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Volunteers reporting on community issues in Monument, Palmer Lake, and the surrounding Tri-Lakes area

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Articles from Vol. 24 No. 6 - June 1, 2024

On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) –  Palmer Lake bridge dedication ceremony

By Steve Pate

As reported in the May issue of OCN, the Palmer Lake Parks and Trails Commission (PLP&T) partnered with U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) senior cadet engineering students to design and build a bridge across Monument Creek into the Elephant Rock property trail system. On May 6, that bridge was officially dedicated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Reid Wiecks, PLP&T chair, thanked the cadets and their professor, Dr. Brad Wambeke, who, after a U.S. Army career, taught at West Point and now the USAFA for their work to design and build the bridge. Wambeke said that normally a senior capstone engineering project would just involve the design and engineering work on paper. This project gave the cadets the experience of implementing their design.

Palmer Lake Mayor Glant Havenar also made remarks, thanking the USAFA cadets and Wambeke, then she and a cadet cut the ribbon to officially open the bridge.

Kevin Magner, a key PLP&T commissioner, said that volunteers would partner with the Mile High Youth Corps to develop the new loop trail through the Elephant Rock property in June.

Steve Pate can be contacted at stevepate@ocn.me

Above: Gene Kalesti, lead volunteer, Dr. Brad Wambeke, and senior USAFA cadets. Photo by Steve Pate

Other On the Trail columns

High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – The aesthetics of cottagecore, bloomcore, and cluttercore

By Janet Sellers

“Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky.”—Kahlil Gabran

Cottagecore is an internet sensation that romanticizes the dream of a simplified, natural, rural way of life. Eschewing electronics for positive habits, a favorite version is the bloomcore, with beautiful botanicals. It is about escape from screens and stressors and renewing our souls via respecting nature through the daydreamy aesthetic of Regency-era country life (as in Jane Austen’s book, Emma). But the cottagecore aesthetic has been around for at least 2,300 years, dating back to the ancient Greek countryside, popularized on our social media in the past few years. Perhaps cottagecore should be called the Emma aesthetic.

While cottagecore and bloomcore may be more formal in nature, there is also cluttercore. The art of cluttercore achieves an “organized mess that feels like a big hug.” With luck and help, I “cluttercore” mow the grass around flower berms. Putting the settee in the pink shade of the crabapple tree, we listen to spring peeper frogs belt out their songs. To our cat’s amusement—or possibly dismay—we can hear but never find them. Iris and poppies appear in May and June, but the yellow, white, and purple asters don’t get going until July and August. Yardwork is also busy with plucking last year’s lanky stems of the purple blooming Russian sage (salvia yangii).

Ponderosa pine benefits

Our native Colorado springtime bursts in wildflower glory every year, including the positive benefits of our ponderosa pine blooming season. Contrary to popular belief, the pine pollen is a valuable resource. Ponderosa pine pollen has been used historically as an adaptogenic tonic that can help balance hormones, boost immunity, and increase endurance. It can also make the body more resilient to daily stressors, strengthen vital organs, facilitate anti-aging and support a healthy balanced immune system. Many think that their spring allergies are from that yellow dust that gets all over everything in June, but there are multiple pollens exploding into our air then, so we can’t blame just the pines. My dry salt inhaler works wonders for clearing my hay fever symptoms.

Pine needles necessary for pine tree health

Pine needles, as they decompose into soil, supply necessary nutrients for our pine trees to thrive. Ill-informed sources propose myths, but pine needles are acid neutral as soon as they lose the green color and make great garden mulch that knits itself together and stays put in snow, rain, and wind. Pine needles become nutrient-rich soil after a year. Even a 2-3-inch depth helps the ponderosa trees and the garden, according to the fire mitigation expert I spoke with from our local fire district who uses them in his gardens.

Janet Sellers is an avid “lazy gardening” enthusiast, letting Mother Nature lead the gardening wisdom that supports the Tri-Lakes high desert ecosystem. Share your garden tips and stories. JanetSellers@ocn.me

Above: Garden volunteer sisters Audrey, left, and Madelyn earn volunteering service stars for their American Heritage Girls vests. Through their volunteer time at the Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC) garden last year (and other service projects as well), they earned the President’s Silver Volunteer Service award. Audrey gets one star for every five hours of service. Madelyn gets one star for every 10 hours of service. They received a pin, certificate, and letter from the White House. They were recognized for all their achievements in an American Heritage Girls awards ceremony in May. TLC garden volunteers are needed for summer. Photo by Janet Sellers.
 

