Call the Public Works Department for a free Snow Removal brochure: 303-413-7162.

Use Caution When

To make this a safer winter for you and your family:

• Give snow plows and spreader trucks plenty of room to operate.
• When driving, allow for more stopping distance between cars. It takes 3-12 times more distance to stop on icy or snowy roads. Avoid making last-minute decisions.
• Shovel your sidewalks within 24 hours after it stops snowing.
• Teach your children to be extra careful around traffic.

Snow plows are wider than one traffic lane

• You can avoid getting squeezed on the road (and avoid limited visibility caused by flying snow and ice) by NOT passing snow plows.

Spreader trucks have spinners which distribute traction materials across two lanes of traffic.

• Stay at least three to four car lengths behind spreader trucks to avoid windshield damage.

http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=177&Itemid=1703Spreader trucks weigh up to 54,000 pounds when loaded. Because the trucks are heavy, they drive slowly.

• When you are behind a spreader truck, allow for adequate stopping distance. Try to stay three to four car lengths behind spreader trucks.

Using alternative transportation during snow storms reduces the number of vehicles on the roadways and gives snow plows and spreader trucks more room to operate.

• You will also save wear and tear on your car, avoid the stress of driving, and probably enjoy the winter scenery much more!

  
  

  http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=177&Itemid=1703
  
  www.mazdaoflakewood.com

Our philosophy is that if it’s not worth driving, it’s not worth building. So in our quest for better environmental performance, our goal was to reduce fuel consumption and emissions without compromising driving performance.

To get there, we started with a clean sheet of paper and engineered every major component of the automobile to work together in efficient harmony. The result is something revolutionary.

The SKYACTIV®-G 2.0L Gasoline Engine

Currently, 95% of the world uses gasoline or diesel combustion engines, and by 2020 90% still will be. In this fact we saw an enormous opportunity: If we could find a way to make the internal combustion engine work better, we could make a big difference in how much fuel the world uses and how much CO₂ is emitted. Our solution is the SKYACTIV®-G gasoline engine, a 2.0-liter marvel that produces 10% to 15% more low/mid-range torque, along with 15% lower fuel consumption and emissions than our previous 2.0-liter engine.

The SKYACTIV®-Drive Six-Speed Automatic Transmission

Now that we had come up with such a revolutionary engine, we needed the ultimate transmission to get all that precious energy to the wheels. How do you build that? Study every modern transmission made, take the best features of each and fire up the blender. Then, top it all off by adding a brain, A.K.A. an advanced control module. The result is the SKYACTIV®-Drive six-speed automatic transmission. It shifts smoothly for steady acceleration and quickly for the connected feel of a manual transmission, while the brain delivers precision responsiveness and reliability.

The SKYACTIV®-Body and SKYACTIV®-Chassis

With our SKYACTIV® Body and Chassis, we were determined to get more of that exhilarating Mazda driving feel while increasing crash safety performance and reducing weight. Through smarter engineering and materials we were able to improve body rigidity by 30% (for better handling) and shed 220 pounds, all while improving crash safety performance. To give you more of that “oneness” between car and driver, the suspension was redesigned for greater agility at low speeds and more stability at high speeds

The U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) estimates that in one year, Americans suffer one billion colds. And while the common cold may last a day or two, it can also linger for two weeks, interrupting your every day routine. Fortunately, government organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer useful information for avoiding and treating colds and all their bothersome symptoms.

The CDC notes that over 200 viruses can be responsible for a cold, and the NLM points out that cold virus germs are spread by physical contact, as well as inhalation. Therefore, good hygiene is key to prevention; wash your hands frequently, and avoid close contact with those suffering from colds or other upper respiratory infections. Visit www.cdc.gov/features/handwashing/ for proper hand washing techniques, proper use of hand sanitizers and links to lots of related information.

If congestion, a sore throat and body aches are interrupting your daily life, you should pay your doctor a visit. Don’t be surprised, however, if you leave without a prescription; the CDC explains that because the common cold is caused by a virus, antibiotics are ineffective and can actually be harmful if taken when not needed. Doctors can prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms of a cold, so talk to your provider about options for coughing, congestion or headache relief.

