Columns: Arts, Books, Gardening, History, Letters, Library, Snapshots, Weather etc.

Letters to Our Community – Jackie Burhans for D38 School Board (10/30/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Vote for Ginger Schaaf (10/30/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Manipulative vs. persuasive speech (10/30/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Support Jackie Burhans (10/30/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Endorsement for Ginger Schaaf—D38 School Board (10/30/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Ginger Schaaf endorsement (10/30/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Support Burhans for D38 School Board (10/30/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Schaaf for family values (10/30/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Vote for Ginger Schaaf (10/30/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Endorsement of Jackie Burhans (10/30/2025)
Letters to Our Community – D38 safety—a senior and grandfather’s perspective (10/30/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Ginger Schaaf: common sense candidate for D38 School Board (10/30/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Jackie Burhans is the experienced voice we need in D38 (10/30/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Support Ginger Schaaf for D38 School Board (10/30/2025)
Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Remembering to be thankful (10/30/2025)
November Library Events – Programs on crafts, end of life, care for caregivers (10/30/2025)
Palmer Lake Historical Society, Oct. 16 – Ancient days of Garden of the Gods explored (10/30/2025)
High Altitude Nature and Gardens – November tips, paper-bagging geraniums, compost poles (10/30/2025)
Art Matters – Art shapes our world—and shifts our gaze (10/30/2025)
Snapshots of Our Community (10/30/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Todd Brown for Ginger Schaaf (10/02/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Bullying in our community (10/02/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Jackie Burhans is great for D38! (10/02/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Kettner’s reply to Sellers (10/02/2025)
Letters to Our Community – A dedicated advocate for D38 Board of Education (10/02/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Endorsement for Ginger Schaaf—D38 School Board (10/02/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Endorsing Jackie Burhans (10/02/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Letter of endorsement for Jackie Burhans (10/02/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Vote for Jackie (10/02/2025)
Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Reading is still fundamental (10/02/2025)
October Library Events – Book clubs, escape room, scrap exchange (10/02/2025)
Palmer Lake Historical Society, Sept. 18 – Pioneers Museum: past and present (10/02/2025)
On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Annual Ride for Tim, Palmer Lake to Monument (10/01/2025)
High Altitude Nature and Gardens – Cornmeal in the garden; sweet potato leaf greens (10/01/2025)
Art Matters – October is Arts Month: Artober with Monumental Impact (10/01/2025)
Snapshots of Our Community (10/01/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Open Dirty Woman Park to everyone (09/04/2025)
Letters to Our Community – I’m running for D38 Board of Education (09/04/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Thanks to all for the big move (09/04/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Jackie for D38 (09/04/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Feral horses are not wildfire solutions (09/04/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Response from columnist Janet Sellers (09/04/2025)
Letters to Our Community – A proven advocate for our students, educators, and schools: Vote for Jackie! (09/04/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Monument Hill Kiwanis awards grant to Quilts of Valor (09/04/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Vote for D38 school board (09/04/2025)
Letters to Our Community – Ginger Schaaf for D38 school board (09/04/2025)
Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Get lost in a new book (09/03/2025)
September Library Events – Book clubs, Art for Older Adults, Palmer Lake concert (09/03/2025)
On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Ride for Tim scheduled for Sept. 13 (09/03/2025)
High Altitude Nature and Gardens (HANG) – Fall and the forest: creating soil beds and a blue spruce kitchen treat (09/03/2025)

Letters to Our Community – Jackie Burhans for D38 School Board

I am writing to share my enthusiastic support for D38 School Board candidate Jackie Burhans. Since we moved here seven years ago, Jackie has been a community resource for all things Lewis-Palmer School District through her Lewis-Palmer D38 Education Community Facebook group. There, she has live-blogged School Board meetings for at least the last five years, making sure all community members have easy access to School Board information. I am currently serving on a district committee with Jackie, and she is a positive voice for students and staff. In my many volunteer roles at LPES, LPMS, and now PRHS, I have appreciated the support Jackie gives to all events and fundraisers benefiting students and staff. Her student has long graduated, but she is still engaged and involved, contributing her time to D38 schools. We need a candidate who will work with all stakeholders in D38 to responsibly manage taxpayer funds and support all students and staff. Please join me in voting for Jackie Burhans for D38 School Board.

Corey Grundel

Our Community News welcomes letters to the editor on topics of general interest to readers in the Tri-Lakes area. See the Letter Guidelines. The information and opinions expressed in Letters to Our Community are the responsibility of the letter writers and should not be interpreted as the views of OCN even if the letter writer is an OCN volunteer. When there is more than one letter, the letters are arranged in alphabetical order based on the last name of the author.

Letters to Our Community – Vote for Ginger Schaaf

With the upcoming School Board elections on Nov. 4, and so many current concerns for parents’ rights, I’m inspired by the common-sense conservative candidacy of Ginger Schaaf.

Ginger is not only promoting academic excellence, but she understands that educational fads take time away from proficiency in the basics that parents desire for their students.

Ginger is an advocate for safe places for girls in lavatories, locker rooms, and athletics.

Ginger has a low tolerance for increasing our property taxes through mill levy overrides and prefers petitioning the Legislature to allocate proper funding for education. She also supports our local charter school, Monument Academy.

As the wife of a retired 20-year military serviceman, Ginger understands well the sacrifices required to keep America free. She understands the importance of reasserting students’ grasp of history, civics, and particularly love of country.

Ginger and her husband have two children in the district, making her particularly attentive to the D-38 district’s parental concerns.

If your family wants a school board member with traditional values and a concern for perpetuating American exceptionalism, please consider Ginger Schaaf for D-38 School Board member on Nov. 4.

Leslie Hanks

Letters to Our Community – Manipulative vs. persuasive speech

I am shocked and in awe of the lies and hatred being spread about a kind woman who has dedicated her personal time to supporting our school district and the future of every child in the D38 area.

I understand how fearful these lies feel. The tactics the people spreading this fear are using a type of speech called manipulative speech. Manipulative speech often creates a strong emotional reaction — guilt, fear, shame, or obligation — instead of giving you space to think clearly. Manipulators often frame choices as black and white to steer your decision. Manipulative speech leans heavily on emotional debts or moral pressure. If you question the manipulator, they deflect, blame others, or change the subject.

Pay attention to how these folks are reacting to questions about what they are spreading. The difference between persuasive and manipulative speech is easily detected. Persuasive speech is based on facts and logic, respects the listener’s autonomy, seeks a mutual benefit, and is transparent. Manipulative speech is based on distortion or deceit, undermines the listener’s autonomy, seeks personal or one-sided gain, and conceals the speaker’s true intent.

Remember, it is easier to dupe someone than it is to convince them they have been duped. This is not the kind of future I wish for our community or our county. Please do not believe the fear-mongering that has been going around about Jackie Burhans; she is the best-qualified candidate and the most dedicated to making sure public education is representative for all students. Vote for Jackie before Nov. 4!

Heather Jacobson

Letters to Our Community – Support Jackie Burhans

As a retired military member and longtime resident, I’ve always believed that each person in our community deserves to have their voice heard—especially our children. After meeting Jackie Burhans and learning more about her background as a dedicated community advocate and longstanding Monument resident, I am inspired to support her candidacy for the District 38 School Board.

What impressed me most about Jackie is her commitment to represent all voices in our schools, rather than prioritizing one group over another. Jackie understands that effective leadership means understanding the diverse needs of our students and working toward solutions that consider everyone—even if it’s impossible to satisfy each person completely every time. She recognizes that the School Board’s job isn’t about championing a single agenda, but rather about giving every child, regardless of background, a chance to be heard.

Unfortunately, some in our community are trying to make this election about LGBTQ rights alone. In reality, it’s about making sure all students’ needs and perspectives are recognized. Jackie’s record speaks volumes—she has supported kids from all backgrounds, including those in the LGBTQ+ community, and her work at Tri-Lakes Cares Food Bank has given her a unique understanding of the challenges local families face.

One board member cannot change the entire board, but one member can make sure every voice is considered. Jackie Burhans brings deep experience, compassion, and an open mind to this role. Our schools need leaders willing to listen, not just to those who agree with them but to everyone. We don’t have to think, live, or act alike—but we do need to give each other the respect of being heard. That’s why I am proud to support Jackie for School Board.

Kerri Kilgore

Letters to Our Community – Endorsement for Ginger Schaaf—D38 School Board

I have lived in Monument, Colo., for over three years and chose this community because of its strong schools and small-town feel—an ideal environment for raising my five children. As a 2005 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and current Air Force Reserves member, I value service, integrity, and the importance of quality education.

I am a firm supporter of parental rights and school choice. I’ve seen firsthand how school choice has positively impacted families—improving academic outcomes and providing peace of mind for unique medical or personal needs. I believe we must approach education with common sense and a family-first mindset.

That’s why I strongly support Ginger Schaaf for the District 38 School Board. Ginger exemplifies everything we need in a board member. As part of a military family, she brings a broad perspective from experiencing diverse school districts across the country. Her dedication to her family is evident and reflects the values that will keep our children at the forefront of decision-making.

Ginger’s professional background in management showcases her decisive leadership, excellent problem-solving skills, and work ethic. She is a person of deep integrity and strong character—someone who will serve our community with honesty and determination. She has a commonsense approach to ensure that our children will come first in board decisions. She fosters open communication and is always seeking ways to improve our community with an unparalleled work ethic.

I wholeheartedly recommend Ginger Schaaf for the D38 School Board and encourage you to vote for her.

Lt. Col. Jessa Liegl

Letters to Our Community – Ginger Schaaf endorsement

Tri-Lakes is a great place to live! We have wonderful neighbors, a sense of community, and terrific schools. We are all passionate about protecting our “small town” regardless of where you stand on the political spectrum. But whether people want to believe it, part of what makes this area so wonderful is our history of conservative values and voting. Ginger Schaaf, a dedicated conservative candidate running for the School Board, is an exceptional choice to represent our families and students and continue the legacy of D38 being a great place to live.

Ginger’s platform prioritizes the safety and well-being of our children, particularly through her advocacy for safe spaces for girls in our schools. Some will speculate that because she wants to protect our girls, this means she will discriminate against others. Ginger understands the importance of creating environments where all students feel secure and respected. Her commitment to protecting all students demonstrates her focus on fostering a positive and inclusive educational experience.

Ginger supports charter schools, keeping our taxes low, and parent involvement. She deeply cares about our teachers and will voraciously petition to get money from the state to support them. She comes from a family of service. As a military spouse, she’s traveled the world, where she has seen schools and districts, both good and bad, from which she draws invaluable firsthand experience. This knowledge will serve her well in D38, bringing new and fresh ideas to the table.

I urge the residents of Monument to support Ginger in the upcoming School Board election. Her vision, integrity, and dedication to our students and community make her the ideal candidate to help shape the future of our schools.

Melissa May

Letters to Our Community – Support Burhans for D38 School Board

It is with great confidence and enthusiasm that I endorse Jackie Burhans for a seat on the Board of Education in Lewis-Palmer School District 38.

Through community engagements and as a former member of the Lewis-Palmer School District staff, I have had the pleasure of serving alongside Jackie as she engaged as a volunteer in multiple capacities. Whether it be in focus groups, committees, or targeted community projects aimed at enhancing both our schools and the broader community, Jackie has consistently shown up with energy, insight, and a deep commitment to positive change.

Jackie approaches every engagement with active participation, thoughtfulness, and a genuine curiosity that invites dialogue and fosters progress. She brings a solution-focused mindset to every conversation, asking thoughtful and often challenging questions that reflect her desire to truly understand and serve all members of our school community.

One of Jackie’s greatest strengths is her ability to balance innovation with tradition, displaying a deep respect for the values of our community while also advocating for forward-thinking approaches that benefit students and educators alike. Her relational demeanor makes her a unifying and trusted presence in any group.

I have no doubt that Jackie will bring the same dedication, thoughtfulness, and integrity to her role as a Board of Education member. I wholeheartedly endorse her candidacy and believe she will be a tremendous advocate for students, families, educators, and the entire Lewis-Palmer School District community to carry forward the mission of “Every Student. Every Day.”

Jessica McAllister
Former director of D38 Innovative Programs

Letters to Our Community – Schaaf for family values

Candidates were asked what policy recommendations they would support at the September school board candidate forum on the question about gender and student inclusion, concerning the use of bathrooms and locker rooms and safety and fairness in sports. Ginger Schaaf said she didn’t believe the opposite sex belongs in her bathroom, and you should go to the bathroom/locker room based on your birth-assigned gender, and boys should not compete in girls’ sports because they are physiologically different.

Jackie Burhans said she wants to elevate all students and spoke about the district following legal regulations without, in my opinion, directly answering the question. (The video can be found at lewispalmer.org, under Board of Education resources and links for the video. The question was at about the 39:10 point.) Since I have a collegiate swimmer daughter, Schaaf’s response aligns more with my family’s values on safe spaces for girls.

