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El Paso County Planning Commission, Dec. 5 – Urban Landing off Struthers Road recommended for approval

By Helen Walklett

During December, the El Paso County Planning Commissioners heard requests for the proposed Urban Landing Development off Struthers Road.

Urban Landing development

At their Dec. 5 meeting, the commissioners heard combined requests for a 49 single-family lot development on 6.58 acres at the southeast corner of the intersection of Struthers Road and Spanish Bit Drive, south of the Big R store. The developer, Elite Properties of America Inc., is requesting a rezone from R-4 (planned development), a now obsolete zoning category, to PUD (planned unit development) and approval of a preliminary plan.

Ryan Howser, principal planner, Planning and Community Development Department, said that density would be roughly the same under the proposed zoning at 7.5 dwelling units per acre as under the current zoning. He continued, “The previous R-4 zoning also contemplated multi-family and single-family attached for this property. The current proposal contemplates a single-family detached product with no multi-family, no multi-story apartments.”

Each unit would have a two-car garage or two parking spaces on the lot and there would be 22 guest parking spaces. The building footprints would not exceed 800 square feet, excluding the garage and would not be more than 30 feet high. A homeowners association would maintain1.82 acres of usable open space.

As four citizens were present to comment, the application was moved from the consent calendar and given a full hearing. They had questions and concerns about stormwater drainage, traffic in relation to both the gravel roads and access to Struthers Road, light pollution, and compatibility with the surrounding area. Adjacent property owner Doug Schanel, while not opposed to the development itself, said stormwater runoff was already an issue and described the challenges of accessing Struthers Road from Spanish Bit Drive where there are no turn or acceleration lanes.

Steve Sery, a former chair of the Planning Commission and a resident of Chapparal Hills, the subdivision to the east, said the school buses take the unpaved Chapparal Hills route to the elementary school, with Struthers and Baptist Roads being a longer route. He imagined residents of the new development would likely do the same. He called for acceleration lanes from Spanish Bit Drive turning left and right onto Struthers Road to be installed with this subdivision and not wait on further development adding more traffic.

Paul Krause, whose Spanish Bit Drive property is right next to the proposed development, said, “I do 100% oppose the size of this development that’s going to be in there. Something’s going to go in there sooner or later, I get that. The writing’s on the wall and my objective is to mitigate the size of what it is to help mitigate some of the traffic that comes through.”

Chaparral Hills resident Kevin Beechwood described the proposal as a “cash grab by the developers.” “Now you want to take what is a normal-sized lot for Chapparal Hills which is right at the border and you want to put 50 units there. That’s basically the size of this whole neighborhood and that’s in my mind and my neighbors’ minds absolutely ridiculous and unthought of.” He added, “Yes, something is going to be developed but nonetheless putting 50 units and essentially building a trailer park at the end of the road is nothing that is going to be good.”

Chair Tom Bailey commented, “So we’ve given you an opportunity to express a lot of things and I’ll just interject here that the vast majority of those have nothing to do with the approval criteria here and are mostly things that are not the responsibility of the property owner.” He continued, “Our job is to let property owners apply and ask to do things with the property that they own, and this property owner has a plan and would like to do something with it.”

Brooks Swenson with N.E.S. Inc. and representing the applicant, described the proposal as providing “a nice transition to the existing and proposed commercial zone to the north.” He said, “With this just being 49 lots and most of these are one and maybe two bedrooms, it might not be a big driver of a lot of additional students to the school.” Responding to comments traffic would cut through the existing neighborhood, he said he thought it would be much more convenient to use Struthers Road.

Swenson described the Chaparral Hills neighborhood as an anomaly compared to everything else around it which is PUD or R-4, the equivalent of PUD, and compatible with the proposed development.

Andrea Barlow with N.E.S. and representing the applicant, explained that there are a number of proposed improvements to the Struthers Road and Spanish Bit Drive junction. Some are the responsibility of the Urban Landing developer; some are combined improvements with the Cathedral Rock Commons commercial development. She said the two developers are in discussion about the timings of these improvements which would include construction of a northbound right-turn lane on Struthers Road at Spanish Bit Drive, the lengthening of the southbound left-turn lane on Struthers, and construction of left- and right-turn lanes on Spanish Bit Drive at Struthers.

The applicant would also be responsible for paving Spanish Bit Drive to the eastern boundary of their property. Barlow said an acceleration lane on Struthers Drive had not been identified as a required improvement given the volume of traffic.

Commissioner Tim Trowbridge commented, “We need the housing. This does fit.”

The vote to recommend approval was unanimous. The application was then heard at the El Paso Board of County Commissioners’ Dec. 17 meeting. See BOCC article in this issue.

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The El Paso County Planning Commission normally meets the first and (as required) the third Thursday of each month at the Regional Development Center, 2880 International Circle, Colo. Springs. Meetings are live-streamed on the El Paso County News and Information Channel at www.elpasoco.com/news-information-channel. Information is available at 719-520-6300 and https://planningdevelopment.elpasoco.com/planning-community-development/2025-hearings-schedule/.

Helen Walklett can be reached at helenwalklett@ocn.me.

Other El Paso County Planning Commission articles

El Paso Board of County Commissioners, Dec. 10, 12, and 17 – Two Tri-Lakes developments approved

By Helen Walklett

During December, the El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) heard requests relating to the proposed Monument Ridge East development south of County Line Road and directly east of I-25 and the Urban Landing development off Struthers Road. They also approved a request in Black Forest that will create six single-family lots.

Monument Ridge East approved

At the Dec.12 BOCC land use meeting, the commissioners voted to approve joint requests for two rezones and a preliminary plan for the proposed Monument Ridge East development. The property is just under 60 acres and is directly southeast of the intersection of Interstate 25 and County Line Road, southwest of the intersection of County Line Road and Doewood Drive, and a half-mile north of the intersection of Monument Hill Road and Misty Acres Boulevard.

It is currently zoned a mixture of PUD (planned unit development), RS-20000 (residential suburban) and various commercial zonings. Before the applications to the county, the property was twice part of unsuccessful attempts to annex it and land west of I-25 into the Town of Monument. In total, the development will have 37 single-family detached and 303 attached residential units.

The requests were heard at the Nov. 21 El Paso County Planning Commission meeting where the discussion included compatibility with the neighborhood, increased traffic, and density. The commissioners voted unanimously to recommend for approval the rezone to RS-6000 (residential suburban). However, the vote to recommend approval of the higher density RM-12 (residential, multi-dwelling) was tied 4-4, meaning that request came to the BOCC with no recommendation. On the preliminary plan, the vote to recommend approval was 5-3 with three commissioners feeling unable to vote in favor when they disagreed with the RM-12 zoning request. See https://wp.ocn.me/v24n12epcpc.

The RS-6000 rezoned land is the almost-19 acres to the east of the planned extension of Misty Acres Boulevard to County Line Road. The applicant plans to create 37 single-family lots there with a commitment to 15,000-square-foot lots against the existing 20,000-square-foot lots on the property’s eastern boundary.

The higher-density RM-12 zoning concerns the 40.51-acre portion west of the extension which is bordered on the west by I-25. A condition added to the approval commits the applicant to develop only single-family detached and single-family attached in this area to ensure that no multi-family rental units are built.

Kylie Bagley, principal planner, Planning and Community Development Department, said 98 adjacent property owners were notified and county received 134 emails stating opposition to the applications.

Craig Dossey, with Vertex Consulting Services LLC and representing the applicant, said what could be built under the current zoning would have a far greater impact than what was being proposed under the rezoning. He said, “What we are really looking at in this entire development, whether you’re talking about RM-12 or RS-6000, is attached, single-family, detached single-family and two family as well as public park and open space. We are not proposing multi-family.”

During the public comment section of the hearing, six neighbors spoke in support, preferring to see residential development over commercial.

Harold Larson, a Doewood Drive resident, said he had expected to see a commercial development and a residential-commercial mixture developed like every other exit on I-25. He described the current proposals as “a win for me personally and for a lot of members in my HOA.” Another Doewood Drive resident said he feared a lack of a decision at the meeting would leave the property zoned commercial.

Twelve people spoke in opposition raising concerns about the RM-12 zoning, traffic (particularly in relation to the re-routing of Monument Hill Road through the development and to schools) and the integrity of the applicant.

Monument Mayor Mitch LaKind said the density was too high and voiced concerns about the town’s ability to adequately police the development. He stated it would have a significant financial impact on the town and other municipalities in the area and that Monument’s Police Department was already short staffed. Monument Town Councilmember Kenneth Kimple spoke by phone to oppose the RM-12 zoning due to incompatibility. He also raised concerns about policing resources and traffic, particularly in relation to the nearby schools.

A Monument resident said, “Please do not allow this so-called development to go forward without actual plans and especially with as little insight as to what will actually be built.” A neighbor said, “I think part of the reason there’s been a lot of resistance is because there’s just been an erosion of trust. It seems that every time you come to one of these meetings, the plan we’re looking [at is] different.” He continued, “Every time we see Mr. Dossey speak, it’s all the terrible things that could show up there, that we’re saving you from this. The same developer who’s putting a Buc-ee’s across the street, one of the largest consumer gas stations in the nation! They’re not really saving us from anything.”

