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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. 9 - September 7, 2024

September Library Events – Book club, Medicare information, LEGO program

By Harriet Halbig

Monumental Bookworms, an evening book club at the Monument Library, will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10. The September selection is West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge. Monumental Bookworms is sponsored by the Tri-Lakes Friends of the Library.

Come to the library from 1 to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18 for a Medicare Open Enrollment Q-and-A program presented by the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging. The presenter is Barbara Sigmon, MBA, a case manager for the agency. Bring your questions to this interactive question and answer program. Registration is required at 719-488-2370 or online at ppld.org, programs by location.

On Friday, Sept. 20 the Monument Library will host Idea Lab: LEGO Build. Engineering your best LEGO creation, completing LEGO challenges, and producing LEGO art are only some of the possibilities of this open-ended program using PPLD’s LEGO resources. Join us for the fun! For ages 5 to 12.

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

Other Library articles

High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – Cut and come again crops to plant in September

By Janet Sellers

Kale will rise again.

For years I did not eat kale because I didn’t know anything about it, but after I tried it both as young plant leaves and full mature leaves, I decided it was one of my favorite vegetables ever, not to mention it has amazing health benefits. Packed with superfood amounts of vitamins, minerals and plant compounds, we can eat it (and our dogs might like it, too!) in salad, steamed, stir-fried, in green smoothies, and even baked as kale chips. Fair warning, kale chips are so yummy and easy to make (just oil lightly and toast in the oven for 5-10 minutes) you may need a couple of bunches to make a batch—they go down easy and disappear quickly. Potato chips seem heavy and dull by comparison.

At the Tri-Lakes Cares food garden, protected from deer by the tall fence, we left our kale plants to overwinter sort of by accident due to an early snow last fall, but they came back in great shape in April, and we got three crops from them by the end of June. We just cut the leaves from the lower parts of the plant and the plants kept growing till 5 or 6 feet high for all of them, offering a very long harvest. We did the same with the lettuce. Then we let the plants flower and go to seed. Lots of seeds fell and they’re regrowing now. We’ll have plants for this fall season and for next year. We plan to leave the newer plants to overwinter making strong roots. The plants will then come back and grow again for us in late spring next year. It’s also possible that we could have them last for a few seasons. Some people can keep their kale plants for three years or more as long as they’re cut back and the roots are protected over the winter. It seems to work very well.

Many leafy greens and plants can be simple “cut and come again” food crops in the garden or in pots. “Zombie” plants can regrow in soil, such as lettuces and similar foods sold with root ends intact including scallions, celery, kale, bok choy, chard, herbs, and more. Even onion roots will sprout tasty leaves. Many herbs thrive with careful pruning, and we can propagate or eat the cuttings. Broccoli will sprout side shoots after the first top harvest. Broccoli, kale, and the brassicas originated from mustard greens, carefully tended over the centuries and bred to enhance the plant for nutrition, locale, and so on. We used to grow these in our kitchen window in a baking pan for transplanting, but in winter we can just harvest from the windowsill when they get big enough.

Letting our locally growing plants go to seed in fall can offer some good seeds that are hardy for our area for the next year.

Janet Sellers is an avid “lazy gardener” using deep mulch to spare watering and keep out weeds in the Back to Eden garden scheme. Your garden tips are very welcome; please send them to JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Other Gardening articles

Art Matters – Real local art made for real people

By Janet Sellers

Our Art Hop in Monument and the cultural Chautauqua in Palmer Lake this summer welcomed happy visitors from nearby and across the globe. These have become favorite local summer festivals, introducing local art and artists to an ever-widening public. Art welcomes all ages and people. It’s a cultural driving force for community and a magnet for interaction and creating relationships. It’s fun to see, fun to make, and a great pleasure to own.

Per Americans for the Arts: “Communities in which residents socialize with and trust each other have higher livability scores than communities with lower social trust, and the arts are a driver in building that trust. In addition, cultural participation leads to wider community participation and to increased volunteerism and increased tolerance—all of which are key to civic engagement. It also increases involvement in local issues and projects that promote community health.”