The other important topic for me has to do with school choice. As a teacher at Monument Academy and a parent with kids who have done public, charter, alternative, and homeschool, Schaaf’s support for school choice also aligns with my family’s values. I know she supports MA as she attended two recent events there, and I have personally spoken to her. Other than attending MA as a reporter for this publication, I cannot recall a time over the last decade when Burhans has attended an event at our charter school.

Schaaf has two current D38 students, so I believe she will be invested in their education. I also think her business background will help guide the district’s financial decisions. These are my main reasons for supporting Ginger Schaaf for the D38 School Board.

Amy McKenzie

Letters to Our Community – Vote for Ginger Schaaf

As a mom of two D38 students who graduated in 2023, one was the valedictorian at Palmer Ridge that year, I want to voice my support for Ginger Schaaf running for the one contested seat for the District 38 Board of Education. I want to see this district continue to maintain excellence in education while focusing on content that makes a difference and not the many distractions we see across our nation. Ginger is the commonsense conservative choice. A fresh start. A new perspective. A political newbie. A smart, savvy, involved mother of two children currently in D38. She is a proponent of:

Keeping property taxes low by petitioning Denver for prioritization of educational funding instead of raising property taxes on our local residents with every need.
Protection of private spaces for girls and sports—Title IX and a Presidential Executive Order provide for this protection as well.
School choice to include support for Monument Academy.
Promotion of what is needed to maintain Accreditation with Distinction from the CDE.
Parent involvement in the education journey of their student(s).
Age-appropriate content in our school libraries.

I encourage you to vote yes for Ginger on or before 7 p.m. on Nov. 4, 2025. Mail-in or drop box voting only in our district. To all that is good…

Karen McVay

Letters to Our Community – Endorsement of Jackie Burhans

I wholeheartedly endorse Jackie Burhans for D38 School Board director, District 3. I lived in Monument for 17 years (2005-23). During that time, I relied on Jackie for accurate, fact-based information on the school district to guide my vote on ballot measures.

Jackie has been involved in District 38 for over 20 years as a parent, reporter, and concerned taxpayer, attending School Board meetings, taking notes, and doing the research to understand the issues deeply.

Jackie also works at Tri-Lakes Cares, helping our most vulnerable neighbors in the Tri-Lakes area. I have volunteered alongside Jackie, putting on caucuses and getting out the vote in Monument.

I know first-hand that Jackie consistently shows up and puts in the work. More importantly, Jackie has a true heart for community service and a passion for public education.

Amy Paschal

Colorado state representative, District 18

Letters to Our Community – D38 safety—a senior and grandfather’s perspective

Thanks to the volunteer construction engineers donating their time to draft design privacy-assured, safe mixed-gender bathrooms and showers.

I agree with their personal consensus that the best solution is no.

However, should mixed gender in sports and bathrooms be sadly supported or pursued, what would it cost to lessen student safety with mixed bathrooms?

Roughly $160-$200 per square foot per each bathroom or shower. I believe that is D38 cost prohibitive without a bond to finance remodel across PRHS, LPHS, LPMS, HSA & Transitions facilities, and the new CIC.

I believe student safety is the primary responsibility of D38, and Ginger Schaaf prioritizes student safety overall. She has my grandfather vote.

Gordon Reichal

Letters to Our Community – Ginger Schaaf: common sense candidate for D38 School Board

I am writing this letter in support of Ginger Schaaf, who is running for the D38 School Board. As a former military wife, teacher, and mother of two former students in D38, the entire reason we relocated to Monument was the excellent and outstanding reputation of D38. During that period nearly 20 years ago, Monument was a tight-knit community known for its small-town values, traditions, and family-friendly atmosphere—and although we have grown significantly since then, it is still the same and, in my opinion, still one of the best school districts in the state.

Ginger Schaaf is running as a conservative candidate for our school board. A former military wife, Ginger is an active and involved mother with two young children attending district schools, so she is extremely invested in School Board outcomes. She advocates for parental involvement in all levels of student education. She supports our outstanding and very successful local charter school: Monument Academy. She supports safe spaces for girls in bathrooms, locker rooms, and sports. She is against pornographic content in our school libraries. She has a conservative view of property tax increases, MLOs, and bonds, preferring to petition other funding resources that will not impact homeowners who have already seen their property taxes double and, in some cases, triple in our community. In essence, Ginger Schaaf represents the same traditional family values that Monument is known for. She is the most outstanding, common-sense candidate for D38, without question.

Vote for Ginger Schaaf for D38 School Board: the common sense candidate who will advocate for safety and excellence.

Dolly Rickerman

Letters to Our Community – Jackie Burhans is the experienced voice we need in D38

I wholeheartedly endorse Jackie Burhans for D38 School Board! She is the most qualified and knowledgeable candidate that I have seen run for our School Board in the 10 years my family has called Monument home.

I met Jackie not long after my family was stationed in Colorado in 2015. Shortly after moving here, I got involved with our district, volunteering in my children’s schools, coaching, and participating on several district-level committees. Jackie was also heavily involved with volunteering in D38, and I was immediately in awe of her selflessness and enthusiasm in giving her time to community endeavors.

Jackie has volunteered literally thousands of hours to the betterment of our community. She is a thoughtful listener and critical thinker, understanding the many issues facing our public education system—and D38, specifically. Her vast knowledge of where we’ve been, coupled with her understanding of the state and federal legislation that guides education policy, means she will step into Day 1 on the board with foundational knowledge and ready to contribute to tackling the most pressing issues in our district.

Jackie’s top priorities are valuing educators, maintaining the academic excellence D38 is known for, enhancing the multiple educational pathways D38 offers, and fostering continued community collaboration and transparency.

As one of five members of the board, Jackie will bring an informed and balanced voice to D38, where she will continue her 30-year legacy of commitment to our Tri-Lakes community.

Amy Shertzer

Letters to Our Community – Support Ginger Schaaf for D38 School Board

Seventy-nine percent of Americans agree: keeping biological males out of women’s sports, locker rooms, and restrooms is essential to protecting the safety and privacy of girls and women in educational settings.

Yet here in Colorado, progressive liberals in the Legislature—led by a bill written by a trans-identifying activist—have pushed a radical gender ideology agenda that undermines both parental rights and religious liberties.

In the D38 School Board race, the choice could not be clearer: progressive liberal Jackie Burhans or conservative leader Ginger Schaaf. For parents who care about protecting children, families, and educational integrity, the only real choice is Ginger Schaaf.

Ginger’s platform reflects common sense and community values—lower taxes, academic excellence, school safety, support for teachers, and healthy learning environments. She’s a mother with children in the district and the wife of a retired military officer. Her proven leadership has earned the endorsement of respected education champions, including current BOE members Todd Brown and Kris Norris, former BOE member Chris Taylor, CU Regent Frank McNulty, State Board of Education member Kristi Burton Brown, State Minority Leader Jarvis Caldwell, and former Senate President Bill Cadman.

Meanwhile, Jackie Burhans’ husband is a former Obama field organizer, part of a network of leftist community activists who have learned to blend in by volunteering for everything. They use friendliness and visibility to embed themselves in the community while quietly advancing a divisive political agenda. Now they’re working on every social media platform to smear Ginger Schaaf and mislead voters—the same old tactics of attack, divide, and manipulate I saw firsthand when I served in the Legislature.

Ginger Schaaf will restore sanity, accountability, and academic focus to District 38. Join me in standing up for our children’s future—vote for Ginger Schaaf for D38 School Board.

Amy Stephens
Former state House Majority Leader

Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Remembering to be thankful

Poems & Prayers
The Table Where Rich People Sit
Born Lucky
Strong Ground: The Lessons of Daring Leadership, the Tenacity of Paradox, and the Wisdom of the Human Spirit
My Beloved
History Matters
Love & Saffron; A Novel of Friendship, Food, and Love
Colorado Cache Cookbook

By the staff at Covered Treasures

“… Choosing courage, discipline, and kindness can feel impossible and increasingly vulnerable in a time when even empathy has been vilified. “—Brene Brown

Here are a few books that might help us get into the spirit of Thanksgiving.

Poems & Prayers

By Matthew McConaughey (Crown) $29

Some of the poems are funny, some are jagged, many are uncomfortably honest—that willingness by McConaughey to laugh at himself might be what gives Poems and Prayers its unexpected charm. He asks us to forget logic and certainty, to go beyond what we can imagine, and believe in the poetry of life.

The Table Where Rich People Sit

By Byrd Taylor (Aladdin Paperbacks) $7.99

When she examines her life, Mountain Girl realizes her parents need to earn more money. Her father explains that they are already millionaires. He helps his daughter count up the monetary value of seeing the sky all day, feeling the wind, and smelling the coming rain. Illustrated by three-time Caldecott Honoree Peter Parnall’s dramatic watercolors, this book, written for younger readers, is a good reminder about what really matters for all of us.

Born Lucky

By Leland Vittert (Harper Horizon), $29.99

Born Lucky offers hope to every parent and every child who is grappling with their own unique challenges, to be inspired to break labels, tear down the walls that society builds, and create a better future. An intimate look into their inspiring journey, Vittert lays bare his experiences of the crushing bullying during middle and high school, the sting of rejection continuing into college, and his ultimate transformation into an esteemed journalist. But above all, this book is a love letter from a grateful son who, despite his diagnosis, trusted his father and defied all odds.

Strong Ground: The Lessons of Daring Leadership, the Tenacity of Paradox, and the Wisdom of the Human Spirit

By Brene Brown (Blackstone Publishing) $26

A research professor at the University of Houston, Brown shares lessons from her own experiences along with wisdom from other thinkers. A vital playbook for everyone from senior leaders developing and executing complex strategies to Gen Z-ers entering and navigating turbulent work environments, Brown offers a broad assessment of the skill sets and mindsets we need moving forward, including the capacity for respectful and difficult conversations.

My Beloved

By Jan Karon (Putnam) $32

Bestselling author Jan Karon gives her fans what they want at this time: a new Mitford novel. When Father Tim’s wife, Cynthia, asks what he wants for Christmas, he pens the answer in a love letter that bares his most private feelings. Then the letter goes missing and circulates among his astonished neighbors. So much for privacy. Poignant, hilarious, and life-affirming, My Beloved sets a generous table for readers who love these characters like family.

History Matters

By David McCullough; Edited by Dorie McCullough Lawson and Michael Hill (Simon & Schuster) $27

In this small book of short, thought-provoking essays and speeches, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian David McCullough reminds us of the value of history, how we can be guided by its lessons, and the enduring legacy of American ideals. Written over the course of his long and distinguished career, each entry focuses on his lifelong passion: the importance of history in understanding our present and future.

Love & Saffron; A Novel of Friendship, Food, and Love

By Kim Fay (Putnam) $18

This slim book is a witty and tender novel following two women in 1960s-1980s America as they discover that food really does connect us all, and that friendship and laughter are the best medicine. Imogene, a food columnist living on Camano Island, Washington, receives a letter from Joan, who lives in Los Angeles, about one of her recent columns, thus beginning a 29-year friendship in letters.

Colorado Cache Cookbook

By Junior League of Denver (Imago) $19.95

Since its first printing in 1978, Colorado Cache has been a bestseller, with over a million copies sold. From the no-fail pie crust to the turkey and wild rice casserole and the pumpkin flan, it’s full of recipes that work at our altitude, for all occasions. It has saved many a newcomer from the frustration of overflowing pans of brownies, flattened cookies, and inedible bread. It has become a trusted source and a favorite in many Colorado kitchens.

Until next month, happy Thanksgiving and happy reading.

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

November Library Events – Programs on crafts, end of life, care for caregivers

By Harriet Halbig

The Monument and Palmer Lake libraries will host a variety of programs in November, including two specifically for adults involving end-of-life care and care for caregivers. Also featured will be book groups and craft programs for children and adults.

The First Friday Friends of PPLD [Pikes Peak Library District] Book Group will meet at the Monument library from 10:30 to 12:30 on Thu., Nov. 6 (date changed due to scheduling conflict). All are welcome to attend this group. The November book selection is any choice of an attendee. Pick a book you would like to discuss.

A craft program featuring autumn wreaths will be held on Sat., Nov. 8, from 11 to 12:30 at the Monument Library. This program, for patrons 18 years and older, will feature a fun and festive session to create unique and beautiful wreaths. All materials will be provided, and registration is required at ppld.org, events and happenings or call 719-488-2370.

Homeschool students are invited to a program on cave paintings from 2 to 3 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 14. Unleash your creativity while diving into the fascinating world of ancient cave paintings. Join us to discover the purposes and historical significance of ancient cave paintings. Create your own masterpiece inspired by prehistoric murals at Pech Merle cave in France. Ages 8 to 12 are invited.

Compassion and Choices is the nation’s oldest, largest, and most active nonprofit organization committed to improving care and expanding choices for planning end-of-life care. Join presenter Carol Folsom to learn more about advanced care planning, medical aid in dying, and the full breadth of end-of-life options. The program will be from 11 to noon on Thu., Nov. 20.

The Third Friday Friends of PPLD Book Group will meet at the Monument library on Fri., Nov. 21, from 10:30 to 12:30. This club, sponsored by the Tri-Lakes Friends of PPLD, is open to all. The November selection is The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson. All are welcome to attend.