Dossey said the Town of Monument has a comprehensive plan that sets out its intention for development of the property. He explained the plan designated it as “mixed use,” which means commercial and typically higher-density residential and sometimes attached single-family homes. He added that he felt the applicant had been unfairly characterized and that he had been very tolerant and very patient, particularly with the Town of Monument.

As well as the condition setting out the type of housing that can be built in the RM-12 zoned area, the commissioners added a condition to the preliminary plan approval that limits the number of units that can be built to 340-37 single-family detached lots and 303 attached residential units. This is in line with the numbers for which there is a finding of water sufficiency in the water supply review.

All three requests were approved by a vote of 4-0, with Commissioner Longinos Gonzalez Jr. excused. With the preliminary plan approved, final plats may be approved administratively.

Urban Landing development approved

The Urban Landing development of 49 single-family homes on 6.58 acres at the southeast corner of the intersection of Struthers Road and Spanish Bit Drive, south of the Big R store, came to the BOCC Dec. 17 meeting from the Planning Commission with a recommendation for approval. The developer, Elite Properties of America Inc., is requesting a rezone from R-4 (planned development), a now obsolete zoning category, to PUD (planned unit development) and approval of a preliminary plan. See Planning Commission article on page < 17 >.

The applications were scheduled to be heard as consent items, meaning there would be no discussion, but two neighbors were present to voice opposition. Neighbor Sean Tourangeau raised a number of concerns, including light pollution, increased traffic, density, noise pollution, increased crime, water availability, and trespassing concerns. He said, “The amount of traffic that’s going to be going into this area will also increase and will make it even harder to get in and out of our community.” Kevin Beechwood, a Chaparral Hills resident, who also spoke at the Planning Commission meeting, again voiced his opposition to the development, pointing out that the applicant planned to put 50 units on a property which is the size of one Chaparral Hills’ lot.

The vote to approve was unanimous. VanderWerf said, “It appears to me that this is a better choice than multi-family homes in this particular location.”

Six-lot development approved in Black Forest

At the Dec. 12 BOCC land use meeting, the commissioners voted unanimously to approve a request by Wayne-Anthony Custom Homes for approval of a 35-acre final plat to create six single-family lots. The property is zoned RR-5 (residential rural) and is on Mariah Trail, about a mile south of Highway 404 and a mile west of Black Forest Road.

The application came to the BOCC from the Nov. 7 Planning Commission meeting where the vote to recommend approval was unanimous. The BOCC heard it as a consent item, meaning there was no discussion.

2025 budget adopted

At the Dec. 10 meeting, the commissioners voted unanimously to adopt and appropriate the 2025 budget. It prioritizes critical needs and investments in road construction, the county courthouse, stormwater projects, and public safety.

Nikki Simmons, chief financial officer, said, “This budget is a total revenue source of $500 million and does include an $8.3 million TABOR refund that will be on 2024 property tax bills payable in 2025. This will be allocated to residential, real properties and [be] approximately $36 per household.”

Commissioner Holly Williams said, “This is a fantastic budget. I am incredibly proud of our staff who put it together.”

Honoring Commissioners Gonzalez and VanderWerf

Also at the Dec. 10 meeting, the work of departing Commissioners Gonzalez and VanderWerf was recognized with proclamations honoring their service. VanderWerf’s district includes the Towns of Palmer Lake and Monument.

Both have served two four-year terms and will leave office in January 2025. The new commissioners joining the board in January are Fountain City Councilman Cory Applegate, who replaces Gonzalez, and Bill Wysong, president, Mountain Shadows Community, and Westside Watch co-founder, who takes over from VanderWerf.

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The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) usually meets every Tuesday at 9 am at Centennial Hall, 200 S. Cascade Ave., Suite 150, Colo. Springs. Agendas and meetings can be viewed at www.agendasuite.org/iip/elpaso. Information is available at 719-520-643. BOCC land use meetings are normally held the second and fourth Thursdays of the month (as needed) at 1 pm in Centennial Hall.

Helen Walklett can be reached at helenwalklett@ocn.me.

Other EL Paso Board of County Commissioners articles

Gleneagle Civic Association, Nov. 14 – City responds to GCA regarding amphitheater noise

By David Futey

During the Nov. 14 Gleneagle Civic Association (GCA) member meeting, there were two discussions regarding resident complaints about noise emitting from the Ford Amphitheater and its effect on GCA community members. During those discussions, GCA members on the Zoom call meeting asked the GCA board to send a letter to the Colorado Springs mayor and City Council requesting that the amphitheater’s noise hardship permit not be renewed. The permit allows the amphitheater to exceed the 50 decibels limit stipulated in city code and Colorado Revised Statue Section 25-12-103. The GCA board said it would meet on Nov. 15 to discuss that request and review the information provided by community members.

On Dec. 9, Warren Management, the GCA’s homeowners association (HOA) management team, and on behalf of the GCA board, sent the following summary and two letters, one from the GCA board to Mayor Yemi Mobolade’s office and the other being the response from the mayor’s office to the GCA board. As alluded to in the mayor’s office’s response, the mayor attended a meeting held at The Classical Academy on Dec. 17 where citizens could voice their opinion regarding the amphitheater and the noise hardship permit. In August, the city and Venu, operator of the amphitheater, announced sound mitigation modifications including increasing the size of the buffer walls.

Emailed to GCA members on Dec. 9

Dear Gleneagle Homeowners,

The Board of Directors of the Gleneagle Civic Association has been actively monitoring the noise levels emanating from the Ford Amphitheater and their potential impact on our community.

We recently sent a letter to the City of Colorado Springs expressing our concerns. We are pleased to share that we have received a response from the Mayor’s Office.

Attached is the letter presented to the Mayor’s Office by the Gleneagle Civic Association and a copy of the email received from the City of Colorado Springs.

We will continue to monitor the situation and advocate on behalf of our community. We will provide further updates as they become available.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Sincerely,

Gleneagle Civic Association

Letter from GCA Board to Mayor Mobolade

November 18, 2024

Dear Mayor Mobolade,

We, the board of directors of the Gleneagle Civic Association (“GCA”), are writing as we understand that you will soon be deciding whether to grant a “Hardship Waiver” for the Ford Amphitheater’s (henceforth “Ford”) next concert season. We respectfully request that you reject a blanket waiver and limit the waiver to the Polaris Apartments to the south of Ford.

The seven-hundred-member GCA is located north of North Gate Boulevard and east of Struthers Road and is within hearing distance of Ford. From what we can gather from news sources and testimony before City Council, it seems that Ford representatives have stated that they are willing to comply with state and city sound limits except to the extent that said limit is less than the ambient noise found in a locality when Ford is not operational, in which case they will not exceed the ambient sound level. The one notable exception is the Polaris Apartments directly to the south of Ford where a waiver is required.

The sound levels experienced by our members from Ford varies and not everyone is impacted or upset about the sound from Ford. However, a large number of our members are experiencing sound in excess of statute limits and/or the ambient noise levels in their neighborhood when Ford is not open. It is for those impacted that we are asking that Ford comply with state and city statutes. Ford founder JW Roth says he can operate within the city regulations and/or the ambient noise levels in a neighborhood.

We are not suggesting that Ford be closed. In fact, Ford is a welcome new asset to the community and will save many a long and unpleasant drive to Denver to experience high-end outdoor concerts.

Thank you for your time and for listening to our concerns.

Regards,

The Board of Directors

Gleneagle Civic Association

Response from Mayor Mobolade’s office

Good morning,

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your thoughts and concerns with our office. Mayor Yemi wants to foster an environment where every voice is heard and where collaboration leads to innovative solutions. He has called upon each and every Colorado Springs resident to join him in building a united Colorado Springs.

I will share your comments and concerns with Mayor Yemi and he will keep them in mind as he continues his work as Mayor. Greater things are yet to come and greater things are still to be done in this city.

Please see below for the letter Mayor Yemi shared regarding the Ford Amphitheater including future noise mitigation plans and a neighborhood meeting with Mayor Yemi.

Mayor Yemi shares letter to the community regarding Ford Amphitheater

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Today, October 25, Mayor Yemi Mobolade hosted a meeting with Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Venu Holding Corporation (VENU) J.W. Roth and City Council President Randy Helms to discuss the 2024 Ford Amphitheater concert season and ongoing noise mitigation efforts by VENU. In the spirit of continued transparency from both the City and VENU, the presentation is publicly available: 10-25 Presentation.pdf

In addition, the following is a letter to the community from Mayor Yemi regarding today’s meeting and next steps.

This year, our community welcomed a new and innovative outdoor live music venue to the Polaris Pointe neighborhood—Ford Amphitheater. Ahead of its opening, there were three primary community concerns that the new venue, neighbors and the City were watching closely – parking, traffic and noise.