Other gardening columns

Art Matters – Spring and summer’s Art Hop: art and play

By Janet Sellers

We had our first Art Hop on May 24. It’s a celebration of community and art in and around the shops and environs of Downtown Monument, complete with sidewalk art booths and more. Created and championed by local art legends Richard and Linda Pankratz, the annual Art Hop season has become a local favorite event each spring and summer. The event has grown from visiting art and artists at local venues to include live music around town and author book readings and signings. It’s a monthly art festival and more.

The area’s annual ArtSites public artworks, managed by the Town of Monument, hosts a permanent collection and an annual rotating exhibit that is part of the exhibit through a juried selection process. This year, the Town of Monument celebrates its new exhibiting artists with an artist reception that aligns with the downtown Art Hop on June 28.

Good for your health

Taking an evening walk is good for our health, and enjoying outdoor art and music helps create community camaraderie, all of which support optimal feelings with health benefits. Besides being in something that feels really good, there’s scientific evidence to back up the health and well-being benefits of the art!

Addiction sneaks in to our well-being

Smartphone addiction and screen addiction have crept into modern life to the extent that it is a serious mental health issue. Seemingly a simple and safe way to connect with others or keep busy, the underpinnings with the dopamine rush in games and “novelty brain” click bait marks our minds as its territory. It’s potently impressed on teens and those under 30, who have this tempting tech in their lives. The desire to connect is so powerful that addicts don’t realize what they are doing and how they are missing out on real life involvement. Screen addiction affects mental health, disrupts sleep, and causes “lazy thinkers” because generating thoughts and ideas is stifled. How this affects brain and mind development remains to be seen.

Screenagers is a term that describes our youth growing up in a screen-saturated world—a global pandemic of sorts, affecting all demographics. Dr. Delaney Ruston, a physician and film director, describes the tech-saturated world that needs balance between screen time and non-screen time in the Screenagers documentaries (and the sequels). Awareness that mere tech communication is not true human camaraderie is vital to well-being. The Screenagers movement has broadened to a myriad of educational plans and helpful actions for parents, teachers, mental and physical health practitioners, and others.

Solutions to our life balance include taking walks with others—especially family and loved ones—and being out and about with people in a safe way. Our Art Hop offers a brilliant blend of what most people like and need these days. It is the fresh outdoors, indoor venues, exercise, fun and interesting art, music and conviviality. Our shops, eateries and ice creameries are noted for the old town, friendly atmosphere. People can chat and laugh while perusing Downtown Monument in a fun and lighthearted way. The artists and artworks are accessible both to see and to purchase. Excellent artworks are offered at affordable prices, benefitting the people who enjoy the art to take back to home or office, and the artists and venues.

The next Art Hop is June 28. See you there!

Janet Sellers is an artist, writer, and speaker with a focus on enjoying nature and well-being. She can be reached at JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Other Art Matters columns

Snapshots of Our Community

Snapshot Caption Corrections

In the May issue of OCN, in the Snapshots of Our Community,

• it was stated that Emily Osborn won the third place PLAG scholarship. Actually Ella Davis won that scholarship.

• The caption on the Earth Day Tree Planting April 21 should have identified the people pictured (L to R) as Tamara Schwarz, Aida Richardson, Don Richardson, 101-year-old WWII vet Marie West, Patsy Janeba and John Janeba. It should also have noted that the photo was taken by Tamara Schwarz.

• The photo of the Tim Watkins Memorial Trail sign was taken by Brian Mullin. Mullin also reinstalled the sign after safeguarding it during wildfire mitigation last year.

OCN regrets the errors.

Wildfire Preparedness Day, Apr. 27

Above: Palmer Ridge High School’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) hosted the annual Wildfire Preparedness Day on April 27. Four speakers talked about home mitigation, fire evacuation, planning, and regional analysis. Civilian and governmental agencies including the Red Cross, Monument Fire Department, and Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management also provided information. Photo by Ella Blakely.

LPHS band concert, May 7

Above: The Lewis-Palmer High School (LPHS) band performed its final concert of this school year, a Pops concert featuring seniors in the Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Symphony on May 7 at the LPHS auditorium. Directed by Sam Anderson, each band featured solos by senior musicians, and seniors were honored for their contributions during their tenure at LPHS. Awards received by these talented musicians were also announced. Photo by Steve Pate.

Little Log Church celebrates 100th

Above: The Little Log Church in Palmer Lake celebrated its 100th anniversary on May 11. Those attending got to tour the log chapel that was built in 1924. Some wore 1920s-era clothes, including members of the 100th anniversary planning committee (in photo). A scavenger hunt was also part of the festivities. Standing from left are Donna Ewers, Anne Jones, Chairman Kristi Olsen, and Betty Thomas. Seated is Pastor Bill Story. Photo by Pete Olsen.

Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares, May 15

Above: The Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares 40th anniversary event was held on May 15 at the Spruce Mountain Events Center. Participating restaurants competed in a “Chopped” style event by crafting tasty samples from a basket of items from the Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC) food pantry. The judges’ favorite was UVA Wine Bar & Restaurant, while the crowd’s favorite was Bethesda Gardens Monument Assisted Living and Memory Care. The sold-out event with 400 attendees was supported by numerous sponsors, celebrity judges, staff, and volunteers. It was TLC’s most successful Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares event ever. Executive Director Haley Chapin, left, looks on as TLC board President Rich Schur of Schur Success Group thanks event organizer and TLC Development Specialist Christine Bucher. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Pelicans on Lake Woodmoor

Above: It was cold, gray, and foggy on April 20 when Misty Reed of Woodmoor spotted something unusual on Lake Woodmoor. A squadron of pelicans were huddled together in an inlet. Certainly not something you see every day. Photo by Misty Reed.

Monument wind storm, May 6

Above: It was so windy on May 6 there were waves with white caps on Monument Lake. A tree was knocked down at St. Peter Catholic School (in photo). Flags were flying straight up. A high wind warning was issued by the National Weather Service. A gust of 60 mph was recorded on Monument Hill. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Above: Flags outside Jackson Creek Senior Living show how windy it was. (12 sec)

Above: The wind created white-capped waves on Monument Creek. (23 sec)

Monument hydrant flushing, May 9

Above: The Monument Water Department finished its annual hydrant flushing last month. About 300 hydrants were cleaned of sediment buildup over nine days. Up to 1,400 gallons a minute spewed from this hydrant off Monument Lake Road on May 9. From left, water techs Jon Rigaud, Ryan Sieber, Da’John Lee, Danny Kuchinsky, and Clint Gavigan. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Above: Monument water techs flush a hydrant. (9 sec)

LPES 50th anniversary, May 13

Above: On May 13, Lewis-Palmer Elementary School celebrated its 50th anniversary with an open house and ribbon cutting. Current and former administrators, teachers, parents, students, school board, and community members were greeted with balloons, popcorn, and snacks, and displays of yearbooks. The Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center provided the ribbon and the very large scissors for the ribbon cutting. Staff members held the ribbon for current and former D38 staff and board, from left, former Principal Jenny Day, Ted Bauman, Dr. Jerry Parsons, Principal Davonne Johnson, board President Tiffiney Upchurch, Acting Superintendent Amber Whetstine, board member Todd Brown, former board member Tommie Plank, and Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Silver Key Senior Summit, May 16

Above: Sue Walker, director of the Silver Key Senior Center in Monument, organized activities at the Silver Key Senior Summit at the Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs on May 16. The Monument senior center events included tai chi demonstrations, chair yoga, and line dancing (pictured). Our local Silver Key Senior Center, located at 66 Jefferson St. in the Grace Best Elementary School building, offers many services for seniors which can be seen at https://www.silverkey.org. For more information, call 719-884-2300. Staff and volunteers are pictured at Tri-Lakes Silver Key, Monument. From left are Sandi Watson-Staggs, Mary Frances Quattlebaum, Sue Walker, and Mary Lou Figley. Photo by Steve Pate.

Art Hop, May 24

Above: May 24 brought back Monument’s monthly Art Hop for spring and summer. Here, artist Dawn Healy of Black Forest shared her intricate and distinctive gourd art. Healy was the featured artist at Bella Art and Frame Gallery for May. The gallery will showcase different artist exhibitions each month along with the gallery’s signature artists. Amid the festive atmosphere of music, conviviality, and refreshments for the art lovers—and art buyers of course—locals and visitors alike enjoyed the small-town fun of visiting with each other in Downtown Monument as they celebrated the arts with community spirit. This year, the Art Hop has been moved from the third Thursday of the month to the fourth Friday.

Above: The musical group Flashback played in front of the Love Shop in the Front Street Square. Flashback entertained passersby with popular rock tunes. Photos by Janet Sellers.