Regularly occurring programs in Monument include:

Storytime each Tuesday (except Nov. 25) from 10:30 to 11 for children ages 3 to 7 and their parents or caregivers.
Paws to Read on Tuesdays (except Nov. 25). Practice reading aloud and improve fluency by reading a story to a volunteer Paws to Read therapy dog.
German Conversation Group on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 3:30. Enjoy a lively conversation with intermediate and advanced German speakers.
Socrates Café on Tuesdays from 1 to 3:30 is an adult discussion group addressing all kinds of subjects.
Toddler Time on Wednesdays (except Nov. 26) from 9:30 to 10 and from 10:30 to 11, offers songs, rhymes, stories, and fun for toddlers ages 1-2 and their parents or caregivers. Please note this program lasts 20 minutes. Space is limited.

The Palmer Lake Library will host a program offered by the Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging Retirement Series from 11 to noon on Wed., Nov. 5, to discuss caring for the caregivers in your life. The program will provide information, resources, and fellowship to explore the ways retirement can be challenging and enjoyable. Caregivers seldom ask for help. They are often lost in giving care to others and can neglect to take care of themselves. Friends are a lifeline and can learn ways to reach out and help during the holidays. Learn tips and techniques to take care if caregiving friends in your life. Registration is required at ppld.org., events and happenings, or call 719-531-6333 ext. 7007. This program is open to patrons 18 and older.

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

Palmer Lake Historical Society, Oct. 16 – Ancient days of Garden of the Gods explored

By Marlene Brown

The Palmer Lake Historical Society held its regular membership meeting Oct. 16 at the Palmer Lake Town Hall. The guest speaker was Toni Hamill, author of People of the Garden, Garden of the Gods. Hamill was a teacher at Lewis-Palmer High School in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. She graduated from Colorado Women’s College (CWC) with a BA in Liberal Arts and from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) with a Master of Arts degree in American Studies.

She participated in two archaeological field school projects in the Garden of the Gods, where her thesis subject was developed and researched.

**Above:** Guest speaker author Toni Hamill, People of the Garden, Garden of the Gods.

The Garden of the Gods now belongs to the City of Colorado Springs. It was donated by the Charles Perkins Family in 1909, with the stipulation that it would always be a free public park. This 1,364-acre park has always been home to a variety of people, animals, and plants. During prehistoric times millions of years ago, when the dramatic rock formations were formed, dinosaurs roamed the park. The Ute Indians have been told stories of hunting an elephant with a long nose and big tusks.

There is evidence of seasonal encampments dating back to 1330 B.C. Carbon-dating of some bone and stone tools dates to 250 B.C. The people were hunters and gatherers, and the weather was similar to our weather here in Colorado today. Through oral traditions, the Ute Indians speak of a Garden of the Gods connection and have been told stories. Ethnographic accounts indicate evidence along the Front Range by groups such as Ute, Shoshone, Arapahoe, Comanche, Cheyenne, Apache, and Pawnee.

With people moving into the area in the 1800s, the tribes were pushed into the mountains. Eventually, with the Gold Rush, the settlers came to live in Colorado Springs and surrounding areas, and by 1865 later relocated to reservations.

People of the Garden has many stories about the life of the Native Americans and the early days of Colorado Springs. There are many photos of the buildings and the people who occupied them. Tourists come every year only to be in awe of the rock formations and the natural landscape.

**********

PLHS meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month at 7-8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) at the Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent St. Free and open to the public. For more info regarding memberships and future programs, visit palmerdividehistory.org.

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

High Altitude Nature and Gardens – November tips, paper-bagging geraniums, compost poles

Before the ground freezes
Think ahead for effective microorganisms next year

By Janet Sellers

I’m looking to have less grass to mow next year. By covering grassy weeds now with newspaper layers or cardboard, then pine needles, then rocks to hold it all down, those layers should become soil by spring, and be ready to plant low-growing cover plants and pollinator-friendly flowers.

For composting all year, gardeners create a “compost pole” using a bundle of sticks, stalks of sunflowers or corn in the center and a mesh tube made of stainless steel or wire, or chunky woodchips placed in the pile to create natural air pockets. Some use a 4-inch tube, drill holes all over, and center it in a trash can. Layer paper scraps, kitchen scraps, pine needles, and leaves, etc., all season into the can around the compost pole, always replacing the lid. No turning is needed; air enters from the tube area.

Before the ground freezes

Now, we’ll take our geraniums, tap off the potting soil, place the plants upside down in a paper bag, clip shut, and overwinter in a cool place like downstairs or the garage. Or, let’s prepare a Hügelkultur bed or compost pole for next year’s garden. Here’s how:

Dig a hole and set the soil aside. Pile a third of the hole with aged or new branches, logs and thick sticks on top of one another. Water in this layer well. (Scrub oak and pine branches will age over the winter).
Layer weed-free grass clippings, manure, or compost with layers of shredded paper, brown leaves, grass clippings, cardboard, etc. Tuck in these layers; air pockets will lead to dry conditions and slower decomposition. Water in well.
For the top, add cured compost (alpaca is great) or healthy garden soil. It’s important that it is at least as deep as the wood base if filling a raised bed. Then top off with the saved soil from the digging.
Over time, your Hügelkultur bed will naturally hold a lot of moisture, but in the first year of use it’s important to keep it moist (not saturated) in the growing season to help the organic matter decompose.
Seed directly into the top layer and cover with pine straw.
Hügelkultur beds will only get better over time, as the wood provides a slow release of nutrients.

Think ahead for effective microorganisms next year

Effective microorganisms, EM, are a superpower for the garden growing season. They can be grown from inoculants easily from a mother culture. It’s a liquid combination of yeasts, actinomycetes, and two kinds of bacteria, photosynthetic and lactic, which promote plant health and growth and improve nutrient absorption and soil fertility. I’ve found it online, but some local places may have it.

Janet Sellers is an avid “lazy gardener,” letting Mother Nature lead the way for easy gardening in the Tri-Lakes high altitude nature and gardening climate. Send tips to JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Art Matters – Art shapes our world—and shifts our gaze

Does art have power?
How we can use art skills for problem-solving

By Janet Sellers

“Art has no rules; it is self-expressive and creative. In this way, the artwork gives a voice to those who create it. Whether designing in a traditional sense or working with alternative materials, art can be viewed as a representation of self and storyteller for places yet to be discovered.”—Rob Talley, ArtBusinessNews.com

Art can tell us about history, people, and their time. People have put their thoughts, dreams, myths, hopes, and histories in art for over 60,000 years with no words needed. The oldest known art is over 60,000 years old, created by Neanderthals. For example, painted seashells from Cueva de los Aviones in Spain have been dated to at least 115,000 years old, and cave paintings in three Spanish caves are more than 65,000 years old.

Our visual literacy and its visual impact affect our past, present, and future. We are bombarded daily by visually powerful imagery, an art form that is mostly commodified for various gains. Communication affects each of us and our conglomerate as a society, country, and world. The ubiquitous cell phone society of today reaches all lands and peoples, with the advantages and threats to go along with that reach. Even without seeing things, sounds and effects of art come into our ideas and imaginations, which can shape our actions.

Does art have power?

Does art have a deeper purpose than decoration or artifice or artifact? Ultimately, art’s ability to facilitate collective empowerment makes it a powerful tool for creating radical transformation. Art has the power to evoke emotion, open dialogue, and challenge paradigms. It can be used to inspire action, call attention to injustice, and bring visibility to issues that would otherwise remain unseen.

The impact of art on our world is undeniable; it illuminates culture and history, facilitates understanding between societies with different values, and encourages participation in social movements. When art is used as a form of activism, it can help drive change in deeply significant ways—from building solidarity among varied groups of people to giving voice to those who are systematically silenced by oppressive systems.

How we can use art skills for problem-solving

Problem-solving by doodles is an old technique. What is a doodle? It’s an absentminded scribble, and it can have powerful outcomes. Doodling helps the brain by enhancing focus, memory, and creativity, and by reducing stress. It acts as a low-level mental distraction that keeps the brain from wandering, improving concentration on a primary task like a lecture or meeting. This activity can calm the amygdala, the brain’s fear center, and the repetitive motion can induce a meditative state, absentmindedly.

Sometimes we are stuck for a solution to a problem, and creative action can help solve that. How? We can take a piece of paper and draw black lines into quarters, then in the first section, just “doodle” for 5 minutes. Then make a doodle on the second quadrant and connect those two doodles for 5 minutes. The technique includes incubating that for 5 minutes by doing something else, such as taking a walk, listening to music, or anything else, but don’t think of the problem. Often, with just these steps, solutions come to mind. Even so, there is still more room for pleasantly doodling into solutions, as it frees up cognitive resources.

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.

Snapshots of Our Community

Tri-Lakes Women’s Club supports Sue’s Gift, Sept. 21
D38 Candidates Forum, Sept. 29
Empty Bowls Fundraiser, Oct. 1
PLPD Honor Guard, Oct. 4
100+ Women Who Care, Oct. 15
Trunk or Treat, Oct. 24
Annual Pumpkin Giveaway, Oct. 25
Bench in Monument Preserve
WMMI Pumpkin Patch, Oct. 25
Feed the Troll

Tri-Lakes Women’s Club supports Sue’s Gift, Sept. 21

**Above:** Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) members recently stepped up to further their support of local nonprofit Sue’s Gift by running, walking, and volunteering at the 17th annual Be Ovary Aware Walk/Run on Sept. 21 at America the Beautiful Park in Colorado Springs. A team of 21 TLWC members ran and walked together to show their support of those affected by gynecological cancer, including the group’s immediate past Co-President Anne Campbell. Nine of the club’s members also arrived before dawn to assist with registration. The group raised more than $1,500 to help provide comfort, resources, and hope to individuals dealing with a gynecologic cancer diagnosis. Earlier this year, TLWC supported Sue’s Gift with a grant that was used in their financial assistance program. It provided funds for six patients currently in treatment. Photo by Maureen Morgan.

D38 Candidates Forum, Sept. 29

**Above:** More than 60 people heard the three candidates for two seats on the D38 school board answer questions ranging from teacher salaries to gender inclusion at a forum held at Big Red on Sept. 29. Jackie Burhans and Ginger Schaaf are the candidates from District 3. Tim Bennett is the candidate from District 1. On the question about gender inclusion, Burhans said every parent wants their child to feel welcome in school. She pointed out that the board has already ensured that “all student athletes feel safe and have a safe environment.” Schaaf said, “You should go into the bathroom and the locker room based on the gender that you were assigned at birth.” She added that she believes “boys shouldn’t compete in girls’ athletics.” Bennett agreed that boys and girls sports should remain separate, and he suggested the bathroom issue could be solved by having single-user restrooms. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Empty Bowls Fundraiser, Oct. 1

PLPD Honor Guard, Oct. 4

**Above:** The Palmer Lake Police Department Honor Guard presented the colors at the annual Legacy Race supporting Breast Cancer Awareness on Oct. 4 at the Norris Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs. From left are members of the Palmer Lake Police Department Honor Guard, Officer Stafon Stevens, Officer James Bentley, and Officer Bobby Perry. Photo by Erica Burt.

100+ Women Who Care, Oct. 15

**Above:** On Oct. 15, 100+ Women Who Care Tri-Lakes gathered at The Woodmoor Barn to select a local nonprofit for its semiannual donation. Members, who each contribute $100 twice a year, listened to three-minute presentations from the D38 Foundation, Monument Warriors, and the Pikes Peak Library District. The group chose the D38 Foundation as its October 2025 recipient. The foundation supports continuing education for educators and funds innovative student learning initiatives. Learn more at www.d38foundation.org. Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC), the April 2025 recipient, provided refreshments and shared how its funding helped stock a donated five-door freezer. The freezer allows TLC to purchase bulk food at lower costs and store donated holiday turkeys and hams. Visit www.tri-lakescares.org for details. The next voting meeting will take place April 15, 2026. For more information, visit 100womenwhocaretrilakes.com. From left: D38 Superintendent Amber Whetstine; D38 Foundation leaders Holly Rollins and Kelly Bane; art teacher Dianna Harris; reading interventionist Hannah Dykes; D38 Board President Tiffiney Upchurch; and D38 Foundation Executive Director Stephanie Palzkill. Photo courtesy of 100+ Women Who Care Tri-Lakes.

Trunk or Treat, Oct. 24

**Above:** The trunks were decked out in eerie decorations, and the air was filled with the rustle of leaves and whispered laughter on Oct. 24. Little ghosts and goblins wandered from car to car at St. Peter Catholic Church’s Annual Trunk or Treat, collecting treats in their bags as shadows danced under the moonlight. With more than 75 kids and adults in attendance, all collecting treats, it was a night full of spooky surprises and sweet memories that lingered long after the last candy was claimed. Photo by Erica Burt.