I’m pleased to report that our shared review of parking and traffic has been overwhelmingly positive. Noise, however, remains an area of concern for some in nearby neighborhoods.

Throughout the amphitheater’s 2024 concert season, the City received numerous comments regarding noise. I want these community members to know that the City has been working closely with VENU and J.W. Roth, the amphitheater’s owner, on this issue. I met personally with Mr. Roth over the course of this year, specifically to address noise complaints. Our most recent meeting was today, October 25.

At today’s meeting, VENU presented a recap of its opening season, which by many accounts, was a resounding success. Data shows the amphitheater is having an overall positive impact economically, with more than 100,000 people attending shows and individuals coming from more than 5,000 zip codes. Local businesses, including hotels and restaurants, are also reporting increased sales related to concert activity.

Today, VENU also shared critical and specific plans to further address sound mitigation. I believe their efforts to improve are genuine, and I am pleased by their data-based approach, use of expert consultants and actionable plan.

The plan focuses on three action areas: physical, electro-acoustic and operational changes. It proposes material changes to the structure of the amphitheater that are significant in both physical size and cost to them. This includes an expansion of the solid surface wall, sound curtains and sound absorption panels. They are also continuing to model and test ideal speaker locations to address low frequency noise, and proposals are being reviewed to reduce decibel limits and earlier end times for non-weekend shows.

The presentation VENU gave today can be accessed here: 10-25 Presentation.pdf

We all acknowledge there is a lot of work needed to be done between now and the start of the 2025 concert season this May. VENU will provide a more specific timeline on these steps in the coming weeks.

Also, next week, the City will publish the results of an independent noise study commissioned by City Council President Helms and I to track amphitheater noise from the 2024 season. Further, to ensure neighbors are heard, I am personally committed to a neighborhood meeting before this year ends. More information on that opportunity is forthcoming.

We will continue to work together—the City, VENU and neighbors—to make this a successful endeavor that contributes to our City’s vision to be a safe, economically prosperous, culturally rich, welcoming and vibrant world-class American city on a hill that shines brightly.

We are Colorado Springs.

Onward and upward.

Mayor Yemi

David Futey can be reached at davidfutey@ocn.me.

Other Gleneagle Civic Association articles

Woodmoor Improvement Association, Dec. 18 – Board confirms opposition to Buc-ee’s

By Jackie Burhans

At its regular board meeting on Dec. 18, the Woodmoor Improvement Association (WIA) board confirmed it had sent a letter of opposition to the Buc-ee’s development, approved amendments to the Woodmoor Placer covenants, and heard director reports.

Buc-ee’s development opposition confirmed

President Brian Bush confirmed that, pursuant to a vote by the board, he had signed and sent a letter opposing the development of a Buc-ee’s at the southwest corner of I-25 and County Line Road. The letter was sent to Glant Havenar, mayor of Palmer Lake; Dennis Stern, mayor pro-tem; and all the Palmer Lake trustees. The letter was also posted on the WIA website at https://woodmoor.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Letter-to-Palmer-Lake.pdf. Bush said that residents’ response to the letter has been generally positive.

Board approves amendments to Woodmoor Placer covenants

Bush introduced a request by the Jackson Creek Land Development Corp. to amend portions of the Woodmoor Placer covenants by substituting the Monument Land Development code. The parcel of land is north of the YMCA, is zoned commercial, and will include the new Monument Fire Department station.

The board unanimously approved the covenant changes.

Board highlights

  • Board Secretary and Director of Community Outreach Rick DePaiva said that judging for the holiday lighting contest had begun and noted that El Paso County Commissioner Holly Williams had come to speak about area issues at Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Organizations (NEPCO) on Dec. 14. Information on NEPCO and its presentations can be found at www.nepco.org in the member area; contact WIA or your member homeowners association (HOA) for information on how to access presentations.
  • Treasurer Pete Giusti reported that expenses and income were on target, with income being positively impacted by interest rates.
  • HOA Administrator Denise Cagliaro noted annual dues invoices would be sent out around Dec. 20. She also said that WIA’s annual meeting would be on Jan. 27, followed by the reorganization meeting on Jan. 29. Four candidates are running for three board positions; ballots will be sent out the first week of January. She asked that residents submit their votes so that WIA could achieve a quorum.
  • Director of Covenant Control Sue Leggiero reported 14 total covenant-related items in November, with two resulting in covenant violations. She said eight issues were resolved with a friendly letter, and no covenant hearings were held in November or December and none was anticipated for January.
  • Director of Public Safety Brian Gleason announced that Officer Darren Abe resigned from Woodmoor Public Safety, thanked him for his service, and wished him well.
  • Director of Architectural Control Ed Miller reported 18 projects were submitted in November, with 16 of them approved administratively and two approved by the Architectural Control Committee. Year to date, 545 projects were submitted, which represented a 3.8% decrease from last year, with an approval rating of 99.8%.
  • Covenants and Forestry Administrator Justin Gates reported on behalf of Director of Forestry Thrush that there had been only two forestry and Firewise visits in November due to the cold. He noted that he could do an evaluation and provide a letter to residents’ insurance companies to help them avoid being dropped. He said he is looking into another federal grant opportunity and will know more in early March. Gates added that he would reach out to homeowners along Woodmoor Drive after winter when he can confirm their trees are dead.
  • Director of Common Areas Steve Cutler reported that the oven in the kitchen at The Barn had been replaced and that the 2025 noxious weed removal grant application had been submitted. He expects to hear the results on Feb. 14. Finally, he reported that scrub oak mitigation on a Lake Woodmoor common area tract had been completed on Dec. 2.
  • Bush noted that the El Paso County Planning Commission had approved 340 homes at the Monument Ridge East development.

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The WIA Board of Directors usually meets at 7 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month in The Barn at 1691 Woodmoor Drive, Monument. The annual meeting will be held on Jan. 27 followed by a reorganization meeting on Jan. 29.

The WIA calendar can be found at www.woodmoor.org/events. WIA board meeting minutes will be posted at www.woodmoor.org/board-of-directors.

Jackie Burhans can be reached at jackieburhans@ocn.me.

Other Woodmoor Improvement Association articles

Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore Ring in the New Year with a Book

By the staff at Covered Treasures

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day..” …Edith Lovejoy Pierce

The new year is a wonderful time to focus on health and self-care or to find inspiration. Take a look at these titles for 2025.

The Little Frog’s Guide to Self-Care: Affirmations, Self-Love and Life Lessons According to the Internet’s Beloved Mushroom Frog

By Maybell Eequay (Summersdale) $12

With its mushroom hat and endless collection of fabulous footwear, this adorable amphibian is here to be your new best friend. Whether you need an emotional boost, some friendly encouragement or an honest view on the world, the little frog will be your guide.

The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World

By Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu (Avery Publishing Group) $28

In April 2015, Archbishop Tutu traveled to the Dalai Lama’s home to celebrate His Holiness’s 80th birthday and to create what they hoped would be a gift for others. They traded intimate stories, teased each other continually, and shared their spiritual practices. This book offers us a rare opportunity to experience their astonishing and unprecedented week together, from the first embrace to the final good-bye.

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

By James Clear (Avery Publishing Group) $27

Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for providing practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results. The author draws on the most proven ideas from biology, psychology, and neuroscience to create an easy-to-understand guide for making good habits inevitable and bad habits impossible.

What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking

By Caroline Chambers (Union Square & Co.) $35

This book is brimming with efficient recipes that take the guesswork out of dinner. The recipes are organized by the amount of time they take to cook, so whether you have 15 minutes to throw together something or a little bit more time on your hands, dinnertime is totally doable. Most importantly, these recipes include swaps, tips, shortcuts, and more to be sure they work best for you, helping you save money, improvise, and even learn a thing or two.

Priceless Facts about Money (Mellody on Money)

By Mellody Hobson (Candlewick Press) $20

This fun children’s book sheds a friendly light on a daunting subject, from the meteorites that created the first mineral deposits to the ancient Maya who used chocolate as currency to the beginnings of the banking system itself. Readers learn about bartering, profit and loss, the origins of credit, ATMs, and even fun facts about money around the world.

The Art of Active Listening: How People at Work Feel Heard, Valued, and Understood

By Heather R. Younger (Berrett-Koehler Publishing) $22

When employees, colleagues, and customers are not being heard, organizational culture, employee happiness, and overall organizational success will suffer. How well do you listen? Active listening is the doorway to increased belonging, loyalty, profitability, innovation, and so much more. It is the difference between thinking we understand what people want and knowing what they want. Want to build stronger relationships, avoid misunderstandings, and anticipate problems before they surface at work?

Red Birds in a Tree

By Valerie Shereck (Austin Macauley) $8

Red Birds in a Tree is a collection of poems written, over a span of many years, about a woman as she moves her way through life. It is about love, loss, sorrow, nature, beauty, aging, resilience, joy, family, and relationships. The broad range of topics in this thought-provoking collection by a Colorado author will appeal to many readers.