Mid-June Prescribed Burn

Above: During this past week, preparations have been underway for a prescribed burn in Pike National Forest, west of Monument near Mt. Herman. Federal and Town employees and community volunteers are removing ground fuel from the forest along Mt. Herman Road to ensure a slow controlled burn. In this photo, Rick Binder and Val Burt from Team Rubicon work alongside a chipper crew from the Monument Fire Department. Over three days of effort, more than 60 volunteers mitigated 13 acres of Pike National Forest. The prescribed burn is scheduled for mid-June. If/when you see smoke, please do not call 911 unless you see a fire (not smoke) that is unattended. The prescribed burns are weather-dependent and are expected to take place over three days at Memorial Grove, Monument Rock, and the Mount Herman trailhead. Once the prescribed fires begin, smoke may be seen for several days. Photo by Marianne LaRivee.

First MA East HS Graduation

Above: Monument Academy East Campus held its first high school graduation on May 18. The campus opened in fall 2019. There were 21 students in the senior class of 2024, including Valedictorian Scott Kohlhase (below). Kohlhase is among 144 seniors in Colorado who received the prestigious Daniels Fund Scholarship. More than 200 relatives, staff, and community members attended the ceremony at the front of the campus. Photo by Evan Clay/ClayVisuals. Monument Academy East Campus held its first high school graduation on May 18. The campus opened in fall 2019. There were 21 students in the senior class of 2024, including Valedictorian Scott Kohlhase. Kohlhase is among 144 seniors in Colorado who received the prestigious Daniels Fund Scholarship. More than 200 relatives, staff, and community members attended the ceremony at the front of the campus. Photo by Evan Clay/ClayVisuals.

Monument Presbyterian Church

Above: Monument Presbyterian Church celebrated its 150th anniversary on May 19. Attended by church members and the community, the Founders Day celebration and dedication of Sheldon Jackson Chapel at the church was held at the Sunday worship. A reception in the chapel and on the west lawn featured vintage 1880s desserts. Photos courtesy of Daniel Krucoff.

Vets march for suicide awareness

Above: You might’ve seen three men, one waving an American flag, marching down the side of the road in Monument or Palmer Lake on May 24. They are veterans hoping to raise awareness about veteran suicide. They hiked from Denver to Colorado Springs and then to Castle Rock in 3 1/2 days. The veterans belong to the Castle Rock group ConnorsK9 P.A.W.S. President and founder Michael Connors, a disabled retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, was joined by veterans Joshua Henkels and a man known simply as Nova. Statistics show 22 veterans die by suicide each day, but Connors suspects it’s closer to 40. When he tried to take his own life, a service dog stopped him. Now, he’s helping others who might be in a similar situation. His 501c3 nonprofit provides professional service dogs to veterans. He hopes his march will result in an increase in donations that would pay for service dog training equipment. To donate, go to connorsk9paws.org and click on How to Support. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Three veterans walked during the Memorial Day weekend to raise awareness of veteran suicide. (12 sec)

Michael Connors, a disabled Army veteran, says more veterans commit suicide every day than you think. (20 sec)

Water tank completed, May 23

Above: During the last weeks of May, contractors established sustainable erosion control measures and landscaping at the site of the newly constructed, controversial Monument water tank. Located in the residential Forest View Heights HOA west of Monument, the 2-million-gallon tank serves as water storage for the Town of Monument. Nearby residents have complained about the height of the tank. Rocked drainage sites and ground cover include seeding mat, planting of 55 trees, 35 shrubs and various deep-rooting, drought-resistant grasses. As of May 23, all the vegetation had been planted. Surface irrigation provides water to establish start-up growth and will be removed after two years. Excavation for the tank began two years ago, with landscaping of the surrounding area as the final stage to completion. Photo by Sharon Williams.

Other Snapshot Sections

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.

Slash mulch program

Slash can be brought to the Black Forest slash and mulch program. Tree and brush debris only. No pine needles. (It is important to protect the trees’ health and keep some pine needles on the ground. 80% of the nutrients that the pine trees need come from the decomposing pine needles). This program serves fire mitigation efforts in the area and is $10 per load to drop off, regardless of size. The program also offers free mulch to take home. Details: www.BFSlash.org.

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.

Children’s Literacy Center

The center provides free one-on-one literacy tutoring to Tri-Lakes children in grades 1-6 who are reading below grade level! Tutoring is at the Tri-Lakes Senior Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 pm, and the Summer Session will run through Aug. 14. For more information, to become a volunteer tutor or to enroll your child, visit www.childrensliteracycenter.org or email Christine Jeffson at Christine@childrensliteracycenter.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.

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.

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.

Need PC help?

Make It Work Clinic for PCs, FREE. Donations appreciated. We are gauging interest in helping community members with their PCs, please email us if interested. enable@monumentalimpact.org. 55 Adams St in Downtown Monument. Monumental Impact info: https://monumentalimpact.org. See ad on page 4.

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 Our Community Notices sections