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Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Our animal Companions

Highlights

  • Pet ownership is consistently linked to better health markers, including lower blood pressure and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, according to decades of research referenced in this month's review.
  • The article highlights a selection of animal-themed books, noting varied stories from companionship with a cat in The Guest Cat to wild elephants in The Elephant Whisperer and rehabilitating a donkey in Running with Sherman.
  • It provides brief overviews of each title and author, with publishing details and what the books explore about human-animal relationships and healing.
  • It includes titles spanning memoirs, nature writing, and poetry, such as H is for Hawk, Alfie and Me; What Owls Know, What Humans Believe, and Dog Show; Poems.

By the staff at Covered Treasures

“Happiness is a warm puppy.”
— Charles M. Schulz

For decades, research has found that people who own pets tend to be healthier than people who don’t. Pet ownership is associated with lower blood pressure, a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, and lower rates of death after a heart attack or stroke.

This month’s review features books in which animals play a significant role.

The Guest Cat

By Takashi Hiraide; translated by Eric Selland (New Directions Publishing) $14.95

A couple in their 30s live in a small, rented cottage in a quiet part of Tokyo; they work at home, freelance copy-editing; they no longer have very much to say to one another. But one day, a cat invites itself into their small kitchen. It leaves, but the next day comes again, and then again and again. Soon they are buying treats for the cat and enjoying talks about the animal and all its little ways. Life suddenly seems to have more promise for the husband and wife—the days have more light, more color. The novel brims with instances of new small joys, but then something happens….

The Elephant Whisperer

By Lawrence Anthony, with Graham Spence (Thomas Dunne Books) $20

When Lawrence Anthony was asked to accept a herd of “rogue” wild elephants on his reserve in Zululand, his common sense told him to refuse. But he was the herd’s last chance of survival, and to save their lives, he took them in. This is a heartwarming, exciting, funny, and sometimes sad book about Anthony’s experiences with these huge African creatures.

Running with Sherman

By Christopher McDougall (Vintage Books) $19

When Chris McDougall agreed to take in a donkey from an animal hoarder, he thought it would be no harder than the rest of the adjustments he had made over the years. But Sherman was in such bad shape he could barely move, and his hair was coming out in clumps. Chris decided to undertake a radical rehabilitation program designed not only to heal Sherman’s body, but to heal his mind as well. It turns out, the best way to soothe a donkey is to give it a job, and so Chris decided to teach Sherman how to run. He’d heard about burro racing—a unique type of race where humans and donkeys run together in a call-back to mining days—and decided he and Sherman would enter the World Championship in Fairplay, Colo. In the course of Sherman’s training, Chris would have to recruit several other runners, both human and equine. Along the way, he shows us the life-changing power of animals, nature, and community.

H is for Hawk

By Helen MacDonald (Grove Press) $18

This memoir chronicles MacDonald’s journey through intense grief. Following her father’s sudden death, she copes by isolating herself and training a fierce goshawk named Mabel, exploring the bond between humans and wild animals. Made into an award-winning movie in 2025, this book is celebrated for its vivid descriptions of the British countryside and the intense, almost magical connection between the falconer and her bird.

Alfie and Me; What Owls Know, What Humans Believe

By Carl Safina (W.W. Norton) $19.99

When Safina, an ecologist, and his wife rescue a baby screech owl that is near death, they think that just like the other animals they’ve rescued in the past, their relationship with it will be temporary. As Alfie grew and gained strength, she became a part of the family, joining a menagerie of dogs and chickens and making a home for herself in the backyard. Carl and Patricia began to realize that the healing was mutual. Alfie had been braided into their world and was now pulling them into hers.

Raising Hare; A Memoir

By Chloe Dalton (Vintage Books) $21

Imagine you could hold a baby hare and bottle-feed it. Imagine that it lived under your roof and bounded around your bedroom at night, drumming on the duvet cover when it wanted your attention. Imagine that, more than two years after you found it, cowering along a hiking trail, cold and shivering after having been chased by a dog, it still ran in from the fields when you called it and slept in your house for hours on end. For author Chloe Dalton, this became her unexpected reality.

Winterdance

By Gary Paulsen (Harper Collins) $17.99

For 17 days, Gary Paulsen and his team of dogs endured blinding wind, snowstorms, frostbite, dog fights, moose attacks, sleeplessness, hallucinations—and the relentless push to go on. This classic book for young readers is a breathtaking, heart-stopping, roller coaster ride that depicts the brutal reality of the Iditarod and the magnificent beauty of Alaska.

Calvin and Hobbes

By Bill Watterson (Andrews McMeel Publishing) $16.99-$24.99

The mishaps, adventures, and philosophical musings of young Calvin and his stuffed tiger, Hobbes, are available in collections in paperback books, and are as popular with today’s kids (especially boys) as they were with their parents when they were a daily comic strip in newspapers. Beginning in 1985, the comics evoked a feeling of nostalgia, and through their misadventures, they capture life in the American Midwest. Calvin and Hobbes is ultimately about finding magic in the world, the necessity of play, and the value of a deeply felt, imaginative life, ending with a message of hope and exploration.

Dog Show; Poems

By Billy Collins (Random House) $20

Dog Show celebrates the joy of our canine best friends, honoring the love we feel for these animals who play vital roles in so many of our lives. In 25 poems, Collins distills the many emotions dogs bring us, from the happiness we feel as we watch a dog trot out the door unencumbered by human burdens, to the silliness of holding a dog in our arms as we step on the scale together. With his usual insight, wit, and poetic voice, Collins ponders what we learn from our dogs—about ourselves.

Until next month, happy reading!

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

Other Book Review articles

April Library Events – Quilt display continues; call for summer teen volunteers

Highlights

  • The Palmer Divide Quiltmakers' display at Monument Library extends through April, marking the program's 24th year.
  • The Pikes Peak Library District is seeking teen volunteers for the 2026 Summer Adventure Reading Program; applications open now and close May 1.
  • Eligible teens (ages 13–18) can apply at ppld.org under the Teen Volunteer section; interviews and training run in April and May with limited openings at each library.
  • Regular Monument Library programs include Storytime (Tue 10:30–11:15), Socrates Café (Tue 1–3), Paws to Read (Tue 4–5), and Toddler Time (Wed 9:30–11); special events and youth activities are scheduled in April, including a tabletop role playing game for tweens on Apr 4.
  • April teen and adult activities include Teen Craft Group sessions (Apr 6 and Apr 20), an investing basics talk for adults (Apr 7), and Idea Lab at Palmer Lake Library (Apr 9); Device Drop In at Monument Library (Apr 16) offers tech help and catalog guidance.
  • The month also features a Tri-Lakes Friends of the Library book group (Apr 23) and the Monument Fiber Arts Group (Apr 24), plus an all-ages open house at Palmer Lake Library on Apr 24 with lawn games, town events, and a volunteer Fire Department display.

By Harriet Halbig

The quilts made by the Palmer Divide Quiltmakers will continue to be on display at the Monument Library through April. This is the 24th year of this program.

The Pikes Peak Library District is now seeking teen volunteers for the Summer Adventure Reading Program sponsored by the Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District. Volunteer experience looks good on college and job applications. Teens ages 13 to 18 are encouraged to apply to volunteer during the 2026 Summer Adventure.

Applications will be accepted until May 1. To apply, go to ppld.org and click on the Teen Volunteer picture. At the bottom of the screen is a dark blue section on getting involved. Click on teen volunteers to fill out an application.

Interviews and training will take place during April and May. A limited number of openings are available at each library.

Teen volunteers assist with the summer reading program by registering participants, distributing prizes, supporting programs, and performing other duties as needed. Volunteers are also eligible to participate in the program.

Regularly occurring programs at the Monument Library are:

  • Storytime each Tuesday from 10:30 to 11:15 for children 3 to 7 and their parent or caregiver.
  • Socrates Café adult discussion group on Tuesdays from 1 to 3.
  • Paws to Read on Tuesdays from 4 to 5. Increase fluency by reading to a Paws to Read therapy dog.
  • Toddler Time from 9:30 to 10 and 10:30 to 11 on Wednesdays for toddlers 1 to 2 and their parent or caregiver.

On Saturday, April 4, from 3:30 to 5:30, tweens ages 9 to 12 are invited to play a tabletop role-playing game. Create your own hero and explore new worlds in this interactive activity. Reservations are required at 719-531-6333 extension 7005.

The Teen Craft Group will meet on Monday, April 6, from 5 to 6. Bring your own project and socialize with crafters your age. This group meets on the first and third Monday of each month.

An adult program on investing basics will be offered on Tuesday, April 7, from 5 to 6:30. This program is geared toward adults who feel that they have a good knowledge of financial basics, with debts paid down and a solid emergency fund, wondering what to try next. Registration is required at 719-531-6333 extension 7005.

Kids and tweens ages 6 to 12 are invited to the Palmer Lake Library for Idea Lab: Go Forth and Fort on Thursday, April 9, from 4:30 to 5:15. Grab a book and work collaboratively to build your own best reading fort out of different cloth materials. No registration is required, but it is suggested that you arrive early.

Thursday, April 16, will once again feature the Device Drop In program in Monument from 11 to noon. Bring your laptop, smartphone, or tablet, and library staff will help. Also available is help with understanding the new library catalog online. No registration is required.

The Teen Craft Group will meet from 5 to 6 on Monday, April 20. For details, see April 6.

The Third Friday Friends of PPLD book group, sponsored by the Tri-Lakes Friends of the Library, will meet from 10:30 to 12:30 on Thursday, April 23 (date changed due to a schedule conflict). This month’s selection is The Lost Vintage by Ann Mah. All adults are welcome to attend.

The Monument Fiber Arts Group will meet from 10:30 to noon on Friday, April 24. Bring your own project and enjoy the fellowship of other crafters.

The Palmer Lake Library will hold an open house for all ages from 3 to 5 on Friday, April 24. The open house will feature lawn games on the Village Green, food in the Town Hall, and artwork by one of the library’s volunteers. The library is also partnering with the volunteer Fire Department for a display. All ages are welcome.

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

Other Pikes Peak Library District articles

Palmer Lake Historical Society, March 19 – History of fox farming recounted

Highlights

  • The Palmer Lake Historical Society held its March 19 membership meeting at the Palmer Lake Town Hall.
  • The PLHS is responsible for preserving Palmer Divide history and maintaining the Lucretia Vaile museum, located in the Palmer Lake Library, with photos, articles, and artifacts from Palmer Lake, Monument, Black Forest, and nearby areas.
  • Julie Haverluk of Silver Fox Farms present the rise and fall of fox farming as a major industry in the 1920s and 1930s, noting more than 75 fox farms in Douglas and El Paso counties in 1932.
  • The first fox farm in El Paso County began in 1921 in Fountain, with northern El Paso County offering favorable climate, shade, and rail access for feed, supplies, and pelt export to eastern and foreign markets; the Black Forest Fur Farm later spanned about 1,240 acres with over 900 pens.
  • By 1945 the fox industry declined due to WWII, a 20% excise tax, and changing fashion, signaling the end of the era, though the Black Forest Fur Farm site was later repurposed as the Black Forest Baptist Assembly camp and later parts became Fox Run Regional Park.

By Marlene Brown

The Palmer Lake Historical Society (PLHS) held its membership meeting on March 19 at the Palmer Lake Town Hall. The PLHS promotes, preserves, and protects the history of the Palmer Divide area. PLHS is also responsible for maintaining the Lucretia Vaile museum, downstairs in the Palmer Lake Library. It houses many photos, articles, and artifacts of Palmer Lake, Monument, Black Forest, and the surrounding area.

The presentation for the night was by Julie Haverluk of Silver Fox Farms of El Paso County. Fox farming was a booming business in the 1920s and ‘30s. She said there were over 75 fox farms in the area of Douglas County and El Paso County in 1932. It was predicted to be one of the greatest industries in the state.

Haverluk said that in the 1920s, the fashion was to wear a fox fur. There was a big market and everyone wanted one. The first fox farm in El Paso County was started in 1921 in Fountain. Northern El Paso County was perfect for raising foxes, a cool, dry climate with tall shade trees and good rail transportation. They would bring feed and supplies in and export the pelts to eastern and foreign markets.

The Black Forest Fur Farm was started in the 1930s on 1,240 acres, Haverluk said. The farm had over 900 pens. In 1949, the Black Forest Fur Farm was sold to the Black Forest Baptist Assembly, which ran summer camps there for many years. In 1986, 390 acres were sold to El Paso County, which was named Fox Run Regional Park and was opened to the public in 1987.

By 1945, the bottom fell out of the fox industry. With WWII, a 20% excise tax, and fashion evolving, people were not buying luxury items as they had just a decade before.

By then, my grandparents, Bill and Esther Brown, had just begun to build their fox farm on the old Jackson Place (W.S. Jackson of Colorado Springs). They were able to pay off their ranch in one year and buy my grandmother a Cadillac. It was a very lucrative business while it lasted.

**********

PLHS meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month, 7-8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) at the Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent St. They are free and open to the public. For full descriptions, dates, and times for future programs and information on memberships or donating to the PLHS, visit their newly updated website: palmerdividehistory.org.

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

Other Palmer Lake Historical Society articles

The Nature of Our Community – Mountain pine beetles

Highlights

  • Colorado faces an ongoing mountain pine beetle outbreak linked to extra warm, dry conditions and mild winters, with other bark beetles also increasing statewide.
  • The beetles target ponderosa pines and lodgepole pines, with outbreaks historically episodic but currently spreading from fire-perimeter areas in the Black Forest.
  • A Mountain Pine Beetle Task Force was formed by Gov. Polis on Dec. 16, 2025, with three co-chairs from Colorado Department of Natural Resources, the Colorado State Forest Service, and the Division of Fire Prevention and Control.
  • Early 2026 assessments show endemic infestations persist in western El Paso County and the Palmer Divide, while the 2022–2024 epidemic remains active in high-risk burn zones of the Black Forest.
  • Prompt removal of infested ponderosas from 2025 is urged to curb exponential beetle growth, with specific guidance on identifying signs (pitch tubes and blue stain) and timing before June.
  • Disposal options include removing trunks only, disposing slash separately, and using local facilities (Black Forest Slash/Mulch site, Rocky Top Resources) with specified fees for private landowners.

By Dr. Judith von Ahlefeldt, Landscape Ecologist

In Colorado, the conifer hosts for mountain pine beetles (Dendroctonus ponderosae) are ponderosa pines and lodgepole pines (mountains). Ponderosa pines are dominant conifers of lower timberline forests bordering the Great Plains, and extend east from the mountains, mostly on private lands.

Extra warm, mostly dry conditions and mild, short winters have supported major population increases in all bark beetles, especially mountain pine beetles, everywhere in Colorado. Other bark beetles that kill other species of conifers (spruce, Douglas fir, pinon pine) have all increased dramatically in the past two years statewide.

On Dec. 16, 2025, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced the formation of a special Mountain Pine Beetle Task Force and appointed its members in late February. The Task Force has three co-chairs: Dan Gibbs executive director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR); Matt McCombs, director of the Colorado State Forest Service, state forester; and Mike Morgan, director of the State Division of Fire Prevention and Control.

Mountain pine beetles are native insects, and usually have low (endemic) populations of a few infested trees in several to many square miles. Periodic epidemic population increases happen (of record, a few times a century per large areas).

Epidemics (may shift locations and last a decade or more) mostly last until there are no more suitable host trees, or populations are killed by extreme winter cold events. A week of extreme Polar Vortex 1981-82 stopped the 1977-82 epidemic in El Paso County.

On the first day of spring, 2026, there are still endemic (light) occurrences of mountain pine beetle-infested trees in western El Paso County and on the Palmer Divide west of State Highway 83 (per the 2024 Forest Health Report).