Live, creative experiences promote well-being. We have a need for creative times and connections. Daily, we are overwhelmed with deep fake AI, but genuine interaction is refreshing. We all use the search engines routinely and try to escape the advertising robo-calls. Still, I wondered if bots pose creative ideas. I put a question to the online robot about art events and it wrote, “Art events often serve as vibrant hubs for social interaction and community-building. Art has a unique way of breaking down barriers and creating shared experiences that help build a sense of community.” Not bad, but very bland, proving my point on vitality. I wondered if the bots could write poetry or songs and got hilarious rhymes: “In oil and acrylic, secrets softly seep, From shadows deep to light that dares to leap, In corners of the world, they hang, colors dance on canvas, hues and shades twang. …” Indeed, nothing compares to original poesy in the arts by creative people made for others to buy, enjoy, and cherish.

Our local community events will continue the rest of the year, but the last Art Hop is Friday, Sept. 27. Bring your friends and your enthusiasm and buy some real art from real artists for yourself, your workplace, or the upcoming gift season, too. Let the significance of originality and creative thinking inform your choices, and let the joy of looking be a continuing pleasure for years to come. Art is one of the things we have that can increase in value, always in heartfelt and personal memories, and sometimes as investments.

Janet Sellers is an artist, writer and speaker, with talks on art making, collecting, and creative strategies for artists, exhibits, and funding. Contact her for more: JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Above: The Art Hop on Friday, Aug. 23, welcomed guests at the art galleries, shops, eateries, and alfresco pop-ups around town. At his studio gallery, Jefferson Studios, local artist Daryl Muncey shares an art print made from his original painting. In his new art garden spot, Muncey showcases the work of guest artists. Photo by Janet Sellers.
Above: At Bella Art and Frame Gallery, the member artists exhibited their works indoors while the alfresco art fair artists shared their creative works with Art Hop visitors. Photo by Janet Sellers.

Jefferson Studios founder Daryl Muncey greeted art lovers at the August Art Hop. (32 sec)

August’s featured Art Hop artist, Tom Ulmer, displayed his nature photographs at Bella Art and Frame (28 sec)

Faery Grove offered face painting, hair tinsel and other activities during the August Art Hop. (41 sec)

Other Art Matters articles

Snapshots of Our Community

Youth Fire Camp, May 30-June 1

Above: High school students attending the second annual “Youth Camp” receive instruction at Monument Fire District’s Station 1 training room. Eleven high school students attended the camp May 30-June 1 to discover more about the type of work firefighters and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers carry out. Students were taught Stop the Bleed, CPR training, EMS skills and scenarios, forcible entry skills, vehicle extrication, and how to compete for a firefighter or EMS career position successfully. The camp is expected to continue annually for high school students with an interest in fire and EMS careers. The students and staff were grateful for the hospitality and lunch on the last day provided by Emergency Incident Support (EIS). Caption by Natalie Barszcz/Photo courtesy of Monument Fire District.

Kiwanis Peach Sale, Aug. 3

Above: For the second straight year, Monument Hill Kiwanis Club filled orders for more than 1,000 cases of hand-picked peaches on Aug. 3. The sales net the Kiwanis club about $10,000. The money funds grants to various groups in the Monument area. Fifty-two volunteers helped distribute the peaches in two-hour shifts. In the photo, Rick Schoenlein (face obscured), Chuck Leggiero, and Dean Snow manage to stuff three cases of peaches into the trunk of a BMW Z3. Photo by Bob Harrigan.

Chautauqua, July 29-Aug.4

Above and below: The local Chautauqua was revived in Palmer Lake for 2024 by the Palmer Lake Arts District. As a historic American cultural event, the weeklong cultural adventures included yoga and Feldenkrais classes, numerous historic cultural talks and walks, a guitar concert with Masa Ito, music with Ray DeMers and with the Tri-Lakes Brass ensemble, poetry readings by local poets, and kids’ paintings of the lake. Bagpiper Isaac Watkins led the “call for artists” from the bridge over the lake to the art pavilion to the all-day plein air painting contest. Michael Magrin (judge for the plein air art contest) led a cloud painting class that rounded out the art events courtesy of Palmer Lake Art Group. Photos include Watkins, a landscape scene of the crowd listening to the Tri-Lakes Brass, Jim Sawatzki sharing the Summer Sojourn at Palmer Lake Town Hall, Nicole Urbatchka leading yoga classes at the Village Green, and Magrin’s cloud painting class. Photos by Lynn Roth and Janet Sellers.