Stretching: 40th Anniversary Edition

By Bob Anderson (Shelter Publications) $27.99

Local author Bob Anderson’s book is always worth revisiting at the start of a new year. The benefits of stretching are bountiful, from increased blood flow and better range of motion to improved physical performance and decreased risk of injury. Step-by-step illustrations make this book user-friendly, and the section titled “Stretches for the Digital World” presents stretches for people using mobile phones and/or computers, as well as tips for better posture and stretches to do in an office environment.

Until next month, happy reading.

The staff at Covered Treasures can be reached at books@ocn.me.

Other Covered Treasures articles

January Library Events – Programs for all ages; virtual genealogy

By Harriet Halbig

The new year will bring a variety of activities for all ages at the Monument and Palmer Lake libraries.

On Wednesday, Jan. 8 from 10:30 to noon, patrons ages 19 and up are invited to create a decorative bucket list at the Palmer Lake Library. This is a bucket list in a jar. Use collage materials to decorate a jar with ideas, words, and pictures of items on your bucket list. Fill out slips of paper with things you want in the new year and put them in the jar. Pull them out throughout the year and get them done. Registration required at ppld.org, see programs by location, or call 719-531-6333 ext. 7007.

Patrons ages 5 to 12 are welcome at the Idea Lab: Exploring Constellations program at the Monument Library. Explore constellations with activities such as making a star projector, creating a “magic” toothpick star, constructing toothpick constellations, and playing constellation games. No registration required.

Patrons ages 12 to 18 are invited to join the Teen Advisory Board at Monument Library. The group will meet from 5 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9. Learn leadership skills, earn volunteer hours, and give your input on what happens at the library. You will earn volunteer hours by attending meetings and working on projects for the library and engage in leadership development opportunities. Regular attendance is encouraged. Registration is required. You must fill out a volunteer application online to participate. Go to the bottom of the ppld.org home page in the blue area and click on volunteer to find the application.

The Teen Dungeons and Dragons group will meet at the Monument Library on Friday, Jan. 17 from 4 to 5:45. The group is limited to ages 12 to 18. Join your fellow teens on an adventure in the world’s greatest role-playing game. New players and veterans are welcome to participate. Space is limited to eight participants. Registration is required. Go the ppld.org website and programs by location to view a calendar. Click on the name of the program to register.

Regularly scheduled programs continuing into the new year include the German Conversation Group meeting on Mondays from 1:30 to 3:30, Socrates Café adult discussion group on Tuesdays from 1 to 3, Paws to Read from 4 to 5 on Tuesdays, Monument Library Storytime on Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11 or at Palmer Lake on Fridays from 10:30 to 11 (for children ages 3 to 7 with a parent or caregiver), and Toddler Time at Monument on Wednesdays from 9:30 to 10 and 10:30 to 11.

For further information on programs, please see the ppld.org website, programs by location to view a calendar.

Genealogical research

If you want to pursue genealogical research, there are a number of virtual resources available to you through your library. Some examples are a class on PPLD Genealogical resources and a class on Ancestry Basics. For further information, go to the website under programs by location, virtual library. Click on the name of the class and scroll down to register. Upon registration, you will be provided with a Zoom link to attend.

Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.

Other Library articles

Palmer Lake Historical Society, Dec. 19 – Palmer Lake holds 91st annual Yule Log Hunt

By Marlene Brown

On the slopes of Sundance Mountain and under the deep-blue sky of Colorado, the Town of Palmer Lake, with the support of the Palmer Lake Historical Society (PLHS), held the 91st Yule Log Hunt starting at the Palmer Lake Town Hall on Dec. 19. It is the longest-running yule log hunt in the United States. It was started by Evelena Macy, pastor of the Little Log Church in the 1930s, and Lucretia Vaile, one of the original pioneer residents of Palmer Lake and a charter member of PLHS.

You can visit the Lucretia Vaile Museum in Palmer Lake, operated and curated by PLHS, at 66 Lower Glenway St. See palmerdividehistory.org for hours and more information.

Each year, Palmer Lake villagers have donned their red and green capes (made by the local cape committee) and greeted hundreds of visitors from all over Colorado and the U.S. to partake in the annual Yule Log Hunt jollification. Everyone gathers at the Town Hall, and at 1 p.m. the trumpeter calls for the hunt to begin. Participants run up Sundance Mountain to find the log and then the finder rides the log back to town. The log is pulled by the other hunters to the Town Hall.

The log is then cut in half with hand bandsaw. Half will be saved for next year’s hunt and the other half is added to the fire in the massive fireplace, built especially for the Yule Log Hunt. Then the finder is served the first drink of traditional wassail (made with apple cider, spices, and fruit). Everyone is invited to partake in a cup of wassail and cookies, followed by a sing-along of Christmas carols. Gallons of wassail are made by the “wassail committee” and are offered for sale after the hunt.

Recipe for wassail to make at home: 2 quarts of apples cider, 1 lemon, 1 orange, 1/4 tsp. of ground cloves, 1/4 tsp. of nutmeg, 2 baked apples, ½ tsp, of finely chopped cinnamon bark, ½ – 1 cup of sugar (to taste). Heat cider and spices to boiling, add finely chopped fruit and serve hot.

**********

The next PLHS meeting will be the Annual Potluck Supper Membership Meeting on Jan. 16, 6 to 8:30 p.m. (supper starts at 6:15) at the historic Palmer Lake Town Hall, 42 Valley Crescent. Please bring a dish to share. The program includes an overview of 2024 programs, an update of 2025 programs, and the election of the 2025 Board of Directors. Membership can be renewed at that meeting. For more information about membership and ways to contact PLHS, see palmerdividehistory.org.

Marlene Brown can be reached at marlenebrown@ocn.me.

Other Palmer Lake Historical Society articles

High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – January is a seed starter month

By Janet Sellers

With the last frost date of late May and first frost date of mid-October, we can have plenty of time to grow most veggies as desired. Starting seeds needing long maturation periods at the end of January indoors will have them ready for the outdoors in April or May. Caveat: Our plants will still need protection from our random weather patterns of snow, frost, desiccating windy weather (and resident deer, rabbits, squirrels and underground varmints) and we need to plan for that. There are some things we can easily do even without a greenhouse.

Laziest, best winter tip

An autumn preparation of a 6-inch layer of multi-sized wood mulch is the most natural way to protect the garden bed and soil and seeds. (I’ve even put it down in winter on warmer days.) The sprouts emerge in their due time, ready for the season.

Cloches

Many report using translucent milk or water gallon jugs (bottoms cut off) over tender plants in spring. Some have reported they use a jug cloche as a mini cold frame with the jug cut in half as a lid and the base with soil and sprouts. Seed trays are sold many places and are ready to use on a shelf or sunny windowsill.

Cold frames

A cold frame is a transparent enclosure, usually close to the ground, that traps sunlight and makes a slightly warmer microclimate for plants. The top is usually inclined sunward, to maximize sunshine, and can be at different levels for air circulation. They are used season long or for seedlings and transplanting. Some cold frames can be made almost free with recycled glass doors or windows; plastic ones sell for $50 to $100 at hardware stores. They keep the soil warm and protect plants from wind and frost. Cold frames should work to protect our growing plants from deer and rabbits. In summer, change out the tops for window screens or the like for protection, especially from hail and wind.

Castor oil

I share this easy tip every year because it’s so effective and safe. Underground varmints can be deterred with castor oil. I have cats that keep that population down along with gleefully chasing away squirrels and rabbits, but my kitties don’t deter deer.

Castor oil spread over the lawn or a few feet away from veggie garden beds deters pests all season: A cup of castor oil mixed with a pound or two of plain clay cat litter and scattered over the garden or lawn deters them because the castor oil affects the plant roots and they cannot digest the treated plants. I’m not sure how the castor oil would affect our edibles for us humans, so I put the mixture out a couple of feet from the garden beds of edibles. It’s fine closer to flowers and ornamentals.

Janet Sellers is an avid “lazy gardener,” letting Mother Nature teach landscape success. Send your high-altitude garden and nature tips to JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Other HANG articles

Art Matters – Art, energy sites, and hugging hormone

By Janet Sellers

Will a painting class make your date fall in love with you?

When viewing or creating art, the brain’s reward system releases oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, which can trigger feelings of pleasure and positivity. One study reported by Neuroscience News indicated that when couples play board games together or take a painting class with each other, their bodies release oxytocin—sometimes dubbed the “hugging hormone.” But men wielding paintbrushes released twice as much or more than the level of women painters and couples playing games, a Baylor University study has found.

Just as research has shown that art making or viewing increases the happy health hormones, research also suggests a potential link between sacred sites and increased oxytocin levels. Visiting these places can often trigger feelings of connection, belonging, and awe, which are all associated with the release of this “love hormone” in the body, potentially enhancing the spiritual experience at such locations. Creating artworks does this and is not location dependent but stimulates the levels, and the electrical and magnetic energies of sacred earth sites have the energy currents moving through them and to be accessed at these special places.