Prompt removal of ponderosas infested last season (summer, fall of 2025) is critical to prevent a likely exponential increase as the 2022 to 2024 ongoing epidemic-level outbreak of mountain pine beetle in the fire perimeter areas of Black Forest continues. These epidemic areas are still mostly in locally light burn areas of southeast and southcentral Black Forest – but spreading.

Green ponderosa pines should be inspected now for still-pliable pitch tubes higher than 2-3 feet on tree trunks. Take bark samples with an ax to check for blue stain wood on the trunk. Successfully infested trees are faded but may wilt and fade soon in hot, dry weather. Mountain pine beetles prefer larger trees (14-inch diameter and larger but can infest smaller ones 8-13 inch diameter).

If the still-green ponderosa has pitch tubes AND blue stain in the trunk wood, it should be removed from the treed area before June to mitigate beetle populations.

Only the trunks need to be removed from the site for beetle infestation. Slash can be disposed of separately. Cut trees from close to the base to a 6-inch top stem diameter. Search ‘mountain pine beetle”.

Wood can be buried under 8 or more inches of soil, taken to Rocky Top Resources or to the Slash-Mulch site in Black Forest for 8-inch or smaller diameter logs cut into 6-foot or shorter lengths. It is too late in the season for plastic solar treatment, mastication, or pesticide application.

The Black Forest Slash/Mulch site opens May 2. See bfslash.org for details. There is a $10 per load dump fee. Rocky Top Resources’ main wood recycling facility is located on East Las Vegas Street in Colorado Springs. For private landowners, the weekday dump fee is $25 per load, and on Saturday, private landowners are charged $10 per load. There is no diameter or length limit on logs. Landowners must unload all sizes and types of loads at Rocky Top, so infested trunks may need to be cut to short lengths.

Dr. Judith von Ahlefeldt can be contacted at judithvonahlefeldt@ocn.me.

Other Nature of Our Community articles

High Altitude Nature and Gardens – Attracting hummingbirds the safe and beautiful way

Highlights

  • The safest way to attract hummingbirds is to offer fresh water and blooming flowers, as they remember reliable food and water sources and return year after year.
  • Gardens should include ongoing or sequential flowering, with nectar-rich, tubular flowers like penstemon, Agastache, bee balm, and cardinal flower; Colorado natives such as scarlet gilia, Rocky Mountain bee plant, and golden currant are highlighted.
  • Hanging pots and vertical gardens provide safe, attractive habitats for hummingbirds, with nesting often occurring in hanging pots and benefits including fewer issues with bears, squirrels, and wasps.
  • Vertical planters can be made from upcycled materials such as filled feed bags or seed bags, turned inside out for aesthetics, and burlap is an option though it dries quickly; materials must be clean and food-safe for edible or hummingbird-safe plants.
  • For growing food, rely on food-safe materials, proper soil, consistent watering, and safe amendments; hydrogels can be used but quality potting mix with vermiculite, peat moss, or coconut coir is preferred to hold moisture, and a layer of organic mulch reduces evaporation.
  • Absorbent bottom additives like hydrogels help prevent drying out, and good drainage is important; tomatoes and climbing plants can grow downward in hanging planters, and organic mulch supports moisture retention.

By Janet Sellers

The safest way to attract hummingbirds and other birds to your garden is to offer fresh water and blooming flowers. It is a beautiful way to attract hummingbirds for the season. Hummingbirds remember their reliable food and water sources and come back year after year. They follow the flower buffets, so gardening plans should include ongoing flowering or sequential flowering. A true copper penny (pre-1982) in the bird bath or waterer keeps out algae.

Perennials just need to get started, and then you’ll have blooms year after year and hummingbirds. To attract hummingbirds in Colorado, plant nectar-rich, tubular flowers like penstemon, Agastache (sunset hyssop), bee balm (Monarda), and cardinal flower. Key Colorado native plants include scarlet gilia, Rocky Mountain bee plant, and golden currant, which thrive in local conditions. For best results, choose plants that bloom at different times.

Pest-free and powerfully attractive

Flowers in hanging pots offer the birds—and us—a safe place to enjoy each other. Often, hummingbirds will nest in a hanging pot, too. Native plants that hummingbirds already love will attract them easily, as well as eliminating the problems with bears, squirrels, and wasps. No more trotting out at night to remove the feeders or the feeders going sour and endangering the birds.

Vertical gardens can hang anywhere, including fences, posts, and trees. They’re commercially available, but we can also make them with things around the house in a variety of ways. Filling garden soil into feed or seed bags and other strong food-grade bags can be upcycled as vertical planters. Turned inside out, the advertising doesn’t show while we wait for the plants to grow, and they can be painted for fun, too. Burlap is also a natural choice, but it dries out faster and may only be good for one season. Ensure the burlap and any materials used are clean and food-safe if you are growing edible plants or growing plants to be hummingbird-safe.

Gardeners fill the bags with the soil, make slits around the bag, add their plants or seeds, and hang the bags by the handles or tether them. It works like a strawberry pot, only bigger. For growing food, it is safest to rely on food-safe materials, proper soil, consistent watering, and safe amendments. Tomatoes and other climbing plants work well this way because they’ll just grow hanging downward instead of up a trellis. Some gardeners maintain that good quality soil, watering, and proper drainage are best, but some use hydrogels, and most add watering drain holes.

Absorbent material at the bottom (hydrogels or gel beads) can help avoid drying out. Quality potting mix is the ideal, though, so use a mix that includes vermiculite, peat moss, or coconut coir to hold moisture. A good mulch is a friend even with pots. Apply a layer of organic mulch (like straw or bark) on top of the soil to reduce evaporation.

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

Other High Altitude Nature and Gardens articles

Art Matters – The architecture of awe: why art holds nature’s secret language

Highlights

  • The article presents art as a biological necessity through the concept of nature-inspired murals, aiming to bring restorative forest experiences to bedsides and clinical spaces.
  • It notes that forest bathing (Shinrin-yoku) reduces cortisol and heart rate while fostering a sense of awe, suggesting nature provides a restorative biological rhythm.
  • Janet Sellers describes indoor murals that depict arching trees to create a canopy for bedridden patients, calling the approach the "architecture of awe" and focusing on "trace memories" of nature.
  • The work draws on the Japanese concept Ma, emphasizing silent, resonant space between objects to let viewers breathe, and uses canvas-based archive of those feelings.

By Janet L. Sellers

Engineering a forest bath

Last month, we explored how the Nobel physicist Richard Feynman found a profound second language in art. He saw no conflict between the equations of the universe and the beauty of a flower. This month, I want to take that a step further: What if art isn’t just a “pretty” addition to our lives, but a biological necessity?

Living here in the ponderosa forests of Tri-Lakes, many of us practice what the Japanese call Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing.” It isn’t a hike or a workout; it’s a sensory soak. It’s the act of simply being—letting the scent of pine resin, the rhythm of the tides, or the vastness of a sunny sky “wash” over us. Our landscape provides more than just a view; it offers a complex biological rhythm.

When we experience these natural fractals, our brains do something remarkable: They “down-regulate.” Our cortisol drops, our heart rates steady, and a sense of restorative awe takes over. Our bodies recognize the organic world—whether it’s the depths of an ocean or the reach of a meadow—as a home.

In my recent research and MFA work, I’ve been asking a vital question: How do we bring that restorative bath to someone who can’t leave their bed? I have developed indoor murals for this purpose; in some, the trees arch branches and leaves overhead onto the ceiling for the bedridden to see, creating a protective canopy.

I call this the “architecture of awe.” The goal is to move beyond decorative pictures and create “trace memories” of nature, especially for clinical spaces. This research is informed by my time in Japan studying the concept of Ma—the silent, resonant space between objects that allows the viewer to breathe. In my studio, I’ve been experimenting with ways to archive those feelings of “being there” onto a canvas.

Instead of traditional brushes, I often use organic tools—like ponderosa pine branches—to apply pigment. By using the tools of the land and the pull of gravity, the resulting art holds the “velocity” of the outdoors. It creates a layered history on the canvas—a palimpsest—that our brains recognize instantly as an authentic natural rhythm.

I have designed these works for walls, and some are modular “2-3-2” triptychs. Designed for flexible installation, these 4-foot-high pieces follow a modular 2-3-2 configuration. The work consists of two 2-foot-wide panels and one 3-foot-wide panel. While each functions as an individual work, they can be combined into a seamless 7-foot-wide panorama of forest, sea, or sky. This flexibility allows the healing power of nature to adapt to any clinical footprint, extending its restorative reach directly onto a sterile wall.

Why does this matter? Because when a patient or client encounters these natural rhythms, their nervous system begins to respond as if they were standing under the pines or by the shore. These “trace memories” act as a biological anchor, reminding the body how to heal.

Art matters because it is a bridge. Just as Feynman used art to see the world more clearly, we can use it to feel the world more deeply. By bringing the essence of nature into our buildings, we aren’t just decorating walls—we are engineering a way back to peace.

Janet L. Sellers is a professional artist and educator developing nature-based “architecture of awe” prototypes for healthcare. She frequently shares her research through community talks and professional lectures. Contact: JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Other Art Matters articles

Snapshots of Our Community

PRHS raises $30K for Make-A-Wish, honors 8-year-old

Above and below: On March 5, Palmer Ridge High School (PRHS) culminated a week of activities that raised $30,000 for Make-A-Wish Colorado by celebrating 8-year-old student Brooks, whose wish is to go to Disney World. Brooks has a congenital heart disease. She got a standing ovation from the crowd in the gym and got to throw a pie in the face of English teacher Matt Frost. The celebration wrapped up with teacher Daniel Russel getting his head shaved (at right), something he agreed to do if donations hit the $30,000 mark. The event began on a somber note, as Elijah Arnholt’s mother addressed the crowd and delivered a tribute to her son, who was a PRHS student. He passed away a year ago in March at age 18 after a courageous battle with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Photos courtesy of D38.

Bionic Sharks receive check

Caption: Students from the Tri-Lakes community robotics team, The Bionic Sharks FTC Team 19541, received a $2,000 Gene Haas Foundation grant after a season powered by hands-on digital fabrication using CNC, laser, and 3D printing capabilities available in Monumental Impact’s makerspace. From left are Pranav Balaji, Corey Cinalli (Robot: SharkByte), Alexandra Gonzalez, Alexandra Epstein, Anushka Nandwalkar, and Brandon Johnson. Photo by Mike Hinkle.

Kiwanis honors Weinfeld

Above: Our Community News Managing Editor Michael Weinfeld (right) received Monument Hill Kiwanis Club’s highest honor at the club’s weekly meeting at Big Red on March 14. On the left is Monument Hill Kiwanis Club President Jim Head. Kiwanian Ted Bauman presented Weinfeld with the President’s Award in the form of a plaque (shown below) containing the words “In grateful appreciation.” Bauman praised Weinfeld for the press coverage he’s given the club and “what you do in the community.” Weinfeld said Kiwanis is a fun group to cover because he gets to attend the Fourth of July parade, the Stars of Tomorrow talent show and all the club’s “great work.” Weinfeld’s wife, Tia M. Mayer (center), told the group, “He loves what he does. It’s not a chore, it’s a passion.” Photo by Bob Harrigan.

Lunar Eclipse, Mar. 4

Caption: A total lunar eclipse was visible in the Tri-Lakes area in the early hours of March 4. For several minutes, the moon turned blood red. This photo was taken in Woodmoor. Photo by Trish Wingert.

Students earn chess trophies

Caption: Nearly 30 students from kindergarten to high school won trophies at the 19th annual Lewis-Palmer School District Chess Tournament at Bear Creek Elementary School (BCES) on March 7. A total of 119 kids took part in one of the largest school district chess tournaments in Colorado. Bode Scally from Prairie Winds Elementary (PWES) won the kindergarten division. Michael Iatrow, also from PWES, was tops among first-graders. The second-grade winner was Chason Pace of Lewis-Palmer Elementary. BCES student Abraham Burruel finished first in the third-grade group. The fourth-grade trophy went to Simon Gonzalez-Smith of BCES. Among fifth- graders, Bradley Walker of BCES was tops. The sixth-grade winner was Charles Troupe, who’s homeschooled. Kyle Fieber of Monument Academy won the middle school division, and the high school trophy went to Robbie Collier of Lewis-Palmer High School. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

D38 Combined Concert, Mar. 17

Caption:The choirs from Palmer Ridge High School (PRHS), Lewis-Palmer High School (LPHS), and Lewis-Palmer Middle School (LPMS) held a combined concert at the PRHS auditorium on March 17. Many of the selections were a capella, and each choir performed separately before the combined choirs, all 177 students, performed together. Performances included poems written by current and former students that were set to music by Trey Makkler. Madeline Douthit directed the LPHS Mixed Choir, Treble Voices, PRHS Chamber Singers, and Women’s Ensemble, and Lee Meyer directed the LPMS choir. Photo by Steve Pate.

Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Winners, Mar. 15

Caption: Palmer Ridge High School (PRHS) senior Xavier Gonzalez won the top prize of $2,000 at the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club’s Stars of Tomorrow talent show on March 15. Gonzalez’s piano playing wowed the judges at the competition held at PRHS. Whether it was trying to compare instrumentals to gymnastics or singing and musical theater, or if it was just the talent of the performers, it took the judges about 45 minutes to make their decisions, much longer than usual. The second-place high school prize of $1,000 went to Bonneyclaire Patterson of PRHS, who played baritone sax, while the $500 third-place prize was won by Lewis-Palmer senior Jonathan Lilley, who sang a musical theater number. Among middle-schoolers, the $750 top prize went to Lewis-Palmer pianist Jack Wittenborn, while homeschooled violist Katherine Rose Johnson took home the $500 prize. Finally, fifth-grade pianist Esther Hunt of Prairie Winds won the $500 elementary school award. Pictured from the left: Esther Hunt, Jack Wittenborn, Katherine Rose Johnson, Xavier Gonzalez, Bonneyclaire Patterson, and Jonathan Lilley. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Click here to see all the Stars perform on the Our Community News YouTube channel.

Fox Run Park pond reconstruction

Caption: Reconstruction of the ponds at Fox Run Regional Park continues. The ponds were being drained, and the gazebo and surrounding area were being demolished. The gazebo, built in the 1980s, was found to need a rebuild, along with the existing amphitheater. The new gazebo and amphitheater will be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible. Ben Dumakowski, north district supervisor with El Paso County Parks, asks that everyone stay away from the construction area and not cross where the road is closed or where the chain-link fence encloses the pond area. Construction is expected to be completed later this summer. Photo provided by Friends of Fox Run Regional Park.

Monument “No Kings” protest

Caption: An estimated 400 people took part in a No Kings protest in Monument, a town where registered Republican voters outnumber Democrats three to one. The protest organized by the group Tri-Lakes 4 Democracy was the first time Monument joined the thousands of similar demonstrations held nationwide. The two-hour peaceful protest started at the Park-n-Ride on Woodmoor Drive and continued over the I-25 overpass and onto Route 105. A No Kings 3 sign was visible to vehicles driving south on the highway. There were music and speeches in the parking lot next to the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Meeting House on 105. Many vehicles driving by honked their horns in support of the demonstration. A few trucks with Trump flags also drove by to show support for the president. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Wakonda Hills wildfire preparedness

Caption: Wakonda Hills neighbors gathered at wildfire group leader Ken Kay’s home on March 22 to learn more about how to reduce their wildfire risk and help each other as a community. Speakers included Lisa Hatfield and André Mouton, volunteers with Fire Adapted Colorado, and Catherine Methot from neighboring Colorado Estates. Contact your fire district to find out what you can do on your own property and in your neighborhood. Photo by André Mouton.