National Night Out, Aug. 3

Above: From left, El Paso County Sheriff’s Officers Lt. W Grier and Sgt. J Darbyshire (standing) engage with a group of young attendees at the annual National Neighborhood Night Out event at the Little Train Park in Promontory Pointe on Aug. 3. The Promontory Pointe Homeowners Association board members hosted the annual picnic for about 120 guests to thank local first responders from Monument Police Department, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, and Monument Fire Department for providing a safe neighborhood. Participants were treated to a live performance by singer/songwriter Nick Davey performing renditions of pop classics such as Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison, In the Summertime by Mungo Jerry, I’m Into Something Good by Herman’s Hermits, and a mashup of The Tide Is High made popular by Blondie with Stir It Up by Bob Marley and the Wailers. Sandwiches and cookies from Black Forest Café were served. Photo by Natalie Barszcz.

EV Chargers in Palmer Lake, Aug. 8

Above and below: On Aug. 8, the Town of Palmer Lake held a grand opening for a bank of two electric vehicle (EV) chargers installed by CORE Electric Cooperative, the town’s electricity provider. The chargers on town property south of County Line Road and east of Highway 105 are available to all EV drivers, but CORE customers get discounted prices. The Board of Trustees unanimously passed resolution 79-2023 authorizing a lease agreement with CORE. The ribbon cutting was attended by CORE Electric personnel and the Palmer Lake mayor, a trustee, and staff. Rob Osborn, CORE director of Business Development, and Rob Liechty, CORE member energy programs director, oversaw the installation. Osborn and Liechty said part of CORE’s mission was to serve smaller communities along the Front Range and support rural development. For more information, see https://ocn.me/v23n12.htm#plbot. From left are Town Administrator Dawn Collins, Liechty, Mayor Glant Havenar, Osborn, Trustee Shana Ball, and staff. Photos by Jackie Burhans.

Rotary assembles “blessing bags”

Above: On Aug. 15, members of the Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club assembled “blessing bags” for children filled with water, snacks, socks, and stuffed animals, which the Monument police will distribute to those in need. For more information, visit www.TLRotary.com. From left are Alisha Baty, Officer Kelly Fisher, Laurie Beasley, Christy Smith, Sloan Fisher-Goodwin, Nicole Schoolsky, Jonathan Bradley, and Shannon Schur. Photo by John Small.

Sue Walker retirement, Aug. 8

Above and below: An emotional Sue Walker said goodbye to Silver Key Senior Center at an Aug. 8 retirement party attended by an overflow crowd of more than 50 people. Walker, 61, has been director of the senior center for nine years. She told the crowd, “You guys are like my family.” Walker continued, “It’s a big adventure for me. It’s sad, but yet it’s happy.” She says she’ll especially miss volunteer Sandi Watson-Staggs, who she described as “a sister from another mister.” Walker plans on a “busy” retirement. She wants to travel, help her husband Jeff with his web development business and spend more time with their two daughters. Adrienne Timmons has been named interim director. Photos by Michael Weinfeld.

Sue Walker told seniors that they should take care of each other. (18 sec)

Sandi Watson-Staggs introduced Sue Walker, who said Sandi was her best friend at the senior center. (39 sec)

Sue Walker told the seniors that she’d miss them. (8 sec)

Sue Walker honored, Aug. 12

Above: During the Aug.12 recognition and farewell to Silver Alliance’s Program Manager Sue Walker, she shared a hearty laugh with her audience upon receiving Silver Key’s Gold Spoon Award from Silver Key Foundation Board President and CEO Jason DeaBueno. Walker was hired in 2013 by Tri-Lakes Silver Alliance to develop activities and events for the Tri-Lakes Senior Center. She inherited a program that was not much more than a once-a-week bingo and potluck luncheon run by local seniors themselves with about 25 attendees. She started adding regular exercise events, then informational presentations. Health and crafts programs followed. Soon she had a full calendar of activities spanning every day of the week with many being free events. She produced a monthly newsletter and with the help of her husband increased publicity through a dedicated website and published notices in the local papers. Although hired and paid as a part-time employee, it was rare when she was not found at the Senior Center promoting the many available classes and encouraging seniors to engage and socialize. Her enthusiasm for the program from the beginning was contagious, which accounted for the ten-fold increase in regular attendance during her tenure. Walker filled a key role in accomplishing a successful and seamless transition of the Senior Center from Silver Alliance to Silver Key in 2022. Now the Silver Key Senior Center, it is located in downtown Monument in the former Grace Best Elementary School, at the corner of First and Jefferson Streets, across from St. Peter Catholic Church. For more information, visit www.silverkey.org/trilakes/. Photo by Allen Alchian.