Many ancient and also modern cultures acknowledge sacred earth sites with placemaking and megalithic markers. While stories relate to these markers as art or myth, the science shows the facts involved. Whether we call them by ancient names or modern scientific monikers, the energies and benefits are still available, and we can seek and access them. That may be an additional reason for the markers, to show us where these are. Energy moves through our Earth and us and affects our well-being, offering us its benefits.

Positing a connection between art, sacred sites and health technology

Some megaliths appear as abstract formations, some appear as real-world creatures, and in Western cultures they have been considered decorative art forms or for ceremony and not related to a scientific use. But megaliths were used for astronomical observations, vital to maintain the continuity of harvest and crop. Other megalithic constructions are thought to be erected for funerary purposes, and served as individual or collective burial chambers; still others are thought to support health and healing, such as the Odin stone of Scotland, and Stonehenge of England due to its astronomical alignments.

Throughout the ages, we have been curious about the effects of these sites and the benefits of them as creative works of art that actually hold productive impacts with favorable influences for people and thereby cultures. While these impacts have been suppressed in Western cultures, indigenous cultures are more apt to avail themselves of the benefits. Modern scientific research is rediscovering some of the positive aspects of natural formations and art on human well-being as a therapeutic tool. Numerous studies have documented the positive impacts of nature exposure on various health metrics, including lowered cortisol levels, decreased blood pressure, and reduced anxiety.

We are lucky to have some amazing monoliths here in our area, such as Elephant Rock and Garden of the Gods. Elephant Rock has extraordinary and recognizable details of a mammoth or elephant, as if it were made as an intended creative work and not by chance. It could be interesting to learn more about the energies in such places. Our ancients were keenly aware and attuned to the Earth, creativity, and connectedness for well-being, and included sacred sites and sacred arts for beneficial connections.

We don’t know how they discovered sacred sites or art creation, but we have some reminders right here in Colorado. We can avail ourselves of these connections for our benefit and share them with others and our community. We can take an art class, visit our art galleries, and sign up for hikes or take a hike at the sacred places that are all around us. Sometimes a gentle walk in our pine forests is enough to restore us, too.

Janet Sellers is an artist, writer, teacher and speaker, specializing in creative endeavors for health through her indoor and outdoor murals, landscapes and nature art, and offers local forest bathing hikes. Contact her at JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Other Art Matters articles

Snapshots of Our Community

Student signing day, Nov. 13

More than two dozen student athletes from School District 38 signed national letters of intent to play their sport at the collegiate level on Nov. 13. Above: From left are Lewis-Palmer High School students Drew Boyarko (baseball, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs), Hunter Morgan (baseball, Dodge City Community College), Maddie Sanderson (volleyball, University of Montana), Abigail Perry (swimming, Ohio State University), Kate Kleinsmith (soccer, Seton Hall University), and Gwen McAllister (soccer, University of South Carolina Upstate).
Above: From left are Palmer Ridge High School students Myra Newman (volleyball, University of Mary), Lauren Clawson (volleyball, Fort Hays State University), Amara Langstaff (girls lacrosse, Slippery Rock University), Mia Hansen (volleyball, Southern Methodist University), Ryan Eells (lacrosse, University of Delaware), Channing Howarth (field hockey, Belmont Abbey College), Danielle Wilke (volleyball, Missouri Science and Tech), Haley Inscoe (soccer, Drury University), and Sydney Fisher (soccer, University of Nebraska at Kearney). Photos courtesy of D38.

Skoog honored by Sertoma, Nov. 20

Above: Daryl Skoog received the Service to Mankind award from the Gleneagle Sertoma Club on Nov. 20. Sertoman Donna O’Bryant says Skoog was honored for his “tremendous work ethic and dependability” as a transportation volunteer for Silver Key for the past four years. She says he put in more than 2,000 volunteer service hours giving more than 2,000 rides to more than 2,500 seniors. Skoog has also acquired vehicles for homeless families as a member of the group Family Promise. In addition, Skoog volunteers to help the prison ministry population. From left are Skoog, Jayme Holligan of Silver Key, and Sertoman Harvey LeCato. Photo by Dr. Vicki Wynn.

Kiwanis North Pole Craft Fair, Dec. 7

Above:The Monument Hill Kiwanis Club’s annual North Pole Arts & Crafts Fair was held in the Grace Best Education Center Auditorium on Dec. 7 with over 2,000 people attending. Booths included baked goods made by local churches and food and handmade crafts made by vendors. Live holiday music and free pictures with Santa were featured. The fair is a fundraiser for Tri-Lakes Cares and 4KidzSports. For more information, contact monumenthillkiwanis@gmail.com. Photo by Marlene Brown.

Classic Monument Mercantile Santa

Above: Among the many Santas around Monument before Christmas, the tallest Santa greeted people at Monument Mercantile. Painted by Bing Flanery, the grandfather of Brody Love and father of Michael Love, co-owners of the Mercantile, around 1990 in Grand Prairie, Texas, this wooden Santa welcomed people into the Mercantile store. Shown with Santa on Dec. 12, from left, are Brenda Spiker, Brody Love (co-owner with Michael Love), Lynda Pate, and Chuck Spiker. Photo by Steve Pate.

Santa at annual tree lighting, Dec. 7

Above: Santa and Mrs. Claus might’ve been sweating in their red suits the night of the Monument tree lighting. It was unusually warm for a Dec. 7 with highs in the 50s. The lights on the trees and the bandshell seemed more elaborate this year. The annual event featured the Lewis-Palmer Middle and High School choirs, games, and food trucks. As usual, the event ended with Santa hearing suggestions from kids on what they wanted for Christmas. In photo, 3-year-old Noah Gaspar meets Santa and Mrs. Claus. Photo by Pam Braverman.

Arkenstone at TLCA, Dec. 7

Above: On Dec. 7, the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts (TLCA) and a capacity audience welcomed A Winter’s Eve with David Arkenstone and Friends. Arkenstone, with five Grammy nominations, 20 billboard hits, and over 800 compositions, played keyboard and guitar and was accompanied by Josh Gilgoff (percussion), Laurann Angel (violin), Cecilia Caughman (cello), and Kimberly Zaleski (flute) this evening. The festive song selection included I Saw Three Ships, Carol of the Bells, Deck the Halls, The Ice Palace, a song inspired by a story told by his grandmother, Tchaikovsky’s Arabian Dance from the Nutcracker ballet, and The Jumper, a Norwegian folk song. The second set song selection was performed entirely with acoustic instruments and in an intimate stage setting. It began with a Christmas song medley that included O Little Town of Bethlehem and The First Noel. Information on the TLCA is www.trilakesarts.org. Photo by David Futey.

Energy at Sacred Sites book signing

Above: Author Heidi Wigand-Nicely signed her newest book, Energy at Sacred Sites at Covered Treasures bookstore on Dec. 15. In the book, she shares stories of her hikes and travels, interviews and explorations with interested persons that include Native American Elders and scientists of both Western and indigenous native sciences. She offers special exploration hikes several times each year. Photo by Janet Sellers.

Other Snapshots articles

Our Community Notices

By Janet Sellers

Although we strive for accuracy in these listings, dates or times are often changed after publication. Please double-check the time and place of any event you wish to attend by calling the information number for that event. Please notify us if your event listing needs to be updated.

Do not remove trail blazes/markers

You will be seeing some trail markers in Fox Run Regional Park on trees. The trail markers help protect the delicate forest ecosystem because we can stay on the trail and not damage the ecosystem underneath our feet or with bicycles or horses, etc. These are traditional trail markers, especially useful and necessary in snowy, icy weather when we cannot see the actual trail. Our high desert forest clime is dependent on its skin of soil and plants to survive. When we honor this part of the forest we cannot see, the part we can see has a better chance to thrive amid us humans, the invasive species. Please be a good citizen and help us to protect our park from unnecessary erosion. Fox Run Regional Park is heavily used and is located in a fragile ecosystem vulnerable to serious erosion when the forest duff is disturbed. Please respect and protect the park for everyone’s enjoyment by staying on marked and well established trails. A very obvious trail in the summer becomes surprisingly invisible after a moderate snowfall. In winter, a wrong turn taken by the first visitor after a snowstorm can quickly become a misleading scar on the landscape. The silver and light blue rectangles that you see attached to trees serve to identify the only trails to use in the park. Please don’t tamper with or remove trail blazes/markers as they are placed on the trees to identify and distinguish trails and help locate the trails after a snowstorm.The main loop trail uses light blue and silver rectangles. Sub-loops will eventually be marked in different colors to help visitors unfamiliar with the park to find their way and recognize which loop they are on.

Get Help in Larkspur

Larkspur Church has a Food Bank and Care Center that offer a good variety of non-perishable food items, as well as clothing for men, women, and children, some household items available too. We’re here to help. If you are in need, or know someone who is, please reach out to Jeff at gethelp@larkspur.church. If you would like to donate contact Jeff by the same email to arrange a pick up.