Annual Pumpkin Giveaway, Oct. 25

**Above:** Local 4319 firefighters with Dianna Goodfellow (second from right) and family members gather after setting up the Eighth Annual Monument Local 4319 Pumpkin Giveaway at the Monument Market Place Clocktower, on Oct. 25. Goodfellow of Mutual Security Mortgage Ltd., an Erie resident, organizes and purchases the pumpkins for the free annual event, with financial assistance for the transportation, entertainment, bounce house, and candy provided by the Local 4319. A few firefighters and their families make a 200-mile round trip to Cooksey Family Farms in Roggen to gather and deliver 800 pumpkins to the Clocktower steps. With the help of about 30 Local 4319 members, the pumpkins were positioned for attendees to begin selecting a free pumpkin and vote for their favorite carved/decorated pumpkin in the Fifth Annual Monument Fire District firefighter pumpkin decorating competition. The event was complete with a L4319 Bounce Fire House, free candy, and fire truck tours. Music was provided by country singer Colton James, and DonutNV treats were available to purchase. About 679 pounds in food donations were collected for the Tri-Lakes Cares food pantry. Caption by Natalie Barszcz. Photo provided by Dianna Goodfellow.

Bench in Monument Preserve

**Above:** A memorial bench has been installed near the pond in the Monument Preserve in memory of Lt. Col. Anne Campbell. Campbell graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1983, earned a master’s degree from the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy at Tufts University and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Colorado, Boulder. After retiring from the Air Force, she began a career as a tutor for students with dyslexia and other reading disabilities. She was also an avid hiker and outdoorsperson. The photo, taken on Oct. 21, shows Mount Herman to the west and the Gambel oak colors. Photo by Steve Pate.

WMMI Pumpkin Patch, Oct. 25

**Above:** On Oct. 25 and every Saturday in October, there were family-oriented activities at the Western Museum of Mining & Industry (WMMI) Miners’ Pumpkin Patch. Visitors could take a tractor-pulled hayride, with the option of an ATV-pulled barrel ride for younger visitors. Besides the rides, visitors played a variety of lawn games including corn hole, attended a magic show presented by the Rocky Mountain Magic Academy, tried their hand at gold panning provided by the Gold Prospectors of Colorado, had the option to drive a soap box derby car provided by the Pikes Peak Soap Box Derby, and a choice of options from food vendors. Visitors could pick out their own pumpkin from the patch. WMMI Executive Director Grant Dewey said, “Great weather and terrific support by the community make this a tremendous event.” **Pictured:** Harrison Roberts of Colorado Springs picked out three pumpkins from the WMMI Miners’ Pumpkin Patch. Photo by David Futey.

Feed the Troll

Letters to Our Community – Todd Brown for Ginger Schaaf

My name is Todd Brown, and I am a current D38 board member. While I can speak only for myself and not the board in any way, I will say that I feel my time on the board has been incredibly productive and rewarding, in large part because of the strong partnership and value alignment between the board, the D38 administrative team, and the community.

I am writing to express my support for Ginger Schaaf in the upcoming election for District 3 of the Board of Education. I first met Ginger when their family joined the same Scout troop as my boys, and I quickly saw how eager they all were to get involved. Since moving here, Ginger and her family have consistently shown a genuine commitment to our community. They chose D38 as the place to raise their children with intention and love for what makes this district so special, and now they are choosing to deepen that commitment with Ginger serving on the School Board.

From my conversations with Ginger and from observing her character, I believe she will be an excellent addition to our team. Ginger shares the values that guide the current Board and administration, and I am confident she will work collaboratively to keep our positive momentum. Internal conflict would only distract from progress, and I know Ginger will be the kind of leader who focuses on what truly matters—with no other agenda—doing what’s best for our kids, ensuring a safe and supportive atmosphere that provides for the best possible outcomes for them, and being wise stewards of our taxpayer resources.

For all these reasons, I wholeheartedly support Ginger Schaaf for the D38 School Board seat, and I encourage you to do the same.
Todd Brown

Our Community News welcomes letters to the editor on topics of general interest to readers in the Tri-Lakes area. Guidelines for letters are found here. The information and opinions expressed in Letters to Our Community are the responsibility of the letter writers and should not be interpreted as the views of OCN even if the letter writer is an OCN volunteer. When there is more than one letter, the letters are arranged in alphabetical order based on the last name of the author.

Letters to Our Community – Bullying in our community

D38 School Board Priority 1 is to ensure safe and healthy schools where students feel secure and supported in their learning and growth. Safety is a top priority for both parents and the district. The board policy on bullying prevention and education can be found at: https://tinyurl.com/d38-policy-JICDE. It defines bullying as a form of intimidation that includes spreading false information.

Bullying is not just physical; it can be verbal, in person, or online. There is an increase in cyberbullying on social media. It’s not just kids who are dealing with this but adults as well. We need to remember, kids see how we behave and what we tolerate. What are we teaching as a community?

I have experienced bullying as a kid and still see it as an adult. To make sure my son knew how to stand up to bullying, I enrolled him in martial arts at the age of 3. He built confidence, self-defense skills, respect, and discipline. Once he was old enough to have online access, I leveraged school and community resources to teach him about being cautious about sharing personal information online and to use critical thinking about how to spot falsehoods, conspiracy theories, and cyberbullying.

We set and periodically review our security settings on social media to a level of privacy that is right for our family. As an IT professional, I recommend good cybersecurity practices.

Whenever I see bullying, I choose to stand up, not stand by. I speak out at board meetings, online, and in person. I stand between bullies and their victims. As a School Board or community member, I will always stand up. I hope that more community members will join me.

Here are some good resources for kids and adults: https://www.safewise.com/resources/internet-safety-kids/

Jackie Burhans

D38 School Board candidate

Letters to Our Community – Jackie Burhans is great for D38!

As the D38 School Board election draws near, I would like to share with the community why I support Jackie Burhans as the obvious choice to represent our wonderful school district. I met Jackie almost 20 years ago at a forum to educate the community about the challenges Colorado school districts face. Her comprehensive understanding of the complex funding formula and the many challenges facing Colorado schools was and is unmatched.

Since that time, I have seen Jackie in action in our local school district. Not only was she an active parent in her child’s schools, serving on school-based oversight committees and helping whenever necessary, she also took her knowledge to the district level, serving on many committees and as a key communicator in our community. Her long-term commitment to education and grasp of the important issues at the school and district level are exceptional.

I had the opportunity to serve on some of these committees with Jackie and was always impressed by her professionalism, even-handed approach, and thoughtful consideration of issues and potential solutions. Her support for students, teachers, and staff was undeniable. Later I had the opportunity to hire Jackie at Tri-Lakes Cares and saw that same professionalism and passion carrying through to her work with our community.

Public education is a foundational cornerstone of our American exceptionalism. We are all better when we have an educated public. Jackie recognizes the importance of a great school district to benefit our students, impact the value of our homes, and attract and retain vibrant community members and businesses. I challenge other candidates to demonstrate the same long-term, passionate volunteer commitment to our schools and community. Vote for Jackie! She will represent D38 with knowledge, thoughtfulness, and integrity.

Julie Keim

Letters to Our Community – Kettner’s reply to Sellers

Regarding Ms. Sellers’ response to my letter, she states, ”Modern wild horses fill that old ecological niche,” but neglects to point out that the horses that roamed North America 10,000 years ago competed with other large herbivores and had to avoid large predators.

“In addition to horses, the Miocene mammal faunas of North America were dominated by rhinos, such as Teleoceras, a large variety of camels, extinct relatives of elephants called gomphotheres, ‘bone-crushing’ borophagine dogs, and cat-like saber-toothed predators known as nimravids.”
—American Museum of Natural History. Miocene Mammals

Modern mountain lions will prey on horses where their habitats overlap, but horse populations have so far not been controlled sufficiently by natural predation.

“…wild horse population growing 18 percent annually, any forage on additional acreage would be quickly consumed.”—PERC. You Can’t Drag Them Away

Another statement in the rebuttal is that a single horse eats about 5.5 tons of forage per year. I can agree with this number, but the idea that this amount of forage, not to mention the 5-15 gallons of water per day, can be consumed by horses (70,000-plus horses on Bureau of Land Management lands alone—i.e., public land owned by all of us) without impacting native animal (elk, deer, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, etc.) populations seems implausible, at best.

I do not purport to be a wildlife expert, but the experts have been discussing this topic for decades, and the consensus is that there are too many horses on our public land and their populations and range must be controlled (i.e., reduced), not expanded, if we want to have healthy populations of highly desirable native animals.

”One theme that was repeated over and over again was the sense of urgency and responsibility … If the current management policies continue, the impacts to fragile western rangelands, wild horses and burros, wildlife and their habitats, and humans will intensify, resulting in irreversible consequences.”—Terry Messmer, TWS member and director of the Berryman Institute at Utah State University The Wildlife Society

Nathan Kettner

Letters to Our Community – A dedicated advocate for D38 Board of Education

I am proud to endorse Jackie Burhans for the D38 Board of Education. Her unparalleled involvement in public education spans decades at every level, showcasing her unwavering commitment. Jackie stands out due to her extensive volunteer work and her dedication to communicating with the community about D38 issues, values, and solutions. Her ability to integrate her corporate experience with her reporting duties at OCN while maintaining a passion for public education is exceptional. I strongly urge you to consider Jackie Burhans for the D38 Board of Education on Nov. 4 as an informed, engaged, exceedingly qualified, and competent candidate.

Laura Kronick

Letters to Our Community – Endorsement for Ginger Schaaf—D38 School Board

As vice president of the Lewis-Palmer School District 38 Board of Education, I am proud to endorse Ginger Schaaf for the D38 School Board. While I haven’t worked directly alongside her, I’ve had meaningful conversations with Ginger and know the people who have encouraged her to step forward and run. Their respect for her character, combined with what I’ve seen in her passion and priorities, give me full assurance that she is the right person to serve our district. Ginger’s first priority is always our kids, and she is running to make sure students come first in every decision the board makes. She brings both emotional intelligence and strong problem-solving skills, which allow her to listen, collaborate, and guide discussions in a constructive way. Her background in management gives her a thoughtful, analytical approach, while her work ethic and motivation drive her to constantly look for ways to improve. She is inspirational, steady, and committed, and I know she will continue to serve our students and community with integrity. I fully support Ginger Schaaf for the D38 School Board and encourage our community to join me in casting a vote for her. This endorsement is a personal opinion and does not reflect the opinion of the board or D38.

Kris Norris

Letters to Our Community – Endorsing Jackie Burhans

As a 20-plus year educator and longtime District 38 community member, I am confident in endorsing Jackie Burhans for the D38 Board of Education.

Jackie brings unparalleled preparation for this role. For more than a decade, she has closely followed board activity, attending meetings across the tenure of four superintendents and reporting faithfully on the district’s challenges and progress. She has also served on numerous committees and participated at the state level, gaining a firm understanding of education policy, budgeting, and governance. Jackie has thus developed a tremendous grasp on the history and trajectory of our local educational system. She has developed deep depth and robust breadth of insight into how our district operates.

I have known Jackie since 2017. We met at a D38 Deliberates event, bringing community members from all aspects of our area together to collectively advise the Board of Education. Jackie immediately struck me as an active listener and thoughtful contributor, with practical ideas that took the concerns of others into account.

During my later tenure on the Board of Education, she often commented publicly on the positive aspects of what she observed and offered her perspective regarding pathways for improvement. During those comments, and in all my personal interactions with her, she has remained respectful, willing to engage, and added important perspectives that, again, carefully considered the needs of all students.

Most recently, I continued to interact with Jackie as she participated on the Arts Education Task Force. She was instrumental in advancing that task force into a standing committee. She demonstrated her continued commitment to supporting the district while celebrating students’ many achievements.

D38 benefits with dedicated and knowledgeable board members. Jackie is a collaborative leader with the policy acumen needed to be exceptionally effective!

Theresa Phillips

D38 Board of Education, 2018-23

Letters to Our Community – Letter of endorsement for Jackie Burhans

As a former member of the Lewis-Palmer School District 38 Board, I had the privilege of seeing firsthand the kind of leadership, integrity, and commitment it takes to serve our students, teachers, families, and community well. It is from that experience that I am proud to endorse Jackie Burhans for our School Board.

Jackie brings exactly what our schools need right now: a clear vision for student success, a steady hand for decision-making, and a genuine dedication to listening to parents, teachers, and students. She understands that strong schools are the foundation of a strong community.

I’ve watched Jackie engage with complex issues thoughtfully, ask the right questions, and keep the focus on what matters most: helping every student thrive. She also brings the kind of collaborative spirit that makes a school board effective: willing to lead when needed, but also eager to listen and build consensus.

Serving on a school board is not easy work. It requires long hours, tough decisions, and a commitment to doing the right thing even when it isn’t the easy thing. I am confident Jackie will serve with integrity and courage.

For these reasons, I wholeheartedly support Jackie Burhans for the Lewis-Palmer School Board and encourage you to join me in casting your vote for her.

Robb Pike

LPHS Class of ‘93 and member of the board from 2008 to 2015

Letters to Our Community – Vote for Jackie

I have run the District 38 Chess Tournament for the last 18 years. After each tournament, we have taken the winners to a school board meeting so that they could be recognized for their achievements by the members of the school board. At those meetings, I have learned that the most effective school board members are those who have extensive and lengthy ties to our community and our schools and are not there simply because they need something to do.