Romanello bench dedicated

Caption: A bitterly cold mist was falling in Monument on March 27 when more than 50 people shivered through a ceremony dedicating a memorial bench to the late Jim Romanello on what would’ve been his 61st birthday. Romanello died last April after serving on the Monument Town Council since 2018. His daughter Gia Sherrill and son C.J. Romanello helped cut a blue ribbon during the ceremony. A plaque on the bench reads “A Good Father and Friend. He helped shape the Town of Monument into what it is today. He is greatly missed.” Mayor Mitch LaKind told the crowd that Romanello was “always a source of sunshine” and “always tried to have a positive attitude.” With the location near the waterwise garden on Third Street, LaKind said the bench would be a good place for people to sit and “reflect.” Pictured: In front, from left, son C.J. Romanello and daughter Gia Sherrill. In back, from left, Monument Town Council member Chad Smith, Mayor Mitch LaKind, Town Manager Madeline VanDenHoek, and Town Council members Steve Smith and Laura Kronick. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Other Snapshots of Our Community articles

Letters to Our Community – Dollars to donuts!

What is the purpose of the D38 Financial Transparency Committee (FTC) and the Parents and Community Advisory Committee (PCAC)? To assist, access, and advise D38 on budgets and funding priorities. Such as: Our school district infrastructure is crumbling.

Holes in the walls and deteriorated buildings. Kids packed into trailers like sardines in a can. Half of our schools are in disrepair (deferred maintenance, one day we may have full numbers to discuss). Teachers are giving up on their calling (sad). And when schools fall down, students fall down, and so do test scores! And our community suffers. What now? How long until it’s addressed? Ever? Or Never? Adjust priorities? Maybe. In summary, there is no I in team. We are a team. Let’s do it now!

Gordon Reichal

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.

Other Letters to Our Community

Letters to Our Community – Botox Barbie rebuttal

I read Jim Adams’ February 7, 2026, OCN letter “Botox Barbie” with interest and deep concern. Several points demand clarification.

First, Mr. Adams displays a fundamental misunderstanding of U.S. civics. Non-citizens—including legal permanent residents—are prohibited from voting in federal, state, and most local elections. Citizenship carries specific privileges and responsibilities, foremost the right to vote in our republic. Non-citizens cannot vote in countries like Ireland, Poland, Spain, or Finland without first naturalizing—yet the editorial implies the U.S. could/should open its elections to nationals from Mexico, Russia, China, or elsewhere. Such a policy would invite unacceptable risks of foreign interference.

Broader efforts to accommodate large-scale migration, combined with pushes for D.C. and Puerto Rico statehood, appear designed to create a permanent voting majority for one party, potentially silencing conservative perspectives for generations.

Closer to home, unchecked illegal immigration and sanctuary policies have severely strained Colorado’s social safety net—paid for by American taxpayers—while escalating law enforcement and deportation costs. In El Paso County, for instance, non-English-speaking arrestees are provided both a county-funded public defender and interpreter, diverting resources that could better repair infrastructure or support citizens.

Second, labeling Secretary Noem “Botox Barbie” is immature, gratuitously personal, and hypocritical. As head of DHS, she oversees critical agencies including FEMA, TSA, and ICE. She has demonstrated intelligence, resilience, transparency, and a results-driven approach.

In closing, two suggestions for Mr. Adams and like-minded advocates: If the commitment to undocumented immigrants is so strong, sponsor them personally—open your homes and fund their path to citizenship out of your own pocket.

I, like many taxpayers, am weary of shouldering these costs through my taxes. I will continue advocating to preserve our nation’s security and sovereignty and support strong leadership by Secretary Noem.

Will Steuben

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.

Other Letters to Our Community

Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Books for young readers

Highlights

  • The article highlights a range of new and notable children's and young adult books across various genres, from picture books to dystopian series.
  • It features Torben Kuhlmann's Mouse Adventures entry Earhart; The Incredible Flight of a Field Mouse Around the World, noted for its illustrations and blend of fun, facts, science, and biography.
  • Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park by Aaron Johnson is described as a self-published title about Jake and friends solving a scavenger-hunt mystery with survival skills and themes of integrity and friendship.
  • A Horse Named Sky by Rosanne Perry is presented as a standalone companion to A Wolf Called Wander and A Whale of the Wild, focusing on a young wild horse's journey to reunite with family.
  • The Eyes & the Impossible by Dave Eggers follows Johannes the Eyes, a dog in an urban park, and his companions as they observe and maintain balance in the park amid impending changes, with rich illustrations by Shawn Harris.
  • The Lion's Run by Sara Pennypacker is summarized as a WWII historical novel about an orphan who joins the French Resistance and discovers courage through small acts of defiance.
  • The Rover's Story by Jasmine Warga introduces Resilience, a Mars rover learning humanlike emotions during a mission, and the challenges of Mars exploration, with Fly as a companion drone

By the staff at Covered Treasures

“You don’t start getting old until you stop learning. Every book teaches me something new or helps me see things differently. I was lucky to have parents who encouraged me to read.—Bill Gates

Earhart; The Incredible Flight of a Field Mouse Around the World

Torben Kuhlmann (North South) $21.95

The latest tale in award-winning author and illustrator Torben Kuhlmann’s Mouse Adventures series takes flight with the courage and spirit of aviation pioneers. For the field mice, the boundary of the garden is the edge of the world. But one little field mouse is determined to discover the wide world beyond the burrow, even if she isn’t supposed to fly. With her knack for engineering and help from an experienced mouse aviator, she defies the other field mice and sets off on a daring journey. Could it be that she inspired Amelia Earhart’s pioneering aviation career? Kuhlman’s beautiful illustrations and unique ability to combine fun, facts, science, and biography make his books engaging for all ages. They include Lindbergh, Armstrong, Edison, and Einstein.

Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park

By Aaron Johnson (Self-Published) $12.99

Before Jake’s grandfather died, he was on the trail of a centuries-old mystery. He has entrusted that mystery to Jake, leaving behind a set of hidden codes, riddles, maps, and other clues that lead Jake and his friends on a scavenger hunt into the wildest and most rugged wilderness of the national parks. The mystery unfolds as Jake, Amber, and Wes learn about survival skills, natural history, integrity, character, and friendship. Along the way, they discover they are not the only ones on this quest: An elusive shadow group is close on their heels. This is one of five national park mysteries by Castle Rock author Aaron Johnson. Other books take the friends to the Great Sand Dunes, the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, and the newest book, to Yosemite National Park.

A Horse Named Sky

By Rosanne Perry (Greenwillow Books) $9.99

Exiled from his band, a young, wild horse must find his way across treacherous terrain to reunite with his family after being captured for the Pony Express. This Voice in the Wilderness novel is an enthralling survival story about wild horses, family bonds, and a changing environment. This book is a stand-alone companion to the national bestsellers, A Wolf Called Wander and A Whale of the Wild.

The Eyes & the Impossible

By Dave Eggers (Yearling) $14.99

Johannes, a free dog, lives in an urban park by the sea. His job is to be the Eyes—to see everything that happens within the park and report back to the park’s elders, three ancient bison. His friends—a seagull, a raccoon, a squirrel, and a pelican—work with him as the Assistant Eyes, observing the humans and other animals who share the park and making sure the Equilibrium is in balance. But changes are afoot. Illustrated with full color paintings and artwork from Caldecott honoree Shawn Harris, this story about friendship, beauty, liberation (and running very, very fast), will make readers of all ages see the world around them in a completely new way.

The Lion’s Run

By Sara Pennypacker (Balzer & Bray) $18.99

The acclaimed bestselling author of Pax delivers a historical novel about an orphan during WWII who discovers unexpected courage within himself when he becomes involved with the French Resistance. Lucas is tired of his cowardly reputation, just as he’s tired of the war and the Nazi occupation of his French village. He longs to show how brave he can be. He soon gets his chance in this story of courage and hope, and the realization that the smallest act can make a difference.

A Rover’s Story

By Jasmine Warga HarperCollins), $19.99

Meet Resilience, a Mars rover determined to live up to his name. Res was built to explore Mars. He was not built to have human emotions. But as he learns new things from the NASA scientists who assembled him, he begins to develop humanlike feelings. Launch day comes, and Res blasts off to Mars, accompanied by a friendly drone helicopter named Fly. But Res quickly discovers that Mars is a dangerous place filled with dust storms and giant cliffs. As he navigates Mars’s difficult landscape, Res is tested in ways that go beyond space exploration. As millions of people back on Earth follow his progress, will Res have the determination, courage, and resilience to succeed and survive?

The Mysterious Benedict Society series

By Trenton Lee Stewart (Hachette Book Group)

“Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?” Dozens of children respond to this peculiar newspaper ad and are put through a series of mind-bending tests, which readers take along with them. Only four children—two boys and two girls—succeed. Their challenge: a secret mission that only the most intelligent and inventive children could complete. To accomplish it, they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules. But what they’ll find in the hidden underground tunnels of the school is more than your average school supplies.

Tesla’s Attic series

By Neal Shusterman and Eric Elfman (Little, Brown and Co.) $8.99

Book one in the Accelerrati Trilogy introduces readers to four teenagers caught up in a dangerous plan concocted by the eccentric inventor Nicola Tesla. Secret-society intrigue, quirky gadgetry, appealing characters, and humor propel the action on through Edison’s Alley and Hawking’s Hallway as they battle The Accelerati, a menacing society of physicists.

Shatter Me series

Tahereh Mafi (Harper) $15.99

Ostracized or incarcerated her whole life, 17-year-old Juliette is freed on the condition that she use her horrific abilities in support of The Reestablishment, a postapocalyptic dictatorship. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal, but the Reestablishment has plans for her—to use her as a weapon. But Juliette has plans of her own. After a lifetime without freedom, she’s finally discovering a strength to fight back for the very first time. This is the first book in the riveting dystopian series for teenage readers, with an unforgettable heroine.

Until next month, happy reading!

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

Other Book Reviews

February Library Events – Quilt exhibit, craft groups, device drop-in, and tax assistance

Highlights

  • The Monument Library's Winter Adult Reading Program ended February 28 with over 400 participants reading or attending library programs for at least 30 minutes daily for 30 days, earning an exclusive WARP coffee mug and a Crumbl dessert coupon.
  • March will feature Palmer Divide Quiltmakers displaying new and vintage quilts and items at the Monument Library, with a catalog of titles and creators available at the circulation desk.
  • Tax preparation help is offered at several branches through April 15, with the closest Tri-Lakes option at Library 21c; appointments are required and forms can be printed from ppld.org since staff cannot provide tax advice or stock forms.
  • Monument Library programs this March include Storytime (Tuesdays), Socrates Café (Tuesdays), Paws to Read (Tuesdays), Toddler Time (Wednesdays), optical illusion program for homeschool students (Mar 11), and a range of teen and adult classes with registration required for many events.
  • Specific teen and family offerings include a Teen Advisory Board (Mar 12), Teen Craft Group (Mar 16), a tech help session (Mar 19), a Third Friday Book Club (Mar 20), and a Teen D&D group (Mar 21) with space and registration limits noted.
  • Notable workshops include Art for Older Adults (Mar 12), Sewing Level 1 (Mar 26), and a Fiber Arts Group gathering (Mar 27), with details on registration and event calendars available through the library's listings.

By Harriet Halbig

The Monument Library’s Winter Adult Reading Program ended on Feb. 28. Over 400 patrons participated in the program, reading or attending selected library programs at least 30 minutes a day for 30 days to receive the exclusive WARP coffee mug and a coupon for a free dessert from the Crumbl bakery.

For many years, the Palmer Divide Quiltmakers have hung their new and vintage quilts and other items in the Monument Library during March. Come in to admire their creations. A document listing the titles and creators of each item will be available at the circulation desk. This is always a special time at the library and completely changes the surroundings.

Above: Two of the colorful quilts on display at the Monument Library. Photos by Janet Sellers.

Tax preparation assistance

Tax preparation assistance will be offered at several library branches through April 15.

The closest location to the Tri-Lakes area is Library 21c near Chapel Hill Mall. Services there will be provided by an AARP tax aide. The hours will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9 to 1 on Wednesdays. An appointment is required at 719-257-3805.

For information on services at Fountain, Sand Creek, and High Prairie libraries, please see the website ppld.org, tax time.

Library staff are unable to advise you on tax matters and do not stock paper copies of the forms needed. Forms can be printed from the website, however, by going to ppld.org and choosing research and learn at the top of the page. Choose taxes and specify the specific form you seek (IRS or Colorado state). Both forms and instructions are available.

Monument Library programs

Recurring programs include:

  • Storytime every Tuesday from 10:30 to 11:15 for children 3 to 7 and their parents or caregivers. The final Tuesday in March will feature a special spring break program. See below for details.
  • Socrates Café adult discussion group every Tuesday from 1 to 3.
  • Paws to Read on Tuesdays from 4 to 5. Practice reading aloud and improve fluency by reading to a volunteer Paws to Read therapy dog.
  • Toddler Time every Wednesday from 9:30 to 10 and 10:30 to 11 for toddlers ages 1 to 2 and their parents or caregivers.

Homeschool students ages 5 to 12 are invited to attend a program on optical illusions on Wednesday, March 11 from 3 to 4 p.m. Your mind is playing tricks on you! Learn about the science behind some common optical illusions, make your own, and learn tricks to amaze your friends. No registration is required.

A program on Art for Older Adults will be offered on Thursday, March 12 from 1 to 2 p.m. This class inspires a sense of self-reliance in older adults, even if the participant is reliant on a partner to help use the materials. Registration is required at 719-531-6333 ext. 7005.

The Teen Advisory Board will meet from 5 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 12. Learn leadership skills and earn volunteer hours by attending this group and working on projects at the library. Registration is required at 719-531-6333 ext. 7005.

The Teen Craft Group for ages 13 to 18 will meet from 5 to 6 p.m. on Monday, March 16. Bring a craft to work on with your peers. Enjoy socializing with other crafters. This group meets on the first and third Monday of each month.

Need help with your laptop, smartphone, tablet, or the library’s new catalog? Bring your device and all cables anytime between 11 and noon on Thursday, March 19. This program is for adults 18 and older, and no registration is required.

The Third Friday Book Club will meet from 10:30 to 12:30 on Friday, March 20. This group, sponsored by the Tri-Lakes Friends of PPLD, is open to all adults 18 and older. The March selection is The Traitor’s Wife by Allison Pataki.

The Teen Dungeons and Dragons group will meet on Saturday, March 21 from 3:30 to 5:45 p.m. Join fellow teens on an adventure in the world’s greatest role-playing game, Dungeons and Dragons. Beginners and veterans ages 13 to 18 are welcome to participate. Space is limited to eight participants, and registration is required at 719-531-6333 ext. 7005.

On Monday, March 23, from 4 to 5 p.m., teens 13 to 18 are invited to attend a class on customizing their clothes. Bring your own shirts, pants, shoes, etc. and make them uniquely yours. Registration is required at 719-531-6333 ext. 7005.

Kids and families are invited to attend a special spring break program, The Bark Bunch, from 10:30 to 11:30 on Tuesday, March 24. Join The Bark Bunch and learn how to interact with dogs while showing compassion and understanding. If you intend to bring a group of 10 or more, please call ahead. This program replaces the usual Storytime.

Patrons ages 9 to adult are invited to attend a class on Sewing Level 1 on Thursday, March 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn the basics of machine sewing and create a simple project. We will teach you to wind a bobbin, thread the machine, and navigate the interface of a computerized sewing machine. Then, learn basic stitches. A creative space agreement must be submitted at the time of the program. To access the form, go to the website, events and happenings, choose the Monument Library, and click on event calendar. If you select this class, the link to the user agreement is displayed under “disclaimers.” Children under 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Registration is required at 719-531-6333 ext. 7005.

The Monument Fiber Arts Group will meet from 10:30 to noon on Friday, March 27. If you are an adult 18 and up and interested in knitting, crochet, or sewing, bring your own project to this monthly group meeting. No registration is required.

