May 17, 2011 | With the recent clouds parting conveniently for a day, staff gathered at Center Green on May 13 to celebrate Spring Fling, the annual all-staff party sponsored by the Employee Activities Committee. The new shade structure in front of CG1 provided the perfect venue for party-goers to relax and enjoy a barbeque buffet and the country band Mortensen Variety Quartet.

The traditional lip sync contest was cancelled this year due to lack of interest. Instead, the party featured a shout-out to Boulder B-cycle, the new bike-sharing program being launched this month. Two of the very first bike-sharing stations in Boulder were recently installed at CG and FL (more here). Kimberly Kosmenko and Kay Gazaway from UCAR’s sustainability program took a few minutes to introduce the program, after which Tim Barnes (EO) demoed one of the bikes. A table was on hand for attendees to sign up for B-Cycle memberships, which UCAR/NCAR is providing for all staff at no charge.

Staff dine under the new shade structure at Center Green. 

Hal Segal (Event Services) keeps an eye on the grill. The buffet included appetizers, burgers, brats, macarconi salad, and a brownie bar.

From left to right: Carter (Boulder B-cycle), Tim Barnes (EO), Kay Gazaway (FM&S), Kimberly Kosmenko (FM&S), and Dave Clark (Boulder B-cycle). 

Tim Barnes (EO) demonstrates the ease and convenience of Boulder B-cycle's shiny new rides.