Jackie Burhans has been in our community for two decades. She has been at every school board meeting that I have ever attended. That includes meetings with the Monument Academy school board. She understands what is going on with our schools and will not have to learn on the job.

Jackie is intelligent and compassionate and will do what is best for our children. She should be elected to the school board.

Steve Waldmann

Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Reading is still fundamental

Science Factopia (8-12)
(Be Smart About) Screen Time (6-10)
Because of Winn-Dixie (8-12)
A Wolf Called Wander (8-12)
The Secret Explorers Series (7+)
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (8-12)
World War II Close Up; They Saved the Stallions (8+)
I Am Rebel (9-12)
Money Skills for Teens; Everything a Teenager Should Know about Personal Finance (13-18)

By the staff at Covered Treasures

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”—The Cat in the Hat, by Dr. Seuss

Theodore Geisel wrote it in a way we all remember, condensing the 12 or more positive reasons why we should all read into an easily chanted rhyme: Reading improves vocabulary and language skills; reading enhances critical thinking and comprehension; reading increases imagination and creativity; reading supports academic success.

Here are a few books for the young readers in your life.

Science Factopia (8-12)

By Rose Davidson (Britannica Books) $14.99

The sixth book in the bestselling Factopia series, this is an enthralling and hilarious journey through the worlds of space, animals, engineering, numbers, machines, and more in 400 connected facts! Did you know the average human has about 10,000 taste buds? Old taste buds are replaced with new buds about every two weeks.

(Be Smart About) Screen Time (6-10)

By Rachel Brian (Hachette Book Group) $15.99

This comic-style book is a fun, accessible, kid-friendly guide to safe, healthy, and productive screen time. It offers ways to start conversations and set boundaries around social media use and would be a good gift for a child getting their first phone.

Because of Winn-Dixie (8-12)

By Kate DiCamillo (Candlewick Press) $8.99

Making friends in a new town is never easy. This story of a preacher’s daughter named Opal, whose life is transformed by a scruffy dog named Winn-Dixie, is timeless, and is a Newberry Honor Book.

A Wolf Called Wander (8-12)

By Rosanne Parry (Greenwillow Books) $9.99

This book is based on the true story of a wolf named OR-7, often called “Journey.” He’s a wild wolf that traveled 1,000 miles across the Pacific Northwest, through dense forests, barren wilderness, and across flowing water. The trip is dangerous and full of peril. Will he survive—and will he find a place to call home?

The Secret Explorers Series (7+)

By SJ King (Natgeo Under the Stars) $6.99

This series of 13 adventure books features a diverse team of young experts who embark on exciting missions around the world. These books cleverly blend thrilling narratives with fascinating facts, sparking children’s curiosity about science, history, and the natural world as the team visits such places all over the world, space, and under the ocean. The series combines fast-paced storytelling with educational content, helpful diagrams, quizzes, and glossaries, making these books ideal for both classroom use and home reading.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (8-12)

By Grace Lin (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) $12.99

In this Newbery Honor book, a fantasy with elements of The Wizard of Oz and Chinese folklore, a young girl named Minli embarks on an epic journey to find the mythical Old Man of the Moon.

World War II Close Up; They Saved the Stallions (8+)

By Deborah Hopkinson (Scholastic) $9.99

This is the thrilling true story of the desperate fight to save the world-famous Spanish Riding School in Vienna and its beloved Lipizzaner horses. In the closing months of World War II, American bombs rained down on Nazi Germany and its territories, including Austria. This book brings to life the exhilarating story of Operation Cowboy and the miraculous survival of the Spanish Riding School.

I Am Rebel (9-12)

By Ross Montgomery (Candlewick Press) $13.99

Rebel is a good dog. He loves his life on the farm with his owner, Tom, until one day, when the war comes too close. Tom is determined to join the rebellion to defeat the king’s men, but Rebel knows that war is dangerous, and he will stop at nothing to save his beloved human. How can he bring Tom home before it’s too late? A heartwarming adventure told from a dog’s perspective as he travels across a pseudo-Civil War Britain.

Money Skills for Teens; Everything a Teenager Should Know about Personal Finance (13-18)

By Ferne Bowe (Bemberton Ltd.)

This book is an indispensable guide to mastering personal finance. It demystifies the world of money with clear, practical advice and real-life examples that resonate with young readers. It covers budgeting, saving for emergencies, investing, using credit responsibly, avoiding debt, and building a solid financial foundation

Until next month, happy reading!

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

October Library Events – Book clubs, escape room, scrap exchange

By Harriet Halbig

Several special programs will come to the library during October. These include a time-travel- themed escape room for teens, a nature wand program for tweens, and a scrap exchange sponsored by Who Gives a SCRAP.

The Chronoshift Reality Rewritten escape room for teens ages 13 to 18 will be from 4 to 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10. A simple joke gone wrong—an AI-generated post meant for laughs—spirals into a real-life disaster, derailing your friend’s hopes to be elected to the Student Council. Your mission? Travel back in time, change the flow of information, and fix the mistake. Can you undo the damage and repair your friendship? You’ll need to track down the AI-generated materials before they cause mayhem for your friends! It’s created by Loki’s Loop, a project of the University of Washington Center for an Informed Public. Registration is required at 719-488-2370.

The Third Friday Friends of Pikes Peak Library District Book Club will meet from 10:30 to 12:30 on Friday, Oct. 17. This book club is sponsored by the Tri-Lakes Friends of the Library. The October selection is Fuzz, by Mary Roach, an All Pikes Peak Reads title for 2025. All are welcome to attend.

Also on Oct. 17, from 4:30 to 5:30, there will be a Nature Wands program for tweens ages 9 to 12. Turn nature into art by designing a handcrafted nature wand. Young artists will weave, wrap, and create their project using a variety of natural and man-made materials.

In collaboration with Who Gives a SCRAP Creative Reuse Center, the library will host a Scrap Exchange from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18. Bring in your new, clean/gently used and unwanted craft materials and exchange them for “tickets” to purchase/exchange them for new-to-you craft supplies. The library will also have a fun up-cycling craft going on, so you can take your time and check for new inventory. Please refrain from bringing items that can be recycled (plastic food containers), bedding, and building waste. No registration is required.

Come to the library on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 11 to 12:30 for Make a Wish, Make a Plan: Goal Setting by the Moon. This is not just another goal-setting class. In this beginner-friendly astrology workshop, you will learn how to work with the lunar cycle using your birth chart. Discover the difference between new moons and full moons, how to set clear intentions during each phase, and how the moon’s sign and house in your chart influence your personal goals. Perfect for beginners and astro-curious folks looking to add a little magic and structure to their self-growth routines. This event is offered as part of the All Pikes Peak Reads program

Regularly occurring programs continue through October. These include:

Toddler Time on Wednesdays from 9:30 to 10 and 10:30 to 11 for toddlers ages 1-2 and their parents or caregivers.
Storytime on Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11 for children ages 3 to 7 and their parents or caregivers.
German Conversation Group on Mondays from 1:30 to 3:30 for intermediate and advanced German speakers.
Socrates Café on Tuesdays from 1 to 3. This is an adult discussion group which addresses many subjects. All are welcome.
Paws to Read on Tuesdays from 4 to 5 offers the chance to increase fluency by reading aloud to a volunteer Paws to Read Therapy dog. This program is designed for readers ages 3 to 12.

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

Palmer Lake Historical Society, Sept. 18 – Pioneers Museum: past and present

By Marlene Brown

On Sept. 18, the Palmer Lake Historical Society (PLHS) held its regular membership meeting at the Palmer Lake Town Hall. Diane Kokes, vice president of PLHS, introduced Leah Davis Witherow, executive director of the Pioneers Museum in Colorado Springs. Witherow presented What’s New and Old at the Pioneers Museum.

Many people who have lived in El Paso County don’t realize that the Pioneers Museum was the first County Courthouse, built in 1903, and is now the city’s most important artifact. The building served as the County Courthouse from 1903-73. It has been home to the museum since 1979. Recently, the building was closed for a year for major renovations, including HVAC systems, plaster repair, and new lighting, and reopened July 13, 2024.

Many new exhibits are available for viewing. Included is 50% of the Story: Women Expressing Creativity. Women have always been artists, and their work has gone mostly unrecognized. Using historic artwork and artifacts, this exhibit creates important conversation across time.

Another exhibit, Until Forever Comes: This is Ute Homeland has been five years in the making. With consultation and conversation with Tribal members of the Southern Ute, the Ute Mountain Ute, and the Utes of the Uintah and Ouray Reservations, this exhibit is permanent and highlights the ongoing history and culture of the Ute People in the Pikes Peak Region.

The Pioneers Museum is located at 215 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; admission is free. 719-385-5990 to schedule a tour.

**Above:** Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, the former El Paso County Courthouse. Source: Wikipedia under Creative Commons license. Taken October 20, 2011 by JAKeeran.

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PLHS meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 pm) at the Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent St. Free and open to the public. For more info regarding memberships and future programs, go to palmerdividehistory.org/events.

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

On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Annual Ride for Tim, Palmer Lake to Monument

By Steve Pate

We reported in the September OCN that the annual Ride for Tim was scheduled for Sept. 13. A group of friends and family of Tim Watkins, who was shot and killed while on a mountain bike ride near Mount Herman on Sept. 14, 2017, met at the Tim Watkins Memorial in Palmer Lake.

After an introduction by Vickey Meeker, who organized the memorial, some of the group rode the Santa Fe Trail to Monument. Despite the torrential rain and hail just before the ride, the Santa Fe Trail was in good shape. Those who attended the social gathering at 300 Days of Shine in Monument shared memories of Watkins, a well-known and well-liked member of the Tri-Lakes mountain biking community.

Travis Morris, catering manager at La Casa Fiesta, used to ride with Tim Watkins and provided chips and salsa for the gathering. The Palmer Lake Fire Department lit the star on Sundance Mountain in Tim’s memory.

Watkins owned a bike shop in the same building as 300 Days of Shine called Balanced Rock Bike Shop (also the name of a biking and hiking trail near Palmer Lake).

Again this year, Jennifer Bucholtz, civilian criminal investigator with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, attended the gathering and was open to listening to ideas that would help her investigation. Bucholtz was accompanied by Detective Jennifer Arndt, also with the EPCSO. If anyone has additional information or ideas that might help find Watkins’s killer, please contact Bucholtz at 719-520-7227, or email jenniferbucholtz@elpasoco.com.

**Above:** The Palmer Lake Star was lit in memory of Tim Watkins. Photo courtesy of Arielle Watkins-West.

**Above:** Riders preparing to ride the Santa Fe Trail. Photo courtesy of Vickey Meeker. **Inset:** Tim Watkins Memorial in Palmer Lake. Photo by Steve Pate.

**Above:** Gathering at 300 Days of Shine.

Steve Pate can be contacted at stevepate@ocn.me

High Altitude Nature and Gardens – Cornmeal in the garden; sweet potato leaf greens

By Janet Sellers

With all the rain this summer, we had an abundance of toadstools—toxic fungi—popping up throughout our gardens, green spaces, and grasses. I wondered what to do about it besides bagging them up with gloved hands and pitching them in the trash. They often popped up in just hours.

One remedy I found is scattering cornmeal. Cornmeal supports beneficial fungi that outcompete the toadstools but don’t harm the garden and the desired plants. It also helps the garden fight root rot and powdery mildew, and is a mild, slow-release food source for beneficial microbes and beneficial fungi. (A tablespoon of baking soda in a gallon of water helps cure powdery mildew in soil and on the leaves, too.)

Cornmeal, as reported on the Martha Stewart website, also attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and ground beetles that feed on aphids, mites, and other pests, according to garden expert Megan Edge. Cornmeal helps minimize or delete harmful fungi and develop healthy compost and soil.

Four benefits that cornmeal offers that were noted were as a natural fungicide, a mild fertilizer, a gentle deterrent against common garden pests, and elimination of compost odors. Caveat: Creating healthy soil, good drainage, and cultural practice is the ideal. Many informal reports say to use only a light sprinkle of cornmeal for best results.

Sweet potato greens

Making a simple garlic stir-fry is a quick and popular way to prepare sweet potato leaves, but they can also be used in soups and stews. The leaves have a neutral flavor similar to spinach.

Sweet potatoes can be grown indoors over the winter in pots. The leaves are tasty, often cooked like spinach or eaten raw in salads. We can grow sweet potatoes outside, eat the leaves all season, then harvest the tubers at the end of the season. Sweet potatoes are a tropical plant, so warm indoor growing will give us good leaves and possibly some tubers, but outdoor growing offers the most tubers per plant and the best size.

One sweet potato can offer 50 to 100 slips, and up to 100 pounds of sweet potatoes from that one tuber and all its slips when grown outdoors. They make a very pretty indoor or outdoor vine, and the flowers resemble morning glories. They’re in the same family.

**Above:** Sweet potato slips, or starts, can be grown from organic tubers and rooted in a jar of water or a container of potting soil in a warm, sunny window. Planted in outdoor soil, they will grow to a vine filled with edible green leaves and eventually new tubers. Photo by Janet Sellers.