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

Other Pikes Peak Library District articles

Palmer Lake Historical Society, Feb. 19 – Ranch owners discovered Cherokee Trail artifacts

Highlights

  • The Palmer Lake Historical Society heard about Cherokee Trail artifacts on Feb. 19 at the Palmer Lake Town Hall, with Anne Berlemann sharing discoveries from her ranch along the Cherokee Trail.
  • The trail, also known as Trapper's Trail and Trader's Trail, was heavily used during the Gold Rush era to reach the mountains from Oklahoma and Bent's Fort.
  • Oregon-California Trail Association (OCTA) collaborators help mark and map trails on private land and with government agencies to protect the Cherokee Trail's legacy and promote preservation.
  • The Berlemanns used a scientific approach, aided by OCTA and a metal detector, to unearth and catalog items left by pioneers across their property and neighboring lands.
  • Found artifacts range from square nails and wagon wheel parts to guitar tuning pegs, illustrating the trail's historical use and the ongoing discoveries.

By Marlene Brown

The Palmer Lake Historical Society (PLHS) heard about Cherokee Trail artifacts on Feb. 19 at the Palmer Lake Town Hall.

The night’s topic was titled Cherokee Trail Artifacts Across the Palmer Divide, History, Culture, and Discoveries Unearthed. Anne Berlemann shared her and her family’s discovery of Cherokee Trail artifacts at their ranch on the Palmer Divide. She explained that their ranch was along the Cherokee Trail, which was also known as Trapper’s Trail and Trader’s Trail. The road was used extensively during the Gold Rush days as a way to get to the mountains from Oklahoma and Bent’s Fort.

Imagine looking toward the prairie from your property and seeing the ruts of the trail made by wagons. Suddenly, you realize that you are standing on the Cherokee Trail, where pioneers had traveled to make the historical trips west. Upon contacting the Oregon-California Trail Association (OCTA), they found a group of people who work with private landowners and government agencies to mark and map the trails. Their mission is to protect the legacy of the historic trails and promote preservation of the Cherokee Trail.

Above: Anne Berlemann with some of the artifacts from the Cherokee Trail. Photo by Marlene Brown.

The Berlemanns took the scientific approach and, along with help from OCTA and a metal detector, carefully unearthed many items left behind by the pioneers. They carefully and systematically dug and cataloged each item they found across their property and worked with their neighbors to continue the discovery of the well-used road. Pictured at right are some of the artifacts, from square nails to wagon wheel parts to even guitar tuning pegs. For more information about trails in the Palmer Divide area, go to octa-trails.org/regional-chapters/Colorado-cherokee-trail-chapter.

**********

PLHS meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month, 7-8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) at the Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent St. Meetings are free and open to the public. For full descriptions, dates, and times of future programs and information on memberships or donating to the PLHS, visit its newly updated website: palmerdividehistory.org.

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

Other Palmer Lake Historical Society articles

High Altitude Nature and Gardens – A Colorado calendar, seed rolls, and Effective Microorganisms (EM)

Highlights

  • The article emphasizes phenology as the best planting guide in the Tri-Lakes area due to unpredictable weather.
  • It provides a Windowsill sprouting strategy using a DIY snail pack with waterproof material, soil mix, and a rolled strip method to plant seeds.
  • The soil mix for the DIY option combines garden soil, compost, and grit, kept moist to support sprouts and mature plants.
  • A rolling "sushi snail" method is described: lay out strips, add soil, roll, seed along the top edge, seal with sand, mist, and cover to retain moisture.
  • The piece discusses Effective Microorganisms (EM) as a non-toxic blend of beneficial microbes intended to boost soil health, nutrient availability, and disease suppression.
  • Confirmed details include EM's proposed applications (gardening, composting, pest control, environmental uses) and methods to obtain or create EM, while uncertainties include the extent of effectiveness and practical outcomes in home gardening.

By Janet Sellers

In the Tri-Lakes area, unpredictable weather makes phenology—nature’s calendar—the best planting guide. It tracks seasonal cycles like blooming and migration to determine the perfect timing for your garden.

Windowsill sprouting strategy

DIY snail pack:

  1. Waterproof paper, bubble wrap, or corrugated card (best choices), feed bags, even Amazon packages cut to 3 to 6 inches wide and 1 to 2 feet long.
  2. All-purpose potting mix to support the sprout and the growing plant (DIY is a mix of 6 parts garden soil (rob some mole or vole hills—they’ve pre-sifted the soil for you and it’s perfectly textured for this), 3-4 parts garden compost (last year’s leafy stuff, etc.) and some grit for drainage (sand, tiny pebbly sand, breeze/road base size), mix these three and moisten if needed. If the mix dries out easily, increase the organic matter, which will hold moisture. Some gardeners add perlite or vermiculite for drainage and micronutrients. Sift if needed. Moisten the whole batch so it just barely holds a fistful in a ball.
  3. Lay out the strips and add the soil mix to about an inch deep along the strip.
  4. Roll the strip like a sushi snail, tie or rubber-band it, set vertically in the tray; drizzle seeds along the top edge and top off with a thin coat of sand to keep seeds in place; moisten. Some add a light sprinkle of cinnamon to deter pathogens.
  5. Set the roll on a dish or tray, mist or water lightly, and tent with a sandwich bag or larger to retain moisture. Be sure to check the moisture daily. This mimics nature’s leafy mulch.

Effective Microorganisms

My research experience in Japan exposed me to the bridge between ancient respect for the land and the modern microbial technology used today. Traditional Japanese farmers have long recognized the power of forest leaf litter (o-fuchi) and rich “black soil” to jumpstart compost, which is the ancient wisdom EM sought to standardize and offer for today’s agriculture.

The microorganisms are a non-toxic blend of beneficial bacteria, yeast, and fungi developed to naturally boost soil and plant health. By enhancing nutrient availability and suppressing pathogens, EM improves soil structure and accelerates organic decomposition.

Core applications

  • Gardening: enhances soil aeration, water retention, and crop yields. Used as a seed soak, soil drench, or foliar spray.
  • Composting: speeds up breakdown and eliminates odors in waste.
  • Pest control: creates a microbial barrier that protects plants from disease.
  • Livestock and environment: acts as an animal probiotic and treats wastewater or ponds.

You can buy EM concentrates or create a traditional Japanese version made of cooked rice in a mesh bag, buried under leaf litter in a healthy, undisturbed forest for 1–2 weeks.

Janet Sellers is a researcher and columnist specializing in Natural Aesthetic Landscaping and Phenology. Her “lazy gardening” methodology focuses on low-intervention, nature-led ecological design. For inquiries, nature walks, lectures, or collaborative research, contact JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Other High Altitude Nature and Gardens articles

Art Matters – Art, physics, Argyle socks, and math

Highlights

  • Richard Feynman, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, pursued painting and drawing under the name "Ofey," showing a long-standing curiosity and visual thinking beyond his science.
  • He was encouraged to adopt a relaxed, non-precise artistic approach, contrasting with his meticulous scientific work, and he lived near Caltech in Pasadena.
  • A Cornell cafeteria moment highlights how everyday discussions, like knitting Argyle socks, can reveal insights about applied geometry and pattern recognition.
  • The Argyle pattern is explained as a rotated 45-degree grid deriving from 17th-century Scottish Highlands, illustrating a mathematical shift in pattern recognition.
  • The article introduces Ethnomathematics, coined by Ubiratan D'Ambrosio, which studies mathematical thinking across cultures and everyday practices, not just formal schooling.
  • It emphasizes that art and math are two ways to describe reality, with weaving, architecture, and daily crafts shown as demonstrations of mathematical thinking and beauty.

By Janet Sellers

Richard Feynman, the Nobel Prize-winning physicist, was a man of immense curiosity. He was also a visual thinker who, at age 44, decided to become an artist. Signing his sketches under the pseudonym “Ofey,” Feynman spent decades capturing “scientific awe” through portraits and life drawings. He was encouraged by artists to embrace a relaxed, non-precise approach—a stark contrast to his meticulous scientific work. (Interestingly, Feynman lived just a few miles from me in Pasadena; we even framed his drawings at the shop where I worked, which was near Caltech!)

Above: Art by “Ofey”: Nobel physicist Richard Feynman began drawing at age 44 to capture the “scientific awe” of the world. This landscape, painted under his pseudonym, shows that learning a new “expressive form” is a lifelong journey of understanding reality. Image courtesy of the Michelle Feynman Estate via Open Culture; used for educational commentary.

Feynman’s life was a testament to the idea that art and science aren’t separate rooms, but different windows into the same world. One afternoon in the 1940s at a Cornell cafeteria, he overheard students discussing what he assumed was complex analytical geometry. It turned out they were actually discussing the logic of knitting Argyle socks.

The Argyle pattern is a perfect example of “applied geometry.” Originating in the 17th-century Scottish Highlands with the Clan Campbell, the pattern evolved from traditional tartan. By rotating a standard grid 45 degrees, weavers created the iconic diamond shape. It wasn’t just a style choice; it was a mathematical shift in pattern recognition.

What is mathematics?

The word “mathematics” comes from the ancient Greek Mathema, meaning “that which is learned” or “knowledge.” The suffix -tics stems from tikos, meaning “the art of.” Essentially, mathematics is the art of learning how to manage reality. This leads us to a fascinating field called Ethnomathematics. Coined by Ubiratan D’Ambrosio in the 1970s, this study recognizes that mathematical thinking is inherent to all humans, not just those with slide rules. It validates the “non-traditional” math found in oral traditions, weaving, and navigation.

Weaving the world

Ethnomathematics bridges the gap between abstract school math and the rich, practical knowledge found in daily life. We see it everywhere:

  • Architecture: In the geometric precision of the Native American tipi, the multi-level stone complexes of the Ancestral Puebloans at Mesa Verde, and the structural harmony of the Diné (Navajo) hogan.
  • Cultural rituals: In the complex isosceles triangles and rhombuses of Bedouin embroidery.
  • Daily craft: In the symmetries of basket weaving and the intricate logic of quilts.

Whether you are sketching a model like Feynman did or calculating the tension in a knitted sock, you are participating in a global, ancient tradition of understanding our world. Art and math are simply two ways of describing the beauty we see. At any age, picking up a tool—be it a paintbrush, a needle, or a compass—is the first step in “managing reality” and making it your own.

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

Other Art Matters articles

Snapshots of Our Community

Correction to the Feb. 7 issue of OCN

In the February 2026 issue of Our Community News, Steve Eaton was credited for a snapshot of members of the Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club assembling Blessing Bags for the local Police Department that will be distributed to people in need. The photo credit should have been Maryam Eaton.

Edmondson scores 1,000th point

Above: During a varsity basketball game Feb. 6 at Cheyenne Mountain High School, Rylee Edmondson, a senior at Lewis-Palmer High School, scored her 1,000th point. The game was stopped to recognize this accomplishment. Photo by Steve Pate.

Kiwanis presents bell-ringing check

Above: Monument Hill Kiwanis Club (MHKC) has turned over the money it made ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. A check for $30,000 was presented to the Colorado Springs Salvation Army (SA) on Jan. 31. Members of Kiwanis, Tri-Lakes Women’s Club, and Lewis-Palmer D38 Key Club members spent 375 hours ringing the bell during the last holiday season. In the photo from left are MHKC Assistant Project Manager Mark Zeiger, SA representative Jeanette Bernstein, SA Maj. Nancy Bell, MHKC Project Manager Jeff Baker, and MHCK President Jim Head. Photo by Warren Gerig.

Rotary presents play park donation

Above: Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club has raised $2,256 that will go toward the planned Heart of Monument Play Park. Club President Maryam Eaton and club executive Katie Lenger presented a check to the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club on Feb. 14. The money was raised at the Glow Bingo event held Jan. 23 at Monument Community Presbyterian Church. The Play Park is a joint project among Kiwanis, the church, and the Town of Monument. So far, Kiwanis has raised more than $300,000 in donations and pledges for the park. The club hopes the park, which will be located on a half-acre plot next to Monument Community Presbyterian Church in downtown Monument, will be open by late summer or early fall. In the photo from left are Kiwanian Scott Ross, Eaton, Kiwanian Dean Snow, Lenger, and Kiwanian President Jim Head. Photo by Warren Gerig.

D38 arts education, Feb. 9

Above: On Feb. 9, Joseph Jesse, left, and Micaela Cimino gave a talk on the importance of engagement in the arts during the education years at a D38 gathering of interested school staff and citizens. The pair offered highlights from the years of their respective pursuits in the arts and entertainment industries and how the arts develop creative and engaged lives and careers. They are the owners of Bella Art and Frame Gallery in Monument. Photo by Janet Sellers.

Bionic Sharks advance to state

Above: Monument’s robotics team, the Bionic Sharks, advanced to the Colorado State Championship at Colorado School of Mines on Feb. 15. They received the REACH Award for outstanding community outreach. The award came with a $2,000 check. The team earned the right to compete in the championship by winning its second qualifier of the season at the Southern Qualifier at Manitou Springs High School on Feb. 7. From left are Alexandra Epstein, Nate Johnson, Alexandra Gonzalez, Pranav Balaji, Corey Cinalli, Brandon Johnson, Jeanette Breton, and Mike Hinkle. Photo by Robert Dawkins.

Lady Rangers recognized, Feb. 18

Above: Seniors playing for the Lewis-Palmer Lady Rangers basketball team were recognized after the game against Discovery Canyon on Feb. 18. Five seniors were recognized with their parents in a ceremony following the game: Rylee Edmondson, Emmi Medina, Kora O’Connor, Addison Kenley, and Aubrey Gross. The Lady Rangers beat Discovery Canyon in this final game before the playoffs. Photo by Steve Pate

Paper Tigers, Feb. 20

Above: Connie Stanton (standing) leads a “Paper Tigers” class on third Fridays, where students learn two or three new designs each time. On Feb. 20, the Monument Library held an origami class for children and adults to create small paper sculptures. Many of the children had a lot of experience making these small artworks, while it was a new attempt for some of the adults. Each person took a flat sheet of paper and engineered it with a specific series of manipulations and was able to create animals, contrive convoluted forms into a ball shape that could bounce, and make a frog toy that could hop and race the other frog toys.
Below: An origami mouse bookmark.
Photos by Janet Sellers.
.

CO & US anniversaries celebrated

Above: At the Monument branch library on Feb. 24, visitors listened to traditional Irish and Scottish music by the duo Wilson and McKee (shown here with several of their traditional Celtic instruments), enjoyed refreshments and scavenger hunts, contributed to a community quilt, and met Ruby, the resident “giant day gecko.” The occasion celebrated the 150th anniversary of Colorado’s statehood and the United States’ 250th birthday of Independence. Each library in the district is hosting a dedicated open house featuring activities that highlight its unique character. Photo by Janet Sellers.

Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Finalists, Feb. 21 & 22

What do eight singers, four pianists, one gymnast, a cellist, a violinist, a violist, one dancer, a trumpeter, a baritone sax player, and two make-believe pirates have in common? They’ll all compete for cash prizes in the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club’s Stars of Tomorrow talent contest on March 15 at Palmer Ridge High School. A record number of more than 50 students showed off their talents at auditions on Feb. 21 and 22 at Big Red. Two fifth-graders from Palmer Lake Elementary, Emmalyse Schaffer and Anna Bearden, played pirates in a performance they wrote themselves. There were two sets of brothers and sisters. Singers Benton and Hadley Miles will compete with other high school students for prizes of $2,000 and $1,000. Violist Katherine Rose Johnson made the cut in the middle school division, and her older brother Austin, a violinist, will perform against high schoolers. Middle school prizes range from $750 to $500. The elementary school winner will take home $500. One 11-year-old from Palmer Ridge High School, Kenton Klein, didn’t make the cut but earned praise for originality by solving a Rubik’s Cube while answering questions from the judges. Photos by Michael Weinfeld.

To see short videos of each of these Stars of Tomorrow, please click here to visit Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Auditions on YouTube.