There are many home remedies for combating cold symptoms. The NIH and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases recommend getting plenty of rest, gargling with warm salt water, using throat anesthetic sprays and drinking lots of fluids.

The common cold tends to go away on its own, but the CDC advises the attention of a healthcare provider if you have a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or your symptoms have lasted for more than 10 days.

For most drivers, a new car is their second biggest financial investment after a house, and they need it to run reliably for many years. The cooling system is one of the most important, yet often neglected regular maintenance items in any vehicle.

“Coolant (also known as antifreeze) prevents engine freeze-up in winter, reduces engine temperature in the summer, and protects the cooling system from rust and corrosion year round,” according to the AAA website.

Gasoline and diesel four-cylinder engines can produce up to 15,000 explosions per minute with flame temperatures topping 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooling system has to efficiently remove that heat energy to prevent damage to cylinder heads, blocks, pistons and gaskets. The engineers that create these engines carefully design the coolant flow passages to ensure that temperatures stay even at all times with no hot or cold spots.

Whether you experience brutal cold, blistering heat or both, coolant has to flow through those passages without freezing or boiling to work properly. Specially formulated antifreeze – typically based on a blend of ethylene or propylene glycol and water – can function over a temperature range of −34°F to +265°F. Other additives in the coolant help to inhibit corrosion of metal parts and lubricate the water pump.

Over time, coolant degrades due to the limited lifespan of the corrosion inhibitors and exposure to all that heat. Without the corrosion inhibitors, scale builds up and restricts flow in the cooling passages, heater core and radiator tubes. When this happens, leaks can develop, temperatures can climb and internal engine components, including the head gasket, can be damaged, leading to very expensive repairs.

A failed head gasket can easily cost thousands of dollars, and potentially much more while periodic cooling system flushes are cheap by comparison. The traditional glycol-based coolants used in many cars and trucks should be replaced according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, often about every two years or 30,000 miles. These coolants are easily identified by the fluorescent green or blue dye that is added to make it easier to identify leaks and spills. Many modern vehicles use newer, long life coolants that are designed to last five years or 150,000 miles. These coolants are usually orange or red, and should never be mixed with green coolants. Although the coolant itself lasts longer, these systems should still be checked and maintained regularly, according to the schedule in your owner’s manual.

The first step of cooling system maintenance is a pressure check. In order to raise the boiling point of the coolant above 250°F, all modern vehicles use pressurized systems. With the engine off and cold, a test device can pressurize the cooling system to check for leaks. The pressure ratings vary for different vehicles, but if the pressure holds steady at the recommended level, the system should be free of leaks. The pressure cap itself should also be tested to ensure that it holds and releases at the rated pressure. If it releases at too low a pressure, the coolant can boil while excessive pressure can cause hoses or gaskets to burst. Your dealer’s service department has the tools and the expertise to complete these tests quickly and accurately.

The rubber hoses that transfer coolant between the engine, radiator and heater core should also be inspected for cracks or bulges. The belt that drives the water pump and in some cases the fan should also be checked for cracks or stretching. Problematic hoses or belts should be replaced immediately. The front side of the radiator should also be carefully cleaned to remove the dead bugs and other road dirt that inevitably build up during driving. A thermostat in the system controls the flow of coolant between the engine and radiator and should be checked and replaced if it doesn’t open at the correct temperature.

The freezing and boiling points of the coolant can also be checked by testing the specific gravity. Using a special tool, coolant can be drawn out of the engine and tested. If the freezing point is too high, the coolant should be replaced. 

The coolant is drained using a plug on the radiator, although some vehicles also have a secondary drain on the engine block as well. Drained coolant should always be properly disposed of and never dumped in a sewer or waterway. The sweet smelling glycol is attractive to many animals, but it is toxic. After draining, the system should be thoroughly flushed with water until it runs clear and free of the color of the coolant. The flushing should be done in the reverse of the usual flow direction to help to loosen and remove any scale or other contaminants that have built up. 

After closing up all the drains, the system should be refilled with a 50/50 mixture of coolant and water. With the radiator pressure cap still off, the engine should be run with the fresh coolant for about 10 to 15 minutes to bleed any air out of the system. Air in the cooling passages will limit the pressure, which will lower the boiling point and potentially cause damaging hotspots in the engine. During this bleed procedure, the interior heating system should also be turned on high to ensure that air is forced out. Once it has been bled, the system should be topped off with coolant mixture, typically through the reserve tank, and the pressure cap should be reinstalled.