Janet Sellers is an avid “lazy gardener” researching permaculture for high altitude forest and landscape living, and how these shape our lives. Contact her at JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Art Matters – October is Arts Month: Artober with Monumental Impact

By Janet Sellers

Our summer Art Hop ended in September, but art events and activities have just begun for the fall season. October is recognized as National Arts and Humanities Month (NAHM) in the United States. It’s a national celebration to promote equitable access to the arts, increase participation, and highlight the positive impact on individuals and communities.

For some new, creative, imaginative experiences, I went to visit the new location of Monumental Impact for Technology, Engineering and Entrepreneurship (MITEE), a studio workplace for learning. It’s our local makerspace for all ages and all levels of making. The up-and-coming trend of makerspaces is an idea where a person can go to learn and use equipment they don’t already have or know how to use. One can make products or develop skills and go beyond what they already know into new developments or just new kinds of projects. Participants at MITEE design with 3D printers, metal forging, robotics and more. Volunteering for students and adults includes a wide variety of opportunities, too.

Executive Director Jeanette Breton showed me the wide variety of equipment, tools, and technology that they have and teach for people to be able to make things for themselves, gifts, or become an entrepreneur. From cosplay costumes to toys to engraving names and memories for glass sets to promotional items, there are many ways to learn and use the wide variety of tools there. I saw finished projects of all sizes: engraved drinking glasses, laser wood engraving, refined 3D printing for toys, chess sets, cosplay helmets, and tools. People of all ages go to the makerspace and are learning to make things using technology and hand-building. I was surprised to see that copper and other metals can be used in the 3D printer, and there is a laser device that will incise designs and patterns into wood.

Besides current tech introductions and learning workshops at our local Silver Key at Tri-Lakes Activity Center and throughout our Pikes Peak Library District, Monumental Impact offers memberships and tutoring for new workspaces.

**Above:** Monumental Impact is a creative maker studio. Here, Executive Director Jeanette Breton shows some of the fun projects community members have made so far this season, such as 3D printer creations, wood, metal, and glass engraving, robotics, and other innovative creations. The holiday season is approaching, and the makerspace and the various activities are open for making things. Photo by Janet Sellers.

Janet Sellers is an artist, writer, and speaker, offering talks, workshops, and art in public places for museums, communities, institutional talks, and exhibitions. Contact Janet at JanetSellers@OCN.me.

Snapshots of Our Community

TLWC blood drive, Aug. 25
Lions Club book presentation
Monu-Palooza, Aug. 31
LPHS presents Clue, On Stage!
Gleneagle Spirit 5K, Sept. 6
9-11 Remembrance
Rotary sponsors paddleboard race
Hatfield book signing, Sept. 20
D38 CIC Ribbon-Cutting, Sept. 17
Monument Lake restrooms
Coffee with a Cop, Sept. 25
Last 2025 Art Hop, Sept. 26
Donala Open House, Sept. 26
Skate Park mural, Sept. 27
Creek Week, Sept. 27
Palmer Lake new trustee reception
Palmer Lake 0.5K, Sept. 28

TLWC blood drive, Aug. 25

**Above:** Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) held its second blood drive on Aug. 25
at the Woodmoor Barn. In partnership with Vitalant, TLWC welcomed 38 donors
who came forward toim provide much-needed blood, aiding patients in overcoming
medical challenges and receiving critical care. Vitalant estimated that this drive’s
contributions can potentially save 114 lives. Summer is an especially critical time
for blood donations as the incidence of traumatic injuries rises and the number of
donors decreases. Additionally, large-scale emergencies and trauma events such
as floods, tornadoes, and wildfires create further demand for life-saving blood. In
the photo from left are Koko Pavich and Robbie Larson donating blood. Photo by
Steve Pate.

Lions Club book presentation

**Above:** The Tri-Lakes Lions Club monthly meeting on Sept. 3 featured a talk by John Howe and Michael Weinfeld, the co-authors of the book Shootouts, Killings, and War Heroes: The History Hidden in Monument Cemetery. About a dozen Lions Club members filled the back room at Calvert’s Mini-Market in Palmer Lake to hear the co-authors tell stories about the people buried in the cemetery and other facts about the graveyard. Howe spent 14 years and Weinfeld seven researching and updating the cemetery files located in Monument Town Hall. Photo by Gordon Reichal.

Monu-Palooza, Aug. 31

**Above:** On a sunny afternoon on Aug. 31, the ninth annual Monu-Palooza Music
Festival was held in Monument’s Limbach Park. The day-long festival band lineup
included Emily Hall, Cirkus, Sandy Wells, Mojo Filter, Matt Bloom Band, Ashtōnz,
and WireWood Station. Organizer and Ashtōnz band member Charlie Searle said it
was “actually the 11th annual pre-Labor Day music event. The first two events were
fundraisers, then we changed it to Monu-Palooza in year three.” Searle said over
200 tickets were pre-sold, and numerous walkups were entering throughout the
day. Searle said, “What makes this great is you can spend all day or just come for
your favorite band.” Searle said he appreciated the bands, vendor support, Mark
Daniels for sound engineering, and volunteers C.J. Luna, Morgan Hildebrand, and
his granddaughters Rowan and Salem for helping with the event. Matt Bloom from
Palmer Lake said, “Charlie does a great job promoting the concert, and it’s been a
terrific time each year we have performed here.” Photo by David Futey.

LPHS presents Clue, On Stage!

**Above:** Lewis-Palmer High School Theatre staged its fall production of Clue, On Stage! on Sept. 4-6. The production took the classic board game and movie and brought it to life on stage. Favorite characters like Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, and Colonel Mustard were caught up in a hilarious whodunit full of twists and surprises. These talented students demonstrated how arts education builds creativity, confidence, collaboration, and a growth mindset—while boosting academic and emotional development. Our local schools have performances of music, theater, and sports that are open to the whole community at a reasonable price. Residents are encouraged to join the fun and bring the whole family. Stay up to date with D38 fine arts events at https://tinyurl.com/d3-fine-arts. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Gleneagle Spirit 5K, Sept. 6

**Above:** On Sept. 6, the Gleneagle Spirit 5K Run/Walk returned after an 18-year hiatus. Mark Rudolph with ERA Shields Realty said, “I originally organized this race in 2005 and ran it by myself for three years, but it became too much for me. Then last year, I had six people show up at my front door, and they asked me to organize it again and would help.” Rudolph said, “We are looking for this to be a multi-year event and a legacy I want to leave with the community.” Blair Dinkins with EXP Realty co-organized it with Rudolph. The race events were a 5K walk, a children’s 1-mile race, and then the 5K runners’ race. The ages of the 183 total walkers and runners spanned from single digits to 85-year-old Jack Kiplinger. Volunteer team lead Bonnie Burckel said, “Scouting America Troop 194 helped with the course setup and were on the racecourse to guide the runners and walkers, and a number of Gleneagle residents helped with registration.” The top overall 5K male finisher was William Edwards (20:15.7) of Colorado Springs. The top overall 5K female finisher was Adaleigh Ross (24:12.9) of Colorado Springs. Photo by David Futey.

9-11 Remembrance

**Above:** Members of American Legion Post 9-11 and the Monument Police and Fire Departments, town officials, and citizens attended a remembrance of the 9/11 attacks at the Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Station. Among those attending from American Legion Post 9-11 were Commander Mike Christensen, Randy Fritz, Prayer Pastor Jim Bergeron, Mike Pietsch, Bill Miller, Ray Kinder, Chip Scharff, Yve Denison, Michael Keough, Anthony Trifuletti, Mark Tinkler, and Jim Wolf. The Fire Department members included Chief Andy Kovacs, Division Fire Chief Bumgarner, Division Fire Chief Bradley, Battalion Chief Coyle, Lt. Smith, Lt. Lance, Lt. Ragland, Engineer Rains, Engineer Schmidt, Firefighter Preedy, Firefighter Cox, and Firefighter Parker. Representing the Police Department were Chief Patrick Regan, Commander John Lupton, Commander Timothy Johnson, Lt. Mark Owens, Cpl. Hoeh, Officer Nyman, and Officer Leisberg. Also attending were Mayor Mitch LaKind, Town Manager Madeline VanDenHoek, and Town Council members Laura Kronick and Ken Kimple. Photo by Ray Kinder.

Rotary sponsors paddleboard race

**Above:** The Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club held its inaugural “Palmer Paddle” paddleboard race Sept. 7 at Palmer Lake to raise funds for community service projects. The 1.5-mile race featured youth and adult heats, with prizes and food trucks on site. Rock House Ice Cream donated 20% of race-day sales to support the club’s Warm Hugs initiative, which provides new winter coats to Tri-Lakes Cares clients. Sponsors included MVEA, The Mortgage Lady, Cutting Edge Realty, Local Landing, and Conexon Connect. Proceeds support Rotary programs such as free after-school math tutoring, scholarships, and coat giveaways. Rotary International has more than 1 million members in 45,000 clubs worldwide. Its mission includes promoting peace, fighting disease, supporting education, and protecting the environment. Learn more at www.tlrotary.com or facebook.com/TriLakesRotaryClub. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Hatfield book signing, Sept. 20

**Above:** The book signing on Sept. 20 at Covered Treasures Bookstore featured Lisa Hatfield, author of To Ride a Storm Surge, a novel about a family riding out Hurricane Katrina in 2005. A family consisting of a young girl, her mother, and her grandmother fights to survive the worst hurricane in recent history. The third book in a series of Ready to Go? books, Hatfield strives to help families be prepared for any disaster. Hatfield brings the struggles of Hurricane Katrina to life. Pictured in photo are, from left, Lisa Hatfield, Caryl and Gordon Saunders, and Amy Curry. Go to lisahatfieldwriter.com for more information about this and the other books in the Ready to Go? series. Caption by Marlene Brown. Photo by Steve Pate.

D38 CIC Ribbon-Cutting, Sept. 17

**Above:** On Sept. 17, Lewis-Palmer School District 38 officially opened its Career and Innovation Center (CIC) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Students have been learning in the facility since August, exploring welding and metalworking, skilled trades, robotics, engineering, aerospace, and the Transitions program. Phase 2 will add healthcare and computer science. The event marked the first public opportunity for community members, local leaders, state legislators, and partners to tour the building. Speakers included junior Dempsey Carnahan, Director of Communications Amy Matisek, Board of Education President Tiffiney Upchurch, and Superintendent Amber Whetstine. The Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce provided the ribbon and oversized scissors. After the ceremony, guests toured the facility, spoke with students and staff, and joined a scavenger hunt for CIC-branded prizes. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/d38-cic-info. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Monument Lake restrooms

**Above:** Bye-bye porta-potties, hello permanent restroom. The long-delayed restroom at Monument Lake was installed Sept. 19. The pre-fab building arrived on a flatbed truck and was lifted by a huge crane that gently lowered it into place. The project was supposed to be finished in June, but several equipment delays postponed completion. The facility has two unisex bathrooms that will be open year-round with heat in the winter. The existing porta-potties will be removed. About 75% of the project cost was picked up by a $117,000 grant from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Coffee with a Cop, Sept. 25

On Sept. 25, the Monument Police Department and Wesley Owens Coffee partnered up for Coffee with a Cop. This community-focused and law enforcement outreach event is designed to bring community members and local law enforcement officers together in a casual, welcoming environment. The goal is to give residents the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with police officers, ask questions about public safety, and discuss any concerns they might have and fostering mutual understanding. Photos by Erica Burt.

**Above:** Officer Leseberg and Sara Petrie discuss community issues.

**Above: (L to R):** Officer Reifel, Lieutenant Owens, Commander Johnson, Officer Leseberg, and Officer Regan.

Last 2025 Art Hop, Sept. 26

**Above:** Sept. 26 was the last Art Hop of the season, but local art events for the fall and holiday season are just beginning in our area for art lovers and artists, and our local art venues are happy to keep a gift registry on hand to make gift-giving and holiday giving easy. Here, owners of Bella Art and Frame Gallery, Joseph Jesse and Micaela Cimino are with the artist of the month, Jamie Wilke. Photo by Janet Sellers.