Palmer Lake Elementary fifth-graders Emmalyse Schaffer (L) and Anna Bearden perform an original play.
18-year-old Palmer Ridge High School student Benton Miles sings.
17-year-old Palmer Ridge High School student Hadley Miles sings.
15-year-old homeschooled student Katherine Rose Johnson plays the viola.
17-year-old homeschool student Austin Johnson plays the violin.
Palmer Ridge High School junior Madelyn LaPaorte performs a dance routine.
Lewis-Palmer High School student Chloe Jarrell sings.
Palmer Ridge High School student Lana Elliott Field plays the cello.
Palmer Ridge High School junior Xavier Gonzales plays the piano.
Lewis-Palmer High School junior Evan Marsh plays the trumpet.
Lewis-Palmer High School student Elle Gustin plays the piano.
Eight-year-old LPES student Collins Carpenter performs a gymnastics routine.
12-year-old Monument Academy student Alyson Horne sings and plays guitar.
Palmer Ridge High School sophomore Ryleigh McFarland sings.
Palmer Ridge High School senior Bonneyclaire Patterson plays baritone sax.
Lewis-Palmer Middle School 8th-grader Jack Wittenborn plays the piano.
Lewis-Palmer High School senior Jonathan Lilley sings.
Palmer Ridge High School junior Mia Claypool sings, plays harmonica and piano.
Prairie Winds Elementary School 5th-grader Esther Hunt play piano.
14-year-old Lewis-Palmer Middle School student Kaiya Powell sings.

Four students win trips sponsored by the MVEA

Four students have won trips sponsored by Mountain View Electric Association (MVEA). Sixteen students from 12 schools in MVEA’s service territory applied. Two students tied for first place. Nathan Alger from Lewis-Palmer High School and Yasmin Amadu from Rampart High School of Colorado Springs will represent MVEA at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. this June. Tager Vitt from the Haven School in the Springs came in third place. He and Wesley Rains from Liberty Tree Academy in Falcon will attend the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp in Clark, Colo., this July. Photos provided by MVEA.

Nathan Alger from Lewis-Palmer High School
Yasmin Amadu from Rampart High School
Tager Vitt from the Haven School
Wesley Rains from Liberty Tree Academy

Other Our Community Snapshots articles

Letters to Our Community – The reign of Botox Barbie

Last week Kristie Noem (aka, Botox Barbie) spoke from a podium with the words, “One of ours. All of yours” on the front. This is a reference to fascist Nazi idea of collective punishment. It is the threat that if anyone hurts even one of Botox Barbie’s ICE agents, she will punish the whole city, region, state, or nation. So, if the American people do not submit to the tyranny of the DHS and ICE, then the American people (especially those living in blue areas) will be punished for not surrendering to the fascist regime that currently occupies the White House. This destructive policy is being managed and executed by the executive branch of our government in collusion with the Republicans in Congress and the Republicans on the Supreme Court.

This is Project 2025 in full erection. The United States no longer exist. Executive crime with impunity is the new standard. So, no freedom, only submission. No citizenship, only subjects. No trials, no due process, no court, no judges, and no jury. Just masked thugs without insignias, in unmarked vehicles, beating up protesters. Bring on the arbitrary and capricious. Say goodbye to progress, freedom, equality, and justice. Say hello to criminals in camouflage telling you how to live, and smirking while they shoot tear gas into your face. Say hello to being disappeared. Say hello to torture.

We were once a great nation, but now we are the Empire of 47. Sycophants wanted, brown-nosers welcome, gangsters invited. Oh, and especially extremely wealthy oligarchs; those are most sought after. Peasants are to be rounded up and disposed of. Hourly wage labor is no longer recognized as significant. And women, only the Botoxed need apply.

Jim Adams

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.

Other Letters to Our Community

Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – February is Heart Month

Highlights

  • The column highlights new and notable book releases across fiction and non-fiction, with themes spanning survival, love, and historical moments, connected by Paris's underground tunnels in two time periods.
  • Notable titles include Skylark by Paula McLain, In the Midst of Winter by Isabel Allende, A Forty Year Kiss by Nickolas Butler, The Princess Bride by William Goldman, The History of Love by Nicole Krauss, and Leaving by Roxana Robinson, among others.
  • The summaries provide plot threads such as a 1664 tale of escape and asylum, a 1939 wartime survival story, and intertwined paths through literature and memory, while later entries explore romance, second chances, and literary dream ventures.
  • The list also features a variety of formats and editions, including Wuthering Heights reissues, a modern American Heart Association Cookbook, and several new or revised releases for young readers.
  • The column notes recurrent themes of resilience and human connection, with references to historical settings and cultural contexts.

By the staff at Covered Treasures

“Once I fell in love with books, I fell in love completely.”—Stephen King

Skylark

By Paula McLain (Atria) $30

Two stories of survival, set nearly 300 years apart, are connected by treks through the ancient underground tunnels of Paris. In 1664, the daughter of a master dyer at the famed Gobelin Tapestry Works secretly dreams of escaping her circumstances and creating her own masterpiece. When her father is unjustly imprisoned, her efforts to save him lead to her own confinement in the notorious Salpêtrière asylum, where thousands of women are held captive and cruelly treated. But within its grim walls, she discovers a small group of brave allies, and the possibility of a life bigger than she ever imagined. In 1939, Kristof Larson is a medical student beginning his psychiatric residency in Paris. His neighbors on the Rue de Gobelins are a Jewish family who have fled Poland. When Nazi forces descend on the city, Kristof becomes their only hope for survival. Once again, the tunnels play an important role.

In the Midst of Winter

By Isabel Allende (Atria) $18.99

A lonely university professor in his 60s hits the car of a young undocumented immigrant from Guatemala. She later comes to his house, seeking help. At a loss, the professor asks for advice from a friend, a fellow academic from Chile. As these three lives intertwine, each discovers truths about themselves and unexpected love.

A Forty Year Kiss

By Nickolas Butler (Sourcebooks) $17.99

Charlie and Vivian parted ways after just four years of marriage. Too many problems, too many struggles, even though the love didn’t quite die. When Charlie returns to Wisconsin 40 years later, he’s not sure what he’ll find. He is sure of one thing—he must try to reconnect with Vivian to pick up the broken pieces of their past. But 40 years is a long time. It’s 40 years of other relationships, 40 years of building new lives, and 40 years of long-held regrets, mistakes, and painful secrets. This is a big-hearted novel about second chances.

The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern’s Tale of True Love and High Adventure

By William Goldman (Harper) $18.99

Fencing. Fighting. True Love. Strong Hate. Harsh Revenge. A Few Giants. Lots of Bad Men. Lots of Good Men. A Beautiful Princess. Beasties Monstrous and Gentle. Some Swell Escapes and Captures. Death, Lies, Truth, Miracles, and a Little Sex. In short, it’s about everything. If you’ve watched the movie more times than you can count, perhaps it’s time to read the book that inspired it.

The History of Love

By Nicole Krauss (W.W. Norton) $16.99

A long-lost book reappears, mysteriously connecting an old man searching for his son and a girl seeking a cure for her widowed mother’s loneliness. Leo Gursky taps his radiator each evening to let his upstairs neighbor know he is still alive. But it wasn’t always like this: In the Polish village of his youth, he fell in love and wrote a book. Sixty years later and half a world away, 14-year-old Alma, who was named after a character in that book, undertakes an adventure to find her namesake and save her family.

A Novel Bookstore

By Laurence Cosse (Europa Editions) $18.95

Ivan and Francesca decide to open a bookstore devoted to their love of books. Tucked away in a corner of Paris, the store offers a selection of literary masterpieces chosen by a top-secret committee of literary connoisseurs. To their amazement, the little dream store quickly proves a success—and then their troubles begin. At first, both owners shrug off the anonymous threats that come their way, but when three members of the supposedly secret committee are attacked, they decide to call the police. As the pieces of this puzzle fall into place, it becomes evident that Ivan and Francesca’s dreams will be answered with violence.

Leaving

By Roxana Robinson (W.W. Norton) $19.99

Sarah and Warren’s college love story ended in a single moment. Decades later, when a chance meeting brings them together, a passion ignites, threatening the foundations of their lives. Since they parted in college, each has married, raised a family, and made a career. When they meet again, Sarah is divorced and living outside New York, while Warren is still married and living in Boston. The pair is faced with confronting the moral responsibilities of their love for their families and each other.

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

By Zoulfa Katouh (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) $16.99

Eighteen-year-old Salama Kassab, a pharmacy student volunteering at the hospital in Homs, Syria, is desperate to find passage on a refugee boat for herself and her pregnant sister-in-law. An unflinching story of the early days of the Syrian revolution, the story tells of devastation, not only of the village, but of the people as well. It’s a heartbreaking story of a young girl, torn between whether she should leave in search of safety or stay and fight for the country she deeply loves.

Wuthering Heights

By Emily Bronte (Vintage Classics) $10

There is much disagreement as to whether Wuthering Heights is a love story or not. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, another film adaptation is being released, along with new printings of the book—from beautiful hardcover bindings to paperbacks and graphic novels. The dark gothic tale of Heathcliffe and Catherine, intense obsession and revenge, continues to fascinate.

The New American Heart Association Cookbook

By The American Heart Association (Rodale Press) $30.00

This revised edition of the American Heart Association’s flagship cookbook offers not only more than 800 recipes—100 of which are new and 100 refreshed—to satisfy every palate, but also provides the most current dietary and lifestyle recommendations. The new and revised recipes are based on today’s flavor profiles; eating preferences, such as Mediterranean and vegetarian; family favorites; and diverse cultural cuisines, as well as popular appliances including the air fryer, slow cooker, and Instant Pot®.

February is Heart Month; be kind to your heart and to the hearts of those you love. Until next month, happy reading.

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

Other Book Review articles

February Library Events – Winter Adult Reading continues, free tax preparation help begins, Monument Open House

Highlights

  • The Winter Adult Reading Program runs through February 28, with online or in-person registration for 18+ and a chance to receive a limited-edition mug, a dessert coupon, and a grand prize drawing upon completion.
  • Participants must read 30 minutes daily or attend district library programs for 30 days between January 1 and February 28 to qualify.
  • Tax preparation help is available at four district libraries, with the nearest Tri-Lakes area location at Library 21 C near Chapel Hills Mall, by appointment only on specified days; call 719-257-3805.
  • Monument Library offers recurring programs including Storytime, Socrates Café, Paws to Read, and Toddler Time, plus a Soup Blend Workshop for adults on February 12.
  • Teen programs include the Teen Advisory Board on February 12 and the Teen Craft Group on February 16, with registration required for some activities and volunteer applications online.
  • Monument Library hosts an open house February 24 with Ruby the Madagascar giant day gecko, a button-making activity, and nearby geese feeding; the Monument Fiber Arts Group also meets February 27 for open, no-registration crafting.

By Harriet Halbig

The library’s Winter Adult Reading Program continues until Feb. 28. Anyone 18 and over can register online (ppld.org) or in person to receive a calendar featuring historic photos from our region, while supplies last. Read 30 minutes per day or attend district library programs for 30 days from Jan. 1 to Feb. 28 and receive a limited-edition Winter Adult Reading Program mug while supplies last and a coupon for a free dessert from Crumbl.

Those who complete the challenge will also be entered in a grand prize drawing.

Tax preparation assistance

Free tax preparation assistance will be available at four district libraries.

The closest location to the Tri-Lakes area is Library 21 C near Chapel Hills Mall. Services there will be provided by AARP Tax Aide and the hours will be from 9 to 5 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 to 1 on Wednesdays To make an appointment, call 719-257-3805. An appointment is required.

For information on services at Fountain, Sand Creek, and High Prairie libraries, please see the website ppld.org.

Libraries do not stock federal and state tax forms, but they can be printed from the website. Go to ppld.org and choose research and learn at the top of the page. Choose taxes and specify the specific form you seek (IRS or Colorado state). Both forms and instructions are available.

Monument Library programs

Recurring programs include:

  • Storytime every Tuesday from 10:30 to 11:15 for children 3 to 7 and their parents or caregivers.
  • Socrates Café adult discussion group every Tuesday from 1 to 3.
  • Paws to Read on Tuesdays from 4 to 5. Practice reading aloud and improve fluency by reading to a volunteer Paws to Read therapy dog.
  • Toddler Time every Wednesday from 9:30 to 10 and 10:30 to 11 for toddlers ages 1 to 2 and their parents or caregivers.

Adults are welcome at the library from 11 to noon on Thursday, Feb. 12, for a Soup Blend Workshop. Join us to explore your culinary imagination as you create a unique soup blend of dry ingredients.to take home. All supplies are provided. One participant per registration, please. Register online or call 719-531-6333 extension 7005.

The Teen Advisory Board will meet from 5 to 6 on Feb. 12. This is an opportunity for teens 13 to 18 to earn volunteer hours while helping to plan events at your library. You must fill out a volunteer application online to participate. Regular participation is encouraged.

The Teen Craft Group will meet on Monday Feb. 16, from 5 to 6. Teens ages 13 to 18 are invited to bring a craft to work on with other crafters your age. This group will meet monthly on the first and third Monday.

Thursday, Feb. 19, from 11 to noon, adults are welcome to bring their laptop, smartphone, tablet, or other device for our Device Drop-In help. Please bring your device and power cords. We cannot help with installing software, removing viruses, or setting up.

The Third Friday Book Club sponsored by the Tri-Lakes Friends of PPLD will meet from 10:30 to 12:30 on Feb. 20. All are welcome to attend. This month’s selection is Traces by Patricia L. Hudson.

The Teen Dungeons and Dragons group will meet from 3:30 to 5:45 on Saturday, Feb. 21. Join your fellow teens ages 13 to 18 to go on an adventure in the world’s greatest role-playing game, Dungeons and Dragons. New players and veterans alike are invited to participate. Participation is limited to eight players and registration is required at 719-531-6333 extension 7005 or online.

Monument Library will host an open house on Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 4 to 6. All ages are welcome to meet Ruby, the Madagascar giant day gecko, and make a souvenir button of Ruby with our button maker. Feed the geese in Serenity Pond behind the library and make your own origami duck

The Monument Fiber Arts Group will meet from 10:30 to noon on Friday, Feb. 27. Interested in stitching, knitting, crocheting and more? Bring your project and socialize with other crafters. Fiber arts groups are open to everyone ages 18 plus and are a great opportunity to learn about new crafts and get to know more about the Pikes Peak Library District. No registration is required, and the group is facilitated by PPLD staff.

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

Other Pikes Peak Library District articles

Palmer Lake Historical Society, Jan. 15 – 2026 board installed at annual meeting

Highlights

  • The Palmer Lake Historical Society celebrated its 70th anniversary at the Jan. 15 annual meeting and potluck at the Palmer Lake Town Hall.
  • PLHS, founded in 1956, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit reliant on volunteers to preserve Tri-Lakes area history through programs, field trips, and a museum.
  • The Lucretia Vaile Museum in Palmer Lake houses local artifacts and is open Wednesdays 1–4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.–2 p.m., with special hours available by reservation.
  • The 2026 board members were announced: President Jeannine Engle, Vice President Diane Kokes, Secretary Patricia Atkins, Treasurer Dave Powell, Museum Director Roger Davis, plus four Directors-at-Large.
  • Planned 2026 programs include Cherokee Trail Artifacts, Fox Farming, expeditions of Pike/Long/Spanish maps, transportation across the Palmer Divide, and a Father's Day Ice Cream Social, all free to the public.
  • Meetings are typically the third Thursday of each month, 7–8:30 p.m., at the Palmer Lake Town Hall, with details and membership information at palmerdividehistory.org.

By Marlene Brown

The Palmer Lake Historical Society (PLHS) held its Annual Membership Meeting and Potluck Supper at the Palmer Lake Town Hall on Jan. 15, celebrating its 70th anniversary. PLHS, started in 1956, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of volunteers that work together to preserve the history of the Tri-Lakes area, with monthly programs, field trips to local historical sites, and a museum.