PL Pickleball Courts, Aug. 12

Above: On Aug. 12, workers were placing fencing around the Palmer Lake Pickleball courts located adjacent to the lake. Photo by David Futey.

OCN reporter now naturalized American citizen

By Lisa Hatfield

Helen Walklett has been reporting for Our Community News since early 2017. She emigrated to the United States with her husband and two daughters from the United Kingdom in 2016. In her prior life, she was an elected member of Rothbury Parish Council in Northumberland, the northern-most county of England, so she already understood the workings of local government. This made her a perfect candidate to report on the El Paso Board of County Commissioners meetings when she volunteered with OCN.

The Walklett family submitted the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form N-400 Application for Naturalization in March 2024 after holding “green cards” for the required five years, and then all separately took the citizenship test as part of an immigration interview in July. When USCIS granted approval, Walklett and her family received their notice to take the Oath of Allegiance, which happened on Aug. 14. They turned in their permanent resident cards and recited this oath:

“I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.”

Lisa Hatfield can be reached at lisahatfield@ocn.me.

Above: From left are Eleanor, Helen, Kate, and Peter Walklett. Photo by Kathy Troka.

NASTaP Gathering, Aug. 16-18

Above: The Annual Membership Meeting and Gathering of Native American Sacred Trees and Places (NASTaP) was held Aug. 16-18 at La Foret Conference Center in Black Forest. NASTaP is a nonprofit 501C3 that was formed over five years ago to help educate the public and protect the Culturally Modified Trees (CMTs) along the Front Range and beyond the state’s borders. Presentations were by well-known anthropologists and authors regarding the migration of Native American tribes for several thousands of years across North America and the trail marker trees left behind. Many of the CMTs are considered living artifacts and were modified for several different reasons. During the evenings, drumming and traditional Native American dancing were featured. For more information regarding NASTaP, go to nastap.org. Photo by Elva Wolin. Caption by Marlene Brown.

Trinity Park welcomes all

Above: The Trinity Community Park grand opening and community celebration was held on Saturday, Aug. 24, with games, prizes, crafts, food trucks, music entertainment and, of course, the opening of the newest phase of the park. Hundreds of people turned out for the grand opening of the 2½-acre Trinity Community Park on Aug. 24. Festivities included music, dancing, dog training, and games for kids and adults and food trucks. The park is designed to allow kids with and without disabilities to play together. A dog park is also planned for the area. Sponsors contributed to the creation of the park along with the Town of Monument. The park welcomes people of every age and ability. The playground is diverse and inclusive, and shares the benefits of play and exploration as vital community connections, creating unity and well-being in the community. The first of its kind in Monument, the park is loaded with fun areas that are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant, accessible for old and young alike, areas that include the pavilion, sidewalk, parking, and signs, with tables, benches, and security cameras. The park features playground equipment for exercise, sound, wheelchair accessible features such as the merry-go-round, and more. Sponsors contributed to the creation of the park along with the Town of Monument. The park is just west of Trinity Lutheran Church at 17750 Knollwood Dr., Monument. Photo by Janet Sellers.

Monu-Palooza, Sept. 1

Above: On Sept.1, sharks were dancing on stage and concert-goers on the lawn for the Matt Bloom Band during the eighth annual Monu-Palooza Music Festival. The daylong festival lineup also included Mojo Filter, Skin & Bones, Emily Hall, Ashtōnz, and WireWood Station. Charlie and Marissa Searle co-organized the festival held at Monument’s Limbach Park. Charlie Searle, also a band member of Ashtōnz, said the festival has become a “local institution” with the “lineup one of the best we have had, the sponsorship has been great, and support from friends and others have helped made this a terrific festival.” Marissa Searle said, “We are proud to bring this to the community each year. All the bands have local roots and all but one have played the festival multiple times.” Matt Bloom, whose band is from Palmer Lake, said, “This is the third time we have played the festival; it has great energy and a super cool crowd.” Photo by David Futey.