Donala Open House, Sept. 26

**Above:** The Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD), which serves Gleneagle and surrounding areas, held a community open house Sept. 26 in the parking lot of its Holbein Drive offices to share updates and thank customers for their support. Board members, staff, and consultants met with attendees. DWSD provided dinner from Kneaders while highlighting its 2025 projects, including the redrilling of Well 7D in the upper parking lot. Helen Malenda-Lawrence of LRE Water discussed the well’s role in the district’s infrastructure. Superintendent of Water Operations Ronny Wright led tours showing the original well site, the expanded parking lot, redrilled well, and the relocated electrical equipment designed for easier maintenance. The district offices have been closed since May due to drilling. DWSD thanked nearby customers for their patience and expects to reopen the offices soon. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Skate Park mural, Sept. 27

**Above:** Town of Monument Planning and Public Works staff repainted a damaged community wall Sept. 27 at the Monument Skate Park, 500 Beacon Lite Road. Black Hills Energy sponsored the project. The team painted the wall black and used stencils of pine and aspen trees in fall colors. They applied mural paint and a protective coating to preserve the artwork and ease future cleanup. The original murals were created in October 2020 for Arts Month through a grant from the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region. A local artist added additional murals in 2022. From left are volunteer Ginger Lewis, Parks and Trails Planner Cassie Olgren, Senior Mechanic Rod Enoch, Street Tech Gabriel Martinez, Planner Ray Medina, and Street Tech Shawn Farnham. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Creek Week, Sept. 27

**Above:** Palmer Lake hosted its annual cleanup Sept. 27 as part of the Fountain Creek Watershed District’s 12th Creek Week, which runs Sept. 25-Oct. 5 across the 92-square-mile watershed from Palmer Lake to Pueblo. At its Sept. 25 meeting, the Board of Trustees read a proclamation recognizing Creek Week. Town staff, Parks and Trails Commission members, and community volunteers removed debris along Monument Creek, previously cut by Rocky Mountain Youth Corps volunteers. Public Works will collect the slash. Volunteers also refreshed paint in Glen Park’s play area. Learn more at fountain-crk.org and rockymountainyouthcorps.org. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Palmer Lake new trustee reception

**Above:** Team members from Tri-Lakes Preservation put together a community reception on Sept. 26 at the Town Hall Gazebo on the Village Green ahead of the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting swearing-in ceremony. Attendees welcomed Beth Harris and Roger Moseley with a live flute and piano performance by Joseph Liberti and Steve Draper along with homemade cookies and pastries by Chef Gene Kalesti. Non-alcoholic refreshments were served. Well-wishers included representatives from the Monument Town Council as well as friends and family. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Palmer Lake 0.5K, Sept. 28

**Above:** Nearly 800 people, dogs, and assorted creatures turned out on a beautiful fall day for the annual .5 (Point 5) K “Race” in Palmer Lake Sept. 28. They began near the playground on the east side of the lake, proceeded down the Santa Fe Trail, then crossed the bridge over the railroad tracks to the finish line, with a Shipley Do-Nut break about halfway. The event is sponsored by Awake the Lake, and proceeds go toward maintaining outdoor facilities that make Palmer Lake a beautiful place. The Palmer Ridge Pep Band (inset) provided music to encourage participants just before crossing the bridge, and cheerleaders encouraged participants to make it across the finish line. Cash prizes were awarded for best costumes and other criteria, such as those who appeared to be having fun. Photo by Steve Pate.

Letters to Our Community – Open Dirty Woman Park to everyone

It seems the mayor and key city people voted to change the use options for Dirty Woman Park. Monument changed Dirty Woman Park from a public park to a private park for the mayor and his staff’s use only, on July Fourth.

The city only has three parks. Dirty Woman Park is the only full-service park. Limbach Park has bathrooms, no grills or parking. Lavelett Park has no bathroom, no grills, or parking. Limbach and Lavelett parks are not available for July Fourth due to the parade.

Dirty Woman Park goes to the first bidder, which the city reserves for itself on Jan. 1 each year. Over 18 years ago, the city invested by putting three grills in the park so more people could use it. Why would you spend the money to put in grills when no one can use them when the city reserves the pavilion? I request that we go back to the old rules! Current rules make no sense.

Did the city and/or mayor think through any of the alternatives? Dirty Woman Park is the only park set up to have multiple groups. It was done that way when the city added all the extra grills under the tree line.

Maybe the city could require more full-service parks; it’s a beautiful area. This town needs more community areas, not more houses right next to each other.

I talked to some city staff people, and they said we would need more people writing to the city to get the mayor to change his mind.

Doug Anema

Our Community News welcomes letters to the editor on topics of general interest to readers in the Tri-Lakes area. Guidelines for letters are found here. The information and opinions expressed in Letters to Our Community are the responsibility of the letter writers and should not be interpreted as the views of OCN even if the letter writer is an OCN volunteer. When there is more than one letter, the letters are arranged in alphabetical order based on the last name of the author.

Letters to Our Community – I’m running for D38 Board of Education

I’m Jackie Burhans, and I’m excited to announce my candidacy for the Lewis-Palmer D38 Board of Education. My deep commitment to public education, professional background in technology at IBM, time as a small business owner, experience as a facilities specialist at Tri-Lakes Cares, and years as an Our Community News (OCN) reporter give me a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead for our district.

My husband and I moved to Monument in 1992. Our son attended Lewis-Palmer schools from kindergarten through Palmer Ridge High School. From volunteering in classrooms and PTO, to serving district accountability and ad-hoc committees, to reporting on school meetings for OCN, I have spent more than 20 years actively engaged in our schools and our community.

Educators are the heart of D38, inspiring a love of learning, guiding students through challenges, and preparing them for successful futures. They deserve respect and compensation that match the exceptional results they deliver. I will advocate for policies that attract, support, and retain high-quality teachers.

I believe in championing educational choices that allow every student to shine—whether through strong core academics, arts, athletics, dual enrollment, or the many options at the new Career Innovation Center. Our schools should open doors to the widest range of opportunities beyond graduation.

Finally, I will build bridges between our schools and the wider Tri-Lakes community. All families in the district, even those without students in school, have a stake in the success of our future leaders. By fostering communication, transparency, and engagement, I will ensure that D38 continues to be a source of pride and strength for us all.

I look forward to listening, learning, and working with you to support the future of our students and our community.

Jackie Burhans

Letters to Our Community – Thanks to all for the big move

The recent move of the Silver Key Senior Center from Grace Best school to the Monument Community Presbyterian Church is concluded. I was privileged to work with the steering committee as well as assist with the many volunteers that came forward from near and far to complete the extensive move that involved sorting and designating what goes in storage or to the church and Goodwill. It took many trips and enthusiastic volunteers. I took several necessary trips to Goodwill, where all of the workers unloaded my jam-packed SUV. I gave my kudos to Brenda and Lauren (manager/supervisor). I’ve visited the new setup at the church and found it well-attended and very well set up for the seniors. My compliments and thanks to all who made the necessary move painless.

John H. Howe

Letters to Our Community – Jackie for D38

I am writing to enthusiastically support Jackie Burhans for the Board of Education. Jackie is exactly the kind of leader our schools need—dedicated, thoughtful, and deeply committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.

After years of unbiased reporting on all of our schools in D38, Jackie brings a unique blend of professional expertise and community involvement. She listens carefully, asks the right questions, and seeks balanced solutions. Most importantly, she values collaboration, transparency, and accountability—all qualities that build trust between families, teachers, and the district.

In a time when our schools face tough challenges, Jackie offers steady leadership and a clear vision. She cares about academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and creating a safe, supportive learning environment for all students. Her ability to engage respectfully with diverse perspectives will make her a unifying voice on the board.

I am excited to cast my vote for Jackie Burhans, and I encourage others who want a strong advocate for our kids and community to do the same. Jackie has the heart, the skills, and the commitment to make a real difference. You can follow her and learn more about her platform on her Facebook page and at http://jackie4d38.com.

Let’s elect Jackie Burhans to the Board of Education—our students, teachers, and families deserve nothing less.

Heather Jacobson

Letters to Our Community – Feral horses are not wildfire solutions

The idea that feral horses reduce wildfire risk and belong in wilderness areas is misleading and ecologically harmful. Despite romantic claims, today’s feral horses are not native wildlife but are descendants of domestic horses brought by Europeans. Native wild horses have been absent from North American ecosystems for over 10,000 years. Ecosystems have since evolved without them.

Claims that they control wildfire fuels ignore a critical fact: Feral horses have no natural predators, and their populations grow unchecked. Unlike strategically managed livestock, wild horse herds cannot be moved or regulated by timing or intensity. They often overgraze and damage native grasses, trample wetlands, and degrade critical wildlife habitat.

Far from reducing fire risk, this unmanaged grazing can make landscapes more vulnerable. Overgrazing invites invasive plants like cheatgrass, which dries early and fuels more frequent, intense wildfires. Studies show feral horses also outcompete native species such as pronghorn and bighorn sheep for scarce water and forage, especially during drought.

Placing horses into protected wilderness areas—home to sensitive plant and animal species—is irresponsible. These landscapes are supposed to remain as undisturbed as possible, not serve as dumping grounds for undesirable and unwanted animals.

Yes, we should treat horses humanely. But turning them loose into fragile ecosystems is not conservation—it’s mismanagement. Real wildfire mitigation requires science-based strategies— prescribed burns, invasive species control, and targeted grazing—not introducing unregulated feral grazers.

Let’s respect the difference between wild mythology and ecological reality.

Nathan Kettner

Letters to Our Community – Response from columnist Janet Sellers

Q: Are wild horses non-native?

A: They are reintroduced natives. Horses evolved in North America but went extinct about 10,000 years ago. Modern wild horses fill that old ecological niche. Some debate this, noting changes since then, but advocates see them as a restored keystone herbivore.

Q: Do they outcompete wildlife like pronghorns or bighorn sheep?

A: No. In fact, they can help ecosystems. At Anza Borrego NP, bighorn sheep deaths spiked after horses were removed—mountain lions turned to sheep instead. Scientists note livestock, not horses, cause most rangeland damage. Livestock numbers are far higher and have heavier impacts.

Q: Do they overgraze and raise wildfire risk?

A: No. Horses roam widely, spreading out their grazing. This mobility prevents overuse and allows plants to recover. Even at fence lines, horse-grazed areas often show 30% more native grasses than cattle-grazed areas.

Q: Isn’t wildfire control better achieved with prescribed burns, invasive species control, and targeted grazing?

A: In wilderness, burns and machines are not allowed. Here, wild horses act as natural fire managers. They eat flammable grasses and brush, lowering fire risk. A single horse can clear about 5.5 tons of fuel a year—the equivalent of reducing 5–7 acres of wildfire-prone vegetation.

Letters to Our Community – A proven advocate for our students, educators, and schools: Vote for Jackie!

As the school board election approaches this November, I’m writing to express my enthusiastic support for my friend, Jackie Burhans, a highly qualified and passionate candidate who has dedicated years of her time, energy, and expertise to improving public education in our community.

I’ve known Jackie and her family since the early 2000s, and I can confidently say there are few individuals more committed to the success and well-being of our students, educators, and administrators. With a strong background in business, volunteering in public education/service, and community organizing, Jackie brings both knowledge and heart to every decision and discussion.

What sets Jackie apart is not just her impressive qualifications and consistent commitment but her ability to truly listen and learn. Whether it’s parents, teachers, students, admins, or board members, she takes the time to understand concerns and seek thoughtful, balanced solutions. Jackie believes that every child deserves access to a top-notch education and that schools should be safe, inclusive spaces that foster academic, artistic, athletic, and personal growth.

Our district and school board need strong leaders who are very well informed, engaged, highly competent, and ready to roll up their sleeves—and that’s exactly what Jackie will do. I urge voters to support Jackie Burhans this November and help ensure our schools and district have the leadership they deserve.

Gabriele Lacrampe

Letters to Our Community – Monument Hill Kiwanis awards grant to Quilts of Valor

The Monument Hill Kiwanis Club Board of Directors recently awarded a grant of $500 to the Colorado Springs Quilts of Valor group. The Quilt of Valor Foundation has chapters throughout the county. The group’s mission is to honor service members and veterans who have been touched by war with a comforting and healing Quilt of Valor. A Quilt of Valor is a quality, handmade quilt that is machine or hand-quilted. It is awarded to a service member or veteran who has been touched by war. The quilt says unequivocally, “Thank you for your service and sacrifice in serving our nation.”

With the support of the Monument Hill Kiwanis, our local chapter will continue to be able to construct quilts to be awarded to nominees. We gratefully appreciate the Kiwanis’ generosity as we continue to award comforting and healing quilts.

Ann Przybylski
Group Leader

Letters to Our Community – Vote for D38 school board

D38 Board of Education directors will be elected this November. Your money will ultimately be spent based upon their direction. More importantly, student safety and educational quality depend on your voice, and the D38 Directors are the keys to our community school district future. We The People form the basis of our nation. We The People are entitled to direct our children’s education. Ultimately, We The People direct our community education through the D38 School District directors. Let them hear your voice and vote this November.

Gordon Reichal

Letters to Our Community – Ginger Schaaf for D38 school board

My name is Ginger Schaaf, and I am announcing my candidacy for the D38 Board of Education District 3 position. My family joined the Monument community two years ago after nearly 20 years of moving for my husband’s military career. We have two children in the D38 school system and have been extremely satisfied with the education and programs made available to them. I have been fortunate to have a professional career with the same company during the past 12 years of our final military moves, involving a combination of in-person and remote work. I am now happy to be back to working in-person and look forward to contributing to my community.

Our family chose D38 because of its established standards of excellence. I was raised by an educator who had a passion for teaching. Throughout our military moves, we have experienced a variety of school districts. I hope to use these perspectives to benefit the community.

I would appreciate your support on Nov. 4.