The mission of the PLHS is to promote, preserve and protect the history of the Palmer Divide area, to include Northern El Paso County, bordered by Douglas County at County Line Road, Palmer Lake, Monument, Woodmoor, Black Forest, and west to the Air Force Academy and east to the Table Rock area.

PLHS board members maintain The Lucretia Vaile Museum in Palmer Lake, which houses artifacts, documents, books, photos, and other items of local historical significance. The museum is located at 66 Lower Glenway St. The hours are Wednesday 1 to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s open and free to the public. Special hours can be reserved for individual and group research and tours. Call 719-559-0837.

After dinner, Don Bowie of Franktown performed ragtime piano music. Ragtime piano music was made popular in the 1920s by player pianos. Bowie delighted the audience with his old-time banter and musical performance.

Above Don Bowie, musician from Franktown, played ragtime music at the Palmer Lake Historical Society Annual Membership Meeting on Jan. 15. Photo by Marlene Brown.

The business meeting portion began with introductions of the current board and nominations for the board positions, which were then voted for by the membership. The 2026 board members are as follows:

  • President – Jeannine Engle
  • Vice President – Diane Kokes
  • Secretary – Patricia Atkins
  • Treasurer – Dave Powell
  • Museum Director – Roger Davis
  • Director-at-Large – Barbara Morehead
  • Director-at-Large – Heather Krueger
  • Director-at-Large – Wayne Russert
  • Director-at-Large – Kathie Kaufer

Diane Kokes then gave the rundown of the programs slated for this year. All of the monthly programs are also free and open to the public. Some of the 2026 programs are:

  • February—Cherokee Trail Artifacts across the Palmer Divide
  • March—Fox Farming Along the Palmer Divide
  • April—How the Expeditions of Pike, Long, and the Spanish Put Colorado on the Map
  • May—Trails to the Interstate: Transportation Systems Across the Palmer Divide
  • June—Father’s Day Ice Cream Social

**********

PLHS meetings are usually held on the third Thursday of the month, 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 full descriptions, dates, and times for future programs and information on memberships or for donating to the PLHS, visit its newly updated website: palmerdividehistory.org.

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

Other Palmer Lake Historical Society articles

High Altitude Nature and Gardens – Rooting out crime: How our community’s flowers protect more than just plants

Highlights

  • The column states a town's flower program and well-kept gardens act as a deterrent to crime by signaling care and vigilance to potential offenders.
  • It cites the "Busy Streets" theory and research from the University of Michigan showing greening vacant lots and vibrant streetscapes can cut violent crime by up to 30%.
  • In this community, flower programs foster outdoor activity and "natural surveillance," increasing neighbor presence on porches and sidewalks to deter crime.
  • The piece warns of a January threat: an unusually warm spell may trigger a false spring that weakens plant resistance to cold, risking damage to blossoms and branches.
  • It offers a false spring defense checklist: winter watering on days above 40°F, insulating soil with a 3-inch mulch layer, and applying the 3-8 rule to prune shrubs to under 3 feet and keep tree canopies at or above 8 feet.

By Janet Sellers

We have a quiet defense system at work in our town. While we often think of flowers as mere decoration, local data and national research suggest that our community’s need for its flower program and well-maintained local gardens goes beyond aesthetics—they actively deter crime.

The “Busy Streets” theory: flowers vs. felonies

It may sound like a stretch, but criminologists have long studied the link between beautification and safety. A theory known as “Busy Streets” suggests that when a community invests in flowers, well-maintained yards, and healthy trees, it sends a powerful psychological message to potential offenders: “This area is cared for, and people are watching.”

Research at the University of Michigan and other institutions has shown that “greening” vacant lots and maintaining vibrant streetscapes can reduce violent crime by up to 30%. In our community, flower programs can encourage residents to spend more time outdoors. This creates “natural surveillance”—more neighbors on porches and sidewalks around town means more “eyes on the street,” making it much harder for criminal activity to go unnoticed.

The January threat: protecting the “security system”

To keep our neighborhoods safe and beautiful, we have to protect the greenery that does the heavy lifting. The unusually warm weather this past December and January may have created a “false spring,” tricking trees and shrubs into thinking winter was over. When plants “wake up” too early, they lose their natural resistance to the cold. If we don’t take precautions now, the next deep freeze could kill the very blossoms and branches that our plant protectors need to survive and thrive.

False spring defense checklist:

  • Winter watering: On days above 40°F, give trees a deep soak. Hydrated roots act as a buffer against temperature swings.
  • Insulate the “thermostat”: Check your mulch. A 3-inch layer of wood chips keeps the soil temperature stable, preventing roots from warming up too fast and “waking” the tree prematurely.
  • The 3-8 rule for safety: While protecting plants, keep the 3-8 rule in mind—prune shrubs to no higher than 3 feet and tree canopies to no lower than 8 feet. This maintains clear sightlines for neighbors and police, eliminating hiding spots.

A growing community

By tending to our gardens during this erratic winter, we aren’t just saving our flowers and trees—we are maintaining the “territorial reinforcement” that keeps our community a safe place to live. A flourishing garden is a sign of a vigilant neighbor.

So, when you see our town flowers or a neighbor watering their trees, know they aren’t just gardening; they’re on patrol.

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

Other High Altitude Nature and Gardens articles

Art Matters – Is our education keeping up with visual literacy?

Highlights

  • Art is presented as a pragmatic tool for survival, solving internal problems of experience rather than just being decorative.
  • Art helps externalize unprocessed emotions—turning them into physical forms to observe and edit them, aiding emotional management.
  • Engaging with art disrupts narrative rigidity, expanding perspective and improving Theory of Mind to better navigate social conflicts.
  • Art provides meaning by imposing order on chaos, offering a rebalancing function that highlights value and supports a coherent personal growth narrative.
  • The article frames art as a catalyst for emotional resilience, empathy, and creative flexibility rather than a direct roadmap to life's challenges.
  • The main takeaway is that art moves us from passive endurance to active participation in life by shaping internal states and potential futures.

By Janet Sellers

The Alchemical Lab: How art solves life’s intangible problems

The popular misconception of art is that it is a luxury—a decorative elective for the comfortable. However, when viewed through the lens of human psychology and history, art reveals itself as a pragmatic tool for survival. While logic and science can solve the physical problems of existence (hunger, disease, and shelter), art solves the internal problems of experience. It functions as a cognitive laboratory where we process complexity, regulate emotion, and reframe the narratives that govern our lives.

The problem of emotional stagnation

One of life’s most persistent problems is the accumulation of “unprocessed” emotion. Stress, grief, and trauma often lack a literal vocabulary, leaving individuals in a state of psychic paralysis. Art provides a mechanism for externalization. In the words of the psychoanalyst Carl Jung, “The hands will often solve a mystery that the intellect has elaborated in vain.”

By transmuting a feeling into a physical form—a melody, a canvas, a sculpture, or a stanza—we move the problem from inside the mind to the outside world. This process, often called sublimation, allows the individual to observe their pain with detachment. Once a problem is objectified as a piece of art, it becomes manageable; it can be edited, shaped, and eventually put aside.

The problem of tunnel vision

Life’s challenges often feel unsolvable because we become trapped in “narrative rigidity”—the belief that there is only one way to interpret a situation. Art acts as a disruptor of this tunnel vision. When we engage with a novel or a film, we are forced to inhabit a consciousness other than our own.

This perspective-shifting is a form of mental flexibility training. A 2013 study published in Science suggested that reading literary fiction improves “Theory of Mind”—the capacity to understand that others have beliefs and desires different from our own. By solving the “problem” of empathy through art, we become more adept at navigating social conflicts and personal biases in the real world.

The problem of meaninglessness

Perhaps the greatest life problem is the existential “void”—the feeling that life is a chaotic series of random events. Art is, fundamentally, the act of imposing order on chaos. When an artist paints or composes a symphony or a poet structures a sonnet, they are asserting that harmony can be found within noise. Philosopher Alain de Botton suggests in Art as Therapy that art serves a “rebalancing” function. It reminds us of what we value when the drudgery of daily life makes us forget. By highlighting beauty or articulating a specific truth, art provides a scaffolding for meaning, turning a series of hardships into a coherent story of growth.

Art does not provide a roadmap, but it does provide the compass. It solves life’s problems by changing the internal state of the problem-solver. It builds the emotional resilience, empathy, and creative flexibility required to face an unpredictable world. As a mirror, art shows us who we are; as a window, it shows us who we might become. In either case, it moves us from passive endurance to active participation in the human experience.

From a permanent investment to a flexible lease or a unique find, our community’s artists offer us art experiences to bring authentic creativity into our spaces.

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

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Snapshots of Our Community

Alpenglow on Mount Herman

Above: This photo of alpenglow, a pinkish or reddish glow appearing on Mount Herman, was taken two minutes before sunrise on Jan. 18. The photo was taken from the intersection of Red Rock Ranch Drive and Highway 105. Photo by Randy Phillips.

Geese at Sunset

Above: A flock of geese enhances another beautiful sunset on Jan. 12. The photo was taken from the Monument Whataburger parking lot. Photo by Randy Phillips.

Ice Fishing on Monument Lake

Above: Hardy local fishermen braved the cold temperatures to pitch their ice-fishing tents on Monument Lake in January. Ice fishing fans can walk to their spot and fish; they don’t have to take a boat, and proponents say that fish are usually schooled up better and that winter fish taste better due to no algae in the water. Photo by Janet Sellers.

Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic, Jan. 17

Above: After a week’s delay because the lake hadn’t frozen, the Fifth Annual Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic got off to a good start on Jan. 17 when the loudspeakers blared the news that the Broncos had beaten the Bills 33-30 in overtime. The crowd of about 1,200 had even more to cheer about when the Lewis-Palmer Rangers made it into the championship round by getting past Liberty High School of Colorado Springs 4-1. But the Rangers lost to Chaparral High School of Parker 4-2. The Chaparral Wolverines took home the Star Trophy that’s shaped like the Palmer Lake Star, which was lit for the tournament. The event raises money for the Lewis-Palmer hockey team. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Icicle on Mount Herman

This photo of an icicle was taken on Mount Herman’s summit at midafternoon, Jan. 10. Beauty can be found when one looks for it. Photo by Randy Phillips.

Rotary Club assembles Blessing Bags

Above: Members of the Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club heard authors Michael Weinfeld and John Howe talk about the history of Monument Cemetery at their Jan. 15 meeting. Weinfeld and Howe told the group about many of the people buried in the cemetery as well as other bits of information about how they gathered information for their book Shootouts, Killings, and War Heroes: The History Hidden in Monument Cemetery. After the talk, the group assembled Blessing Bags (in photo) for the local police department that will be distributed to people in need. The bags are filled with hats, gloves, socks, toothbrushes and toothpaste, granola bars, crackers, fruity snacks, and water bottles. Photo by Steve Eaton.

Hockey lessons on the lake

Above: On Saturday, Jan. 17, the surface of Palmer Lake was finally frozen enough for enthusiasts to play ice hockey at the Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic’s rescheduled events, which ranged from learning sessions to games over the course of the weekend. Photo by Janet Sellers.

TLWC Seeking Grant Applications

The Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) is looking for groups that qualify for grants. TLWC’s Grant Application Program for 2026 is available Jan. 15 through March 15 on the club’s website www.tlwc.net. The program focuses on smaller organizations that typically do not have the staffing or resources to pursue grants from major granting foundations. Grants are a maximum of $3,000. Organizations eligible to apply for a grant include nonprofits, public service groups, and public schools that serve the Tri-Lakes area. Since 1973, TLWC has provided more than $1 million in grants. An example is Palmer Ridge High School student Addie Seymour, who used a TLWC grant to revive an unused aquaponic greenhouse to grow fresh produce (in photo). Addie and her team donated about 269 bags of lettuce to Tri-Lakes Cares last year as part of her 4-H project. Photo by Lisa Seymour.

EcoSpa groundbreaking, Jan. 22

Above On Jan. 22, Lindsay Willan and Kat Tudor, EcoSpa owners and partners, broke ground for the ERock Experience project that hopes to open this year. Elephant Rock is the name of the 28-acre town-owned property in Palmer Lake that was deeded to the town after the Living Word Fellowship abandoned the site in 2021. The ERock Experience, by developers Lindsay and Richard Willan, is slated to be a full-service wellness and community destination. The project will renovate the abandoned concrete swimming pool and pool house to create the spa and will operate under a lease-to-own agreement. From left are Lindsay Willan and Tudor. Photo provided by Lindsay Willan.

HSEA groundbreaking, Jan. 28

Above: School District 38 parents, students, staff, and school board members gathered Jan. 29 near the district’s “Big Red” administration building for the groundbreaking of the new Home School Enrichment Academy (HSEA) facility. Communications Director Amy Matisek emceed the event, which included remarks from board Vice President Patti Shank, Principal Julie Jadomski, Superintendent Amber Whetstine, and fifth-grader Ellie Torres. Students, led by music teacher Michael Norris, sang before attendees donned hard hats and broke ground. Pictured: From left are Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway, board Treasurer Todd Brown, Whetstine, Shank, and Director of Planning, Facilities, and Grounds Melissa Andrews. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

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Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Resolve to take care of yourself in 2026

Highlights

  • As the year turns, many people set resolutions for 2026, and this list suggests books that can support mind, body, or spirit on that journey.
  • Wintering by Katherine May invites embracing difficult times and learning from emotional retreat, viewing life as cyclical rather than linear.
  • The Book of Hope by Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams argues that hope requires action, and small, purposeful deeds can make a real difference.
  • We Can Do Hard Things by Glennon Doyle, Abby Wamback, and Amanda Doyle offers a guidebook for navigating life's big questions with shared wisdom from diverse voices.
  • Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman encourages accepting our imperfections and focusing on what truly counts amid daily challenges and distractions.
  • The Comfort of Crows by Margaret Renkl is a yearlong literary devotional that invites noticing nature and finding beauty in small, radiant moments.
  • How to Winter by Kari Leibowitz uses mindset science to help readers embrace winter and apply its lessons to mental wellbeing year-round.
  • Stretching: 40th Anniversary Edition by Bob and Jean Anderson provides practical, illustrated stretches to improve posture and physical ease, including "tech neck" and computer use.
  • Not Too Sweet by Jessica Seinfeld offers dessert recipes that accommodate gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and low-sugar needs, so you can still enjoy treats.
  • Always Remember by Charlie Mackesy features a small fable about friendship and resilience, reminding readers that hard times aren't permanent and support is available.
  • In closing, the piece encourages turning to these books for guidance, growth, and comfort as you begin 2026, and wishes readers a healthy year ahead.

By the staff at Covered Treasures

As we leave another year behind, many of us make resolutions, hopeful we can be better versions of ourselves in 2026. Here are a few books that might help, whether our goal is for mind, body, or spirit.

Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times

By Katherine May (Penguin Random House) $28

Unforeseen circumstances like an abrupt illness, the death of a loved one, a break up, or a job loss can derail a life. These periods of dislocation can be lonely and unexpected. Drawing on her own life’s difficult periods, May offers a guide to leaning into fallow times and savoring the lessons of hardship. She models an active acceptance of sadness and encourages ways to find nourishment in emotional retreat, joy in the hushed beauty of winter, and encouragement in understanding life as cyclical, not linear.

The Book of Hope

By Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams (Celadon Books) $29

How do we stay hopeful when everything seems hopeless? How do we cultivate hope in our children? What is the relationship between hope and action? Jane Goodall reminds us that hope is not simply passive wishful thinking, that real hope requires action and engagement, and that actions, however small they seem, truly make a difference.

We Can Do Hard Things: Answers to Life’s 20 Questions

By Glennon Doyle, Abby Wamback, and Amanda Doyle (Dial Press) $34

When you travel through a new country, you need a guidebook. When you travel through the challenges of life—love, heartbreak, joy, parenting, friendship, uncertainty, aging, grief, new beginnings—you need a guidebook, too. The three authors asked each other and 118 of the world’s “most brilliant wayfinders:” As you’ve traveled these roads, have you collected any wisdom that might help us find our way? This book is their guidebook for being alive.

Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts

By Oliver Burkeman (Picador USA) $19

Addressing the fundamental questions about how to live, Meditations for Mortals offers a powerful new way to take action on what counts: a guiding philosophy of life. Accepting our “imperfectionism” helps us tackle challenges as they crop up in our daily lives: our finite time, the lure of distractions, the impossibility of being perfect.

The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year

By Margaret Renkl (Spiegel and Grau) $32

Margaret Renkl’s “howling love letter to the world,” published in 2023, presents a literary devotional: 52 chapters that follow the creatures and plants in her backyard over the course of a year. Perhaps this is the year for you to move through the seasons with her, becoming more aware of nature in your own backyard. From the crow and its resourcefulness and sense of community, to the sparrow singing in the pine tree next to your driveway, let her help you become more aware of the “radiant things … bursting forth in the darkest places, in the smallest nooks and deepest cracks of the hidden world.”

How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, Difficult Days

By Kari Leibowitz, PhD (Viking) $29

Do you find coping with the shorter days and colder temperatures of winter to be especially difficult? Do you experience a slump every January and February? Psychologist and winter expert Kari Leibowitz uses mindset science to help readers embrace winter as a season to be enjoyed, not endured—and in turn, learn powerful lessons that can impact our mental wellbeing throughout the year. Inspired by cutting-edge psychological and behavioral science research as well as cultures worldwide that find warmth and joy in winter’s extremes, How to Winter provides readers with concrete tools for making winter wonderful wherever they live and harnessing the power of small mindset changes to help readers embrace every season of life.

Stretching: 40th Anniversary Edition

Bob and Jean Anderson (Shelter Publications) $23.95

Written and illustrated by Tri-Lakes residents Bob and Jean Anderson, Stretching is one of the most popular fitness books in the world, having sold over 3.75 million copies in 40 years, and has been translated into 23 languages. There are stretches for improving the bad posture attributable to cell phone usage (“tech neck”) and for people using computers. The 150 stretches include simple instructions and one- or two-page graphic illustrations to help you utilize the proper postures for your stretches.

Not Too Sweet

By Jessica Seinfeld (Simon & Schuster) $32.50

Many of us come away from the holidays promising ourselves to cut back on our sugar (or fat, or wheat—you name it) intake. If you are still craving that sweet bite, consider this collection of dessert recipes tailored for sweet tooths and dietary restrictions of most requirements—from gluten-free to vegan, dairy-free, less sugar—so you can have your cake and eat it, too. Each recipe page is headed with its dietary restriction features: “gluten-free, grain-free, vegan, no added sugar.”

Always Remember: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm

By Charlie Mackesy (Penguin Random House) $27

“One day you’ll look back and realise how hard it was, and just how well you did.” Charlie Mackesy’s four unlikely friends are wandering through the wilds again. They’re not sure what they are looking for. They do know that life can be difficult, but that they love each other, and cake is often the answer. When the dark clouds come, can the boy remember what he needs to get through the storm? Sometimes a slim little book has the words to remind us that we’re stronger than we think.

Sit back, take a deep breath, and enjoy this time of new beginnings. If you get stuck on a resolution, or a promise, grab a helpful book. Until next month, happy reading, and wishing you a healthy 2026!

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

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January Library Events – Winter Adult Reading Program, homeschool program, adult book swap

Highlights

  • Regularly occurring programs resume in January, starting with Storytime on Tuesdays for ages 3 to 7 and their caregivers.
  • Toddler Time for ages 1 to 2 runs on Wednesdays, with sessions in the morning, followed by Socrates Café, an adult discussion group, every Tuesday afternoon.
  • Paws to Read returns on Tuesdays, offering children a chance to practice reading with therapy dogs, and the Teen Advisory Board meets on Thursday evenings to build leadership skills and shape library programs.
  • A special kaleidoscope crafting program for ages 5 to 12 is set for Friday, Jan 9, inviting kids to explore light and sound through hands-on design.
  • Teens ages 13 to 18 can learn mosaic art in celebration of Colorado's 150th anniversary, with a session on Monday, Jan 12, requiring prior registration.
  • Device Drop-in Help on Jan 15 provides a no-registration opportunity to get help with laptops, smartphones, tablets, and the library catalog.
  • The Teen Dungeons and Dragons group gathers Jan 15 for a session open to new and returning players, with space limited and registration required.
  • Homeschoolers can attend Terrific Tangrams on Jan 21, blending math, storytelling, and art for ages 5 to 12, while a book swap on Jan 24 invites adults to trade recent fiction and nonfiction titles.
  • A series of open houses marks Colorado's and the nation's anniversaries, with Passport stamps and prizes to collect across library locations throughout 2026.
  • Note that the library will be closed Jan 16 for staff training and Jan 19 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and information about ongoing events can be found via the library's contact channels.

By Harriet Halbig

Regularly occurring programs will resume in January. These include:

  • Storytime every Tuesday from 10:30 to 11:15 for children ages 3 to 7 and their parents or caregivers.
  • Toddler Time every Wednesday from 9:30 to 10 and 10:30 to 11 a.m. for toddlers ages 1 to 2 and their parents or caregivers.
  • Socrates Café every Tuesday from 1 to 3. This adult discussion group covers a different subject each week. All are welcome to attend.
  • Paws to Read every Tuesday from 4 to 5 p.m. Practice reading aloud and improve fluency by sharing a story with our lovable volunteer Paws to Read therapy dogs.

The Teen Advisory Board will meet from 5 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan 6. This group, open to teens ages 13 to 18, helps to develop leadership skills and earn volunteer hours while giving input on what you would like to see happen at the library. Regular attendance is recommended. You must fill out a volunteer application online to participate.

On Friday, Jan. 9, from 4:30 to 5 p.m., explore the science of light and sound by making your own kaleidoscope. Create and test different designs. This program is open to ages 5 to 12.

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Colorado, teens ages 13 to 18 are invited to learn the art of mosaics by transforming Colorado icons into artworks. This program will be offered from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 12, and registration is required at ppld.org or by calling 719-488-2370.

Do you need help with your laptop, smartphone, tablet, or the library’s new online catalog? Come to the library from 11 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Jan. 15, for Device Drop-in Help. No registration is required. Please bring your device and power cords. We cannot help with installing software, removing viruses, or setting up devices.

The Teen Dungeons and Dragons group will meet from 3:30 to 5:45 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15. Join your fellow teens on an adventure in the world’s greatest role-playing game. New players and veterans alike are welcome to participate. This group is open to ages 13 to 18, and registration is required. Space is limited to eight participants.

Homeschoolers are welcome to participate in Terrific Tangrams on Wednesday, Jan. 21, from 3 to 4 p.m. Learn about Tangrams (a classic Chinese shape puzzle) through a story about a triangle on a quest where listeners follow along and make geometrical configurations with their own set of polygons. This program combines mathematical concepts with story and art. Ages 5 to 12 are welcome to attend.

Enjoy a book swap on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your clean, gently used adult fiction and nonfiction books and swap them for new-to-you titles. Please only bring adult titles published within the last five years. No textbooks, manuals, or magazines. Ages 18 and up. This is offered as part of the Winter Adult Reading Program. If you have items to donate that don’t meet the criteria, consider donating to the Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District. All books left after the program will be donated to the Friends for its book sale.

The Monument Fiber Arts Group will meet on Friday, Jan. 30, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Interested in stitching, knitting, crocheting, and more? Bring your project and socialize with other crafters. Fiber Arts groups are open to everyone ages 18-plus and are a great opportunity to learn about new crafts and get to know more about PPLD. No registration is required, and the group is facilitated by PPLD staff.

The Winter Adult Reading Program opens for online registration starting Thursday, Jan. 1, and in person starting Friday, Jan. 2, at all PPLD locations. Anyone ages 18 and up can register for this reading challenge to complete 30 days of reading and activities from Jan. 1 to Feb. 28. Participants will receive a calendar with historic photos from our region when they register (while supplies last) and will receive a limited edition Winter Adult Reading Program mug and coupon for a free dessert at Crumbl when they complete the challenge (both while supplies last). Those who complete the challenge will be entered into a grand prize drawing. Anyone who registers between Jan. 1 and 15 will be entered to win a four-pack of Crumbl desserts every week for a year.

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Colorado’s statehood and the 250th anniversary of the United States, PPLD is hosting a series of open houses at different library locations throughout 2026. Library users can also pick up a co150/USA250 Passport and bring it to each library location for a stamp. Collect seven stamps to earn a prize and another prize when you collect all 16. For the first open house, visit Regional History and Genealogy located in the historic 1905 Carnegie Library building attached to Penrose Library in downtown Colorado Springs. Enjoy activities and refreshments and complete a scavenger hunt to win a gift card from Poor Richard’s.

Please note that all Pikes Peak Library District facilities will be closed on Friday, Jan. 16, for a staff training day and on Monday, Jan. 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

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

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High Altitude Nature and Gardens – Mini outdoor greenhouses, cinnamon to protect soil and seedlings

Highlights

  • January can be a good time to start long-season plants, whether indoors or outdoors, especially if roots need time to establish underground before spring growth.
  • A practical method is the zip bag technique, using gallon freezer bags, potting soil, water, and seeds, with the key being barely-moist, fluffy soil that holds together loosely to support seed germination and microbial activity.
  • Cinnamon is highlighted as a natural soil and plant treatment, acting as a safe fungicide, deterring pests, and helping prevent damping-off by applying lightly to the soil surface and ensuring good airflow and proper watering.
  • The guidance emphasizes using cinnamon as a preventive measure in winter, not as a cure-all, and to avoid applying it directly to roots or overly damp conditions that can hinder growth.
  • In summary, starting seeds with minimal moisture in zip bags and using cinnamon to support soil health are presented as practical, natural approaches for a lazy gardener seeking simple, year-round gardening success.

By Janet Sellers

January can be a month to start some of our plants, especially those that need a long growing season. Where we live, plants that need a long growing season to establish roots and develop themselves underground can be started indoors or outdoors, even in winter. I used to try to start seedlings indoors, but there were issues with my efforts. I found some new ways to try this year.

Mini greenhouse/cold frame from zip bags

The zip bag technique has been used nationwide for quite some time. We can try this out even in January. Basically, you need gallon-size freezer zip bags, potting soil (not garden soil), water, and seeds. To start, put about a third of the bag full of the potting soil. The key to success is the minimal moisture of the potting soil. Spray with plain water and then pick up a handful, check if it holds together but can easily fall apart, and that’s probably just the right amount of moisture. Too much water (if you can form it into a solid ball) could later dry out and become impervious to watering. It must be moist and stay fluffy to support microbes and seed sprouting.

Cinnamon an effective soil and plant treatment

Benefits of cinnamon:

  • Natural fungicide: Cinnamon’s antifungal properties help control various molds and mildews.
  • Safe for edibles: It’s a natural, safe option for vegetable and herb gardens.
  • Deters pests: It can also help repel fungus gnats and ants.
  • Use cinnamon as a preventive measure in winter to keep your soil healthy and prevent powdery mildew from taking hold in the spring, especially in the humid environment of a greenhouse.

Some gardeners lightly sprinkle dry powdered cinnamon over the top of the moist soil, dusting the surface lightly. This can prevent damping off, a common, often fatal disease in young seedlings. Apply topically to seed starting mixes to stop fungal diseases affecting seedlings. For existing mold, remove visible mold, then sprinkle cinnamon on the spot and increase air circulation. Some gardeners suggest cinnamon can inhibit root growth, so focus on the soil surface rather than burying it deep or applying directly to roots. Cinnamon works best with proper plant watering and good airflow. It’s not a magic bullet if conditions remain overly damp and humid.

Janet Sellers is an avid “lazy gardener” using simple, natural ways to support gardening efforts all year. Contact her at JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Other High Altitude Nature and Garden articles

Art Matters – How Gen Z influences our cultural and financial future

Highlights

  • Gen Z, born 1997 to 2012, is poised to shape the future of art and culture through a preference for experiences, live engagement, and artist-led activities like workshops and gallery visits.
  • They are the art collectors of the future, blending traditional art with digital forms and even artificial intelligence, while valuing financial prudence, job stability, and purpose-driven work over impulse buying.
  • A US government report shows Gen Z and Millennials have the highest arts participation, with Gen Z particularly drawn to digital art, film and video art, and diverse collectibles, alongside buying shifts from digital platforms to traditional venues.
  • Wokewaves Magazine notes that constant digital input from platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok accelerates their creative development and broadens audience reach without traditional gatekeepers, contributing to a more online, interconnected art market.
  • Experts project the online art market to reach about $17.76 billion by 2030, fueled largely by Gen Z engagement, signaling a resilient and evolving creative landscape that benefits artists and culture alike.
  • Takeaway: Gen Z's mix of experiential values, digital fluency, and social awareness is driving a shifting art world toward new formats, platforms, and opportunities for creative expression.

By Janet Sellers

“If I were to wish for anything, I should not wish for wealth and power, but for the passionate sense of the potential for the eye which, ever young and ardent, sees the possible. Pleasure disappoints, possibility doesn’t. And what wine is so sparkling, what so fragrant, what so intoxicating, as a possibility!”

—Søren Kierkegaard

One wonders about the future of cultural expression and its direction. Our next generation of economic interests seems to rest with the up-and-coming generation, Gen Z. I found some good news for handmade arts from the National Library of Medicine: Gen Z values experiences, they enjoy visiting galleries and museums, attending a live painting session, or participating in an artist-led workshop, as these provide a sense of engagement that online interactions lack.

Gen Z are the art collectors of the future. They are the social demographic born between 1997 and 2012, in the age range now of 13-28 years old. Not just a trend but a way of life, they make their aesthetic impressions on things, including fashion, home décor, and entertainment, and brands are taking notice. You could say that more than previous generations, Gen Z prizes experiences over material possessions. Having grown up as digital natives in a world where they feel the need to be financially prudent, they are also more economically and socially prudent.

These are the ones that have grown up in a digital world and seamlessly blend traditional art forms with innovation, including digital forms and even artificial intelligence. Yet, they are socially conscious and generally hold socially progressive views, advocate for equality, and are concerned with sustainability and climate change. They value job stability, are less prone to impulse buying, and research extensively before purchasing, often preferring flexible, purpose-driven work over traditional corporate ladders.

A comprehensive U.S. government report on arts participation across generations shared detailed data showing that Gen Z and Millennials report the highest arts participation rates, both attending and creating art. Their broader generational report focused on trust, cultural engagement, community participation, and niche aesthetics for Gen Z. This understanding reveals how identity and subcultures shape artistic preferences. Younger collectors differ in interests, with Gen Z showing higher engagement in digital art, film/video art, and diverse “collectibles” compared with older generations. Survey data on where Gen Z buys art (digital platforms vs. traditional auction houses) show how this generation’s preferences differ from legacy collectors.

Wokewaves Magazine reports that this generation of creatives is consumers exposed to vast amounts of information and diverse perspectives from a young age, which accelerates their creative development. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok have democratized content creation, allowing Gen Z to reach global audiences and gain recognition for their talents without traditional gatekeepers. Immersion in digital culture seems to integrate creative activity into daily life more than previous generations.

Media platforms that didn’t exist a generation prior offer constant creative input and stimulation, creating a fluidity amid a wide variety of art forms, from traditional to the newest cutting-edge trends, and with the market changing into an online market. This is causing traditional markets to embrace and adapt. The projected value of the online art market is expected to reach a staggering $17.76 billion by 2030, driven largely by this generation’s engagement. They are strong and active in reshaping the creative art landscape. That sounds like good news for art, artists, and our creative cultural future.