Besides having the specific tools, experience and knowledge necessary to maintain your vehicle properly, our dealership’s service department will collect used coolant and send it to a recycling facility for reprocessing. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, service and parts personnel at our dealer can answer your questions and help you get the job done right.

Hours:   Monday-Friday 7:00AM to 6:00PM
Saturday 8:00AM to 2:00PM & Closed Sunday

Call Us: (888) 481-9966

Thanksgiving is a holiday that brings friends and family together to share a good meal, conversation and laughter. But Thanksgiving also comes with several health hazards, including an increased chance of fires, food poisoning and choking. Take a few minutes to review these Thanksgiving Day safety tips, and enjoy the holiday without worry.

1. Fire

The U.S. Fire Administration reports that, on Thanksgiving Day, more than 4,000 fires occur. The average number of cooking fires doubles on the holiday. In addition to installing a fire detector in the kitchen, there are several easy ways to avoid fires:

Don’t leave the kitchen while frying and grilling. Use a timer and do kitchen checks when simmering, baking, broiling and roasting. If deep frying a turkey, keep the fryer outside, away from walls, fences and other structures. Also, keep the fryer away from moisture to avoid burns from steam and spattering oil.

Keep pot holders and food wrappers 3 feet away from the stove or other hot surfaces. Kids should stay 3 feet away too. Make sure the handles of pots and pans are facing inward. Avoid loose clothes, especially those with long sleeves, while cooking. And make sure all candles and smoking materials are put out after the guests leave.

2. Turkey

Eating undercooked turkey is another Thanksgiving health problem. If a turkey is thawed at a temperature above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, salmonella or other bacteria that cause food poisoning can grow.

Safely cooking a turkey starts with correct defrosting. There are three methods for safe defrosting. The turkey can be thawed in the refrigerator—one day for every 5 lbs. of the bird. The turkey can be submerged in water if it is in leak-proof packaging—30 minutes for every pound. The water should be changed every half hour. It’s also safe to defrost a turkey in a microwave. Remove any packaging and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

With all three methods it’s important to cook the turkey immediately after thawing. Don’t slow cook or partially cook the turkey, and check the temperature with a meat thermometer to determine if it’s done. Even if the turkey came with a pop-up thermometer, it’s necessary to check the innermost part of the thigh and wing, and the thickest part of the breast. The turkey needs to be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (and the stuffing, too).

Let the turkey rest before carving. This gives the juices time to set.

3. Choking

The most common cause of choking is talking while eating. If a person is unable to cough, breathe or speak, the first thing to do is call 911. Next, the Red Cross recommends a technique called FIVE-and-FIVE for choking victims.

The first step is giving the choking victim five sharp blows on the back, using the heel of the hand. If the obstruction is not dislodged by this move, the next step is to give the victim five quick, upward abdominal thrusts.

Some people run from the table when they start choking. It’s important to stay with other people so they can give assistance. If the victim is alone, he can give himself the five abdominal thrusts using his hand or by pressing his abdomen firmly against the back of a chair.

4. Leftovers

Eating Thanksgiving leftovers that have been improperly stored can also lead to food poisoning. Leftovers need to be put away within two hours after serving the food. (This includes pumpkin pie.) They go in the refrigerator if they are going to be eaten within three days otherwise they go in the freezer. Food should be stored in shallow containers. Meat should be removed from the bone before being put away.

Reheated leftovers should be cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Gravy should be brought to a vigorous boil.

5. Pets

Thanksgiving brings health hazards to dogs and other pets as well as humans. Don’t give turkey bones to pets.Turkeybones and other bird bones are hollow, which makes them likely to splinter. This can cause tears in an animal’s esophagus, stomach or intestines.

Fatty holiday foods, like turkey skin and gravy, can contribute to pancreatitis. More pets are brought to vets for pancreatitis after their owners have had a party or holiday dinner.