Ginger Schaaf

Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Get lost in a new book

Mailman; My Wild Ride Delivering the Mail in Appalachia and Finally Finding Home
Culpability
My Friends
The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau
The Aviator and the Showman; Amelia Earhart, George Putnam, and the Marriage that Made an American Icon
Something to Look Forward to
The Compound
The Art Spy

By the staff at Covered Treasures

“We lose ourselves in books. We find ourselves there too.”—Anonymous

You’re back from summer travel, and the kids are back in school. Why not dig into a new hardcover book you can get lost in? Here are a few for your consideration:

Mailman; My Wild Ride Delivering the Mail in Appalachia and Finally Finding Home

By Stephen Starring Grant (Simon & Schuster) $29.99

Steve Grant was laid off in March 2020. Fifty years old and diagnosed with cancer, he needed health insurance, fast. Which is how he found himself working as a rural letter carrier in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, back in his old hometown. Along with the daily mail, he carried a family legacy of rage and his own anxiety over having lost his corporate job. Yet slowly he changed; eventually, the Post Office saved his life, renewed his acquaintance with his home community, and gave him a new sense of purpose.

Culpability

By Bruce Holsinger (Spiegel & Grau) $30

What does it mean to be responsible in a world shaped by systems we no longer fully control? Part family drama, part techno-thriller, this riveting novel traces the moral fallout of a self-driving car crash (with a teenage boy behind the wheel) through the lens of a fractured family. A thought-provoking novel, Culpability combines social commentary about important, timely issues with moving insights about family dynamics.

My Friends

By Fredrick Bachman (Atria Books) $29.99

Humor, grief, and eternal loyalty come together in Bachman’s tribute to youthful friendship, imagination, and faith in art’s power to heal and nurture. Louisa, an aspiring artist who is homeless, is one of the few people who sees the three tiny figures down in the corner of one of the world’s most famous paintings and is determined to find out the story behind the picture.

The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau

By Kristen Harmel (Gallery Books) $28.99

Colette Marceau has been stealing jewels for as long as she can remember, following her code of honor: Take only from the cruel and unkind, and give to those in need. This family tradition was important during the Second World War, when Annabel and Colette’s sales of the stolen jewels helped fund the French Underground. Decades later, a stolen bracelet turns up in a Boston Museum. If Colette can discover where the bracelet has been all this time, she might be able to find out what happened to her sister.

The Aviator and the Showman; Amelia Earhart, George Putnam, and the Marriage that Made an American Icon

By Laurie Gwen Shapiro (Viking) $35

Earhart is a captivating figure to many, but the truth about her life is often overshadowed by myth and legend. In this cinematic new account, Shapiro emphasizes Earhart’s multifaceted human side, her struggles, and her aspirations, the truths behind her brave pursuits, and the compromises she made to fit into societal expectations. The Aviator and the Showman is a gripping and passionate tale of adventure, colorful characters, hubris, and a complex portrait of a marriage that shaped the trajectory of an iconic life.

Something to Look Forward to

By Fannie Flagg (Random House) $29

Fannie Flagg once said that what the world needs now is a good laugh. And that is what she delivers in these 30 warmhearted, often hilarious, always surprising stories about Americans finding clever ways of dealing with the curveballs life throws at us

The Compound

By Aisling Rawle (Random House) $29

Lily—a bored, beautiful 20-something—wakes up on a remote desert compound alongside 19 other contestants competing on a massively popular reality show. To win, she must outlast her housemates to stay in the compound the longest, while competing in challenges for luxury rewards. When the unseen producers raise the stakes, forcing contestants into upsetting, even dangerous situations, the line between playing the game and surviving it begins to blur.

The Art Spy

By Michelle Young (Harper One) $29.99

A riveting saga set in Paris during World War II, The Art Spy tells the story of how an unlikely heroine infiltrated the Nazi leadership to save the world’s most treasured masterpieces. On Aug. 25, 1944, Rose Valland watched desperately from the windows of her beloved Jeu De Paume museum as the battle to liberate Paris thundered around her.

Until next month, happy reading.

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

September Library Events – Book clubs, Art for Older Adults, Palmer Lake concert

By Harriet Halbig

The school year began at the Monument Library with an Early Literacy Night co-sponsored by the Lewis-Palmer School District to introduce families with children entering preschool to connect with educators and library staff for a night of play, learning, and resources. This event was held on Sep. 4.

Recurring events at the Monument Library include:

Storytime every Tuesday from 10:30 to 11 a.m. for children ages 3 to 7 with a parent or caregiver.
Socrates Café, an adult discussion group meeting from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays to discuss a variety of topics.
Paws to Read every Tuesday from 4 to 5 p.m. Practice reading aloud and improve fluency by sharing a story with one of our lovable volunteer therapy dogs.
Toddler Time every Wednesday from 9:30 to 10 and 10:30 to 11. Songs, rhymes, stories, and fun for toddlers ages 1 to 2 with a parent or caregiver. Space is limited

Come to the library from 1 to 2 p.m. on Thu., Sep. 18, for Art for Older Adults. This program inspires a sense of self-reliance in older adults, even when the participant is somewhat reliant on a partner to help with materials use. Each month, seniors can produce high-quality art projects that respect their life experiences, skills, and capacity to create. All supplies are provided. Registration is required at ppld.org, events and happenings, choose the branch, access the calendar and click on the event to register. Or call 719-488-2370.

The Third Friday Friends of Pikes Peak Library District Book Group will meet on Fri., Sep. 19 from 10:30 to 12:30 to discuss The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian. All are welcome to attend.

The Teen Dungeons and Dragons group will meet from 4 to 5:45 on Sat., Sep. 20. New players and veterans ages 13 to 18 are welcome to attend. Space is limited to eight participants. Registration is required at 719-488-2370.

Have you ever seen tie-dye on a black T-shirt? Join us from 4 to 5 p.m. on Thu., Sep. 25 to learn reverse tie-dye techniques while creating a colorful graffiti-inspired T-shirt to take home or as a gift. A single black shirt (sizes S-XXL) will be provided for each participant while supplies last. This program is open to patrons ages 13 to 18, and registration is required at 719-488-2370.

Homeschool patrons ages 7 to 12 are invited to Explore Owl Pellets on Fri., Sep. 26 from 2 to 3 p.m. Join us for owl pellet dissection and explore the fascinating life of this bird of prey through hands-on experiences. Root out and reconstruct an owl’s meal to identify its victims.

The Tween Dungeons and Dragons group will meet from 4 to 5:30 on Sat., Oct. 4. New members are always welcome and no experience is required. This group is open to patrons ages 9 to 12, and registration is required at 719-488-2370.

The Palmer Lake Library Summer Concert Series continues with a concert by Ricky Sweum from 6 to 7 p.m. Fri., Sep. 12 at the Palmer Lake Village Green behind the Palmer Lake Library. This second concert of the series features the music of Sweum, an award-winning musician, composer, educator, and music producer known for many things, including jazz performances. Everyone is welcome. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy this concert. In the event of inclement weather, the concert may either be relocated to the Palmer Lake Town Hall or cancelled.

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

On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Ride for Tim scheduled for Sept. 13

By Steve Pate

Eight years ago, Sept. 15, 2017, Tim Watkins was shot and killed while riding his mountain bike in one of his favorite areas near Mount Herman and Limbaugh Canyon. On Sept. 13, the annual “Ride for Tim” memorial riders and others will meet at 1 p.m. at the Tim Watkins Memorial, 66 N. Glenway, Palmer Lake, near the Palmer Lake library.

Everyone is welcome to participate in the social time at 300 Days of Shine, 279 Beacon Lite Rd. in Monument to share memories of the well-liked member of the mountain biking community who helped establish and maintain trails in the area. That gathering will start around 3 p.m.

Friends of Watkins may wish to ride the trail of their choice, the Tim Watkins Memorial Trail in the Monument Preserve (north of Mount Herman Road), Limbaugh Canyon, Mount Herman, or the Santa Fe Trail—all of which were familiar to Watkins.

El Paso County Sheriff’s Office investigator Jennifer Bucholtz will be available at the Ride for Tim. Communities often have ideas that may help solve difficult cases like this. If you have information or ideas that may help solve this unsolved murder, please come to this event and share your ideas or call Bucholtz at 719-520-7227 or email her at JenniferBucholtz@ElPasoCo.com.

**Above:** Tim Watkins. Courtesy of Vickey Meeker.

**Above:** Tim Watkins Memorial Trail in the Monument Preserve. Photo by Vickey Meeker.

Steve Pate may be contacted at stevepate@ocn.me.

High Altitude Nature and Gardens (HANG) – Fall and the forest: creating soil beds and a blue spruce kitchen treat

Forest living needs kitchen-made soil
Spruce gum

By Janet Sellers

Forest living needs kitchen-made soil

Our local soil has created itself over millions of years for optimal forest growth. We can thank Mother Nature for creating our wonderful natural areas, and it’s our job to take good care of them. When we want to make a garden bed for outside plants, such as familiar foodstuffs, we need to prepare the soil for growing those specific plants. We don’t take the entire landscape to do this, we can actually make kitchen soil outdoors in a barrel, a cardboard box, or a specific place as the garden bed.

To make kitchen garden soil from compost, keep it all contained to control the compost. Making it in a garden bed in layers and topping off with a very thick (8-10 inches) layer of multi-size wood mulch is another method, and these methods should produce soil ready for planting by spring. For the tub method, use a food-grade tub or larger vessel. Drill pea-size oxygen holes on the sides and golf ball-size earthworm holes on the bottom. Layers: 1/1/1 layers like lasagna, so use a proportion of 1 carbon: brown/leaves/needles, 1 dirt/soil from the ground, 1 nitrogen (colors/veggies/fruits/kitchen, and cap it off with carbon. The speed of soil-making depends on the weather, and watering when needed keeps the compost at work making soil.

Spruce gum

Blue spruce resin has been used historically to make chewing gum. Some caution is advised: Be very careful if you have dental work to watch out for, as fresh resin can be sticky and may require some patience to chew. It’s made by harvesting the resin from the tree, often from areas where the tree has been damaged or naturally produces sap, and then chewing it after it hardens. While some find the initial texture brittle, it softens with chewing and can be a pleasant, long-lasting gum.

Look for organic, toxin-free (no pesticides, etc.) areas of spruce trees, gently harvest the resin by hand or with a small knife, carefully removing it from the tree. Likely to be hard and brittle at first, it will eventually become pliable. Spruce resin has a long history of medicinal use, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, relieving sore throats and other ailments. Many find the taste pleasant. It’s always a good idea to research and understand any potential risks or allergies associated with chewing tree resin.

**Above:** The Tri-Lakes Cares food garden was thriving by the end of summer, with tomatoes and squashes coming on, and plenty of lettuce, kale, onion, and other seeds ready to harvest for fall seeding. The squashes were planted in the greenhouse to ensure a frost-free harvest in September or October. Photo by Janet Sellers.

Janet Sellers is an avid “lazy gardener,” letting Mother Nature lead the way for earthwise gardens. Send your tips to JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Columns: Arts, Books, Gardening, History, Letters, Library, Snapshots, Weather etc.

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Poems & Prayers

The Table Where Rich People Sit

Born Lucky

Strong Ground: The Lessons of Daring Leadership, the Tenacity of Paradox, and the Wisdom of the Human Spirit

My Beloved

History Matters

Love & Saffron; A Novel of Friendship, Food, and Love

Colorado Cache Cookbook

Other Covered Treasures Bookstore articles

Other Library articles

Other Palmer Lake Historical Society articles

Before the ground freezes

Think ahead for effective microorganisms next year

Other Gardening articles

Does art have power?

How we can use art skills for problem-solving

Other Art Matters articles

Tri-Lakes Women’s Club supports Sue’s Gift, Sept. 21

D38 Candidates Forum, Sept. 29

Empty Bowls Fundraiser, Oct. 1

PLPD Honor Guard, Oct. 4

100+ Women Who Care, Oct. 15

Trunk or Treat, Oct. 24

Annual Pumpkin Giveaway, Oct. 25

Bench in Monument Preserve

WMMI Pumpkin Patch, Oct. 25

Feed the Troll

Other Snapshots of Our Community articles

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Science Factopia (8-12)

(Be Smart About) Screen Time (6-10)

Because of Winn-Dixie (8-12)

A Wolf Called Wander (8-12)

The Secret Explorers Series (7+)

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (8-12)

World War II Close Up; They Saved the Stallions (8+)

I Am Rebel (9-12)

Money Skills for Teens; Everything a Teenager Should Know about Personal Finance (13-18)

Other Covered Treasure Bookstore articles

Other Library articles

Other Palmer Lake Historical Society articles

Other On the Trail articles

Sweet potato greens

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Other Art Matters articles

TLWC blood drive, Aug. 25

Lions Club book presentation

Monu-Palooza, Aug. 31

LPHS presents Clue, On Stage!

Gleneagle Spirit 5K, Sept. 6

9-11 Remembrance

Rotary sponsors paddleboard race

Hatfield book signing, Sept. 20

D38 CIC Ribbon-Cutting, Sept. 17

Monument Lake restrooms

Coffee with a Cop, Sept. 25

Last 2025 Art Hop, Sept. 26