July 4th Raffle - Patriotic Centerpiece

Toni Rigirozzi has made a beautiful patriotic centerpiece and donated it to EQT to raffle off as a 4th of July fund raiser. The centerpiece is on display at the BAA front desk in Room 315. We will move it to the 5th floor for display tomorrow. Tickets are $1.00 and are available from Shawn Wright or in the HR offices. The drawing will be Thursday at 4:00 p.m.

DOLA EQT BBQ and... a taste of Frito Pie - June 16 - 12-2

Alright... this picture doesn't do this taste-bomb justice but I wanted to capture it "in progress."  What you can't get from this pic is the cumin, garlic, bay leaves and other goodness as it creeps into this chile con carne but, I wanted to give you the heads up that the chili is, at least, under way.  This is a 12-16 hour process, mind you.  Chili can't be done in an hour. Well, good chili can't be done in an hour. Maybe you could re-heat it in less than an hour, but the initial creation period takes time.

Hungry?  Curious?  Well, take a few minutes to bolt down on Wednesday, June 16th, to the first floor, just out back the Division of Emergency Management (DEM) at 9195 East Mineral Avenue, Centennial, CO, for our DOLA EQT BBQ and you can get a cup along with your burger or brat. The chili you see is actually just one part of what will be in that cup, though.  We are serving full-bore Frito Pie.  We will be serving it in all its lawn-chair glory in a styrofoam cup, with the chili poured over fritos and topped with shredded cheese.  Add some red-pepper flakes to your desired hair-burning level and pair with copious amounts of water and a soda.  Enjoy.

With the taste of chili, we'll also have burgers, brats, chips, sodas and cookies and MOST IMPORTANTLY (from the looks of it...) - SUN!!!!

From the entry-level $5 dog and chips to the $6 brat/burger 'n chips (served w/side of Frito Pie) we'll be ready for you.  We're getting started and will have the grill fired up and ready to go at 12:00 pm.  We'll go until around 2:00 pm. and we would love to have you down for a visit.

...and don't worry.  I didn't set the chili to the usual "Chernobyl" setting, but I will be bringing red pepper flakes along for those of you that need to join me in some extra salt depletion - :)

See you there!!! Brandon

Fire it Up!!!

Spring is here.  The sun is (mostly) out.  For grill-worshipers, this means we no longer need the cumbersome coats necessary for Colorado grilling in January.  More importantly, it also means other people might join us when we fire up the grill!!!

So, let's do it!  The Division of Emergency Management will be hosting a BBQ on June 16, 2010 from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm at our location at 9195 East Mineral Avenue in Centennial, CO.  We will be serving burgers and brats w/chips for $6 and hot dogs w/chips for $5.  The proceeds will benefit the Department of Local Affairs Employee Quality Team as we plan this Fall's employee recognition luncheon.

I also understand (b/c I will be bringing it) that there will be Frito Pie on hand... If you have never tasted Frito Pie, you might want to plan your hydration strategy now.  It is a delicacy generally best paired with an electrolyte replacement drink.  Although this batch won't be Chernobyl-level as it will be many people's first introduction, it is not to be missed!

In the coming days, we'll be posting flyers up at around DOLA and the DEM location.  Everyone is invited and we hope to see you there!!!

...just looking at it... doesn't that grill just look itching for some burgers, brats and dogs?  Not a meat-a-tarian?  No worries - we'll also have some meatless options, as well!  For any questions about the BBQ, the set up, or Frito Pie, contact brandon.williams@state.co.us or at (303) 472-4087.

More to follow.

DOLA Cinco De Mayo Potluck 2010

Alright, Shawn and others are already planning the next DOLA-Employee Quality Team shin-dig... the DOLA Cinco De Mayo Potluck.  It will be held, not suprisingly, on May 5, 2010, at the 1313 Sherman DOLA Headquarters at 11:30 am.  But, and I write this with all anticipation and excitement, it will be held OUTSIDE on the Sherman Patio. Having just pulled out of our most recent winter storm, doesn't lunch in the sun, on the patio, sound INCREDIBLE???  Of course, Spring brings Front Range sun and storms, so the backup plan is to host the potluck inside in the 1B Cafeteria.

So, what is the plan?  Well, Sign up sheets can be found at the DLG and DOH Front Desks.  You can also donate funds for meat, plates, cups, etc.  The Donation Deadline is April 30, 2010, and all donations should be made to Darlene Mendoza or Shawn Wright by then. Be sure to also bring your favorite side dish!!!  As we get closer, there will be more info on events, pics and other event specifics.

Candidly... I am thinking about seeking the OK to make some of my Frito Pie.  Originally from Texas (note:  I got to Colorado as fast as I could), the opportunity for me to clear sinuses with a good, homemade 5-alarm is tough to pass on.  If you are not familiar with a Frito Pie, it is a bowl of bean-n-beef chili (special Chernobyl-level recipie and I'll make some lesser-alarm), scooped on top of a bed of corn chips, then covered with cheese and optional onions, tomatoes and sour cream. 

I have a weakness for foods you must pair with Gatorade to keep from passing out.  DOLA's Cinco de Mayo will be a perfect excuse!

What will you make?

Valentine Sale Today!!!

Remember your Valentine, co-worker/ boss / special someone with a gift from EQT. 

EQT will be selling roses/vases, cookies and chocolate for the Valentine's Day holiday. Thursday, February 11, Room 320,  9:00 a.m. - 11:00.

Come early for the best section!   

A call for vases... and more on the cookies.

Per Mona Heustis, since the EQT will again be selling roses, cookies, etc. for Valentines Day, if you have any vases from previous years (pictured left) you would like to donate back to the EQT, drop them by Mona's office (1313 Sherman Street, Suite 315).

Now... I note that recent discussions on the Valentine's Day rose drive have also repeated the word cookies.  I tracked down a better pic of said cookies and am glad to hear they will make a re-appearance at this year's event!

TONS more DOLA PJ Day Pics