Be careful about leaving chocolate candies out (or kids dropping candy on the floor). Chocolate can cause illness and even death when dogs ingest it. In addition, dogs shouldn’t be fed grapes, raisins, onions, alcohol or anything with caffeine. It’s also important to keep the string used to tie the turkey and other food wrappings out of reach of pets.

Dogs also tend to be excited when there are lots of people in the house. When dogs are excited they often eat too quickly, and this can lead to bloating, a very dangerous condition. Feed your dog before the guests arrive and don’t let them be too active before or after eating.

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced pricing of its refreshed 2012 Mazda3compact vehicle, including the first application of the brand’s all-new fuel-efficient and performance-oriented SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY.  Available as both a sedan and hatchback, Mazda3 commands more than 40 percent of Mazda’s year-to-date sales, and is by far the best-selling vehicle in the brand’s line-up.

“The Mazda3 is the core of the Mazda line-up and continues to be the standard by which all other compact cars are measured,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, MNAO.  “Because of the importance of this critical vehicle to Mazda sales success, we chose to debut our revolutionary SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY in Mazda3, as well as bring the i SV model to market at a lower starting MSRP than the previous year.”

The Mazda3 i SV sedan starts at an impressive $15,200[1] MSRP, which is a price drop from the previous model year.  Styling is updated with a revised front fascia and Mazda-distinctive five-point grille opening.  Inside, new cloth seats and a bold, black cabin accentuates intuitive controls and panels.  Paired with the dependable 148-horsepower MZR 2.0-liter engine, the Mazda3 i SV sedan is the first stop in Mazda’s performance-geared, fuel-efficient line of sporty compacts.  Moving up to the Mazda3 i Sport, the 2012 model sees the addition of remote keyless entry as standard equipment.  The Mazda3 i Sport sedan starts at $16,845 MSRP and is optionally available with the five-speed Sport automatic transmission.  Mazda3 i SV and Sport trims are not available on five-door models.

Mazda3 i Touring models swap the MZR engine for the all-new SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine, and is EPA-rated to achieve 40 mpg on the highway.  MSRP for the sedan model starts at $18,450.  SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY is a suite of fun-to-drive and fuel-saving technologies, debuting with a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine that produces 155 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque.  The all-new engine offers five percent more horsepower than the standard MZR 2.0-liter engine as well as 10 percent more peak torque, 15 percent more low- to mid-range torque and up to 21 percent better fuel economy.  And, unlike competitors in the segment, the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine is available on a host of different trim levels to benefit the most customers possible.

In addition, the hatchback model will be available for the first time in the U.S. with a 2.0-liter engine, priced from $18,950 for the Mazda3 i Touring hatchback with SKYACTIV-G, and boasts an EPA-rated 39 mpg on the highway, which is best-in-class for compact five-doors.  All i Touring and Grand Touring models are available with the all-new SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission or the all-new SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission (an additional $850 MSRP for either sedan or hatchback model).

Building off the Mazda3 i Touring model is the all-new i Grand Touring trim level, also available in both sedan and hatchback body styles.  Mazda3 i Grand Touring models provide class-competitive fuel efficiency as well as high-value standard features such as a power moonroof, power driver’s seat, leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, a Bose® Centerpoint® 10-speaker Surround Sound System with AudioPilot® and a full-color navigation system with a multi-information display (MID).  Mazda3 i Grand Touring sedan models start at $22,300 MSRP with five-door models starting at $22,800.

Other standard equipment for i Touring and Grand Touring models are an all-new 16-inch aluminum alloy wheel design, a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel as well as a trip computer.  A Moonroof & Bose® Audio Package is available for i Touring models ($1,400) while an updated Technology Package featuring rain-sensing windshield wipers, self-leveling bi-xenon headlights, automatic headlights, Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), Sirius satellite radio and a perimeter alarm. A segment-exclusive Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System is available for i Grand Touring models ($1,400).

Available in Touring and Grand Touring trims, Mazda3 s models are equipped with an MZR 2.5-liter engine that boasts 167 horsepower and 168 lb-ft of torque.  Starting at $21,300 MSRP for the sedan and $21,800 for the hatchback, new standard features for s models are all-new 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start System with push-button start, a moonroof, a dual zone automatic climate control system and a Bose® Centerpoint® 10-speaker Surround Sound System with AudioPilot®.  Navigation is now standard on all s Grand Touring models.