Tri-Lakes Cares needs your support

Tri-Lakes Cares is the only food pantry and human services organization serving northern El Paso County through emergency relief and self-sufficiency programs. The community-based, volunteer-supported center is a critical resource for our neighbors in need. The best way to help support Tri-Lakes Cares is to donate. Visit https://tri-lakescares.org/donate to learn how to donate money, medical items, personal supplies, or food. Please check the web for current needs in our food pantry at https://tri-lakescares.org/donate/current-needs. Donation drop-off hours are Mon.-Thu., 9 am-4 pm. For more information about Tri-Lakes Cares or how you can help, contact Tri-Lakes Cares at 719-481-4864 or info@tri-lakescares.org.

Palmer Lake Parking Restrictions during snow

When there is an accumulation of two inches or more of snow, the parking restrictions are in effect. No person may stop, stand, or park any vehicle on any portion of a snow route, or leave, abandon, or permit to remain stalled any vehicle, which is stalled on any portion of a snow route and must take immediate action to park the vehicle lawfully. Parked vehicles must be removed from all streets within the town, including those which are not designated snow routes. Parking information details: www.townofpalmerlake.com/pw/page/parking-restrictions-during-snow.

Palmer Lake requirement to keep sidewalks and adjacent areas clean

It is the duty of all owners or occupants of every premises to keep the entire area between (a) the edge of the sidewalk closest to the building and (b) the gutter free and clear of snow, ice, mud, dirt, debris, rubbish, and filth. The area to be cleared includes, but not be limited to, the sidewalks and curbs in front of the building, graveled areas, bricked areas, and areas around planters, benches, trees and bushes. The area to be cleared does not include flowerbeds, elevated planting areas, or other similar elevated areas. The area to be cleared must be cleared of snow and ice within 24 hours following the snowfall or accumulation of a snowdrift or ice. Details of the town requirements: TownofPalmerLake.com.

Driver’s License Renewal By Seniors

With the implementation of the Driver’s License Electronic Renewal By Seniors Act (HB21-1139), Colorado seniors now have the permanent ability to renew their driver license or identification card online. Information is online via mycolorado.gov. Some restrictions apply to ages 21-80; drivers over age 80 require a special doctor statement. Coloradans who are concerned about an elderly family member’s ability to drive should email dor_mvhelpdesk@state.co.us.

Black Forest Log School needs your help

Please help preserve the historic school for another 103 years! New exterior damage was discovered. It has exceeded the budget renovation funds. Friends of the Black Forest Log School, a 501c3 corporation, appreciates your donation. Please send a check or bring cash to Black Forest Community Foundation, 6770 Shoup Rd, Black Forest Colorado 90808. www.bflogschool.com

Highway 105A Update

El Paso county construction is expected to continue into spring 2025. The project extends the four-lane section of Highway 105 just east of Jackson Creek Parkway to Lake Woodmoor Drive providing greater mobility by accommodating more traffic. The new configuration will be two lanes in each direction with left and right turn lines; the project also includes multi-use shoulders and pedestrian improvements, sidewalk connectivity, replacement of the traffic signal at Norwood Boulevard, a new underground drainage system and water quality pond, and a new roundabout at the Knollwood /Village Ridge Point intersection. The new roundabout, constructed by Monument Academy, is designed to keep traffic moving and reduce the traffic backups on Highway 105 that previously occurred in this area.

Monument Academy traffic

To ensure a smoother experience for non-school traffic, it is recommended finding an alternate route if possible that avoids this area during the school drop off pick up times Mon.-Thu. 7-8:30 am and 2:45-4 pm and Fri 7-8:30 am. and 11:30 am-1 p.m.

Donate any unused books for the Children’s Hospital in Colorado Springs. Any unused book donation is welcome. Kate Ulmer, a senior at Palmer Ridge High School, is working on a service project to collect new/unused books for Children’s Hospital. Drop off books or cash donations at Covered Treasures (105 2nd Street) or email Katiebugu@icloud.com for pick up!

WMMI needs volunteers

The Museum of Mining and Industry is currently recruiting for Visitor Services Associates and Guides. Please consider sharing your time and expertise. Volunteers must be 18 and older and pass a background check. For information about volunteer opportunities, please call 719-488-0880 or email at volunteer@wmmi.org.

Community volunteers

Many students need volunteer hours for scouting, civics classes, clubs, or would just like to volunteer for the good of it. Friends of Fox Run Park will have some openings for student volunteers (and grownups, too) most of the year for various tasks. Besides tasks, the group offers information and skills demonstrations for each 2-3 hour session, and celebrates volunteers at the park with annual community events. The Tri Lakes Cares on-site garden in Monument also needs volunteers in Fall, Spring and Summer. Gardening tasks include preparing garden beds, weeding, sowing seeds, and developing the compost. Bring gardening gloves, some tools will be provided on the workdays. Contact Janet Sellers at JanetSellers@ocn.me or Marlene Brown at MarleneBrown@ocn.me for more information.

Silver Key at Tri-Lakes Senior Center

Silver Key at Tri-Lakes Senior Center, formerly known as the Tri-Lakes Silver Alliance Senior Center, has been providing exciting programs and activities to area seniors who have a zest for fun and learning. As the older adult population is growing, our services are in high demand. 719-884-2300 66 Jefferson St, Monument. See ad on page < 2 >.

Looking for something fun to do?

Space Foundation Discovery Center: www.discover space.org. See ad on page < 12 >.

MVEA outage notifications

Please add your phone number to your MVEA account to streamline outage reporting and restoration notifications. To report an outage please call or text “OUT” to (800) 388-9881. Visit MVEA’s Outage Center before the storm. There is information about preparing for outages, electrical safety, outage reporting, a link to the outage map, and more.

Can you volunteer today?

  • Links to local organizations with an immediate need for volunteers are listed on the county’s website, www.elpasocountyhealth.org/volunteering-and-donations, for groups like Care and Share, Crossfire Ministries, blood donations, Early Connections (volunteer from home opportunity), foster an animal, Medical Reserve Corps of El Paso County, Salvation Army, Silver Key, and United Way (ongoing opportunities).
  • The Colorado State University Extension office in El Paso County has several opportunities for individuals interested in volunteering. https://elpaso.extension.colostate.edu/volunteer-opportunities/
  • El Paso County volunteer-based and nonprofit organizations rely on the hard work of individuals like you. Find out how you can play a part by becoming a volunteer in El Paso County. Get involved in El Paso County volunteering non-profits and organizations! https://www.americantowns.com/el-paso-county-co/volunteer-organizations/.
  • The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Program is composed of a collective citizens group with a true and common desire to partner with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office by volunteering their services while learning more about the internal workings of the law enforcement community. https://www.epcsheriffsoffice.com/volunteer-program-0.
  • The El Paso County Volunteer Program is a wonderful opportunity for citizens to learn about the various functions of county government as well as give back to the community. The County’s numerous boards and commissions need your experience, talents and time. https://bocc.elpasoco.com/volunteer.

Other Notices

Our Community Calendar

By Janet Sellers

Although we strive for accuracy in these listings, dates or times are often changed after publication. Please double-check the time and place of any event you wish to attend by calling the info number for that event. Please contact calendar@ocn.me with changes and additions.

