . Otterocity. What does that mean to you? “Silly. Playful.”

Thank you Kim, for the wonderful Otterview. Keep bringing joy to others through dance, you do a great job!

Name / Organization: Kerrie Flanagan / Northern Colorado Writers

What do you do?  “I am the Founder and Director for Northern Colorado Writers. I started NCW almost exactly four years ago this August. I support and encourage writers of all genres and all levels through classes, networking, critique groups, retreats, and conferences.”

 Northern Colorado Writers Website

Blog: The Writing Bug

How did you come about doing this?  “It all started with the first conference over four years ago. There was nothing in the area for writers so I organized the first NCW conference. After the conference I realized writers wanted something more than a once a year. We began to meet at Readers Cove bookstore and various other locations. After doing that a year, it became a headache setting up classes at locations, signing leases, and moving around. I opened the NCW Studio at 108 E. Monroe Unit D, Fort Collins, CO 80525 next to Chicos. It became the “home base” for our writers.”

How do you bring joy to others? “I hope to bring joy by supporting and encouraging other writers and providing resources and classes. The coffee time is our most popular event. It gives writers a chance to come together to network and share ideas.”

And you?  “It brings me joy to have a chance to do that?”

What is the happiest day of your life? "Wow, there are too many to name one."

Give me all then.

"Ok"

• Getting married.
• Having children.
• Being with friends and family.
• 1st Conference.
• Opening the Studio
• Getting the Colorado Women of Vision Award – 2011
• Any time I see my writing I print.
• Really good pizza is a happy day!

First impression . . . Otterocity. What does that word mean to you? "Just an Otter."

Thank you Kerrie, for the wonderful Otterview!

--T.A. Northburg

Colorado Women of Influence announced the recipients of the 2011 Women of Vision Awards. Honorees were determined to have made a contribution to the well-being and empowerment of women and the betterment of their communities through outstanding innovation, leadership, and social Impact.