Equipped with an MZR 2.3-liter Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) engine, the top-of-the-line MAASPEED3 has an output of 263 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.  The vehicle starts at $24,000 MSRP and is equipped with 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels and a Bose® Centerpoint® 10-speaker Surround Sound System with AudioPilot®.  Other standard MAZDASPEED-only treatments include: sport-tuned exhaust, larger front brakes, sport independent front and rear suspension, a limited slip differential with the Mazda Advanced Torque Management System, larger front and rear stabilizer bars, distinctive red and black interior styling with similar-fashioned leather-and-cloth Sport seats, scuff plates, black leather-wrapped shift knob as well as a unique front fascia, fenders and hood.  

A MAZDASPEED3 Technology Package is the only packaging option with an MSRP of $2,135, and adds features such as navigation, Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System, Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), self-leveling bi-xenon headlights, automatic headlights, Sirius satellite radio, a perimeter alarm, rain-sensing windshield wipers and the Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start System with push-button start.

Winter is the enemy of the car. Cold temperatures make it harder for an engine to work properly. Snow and ice limit traction. Potholes damage wheels and tires. Salt causes rust and gravel pits the paint. But there are things you can do to help your vehicle in this time of duress. Following are some easy steps to properly prepare your car for winter. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

1. Consider using snow tires.
The condition of your car’s tires is critical during the winter. If the tires are worn or if they are high-performance tires, braking, acceleration and handling all suffer on slippery roads. Because of reduced vehicle capabilities, the likelihood of a crash increases. All-season tires will work to a certain point, but their effectiveness depends on their tread depth.

If you have the cash, consider buying a set of winter tires. Winter tires are optimized for snow and ice. They aren’t magic — even with winter tires, your car will still perform worse on slick roads than dry ones. But winter tires provide more traction on slick surfaces than all-season tires.

2. Check your tire pressure.
Tire pressure is especially important during the winter, because traction is often at a minimum due to wet or snowy conditions. It’s critical to have properly inflated tires, which guarantees the best possible contact between the tire and the road. A properly inflated tire will also help protect against wheel damage that might occur as the vehicle drives over potholes. Read your owner’s manual to find the correct tire pressure.

In winter’s lower temperatures, the air pressure in a cold tire will drop. Since air is a gas, it contracts when it cools. Keep this in mind if you are checking tire pressure. Generally, for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit change in ambient temperature, your tire’s inflation pressure will change by about 1 psi (up with higher temperatures and down with lower temperatures).

3. If you have a four-wheel-drive system, make sure it is working properly.
A big selling point for SUVs is that many offer four-wheel drive, which improves traction in slippery conditions. But most people don’t use their 4WD systems during the summer. And while a 4WD system requires minimal maintenance, it’s still a good idea to check that it works properly before winter arrives.

Make sure the system engages and disengages smoothly, and that there are no strange noises emanating from the drivetrain when the system is in use. Check to make sure that the transmission and gear oil levels are correct.

If there are multiple drivers for your vehicle, make sure each of them knows how to operate the 4WD system. The owner’s manual will state at what speeds and in what environments the 4WD can be activated.

4. Check to see if your engine requires lower-viscosity oil in the winter.
This isn’t nearly as hard as it sounds. Viscosity simply refers to how thick or thin a fluid is. (Tar has a higher viscosity than orange juice, for example.) Engine oils are sold with different viscosity levels. When winter arrives, the outside temperature drops. The colder the oil is, the thicker it will be. A thicker oil doesn’t circulate as well in an engine during start-up as a thinner oil would. If the oil is too thick, the engine doesn’t get the proper lubrication.

To solve this wintertime problem, some engines require a change to a thinner oil. This may be more necessary on older vehicles, since many new cars already come with oil that’s thin enough to withstand the winter. Even when the thinner oil is cold, it is still not too thick for proper engine lubrication. Keep in mind that an oil can also be too thin.

It’s easy to determine what type of oil your car should have in winter. Simply read the owner’s manual. It will list the manufacturer’s oil recommendations for different climates. If a dealership or local garage performs the oil change, you can ask the manager what type and viscosity of oil he’ll put in your vehicle.

