Happy last week of classes, Buffaloes, and Happy Hanukkah to the Jewish Buffs out there! I am Sarah Ellsworth: IPHY major, Boulder native, and event connoisseur, writing to you from the comfort of beautiful CU-Boulder on all of your weekly opportunities for community involvement, educational whatnot and supreme fun. Enjoy the week, Buffs!
Wednesday, Dec. 9
Fun before finals.听Fun abounds in UMC 457 between 5 and 9 p.m. Start off with some cookie decorating, move into Loteria, and then finish with painting and "mocktails" with the Dennis Small Cultural Center. All of these events are free and open to students looking to recharge and forget about their next exam for a few hours.
Thursday, Dec. 10
Ignite Boulder.听Ignite is a local treasure, similar to TedTalks, but much shorter! Each speaker gets five minutes to share something incredible and geek out over their passions with an adoring audience. Tickets for the 7 p.m. Boulder Theater show are still on sale but going fast! .
Friday, Dec. 11
Soweto Gospel Choir.听Be sure to get your $15 ticket to this amazing event, featuring the word renowned Soweto choir in Macky from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. The performance will showcase traditional Christmas songs and African gospel music. The 24-person group is a crown jewel, not to be missed! .
Shabbat dinner.听For those of you caught away from home this Hanukkah, join the CU Chabad Center for traditional Hanukkah foods in celebration of the holidays. The meal is free to all students so get together with some friends and enjoy! Located at 775 17th St., services will take place at 7 p.m. and the meal follows at 7:30 p.m. .
Saturday, Dec. 12
Free fitness classes at The Rec. From听Dec. 12 to 18, the CU Rec Center will offer free classes on everything from climbing to yoga to cycling for free to help you de-stress for Finals Week. Skate rentals and bouldering in the climbing gym will also be free to Buffs this week, so don鈥檛 miss out. .
Moons and holiday magic laser show.听Be sure to catch Fiske Planetarium鈥檚 2:30 p.m. showing of Moons, which showcases the different phases and positions of the moon. The show is accompanied by lasers (I suggest bringing 3D glasses; it really heightens the experience) and some festive holiday music! Tickets are $7 for students. show at Fiske Planetarium.
Sunday, Dec. 13
Boulder Holiday Gift Festival.听If you鈥檝e been neglecting your Christmas or Hanukkah shopping, then swing by the Boulder YMCA (2850 Mapleton) starting at 11 a.m. for your one stop shop on gift buying. There will be lots of handmade items, clothes, art, etc. from local merchants as well as a free concert. .
Hike up to the Star.听You haven鈥檛 spent the holidays in this town until you鈥檝e hiked up to the star on Flagstaff and then slid back down. It鈥檚 cold, it鈥檚 icy, and it鈥檚 still completely worth doing once. Take a date while you鈥檙e at it. Just don鈥檛 forget to wear shoes with traction (very important)! Bonus points if you hike all the way up to it from campus.
Monday, Dec. 14
Late Night Breakfast.听If you find yourself on the dreaded late night finals study marathon and in need of some nourishment, then swing by the UMC for a free breakfast from 8 to 11 p.m. There will also be some fun activities to take your mind off of your finals week. And bacon. Lots of bacon. .
Tuesday, Dec. 15
Innisfree weekly poetry reading.听Get yourself self to the Innisfree Bookstore and Caf茅 for the 7 p.m. poetry reading, which happens every Tuesday and draws some amazing poetic talent from the CU area. If you would like to read an original work, bring it with you and sign up by 6:55 p.m. Otherwise, just relax, sip some Bhakti chai, crunch on some gluten-free whatever, and enjoy the poetry! .