GOVERNMENTAL BODIES

  • Academy Water and Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Jan. 15, 6 pm. Usually meets third Wed. Public can join the Skype meeting: join.skype.com/PAcujKTn7Nrh. Check the website for a link: academywsd.colorado.gov/notices-and-alerts. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-071119. academywsd.colorado.gov.
  • Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District board meeting in person or via Zoom. Regular meeting is scheduled for Wed., Jan. 15, 7 pm. Usually meets third Wed., Visit http://www.bffire.org for updates and the agenda listing the Zoom joining codes or contact 719-494-4300.
  • Donala Water & Sanitation District board meeting, Thu., Jan. 16, 1:30 pm, 15850 Holbein Dr. In 2023, meets third Thu., Check the website for the access code for the electronic meeting. Info: 719-488-3603, www.donalawater.org.
  • El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) regular meeting, usually every Tue., 9 am. View agendas and meetings at www.agendasuite.org/iip/elpaso. Meetings are held at Centennial Hall, 200 S. Cascade Ave., Suite 150, Colo. Springs. Info: 719-520-643. BOCC land use meetings are held the second and fourth Thursdays of the month (as needed) at 1pm Centennial Hall. Please note the first BOCC meeting of 2025 is on Jan.14 and the first land use meeting is on Jan. 23.
  • El Paso County Planning Commission meeting, Thu., Jan. 16, 9 am. Regional Development Center, 2880 International Circle, Colo. Springs. Meetings are live-streamed on the El Paso County News & Information Channel at www.elpasoco.com/news-information-channel. Normally meets first & third Thu. (as required). Info: 719-520-6300, https://planningdevelopment.elpasoco.com/planning-community-development/2025-hearings-schedule/
  • El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority meeting, Thu., Jan. 16, 9 am, Monument Town Hall Boardroom, 645 Beacon Lite Rd. Normally meets third Thu. Info: 719-488-3603. www.loopwater.org.
  • Forest Lakes Metropolitan District, Pinon Pines Metropolitan Districts 1, 2 & 3 board meetings, usually meets quarterly on the first Mon., 4 p.m., via teleconference only. For dial in access and updates, visit www.forestlakesmetrodistrict.com.
  • Lewis-Palmer School District 38 board, Mon., Jan. 20, 6-10 pm, 146 N Jefferson St, Monument. Meets during the school year on third Mon. The Board of Education meeting will be live-streamed on the district’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/LPSDCommunity, agenda, and supporting documents at https://go.boarddocs.com/co/lewispalmer/Board.nsf/vpublic. Contact Vicki Wood. Phone: 719.481.9546 Email: vwood@lewispalmer.org Website: www.lewispalmer.org.
  • Lewis-Palmer School District 38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee (now PCAC, formerly DAAC), , Monument Academy East Campus, 4303 Pinehurst Circle, Colorado Springs. Meets six times a year. Usually meets monthly, second Tue., They will meet in October, November, January, February and April. Contact info: tmckee@lewispalmer.org.
  • Monument Academy School Board meeting, Thu. Jan. 9, 6:30 pm, East Campus gym, 4303 Pinehurst Circle. Usually meets the second Thu. Info: 719-431-8001, www.monumentacademy.net/school-board.
  • Monument Fire District board meeting, in person or via Microsoft Teams. Wed., Jan. 22, 4:30 pm, Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. For up-to-date meeting information, visit www.monumentfire.org for updates and the agenda listing the Microsoft Teams joining codes, or contact 719-488-0911.
  • Monument Planning Commission meeting, Wed., Jan. 8, 6 pm Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. Usually meets the second Wed. To see the options for remote public participation in each meeting, visit www.townofmonument.org/263/Planning-Commission-Board-of-Adjustment. Info: 719-884-8028. www.townofmonument.org.
  • Monument Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Jan. 15, 9 am, 130 Second St. Zoom meeting. Find joining instructions on the website. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-4886, www.colorado.gov/msd.
  • Monument Town Council meeting, Mon., Jan. 6 & 20, 6:30 pm, Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. Normally meets first and third Mon. Info: 719-884-801, www.townofmonument.org/260/Board-of-Trustees for remote attendance links.
  • Palmer Lake Board of Adjustments meeting, Tue. Jan. 7, 5 pm, 28 Valley Crescent St., Palmer Lake. Normally meets first Tue., as needed.
  • Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting, Thu., Jan. 9 & 23, 6 pm, Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Usually meets second and fourth Thu. Info: 719-481-2953. www.townofpalmerlake.com.
  • Palmer Lake Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Jan. 8, 9 am, call-in only: 650-479-3208, Access Code 76439078, 120 Middle Glenway. Meets second Wed. Info: 719-481-2732. www.plsd.org.
  • Palmer Lake Town Planning Commission meeting, Wed., Jan. 15, 6 pm, Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-2953, www.townofpalmerlake.com.
  • Tri-Lakes Wastewater Facility Joint Use Committee meeting, Tue., Jan. 14, 10 am , 16510 Mitchell Ave. Meets second Tue. Info: See tlwastewater.com/index.html.
  • Triview Metropolitan District board meeting, in person or via Zoom. Thu., Jan. 23, 5:30 pm, 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302, Monument. Usually meets third Thu.Visit www.triviewmetro.com for updates and the agenda listing the Zoom joining codes, or contact 719-488-6868.
  • Woodmoor Improvement Association Board Meeting, Wed., Jan. 22, 7 pm, Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. Usually meets fourth Wed. Info: 719-488-2693, www.woodmoor.org.
  • Woodmoor Water & Sanitation District board meeting, Mon., Jan. 13, 1 pm, 1845 Woodmoor Dr., Monument. Normally meets second Mon. Info: 719-488-2525, www.woodmoorwater.com.