5. Inspect the belts and hoses.
Belts and hoses in modern cars lead long lives. But that doesn’t mean they don’t die. Cold temperatures can accelerate the demise of a belt or hose, so have them inspected before winter starts.

6. Inspect the wipers and wiper fluid.
Visibility is particularly key in winter, as it is often compromised by precipitation, salt build-up on the windshield and reduced daylight. The life expectancy of a wiper blade is one year. If your car’s blades are older, replace them. There are a number of aftermarket wiper blades that are made for winter use.

Also check and fill your wiper fluid reservoir. You might consider adding wiper fluid that has been mixed with a de-icer. A harsh winter storm is the worst possible time for untreated wiper fluid to create ice on your windows or for you to discover your blades aren’t performing properly.

7. Check the battery.
Batteries give little notice before they die, and they absolutely love to expire at the worst possible moment. Very cold temperatures can reduce a vehicle’s battery power by up to 50 percent. If your vehicle battery is older than three years, have it tested at a certified automotive repair facility. Also, make sure the posts and connections are free of corrosion. If the posts are corroded, you can clean them with baking soda, water and a small wire brush.

8. Check antifreeze mixture.
The ideal mixture of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your vehicle’s radiator is 50:50. If the mixture deviates from this norm, then hot- and cold-weather performance can suffer.

If you were to put pure water in your vehicle’s radiator, it would freeze at 32 degrees F. But if you combine the water with an equal amount of antifreeze, the new mixture won’t freeze until -34 degrees F. Most antifreeze you’ll find in stores already comes pre-mixed, which makes this process much easier.

You can check the composition of a radiator’s mixture by using an antifreeze tester, which is available at auto parts stores and is inexpensive and easy to use. If the mixture is off, adjust it by adding more antifreeze.

9. Carry an emergency kit in your car.
A roadside kit doesn’t take up much space and can prove invaluable in an emergency. Many companies sell pre-assembled kits, but if you want to save a few bucks, you may already have the key items around the house. Things you might want to consider carrying include:

• A flashlight, flares and a first-aid kit.
• Jumper cables, a tool kit and tire chains.
• A blanket, warm clothes, hat and gloves.
• Paper towels.
• A bag of abrasive material, such as sand, salt or non-clumping kitty litter. Use this for added traction when a tire is stuck.
• A snow brush, ice scraper and snow shovel.
• Extra washer fluid.
• Extra food and water.

10. Check the heater and windshield defroster.
Winter will put your vehicle’s windshield defrosters to the test. It’s a good idea to check that they are in working order. While you’re at it, check the air-conditioner, too. An easy way to speed up the defrost process is to turn on the A/C. (You can leave the temperature dial on warm so you don’t have to suffer.) And now is also a good time to make sure your heating system works.

Our service department will be happy to assist you in getting your car ready for winter.

Hours:   Monday-Friday 7:00AM to 6:00PM
Saturday 8:00AM to 2:00PM & Closed Sunday

Call Us: (888) 481-9966

There has been a lot written about kids Halloween party games. Children between the ages of four to ten can be a handful especially when they are excited. So, you need to capture their energy and everyone will have more fun

Pumpkin Bowling – this is a game where you fill ten looking good bottles with stones or gravel, you can draw silly faces on them and then use a small pumpkin as the bowling ball. The child who knocks the most over wins.

Musical Headstones – use strong cardboard boxex for this one or nice plastic containers. You can decorate them with spray paint or cover them with sheets – say sevenish chairs – 8 kids, fancy Halloween music and march em around the chairs and when the music stops they all must sit down on a gravestone. The one who cannot find one is out – repeat removing a chair each time.

Ghost Hunt – or pumpkin hunt – This is like the easter egg hunt except use pumpkins or ghosts with treats. It will get the kids up and moving.

Mummy Wrap – draw straws to see who is going to be the mummy or mummies. Then have a group of kids wrap em in toilet paper – messy but what fun. Divide the kids into teams. The first team done with the best wrapped mummy wins.

Cupcake Decorating Contest. – provide the room, the cupcakes, the supplies to decorate em with and let the imaginations run wild. Then the adults get to decide who wins.

Pass the Pumpkin – pumpkins come in all sizes – or use a small gourd, ties the hands behind the back, divide the group into teams and start passing the pumpkin down each line from under the first childs chin. This ought to be fun.