Academy Jazz Ensemble, Aug. 23

Above: On Aug. 23, the Academy Jazz Ensemble performed a show in conjunction with the Pikes Peak Library District. The show was held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Village on the Green, by the gazebo behind the Palmer Lake Library building. The Academy Jazz Ensemble is a professional big band whose mission is to explore and preserve the music of America’s original art form. Its members include the finest jazz musicians in the area, many of whom are public schoolteachers, including former and current Palmer Ridge High School Band Directors Butch Eversole and Sarah Romero. Attendees enjoyed great music, beautiful weather, and spectacular skies. For more information on the Academy Jazz Ensemble, see www.academyjazz.org. For more information on events at the Palmer Like Library, see www.ppld.org/palmer-lake-library. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Eagle Scout Project aids Trinity Park

Above: Matthew Grundel of Boy Scout Troop 9 in Monument earned his Eagle Scout badge by landscaping the entrance and loop drop-off area at Trinity Community Park in Monument. Not only did Matthew coordinate all the work but he completed all the fundraising. Assisted by many of Matthew’s fellow scouts, he planted native grasses and wildflowers that will add beauty and require minimal upkeep. Park Executive Director Tamara Schwarz thanked Grundel for his hard work. Pictured from left, Sam Yount, Braiden Sere, and Grundel work on the project. Photo by Corey Grundel.

WMMI Family Day, Aug. 24

Above: On Aug. 24, the Western Museum of Mining & Industry (WMMI) offered a variety of activities and exhibitors during Family Day: Farming & Ranching. The museum provided hayrides, gold panning, blacksmith exhibits, the operation of the Yellow Jacket Stamp Mill and other outdoor machinery, and tours of the Reynolds House. Attendees could also visit a variety of vendors including the Pikes Peak Beekeepers Association, Twig & Berry Dyes, Palmer Land Conservancy, Gingersnap Rescue Ranch and Dianne’s Dahlias, which offer dahlias grown on the museum property and sold at the museum’ s farmers market on Monday and Wednesday. A portion of the proceeds from the dahlia sales benefit the museum and its education mission. Information on tours and upcoming museum events is at wmmi.org. Photo by David Futey.

Murphey at TLCA, Aug. 31

Above: On Aug. 31, Michael Martin Murphey captivated a sold-out Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts (TLCA) audience for two hours, drawing upon his over 50 years of songwriting. He said this once-a-year solo tour acts as a “remembrance for my father and to basically remind me how I began.” He introduced each song with in-depth background on the song’s genesis and inspiration. The background stories included travels with his father through Rocky Mountain National Park as a youth, growing up in east Texas, living and recording in Los Angeles, Colorado and Nashville, supporting Native American voting rights, St. Francis of Assisi, and his friendships with Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings among others. The song list included Cosmic Cowboy, his first country hit What’s Forever For?, Geronimo’s Cadillac, Carolina in the Pines, Medicine Man, Boy From the Country, and Wildfire. Information on upcoming events at the TLCA is at www.trilakesarts.org. Photo by David Futey.

Other Snapshots of Our Community

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.

Sep. is Veterans suicide Awareness Month

The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that Veterans and their families and friends can access any day, anytime. Trained professionals—some of them Veterans themselves—are ready to listen, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Since launching in 2007, the Veterans Crisis Line has answered more than 1.25 million calls and made more than 39,000 lifesaving rescues. www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Black Forest Slash mulch program ending

Hurry! Slash can be brought to the Black Forest slash and mulch program and mulch picked up through Sun., Sep. 8. 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. Info: www.BFSlash.org.

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

Fox Run Regional Park closures

The Oak Meadows and Pine Meadows restrooms at Fox Run Regional Park are getting remodeled. Both restrooms will be closed through November to undergo renovations that will include the installation of ADA-compliant fixtures, sinks, and wastewater systems. Additionally, the parking lots and sidewalks will be upgraded to ensure full compliance with ADA standards. During construction, both restrooms and the sand volleyball court will be fenced off and closed. Portable restrooms will be available in both parking lots.

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!

D38 seeks volunteers

Lewis-Palmer School District 38 seeks volunteers now to help with summer gardening and painting projects at Palmer Lake Elementary and Palmer Ridge High School. Contact Kelly Bryant at kbryant@lewispalmer.org for more information.

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.

Looking for something fun to do?

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

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. Volunteers are needed for companionship, drivers, thrift store, food pantry and more. 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.

The Sunflower is for people with non-visible disabilities

Watch for green and yellow sunflower lanyards, bracelets, and ribbons, discreet ways to make the invisible visible. Wearing the Sunflower discreetly indicates to people around the wearer including staff, colleagues and health professionals that they need additional support, help or a little more time. However big or small, your help moves us closer to a society where people recognize that an offer of help, understanding and kindness can make a huge difference to the daily experiences that a Sunflower wearer has. For more information: www.flydenver.com/accessibility, www.hdsunflower.com/us/, and www.disabled-world.com/disability/types/invisible/.

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 Community Notices