WEEKLY & MONTHLY EVENTS

  • AARP Black Forest #1100, second Wed., noon. In-person Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Rd. All ages welcome. Info: www.aarpchapter1100blackforest.weekly.com.
  • AARP Local Senior Social, fourth Wed. In-person Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Rd. Info: www.aarpchapter1100blackforest.weekly.com.
  • A.A. Big Book Study, every Thu., 7 pm, Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 675 W. Baptist Rd. Call 425-436-6200, access code 575176#.
  • Alcoholics Anonymous, every Tue. & Thu., 7:30 p.m. Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908. AA is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Join us with your questions. Info: bflc@bflchurch.org.
  • Al-Anon for family and friends of alcoholics, every Tue. & Thu., 7:30 p.m. Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80908. Al-Anon members are people, just like you, who are worried about someone with a drinking problem. Join us with your questions. Info: bflc@bflchurch.org.
  • Al-Anon Zoom Meeting, Just for Today Online, every Mon., 9-10 am Zoom Meeting ID: 889 4142 7446, Password 349309.
  • Al-Anon meeting: Letting Go, every Thu., 9-10:15 am at Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd., Monument. For additional information go to www.al-anon-co.org.
  • Al-anon Meeting: Monument, every Thu., 7-8 pm, Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd., Monument. Info: MonumentSerenity@gmail.com.
  • Amateur Ham Radio WØTLM (Tri-Lakes Monument ham radio Association), third Mon. (except December). All amateur ham radio operators or those interested in becoming one are we, lcome. Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Building, 166 2nd Street, Monument. For details, contact Bob Witte, bob@k0nr.com or www.W0TLM.com.
  • American Legion Tri-Lakes Post 9-11, second Wed., 6:30pm, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Community Meeting House, 300 CO Hwy 105, Monument. New members welcome. Info: Visit website at www.trilakespost9-11.org.
  • Art: Open Studio painting, first Wed., 9:30-noon. Donations welcome, Tri Lakes Senior Center, 66 Jefferson St., Monument.
  • Benet Hill Monastery: Let us pray with you, walk in the forest, walk the labyrinth, come and visit prayer sites, Group retreats. Every Sun. 10:15 am worship service, 3190 Benet Lane, 80921.
  • Bingo night, American Legion post 9-11 Tri-Lakes, 2nd and 4th Sat., 6-9 pm, Kings Deer Golf Club, 19255 Royal Troon Dr, Monument.
  • Black Forest Community Church, Centering Prayer Group, first Sat., 8:30-10 am The Old Log Church. Centering prayer opens and closes the meetings with discussion and fellowship in between; open to all.
  • Children’s Literacy Center, every Mon. & Wed., 5:30-6:30 pm. Provides free one-on-one literacy tutoring to Tri-Lakes children in grades 1-6 who are reading below grade level. Tutoring is at Grace Best Education Center, 66 Jefferson St. Monument. For more information, to become a volunteer tutor, or to enroll your child, visit www.childrensliteracycenter.org or contact Rachel Morin, Tri-Lakes Senior Center Coordinator, CLC 610-246-1047 (cell).
  • Colorado Springs Philharmonic Guild Listening Club, third Wed. Free virtual event. Maestro Wilson will conduct monthly hour-long programs. RSVP at www.cspguild.org.
  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group, second Sat., 9:45-11:15 am. Meets in-person, First National Bank Monument ( 581 Highway 105, Monument, CO 80132). Meets monthly, 2nd Sat. Contact: Registration is required, call 800-272-3900 or email khare@alz.org to register.
  • Essential Tremor Support Group. Meets quarterly at Colorado Springs Public Library 21c, 1175 Chapel Hills Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80920. For details, contact: Jim Sanchez, 719-660-7275; jimdjs22@gmail.com.
  • Fellowship of Christ Church, every Sun., 9 am. Monument Academy East Campus, 4303 Pinehurst Circle 80908.
  • Friends of Fox Run Park, Zoom meeting, fourth Thu., 7 pm, email friendsoffoxrunpark@gmail.com, they will email you the link the day of the meeting. Join the growing group to learn about volunteering and supporting the park for forest safety, trails, trees, education, special events, and more. Special events and more, stay tuned! Info: friendsoffoxrunpark@gmail.com.
  • Fuel Church Sunday Service, every Sun. Service times, 11am live service, streaming service at www.fuelchurch.org at 11 am. Mountain Community Mennonite Church, 643 Hwy 105, Palmer Lake. Nursery and kids’ service. Non-denominational, spirit-filled. Need prayer? Email us at info@fuel.org. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Gleneagle Sertoma, first and third Wed., 11:45 am to 1 pm. Gleneagle Sertoma is the longest continuously active civic service organization in northern El Paso County. Our regular program presenters address local topics of interest to include local developments, community planning and projects, as well as opportunities to serve your community. Contact Harvey LeCato for meeting location and club information at mbca@comcast.net or 719-331-1212.
  • Gleneagle Women’s Club, membership luncheon, third Fri., (Sep.-June), various venues, 12 activity groups, i.e., hiking, bridge, etc. Guests welcome. For information contact Bev Selby, 719-600-1451.
  • La Leche League breastfeeding support group, second Thu., 12:30 pm. Partners and helpers welcome (and babies and kids, too) so we can meet our breastfeeding goals together. Homestead Direct Primary Care Clinic, 15455 Gleneagle Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80921. For more information, contact RachelKLangley@gmail.com.
  • Lions Club Bingo, every Sat. (except the first Sat.), 8:30 am-1 pm and first Mon., 5:30-10 pm Tri-Lakes Lions Club’s portion of the proceeds benefit those in need in the Tri-Lakes community. Updated info and location: Jim Naylor, 719-481-8741 or www.trilakeslionsclub.org.
  • Monument Hill Kiwanis Club meeting, every Sat., 8 am. www.MHKiwanis.org, MonumentHillKiwanis@gmail.com for details, guests are welcome. Service leadership clubs, Key clubs, Builders Club, and K-kids at D38 schools. Memberships are open to the public. Info: RF Smith, 719-210-4987, www.MHKiwanis.org.
  • Monument Homemakers, bring a dish to share and your own table service, meet at Chamber of Commerce building, noon. 166 2nd St. Monument. Info and more about the club: Linda Case, 719-354-6575 for reservations.
  • Monument Life Recovery Group, every Mon., 6:30-7:30 pm, The Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd. This faith-based support group is for those seeking freedom from all hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Daycare for children under age 11. Info: 303-946-2659, www.liferecoverygroups.com/meetings/life-recovery-group-3/.
  • Neighborhood Net Ham Radio, every Sat., 10 am. Amateur ham radio operators practice for emergencies on weekly repeater nets so neighbors can help neighbors. Sign up at www.mereowx.org/neighborhood-net or contactus@mereowx.org.
  • Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO), Sat., Jan. 11, 10 am–12 pm., Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. Members of local HOAs are welcome. Usually meets bi-monthly (Jan., Mar., June, July, Sep., Nov.) on the second Sat. of the month. www.nepco.org.
  • Palmer Divide Quiltmakers, first Thu., 6:30-8:30 pm at Monument Chamber of Commerce building, 166 2nd St, Monument, CO.
  • Palmer Lake Art Group, second Sat. A variety of art programs are offered after the social gathering and business meetings. Guests welcome. 300 Hwy 105, NE corner of I-25 and 105. 9:30 am. Info: 719-460-4179, www.palmerlakeartgroup.co.
  • Palmer Lake Historical Society – Annual Potluck Supper Membership Meeting, Thu., Jan. 16, 6-8:30 pm. (supper starts at 6:15) at the historic Palmer Lake Town Hall, 42 Valley Crescent. Usually meets third Thu. Contact: Kokesdm@yahoo.com, palmerdividehistory.org.
  • Paper Tigers Origami Classes! Monument Library. Third Fri., 4:15-5:30. All ages – under 12 with an adult. Limit 12 people. Free – all materials provided! Contact: connie.stanton@netzero.com. 719-488-4707.
  • Pikes Peak Genealogical Society Class, Sat., Feb 1. 12:30-3:00pm MST. ZOOM Meeting. Program: Elaine Fraser will talk about Getting The Most Out of Find A Grave. For ZOOM Meeting details contact education@ppgs.org. Information is on https://PPGS.org.
  • Ridgeview Baptist Church, meets every Sun., 10:30 am, temporarily meeting at 9130 Explorer Dr., Colorado Springs, 80920. Info: 719-357-6515 or www.ridgeviewcolorado.org. See ad on page < 6 >.
  • Senior Bingo, third Wed. Silver Key Senior Services, Space is limited to 16. participants. RSVP & info: info@silverkey.org
  • Senior Book Club, second Fri., 11 am-noon, Silver Key Senior Services, all are welcome. Coffee & snacks. RSVP & info: info@silverkey.org
  • Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church, every Sun., Contemporary 9 am; Traditional 10:30 am. A live stream is available at www.tlumc.org/live. Watch live or replay: www.facebook.com/tlumc, www.youtube.com/tlumc.org. Info: 719-488-1365, www.tlumc.org. 20256 Hunting Downs Way, Monument.
  • Tri-Lakes Church of Christ Wednesday night fellowship classes, every Wed., 6-7:30 pm, 20450 Beacon Lite Road, Monument (corner of Beacon Lite & County Line Roads). Info: 719-488-9613, gregsmith@trilakeschurch.org, www.trilakeschurch.org.
  • Tri-Lakes Cruisers, first Wed., 7 pm. A nonprofit car club. Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce community room, with numerous activities and events each month. Club membership applications are now being accepted and are available on the website: tl-cruisers.weebly.com.
  • Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Networking breakfast, first and third Thu., in person or via Zoom 166 2nd Street Monument 7:30-9 am free registration at www.TriLakeschamber.com .
  • Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club meeting, monthly first and third Thu. 6 pm-8 pm. First Thursday via zoom and third Thursday in person at the Chamber of Commerce, 166 2nd St., Monument. Details: www.tlrotary.com, Trilakesdynamicrotary@gmail.com. Guests welcome. We are a service club serving Tri-Lakes. Memberships open to the public. Info: www.tlrotary.com.
  • Tri-Lakes Parkinson’s Disease Support Group, third Sat., 10 am-noon, Monument Community Presbyterian Church, 238 Third St., Monument. Info: Syble Krafft, 719-488-2669; Barry (group president), 719-351-9485. If you need any help, please call Syble or Barry.
  • Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) monthly meeting, third Fri., 11:30 am. Eisenhower Golf Club, USAFA. To become a member, or learn about the club, visit our website at www.tlwc.net Contact Info: Tri-Lakes Women’s Club membership@tlwc.net.
  • Women’s A. A. Step Study, every Mon., 6:30 pm, meeting remotely, check for details. Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 675 Baptist Rd. Park in the west lot. Info: 866-641-9190. Al-Anon Zoom Meeting, Just for Today Online, every Mon., 9:00 – 10:00 am Zoom Meeting ID: 889 4142 7446, Password 349309.
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7829, third Wed., 7 pm, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce community room, 166 2nd St., Monument. New members welcome. Info: Post Commander and POC Bruce Beyerly, Bruce.Beyerly@gmail.com.
  • VFW Auxiliary to Post 7829, third Wed., 7 p.m. Meets at Victory Baptist Church, 325 2nd Street, Suite X, Monument. Guests are welcome to join; if you are a relative of a veteran who served on foreign soil during war or other military actions, you June be eligible. For more information please contact Kathy Carlson, 719-488-1902, carlsonmkc@gmail.com or Linda Lyons, 303-579-8114, lindalyons7829@gmail.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS

  • VOLUNTEER TODAY! Our Community News: volunteer mailing days, Thu., Jan. 2 & Jan. 30, approx. 7-8:30 am. We are all volunteers at OCN and need YOUR help, even for an hour or two, getting the papers ready to mail. Contact AllenAlchian@ocn.me or (719) 488-3455.
  • Engage and Elevate D38 Public Meeting, Thu., Jan. 16, 6–7 p.m., To discuss upcoming decisions and next steps for the future of the Grace Best Education Center. D38 Administration Building—Learning Center, 66 Jefferson St. Monument.
  • Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic pond hockey game, Sat.-Sun., Jan. 18-19. Fireworks, fire pits, food trucks.
  • St Peter Catholic School open house, Sun., Jan. 26, 11:30 -1:00 p.m. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Affordable Flooring Connection, special offers. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Eagle Wine & Spirits, special offers. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Mesa Health and Aesthetics, special offers. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Monumental Impact enabling student experiences internships for high school students in tech engineering and entrepreneurship. Monumentalimpact.org. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • Monument Cleaners, special offers this month. see ad on page < 5 >.
  • Monumental Med Spa, this month specials See ad on page < 7 >.
  • Noel Relief Centers, special offers. See ad on page < 7 >.
  • PeakView Windows, special offers. See ad on page < 24 >.
  • Plumb Smart plumbing services, special offers. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Routes Outfitter, special offers ski and bike service. Special offers. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Soot Busters, chimney sweeps, special offers. See ad on page < 6 >.
  • Stubby’s dog wash and grooming salon special offers, see ad on page < 2 >.
  • Tri-Lakes Collision and Auto Service Center, special offers. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Tri-Lakes Paint Company, special offer this month. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • YMCA special offers this month. See ad on page < 6 >.
  • Donala Water and Sanitation District, election to waive director term limits, Tue., Feb. 4, 7 am-7 pm. at the Donala office,15850 Holbein Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80921.
  • Super Saturday geology day at the Western museum of Mining and Industry Sat., Feb. 22 see ad on page < 12 >.
  • Restyle Your Fur, Mon.-Tue., Feb. 24-25. Love Shop, 251 Front Street. See ad on page < 8 >.
  • MVEA board nominations, questionnaire due Thu., Mar. 13, To be nominated please contact the MVEA board nomination information line at 719-494-2528. See ad on page < 11 >.

Our community calendar carries listings on a space-available basis for Tri-Lakes events that are sponsored by local governmental entities and not-for-profit organizations. We include events that are open to the general public and are not religious or self-promotional in nature. If space is available, complimentary calendar listings are included, when requested, for events advertised in the current issue. To have your event listed at no charge in Our Community Calendar, please send the information to calendar@ocn.me or Our Community News, P.O. Box 1742, Monument, Colorado 80132.

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