Starting in 2016, residents will have the option of continuing to use their own trash and recycling containers (either trash cans or bags) or of using 96-gallon totes provided at no charge by Waste Connections. The totes have wheels and are 42 inches tall, the top measures 30x34 inches, and the bottom is 24x24 inches. Trash and recycling service will be weekly as it is now. If you prefer to use the totes, send an email to kencarylco@wasteconnections.com or call the Ranch House at 303-979-1876. In the email or phone message, say that you want to sign up for totes and provide your name, address, email address and phone number. You can request both trash and recycling totes, just a trash tote, or just a recycling tote. Waste Connections will deliver totes to your home in January. If you want to continue using your own containers, you do not need to do anything. Your service will continue as is. 

Sign up for a Christmas pony ride at the Ken-Caryl Equestrian Center! The rides are for ages 3 to 100 (you’re never too old for a pony ride), and the cost is $20 payable with cash or check at the time of the ride. This special event will only take place Friday, Dec. 18, Monday, Dec. 21, Tuesday, Dec. 22, and Wednesday, Dec. 23 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Reservations are required. To make a reservation, call the Equestrian Center at 303-972-8456 or 303-979-4500 or email eqschool@kcranch.org. The pony ride will be conducted by one of our experienced camp or riding school instructors, but we do ask an adult to walk alongside young children to help them keep their balance. Don’t forget your cameras! The rides last about 15 minutes, but your family is welcome to stick around to meet our other horses and watch our students ride. Children and parents must wear boots or lace-up shoes. No slip-ons, flip flops, or open-toed shoes allowed. You are encouraged to bring your own toddler-sized bike helmet for children under 5. 

Need a unique gift idea for a family member or friend? How about the gift of gardening? This is truly a gift that “keeps giving” as fresh, organic fruits and vegetables will be available throughout the summer. The Ken-Caryl Community Garden has a few plots still available for the 2016 growing season. The cost of a large plot is $150 (includes a $50 refundable deposit) or $125 for a small plot (includes a $50 refundable deposit). We will put together a gift with a certificate for the plot, a pair of gardening gloves and some dirt! Please contact harrietcamp@comcast.net for more information or to order your gift.