Tricked and Turbo. The new 2012 MAZDASPEED3 is ready to thrill with its 2.3L DOHC 16-valve DISI Turbo engine that cranks out 263 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. One tap on the throttle, and you’ll know where MAZDASPEED3 got its name. With its close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, torque-sensing limited-slip differential, and sticky Y-speed rated performance tires, this lightweight, high-performance sports compact gives you a driving experience that you’ll crave.

At 263 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, our turbocharged, intercooled sport compact car delivers a healthy dose of pure adrenaline. Inside you’ll find all the modern conveniences to keep you comfortable and in control, plus four more seats for some fast company.

September 21, 2011 (Irvine, Calif.)  As the 2011 racing season winds down, Mazda secured two manufacturers championships and just missed scoring a third by three-tenths of a second.   This past weekend, Mazda teams delivered a pair of trophies -manufacturers championships in the American Le Mans Series LMP1, and the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Street Tuner (ST) class. 

 John Doonan, Director of Motorsports for Mazda North American Operations summed it up; “As any racer will tell you, championships actually take years to accomplish as you need to develop both the people and the products.  We can’t thank our partners enough.  The collective efforts from Dempsey Racing, Dyson Racing, Freedom Autosport, i-Moto Racing, Racers Edge, SpeedSource, and Team Sahlen  has resulted in race wins in three series, a clean sweep of the ALMS titles for drivers, teams, and our Mazda MZR-R engine, and a Continental Tire manufacturers championship.  This success was achieved through the same qualities as our street cars – great performance combined with quality, durability, and reliability.”

In the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) Mazda locked up all three 2011 LMP1 championships – manufacturers, team, and drivers, with a second-place finish at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.   The Dyson Racing LMP1Lola is powered by a turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder Mazda MZR-R engine against Aston Martin with their V12 prototype.  The Dyson team has scored two overall wins including a one-two in Baltimore where they also won the Green X Challenge.   The ALMS season will conclude with the ten-hour Petit Le Mans Powered by Mazda at Road Atlanta on October 1^st. 

 In the Continental Tire Challenge – Street Tuner class, Mazda won the 2011 Manufacturers Championship by 26 points over VW, BMW, KIA, Mini, Honda and Porsche.   Freedom Autosport and i-Moto Racing led the Zoom-Zoom charge with multiple MAZDASPEED3s and MX-5s at every race.  Both teams took Mazda to the winners circle and delivered a total of three race wins and ten podium finishes from ten races, including a 1-3 finish in the series final at the Mid-Ohio Sports car Course.     

 In the Rolex Grand-Am Championship, the Mazda RX-8 competes in the GT class against their traditional sports car rivals; Porsche, BMW, and Chevrolet.  After an intense season of competition Mazda missed repeating as manufacturers champions by three-tenths of a second in the final race of the season.  The combined efforts of SpeedSource, Dempsey Racing, and Team Sahlen resulted in one race win and 14 podium finishes from 12 races.  Mazda was the manufacturers championship runner-up, and Mazda RX-8 teams finished third, fourth, and fifth in the team competition. 

 Mazda has also crowned three of four 2011 MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development Ladder Champions, including two steps of the Mazda Road to Indy. 

• Petri Suvanto won the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda.
• Tristan Vautier won theStar Mazda Championship Presented by Goodyear
• Mike Cooper won the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup

The 2011 BFGoodrich/Skip Barber National Presented by Mazda title is still up for grabs and will be decided on October 8^th at Lime Rock Park.

About Mazda & MAZDASPEED

Mazda is the number-one brand for road-racers across North America.  Thousands of Mazda powered grassroots racers compete in various classes with the SCCA and NASA highlighted by Spec Miata, the world’s largest spec class with over 2,500 cars built.  In 2006 Mazda established the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development Ladder to assist racers in moving up through the ranks.  In 2010 this was expanded to include the Mazda Road to Indy.  Key to Mazda success is strategic partnerships with the Skip Barber Racing School and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

 MAZDASPEED Motorsports is managed by Mazda North American Operations (MNAO).  MNAO is headquartered in Irvine, Calif. and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers.  Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.