Janet Sellers is an artist, writer, and speaker, communicating how art matters for our social, cultural, and financial well-being. Contact her at JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Other Art Matters articles

Snapshots of Our Community

Dinosaurs spotted in Monument

Above and below Anyone driving south on I-25 recently might have been surprised to see a herd of dinosaurs congregating on the west side between the highway and Old Denver Road. They’re the first of what will be many such creatures that will populate the Lost Island II Adventure Park including a T-Rex as shown at the right. The park will include four 18-hole miniature golf courses, a 40,000-square-foot indoor multi-level playground and trampoline park, as well as a full-service restaurant and tiki bar. The project was approved by the Monument Town Council in July of last year. Director of Planning Dan Ungerleider says it’s scheduled to open in the spring of 2027. Photos by Michael Weinfeld.

North Pole Arts & Crafts Fair, Dec. 6

Above: On Dec. 6, the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club held its 19th Annual North Pole at Tri-Lakes Arts & Crafts Fair at Bear Creek Elementary. It featured live music, over 50 booths, baked goods, arts and crafts, and Santa Claus. Admission was free with donations of food, money, and games, all going to Tri-Lakes Cares for sporting equipment that was donated by 4KidzSports. For more information regarding this and other community events put on by the local Kiwanis Club, go to monumenthillkiwanis.org. Photo by Marlene Brown

NASTaP Gift Wrapping, Dec. 6

Above: Big thanks to our community of warm hearts—and happy hands—who rallied to the cheerful cause and brought in holiday gifts to the Holiday Gift Opportunity. Friends of the Native American Sacred Trees and Places (NASTaP) held a gift reception and wrapping event at Serranos Coffee Co. on Dec. 6. Nearly 200 gifts for children, teens, and seniors arrived just in time for gift wrapping, ready for their trip to the Ute Mountain Ute reservation holiday powwow in southwestern Colorado. Our Tri-Lakes area is ancestral land of the Ute Nation amid our forests and mountains. NASTaP shares its local and regional education and tours in our area and throughout the Southwest. Photo by Janet Sellers.

Monument Tree Lighting, Dec. 6

Above: Limbach Park was packed on Dec. 6 for the Monument Tree Lighting celebration. The crowd turned out despite a wind and snow squall that passed through just as the various booths were being set up. A choir of D38 students from Lewis-Palmer High School and Middle School and Palmer Ridge High School serenaded families as they got their pictures taken in front of seasonal backdrops. Kids decorated cookies and ornaments as they waited for Santa and Mrs. Claus to arrive.
Above: The legendary couple showed up as usual by hitching a ride on a fire truck. After counting down to the tree lighting, the Clauses spent a long time listening to requests from children.
Above: Kalen van Zoeren eats a cookie he decorated at the Club Pilates booth. Photos by Michael Weinfeld.

LPHS and PRH Combined Choir, Dec. 10

Above: The Lewis-Palmer and Palmer Ridge High School choirs performed a combined concert in the Lewis-Palmer auditorium on Dec. 10. Lewis-Palmer’s two Mixed Choirs and a Treble Voices choir, and Palmer Ridge’s two groups of Chamber Singers and a Women’s Ensemble presented holiday pieces, and some of these performances were done in the language written by the composers. Both high school choirs are directed by Madeline Douthit. The final pieces included all choir students and an audience sing-along. Photo by Steve Pate.

Bionic Sharks qualify for State

Above: Monument’s high school robotics team, the Bionic Sharks, is heading to the Colorado FTC State Championship. The team earned the First Place Control Award at the Metro Qualifier on Dec. 13 in Littleton. They’re now preparing for their next competition in Manitou Springs on Jan. 24. Then, they head to the Colorado School of Mines in Golden to compete in the state championship. In the photo from left are Anushka Nandwalkar, Alexandra Gonzalez, Pranav Balaji, Corey Cinalli, and Brandon Johnson. Photo by Mike Hinkle
Above: Monument’s high school robotics team, the Bionic Sharks, is heading to the Colorado FTC State Championship. The team earned the First Place Control Award at the Metro Qualifier on Dec. 13 in Littleton. They’re now preparing for their next competition in Manitou Springs on Jan. 24. Then, they head to the Colorado School of Mines in Golden to compete in the state championship. In the photo from left are Anushka Nandwalkar, Alexandra Gonzalez, Pranav Balaji, Corey Cinalli, and Brandon Johnson. Right (L to R): Nandwalkar and Gonzalez work on a robot. Photo by Mike Hinkle.

Wreaths Across America, Dec. 13

Above: On Saturday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m. Wreaths Across America and members of the community laid wreaths at the headstones of the veterans at the Monument Cemetery. At the same time, more than 5,600 locations across the United States and abroad were laying wreaths. They honored the veterans and their families for service to our country. For more information on how to get involved, either as a volunteer or to sponsor a wreath, go to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. Pictured: Maddie Mills and sons Mason, 9 years old, and Myles, 5 years old, Fisher lay a wreath on Paul Ducommun’s grave. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Above: On Saturday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m. Wreaths Across America and members of the community laid wreaths at the headstones of the veterans at the Monument Cemetery. At the same time, more than 5,600 locations across the United States and abroad were laying wreaths. They honored the veterans and their families for service to our country. For more information on how to get involved, either as a volunteer or to sponsor a wreath, go to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. Pictured (L to R): Monument Mayor Mitch LaKind (U.S. Army and Navy veteran) and Councilman Kenneth Kimple (retired U.S. Navy master chief petty officer) participated in the Wreaths Across America ceremony. Photo by Marlene Brown.

Reindeer in Monument, Dec. 14

Above: Kids got to pet and feed a real reindeer in Monument on Dec. 14. Jingles the reindeer made an appearance at the Front Street Square parking lot. He was brought to town by the Hilltop Reindeer Ranch in Peyton. The event was part of the special activities scheduled in Monument leading up to Christmas. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.Kids got to pet and feed a real reindeer in Monument on Dec. 14. Jingles the reindeer made an appearance at the Front Street Square parking lot. He was brought to town by the Hilltop Reindeer Ranch in Peyton. The event was part of the special activities scheduled in Monument leading up to Christmas. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

Palmer Lake Yule Log Hunt, Dec. 14

Above and below: This year was the 92nd Annual Palmer Lake Yule Log Hunt. Children and adults ran up Sundance Mountain on a snowy day, Dec. 14, above Palmer Lake. Within 15 minutes, three boys could be heard shouting “over here” as they stood over the 8-foot-long pine that had been notched and tied with a ribbon. This year the Yule Log was found by Jude Karas pictured at right. The hunters then tied long ropes to the log, and the winners and friends straddled the Yule Log for their ride back into town. The tradition is that the same two-man saw used to cut the town’s first Yule Log in 1933 is still in use today. Hunters sawed the log in two and saved half to start the following year’s ceremonial fire. The other half was carried into Town Hall and set ablaze in the stone fireplace built by Palmer Lake’s volunteer firemen in 1936 strictly for the annual celebration. For more information, see palmerdividehistory.org. Photos provided by the Palmer Lake Historical Society and the Palmer Lake Yule Log Hunt.

Santa on Patrol, Dec. 23

Above: On Tuesday, Dec. 23, as Monument was decked out with flashing lights and wailing sirens, Santa cruised through town riding alongside the Monument Fire Department, Palmer Lake Fire Department, Palmer Lake Police, and Monument Police as part of the annual Santa on Patrol event. This festive convoy isn’t just about the noise and excitement—it’s all about spreading joy. With Toys for Tots loaded up, Santa and the first responders deliver gifts to kids around the community, lighting up faces with smiles and holiday cheer. It’s a fun, lively way to celebrate the season, bringing together the whole town with lights, sirens, and the spirit of giving. Pictured: Community member Harlee DeLong jams out with Soul Santa. Photo by Erica Burt.
Above: The Grinch causes his usual Christmas chaos while tormenting Palmer Lake Police Department Officer Bobby Perry as Sgt. Gene Ramirez enjoys the show. Photo by Erica Burt.

Monument carolers, Dec. 6

Above: Residents at the Village at Monument community got a treat the evening of Dec. 6. A group of eight people serenaded them with Christmas carols. Most of the carolers wore Santa hats, and some were dressed in Victorian outfits. They went door to door, entertaining anyone who was home. The event was organized by Village of Monument HOA Social Director Joanna Anaradian. From left are Jill Steinke, June Zelkin, Mary Beth Pryde, Anaradian, Angela Curtis, Matt Steinke, Laura Kronick, and Amy Adams. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

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Letters to Our Community – Thank you, Monument Hill Foundation

On behalf of the Palmer Ridge High School (PRHS) Outdoor Learning Lab, I would like to thank the Monument Hill Foundation for their generous donations of a gorilla cart wheelbarrow and organizational bins for the tools and supplies in our shed. These donations have met a very practical need in the Outdoor Learning Lab, allowing students to experience an easier workflow as they participate in volunteer work days and other activities in the lab. We are a fully donor- and volunteer-based organization, and as such, a donation means so much to us. Again, all students who have been influenced by or who have volunteered in the Outdoor Learning Lab are very grateful for the donations made by the Monument Hill Foundation. I, along with my fellow students, are very appreciative of your support!

Faith Anderson
PRHS student

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Letters to Our Community – Eighty is the new sixty

Eighty is the new sixty, I happily maintain.

As long as I keep myself healthy and try to stay out of the rain.

I pre-date the Baby Boomers and was too old for hippy attire.

I watched as they did their protests, setting old thinking afire.

I happily married my husband and became a dutiful wife,

but never accepted the premise that second fiddle would be my life.

So after raising our toddlers, I resumed my chosen career

and joined the legions of women who competed with little fear.

But once the grandkids came, priorities took a sharp turn.

I no longer aspired for promotion and allowed my career to burn.

While enjoying our retirement, our grandkids are ready to soar.

We’ve done all we could to support them and now can do little more.

So now 80 years are upon me, and I’m proud to have gotten here.

It’s why I’ve decided I’m 60 since I’ve learned age isn’t to fear.

Betsy Lambert

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Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Consider the gift of reading

By the staff at Covered Treasures

“Reading should not be presented to children as a chore, a duty. It should be offered as a gift.” —Kate DiCamillo

Here are a few of our favorites for you to consider.

The Correspondent

By Virginia Evans (Crown Publishing Group) $28

Sybil Van Antwerp has used letters to make sense of the world and her place in it throughout her life. Most mornings she sits down to write letters—to her brother, to her best friend, to the president of the university who will not allow her to audit a class she desperately wants to take, and to one person to whom she writes often, yet never sends the letter.

Hamnet

By Maggie O’Farrell (Vintage) $19

This is a short, piercing, deeply moving novel about the death of Shakespeare’s 11-year-old son Hamnet (a name interchangeable with Hamlet in 15th century Britain) and the years leading up to the production of his great play. England, 1580; A young Latin tutor—penniless, bullied by a violent father—falls in love with an extraordinary, eccentric young woman, a wild creature who walks her family’s estate with a falcon on her shoulder and is known throughout the countryside for her unusual gifts as a healer. Agnes understands plants and potions better than she does people, but once she settles with her husband, William, in Stratford she becomes a fiercely protective mother and a steadfast force in the life of her young husband, whose gifts as a writer are just beginning to awaken when his beloved young son dies from bubonic plague.

Theo of Golden

By Allen Levi (Atria Books), $20

One spring morning, a stranger arrives in the small southern city of Golden. No one knows where he has come from or why. His name is Theo. And he asks a lot of questions. Theo visits the local coffeehouse, where 92 pencil portraits hang on the walls, portraits of the people of Golden done by a local artist. He begins purchasing them, one at a time, and putting them back in the hands of their “rightful owners.” With each exchange, a story is told, a friendship born, and a life altered. Theo of Golden is a beautifully crafted novel about the power of generosity and the invisible threads of kindness that bind us to one another.

100 Rules for Living to 100; An Optimist’s Guide to a Happy Life

By Dick Van Dyke (Grand Central Publishing) $29

Dick Van Dyke danced his way into our hearts with iconic roles in Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and The Dick Van Dyke Show. Now, as he’s about to turn 100 years old, Dick is still dancing and approaching life with the twinkle in his eye that we’ve come to know and love. In 100 Rules for Living to 100, he reveals his secrets for maintaining your joie de vivre and making the most out of the life you’ve been given.

Why We Love Football; A History in 100 Moments

By Joe Posnanski (Dutton), $30

This is a rousing tale of the 100 greatest moments in football lore. Entertaining, enlightening, heartbreaking, hilarious, and always fascinating, these stories of football moments offer a panoramic look across its history. From hidden gems and classic tales to famous moments told from previously unheard perspectives, this is the football book for even its most ardent fans.

Union Square Kids Unabridged Classic Editions

(Union Square Kids) $16.99

From Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, to The Secret Garden and The Story of King Arthur and His Knights, these small hardcover editions of classic favorites, with beautifully decorated page edges, are an appealing way to introduce young readers to some timeless stories.

Steam Train, Dream Train

By Sherri Duskey and Tom Lichtenfeld (Chronicle Kids) $19.99

Out of the midnight darkness comes a mighty train heading to Night Falls station. The Dream Train pulls into the station, and one by one, the train cars are loaded: Polar bears pack the reefer car with ice cream; elephants fill the tanker cars with paints; tortoises stock the auto rack with race cars; bouncy kangaroos stuff the hopper car with balls; and are those dinosaurs lending a hand? Sweet, silly dreams and happy smiles before sleep are in store for little ones who love animals, trains, and imaginative adventure.

Merry Christmas from the staff at Covered Treasures! And until 2026, happy reading.

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

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November Library Events – New library software coming; December programs, schedule changes

By Harriet Halbig

The Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) will be upgrading a major system that allows patrons to check out books, reserve titles, browse the catalog, and manage their library experience.

There will be service disruptions from Nov. 29 to Dec. 11 while the upgrade takes place. During that time, patrons will not be able to place holds, items cannot be checked back in (they can be returned and will be held until Dec. 11), the online catalog and PPLD app will be unavailable, and new library cards cannot be created.

All PPLD locations will be closed Dec. 10 and 11 to test the new system and check items back in. There will not be a disruption to online databases, the Libby and Hoopla apps, and Pikes Peak Culture Pass.

Patrons will be able to request interlibrary loans and can check out materials with their library card or account number (staff will not be able to look up this information).

Following the transition, patrons will enjoy new features in the online catalog:

  • Book listings will be grouped by format (book, audiobook, large print).
  • Clickable author biographies will be available.
  • Titles will provide grade-level information and make suggestions for other materials.
  • The catalog will be able to offer possible results if the information entered is misspelled and make suggestions for similar materials
  • Patrons will have the option of having the system save their checkout history.

For up-to-date, detailed information on the transition, please see the district website, ppld.org.

Although the meeting room will be unavailable Dec. 1-11, some programs will be offered.

December programs

Paws to Read on Tuesdays from 4 to 5 (except for Dec. 23) allows children to practice reading aloud and improve fluency by reading with our lovable volunteer Paws to Read Therapy dogs.

The German Conversation group, an adult group of intermediate or advanced German speakers, will meet on Mondays from 1:30 to 3:30 (except for Dec. 1 and 8).

Socrates Café, a discussion group for adults, will meet from 1 to 3 on Tuesday, Dec. 16, Dec. 23, and Dec. 30.

Story Time, for children ages 3 to 7 and their parents or caregivers, will meet from 10:30 to 11 on Tuesday, Dec. 16

Toddler Time, for children ages 1-2, will meet on Wednesday, Dec. 17 from 9:30 to 10 and 10:30 to 11. Space is limited.

An adult program, Cocoa Blend Workshop, will be offered from 11 to noon on Saturday, Dec. 13. Learn about and experiment with different types of cocoa and other ingredients to create personalized cocoa blends. Take your custom blends home to enjoy yourself or create a special gift for a friend. Registration is required at 719-488-2370.

The Third Friday Friends of PPLD Book Group will meet on Friday, Dec. 19, from 10:30 to 12:30. This group is sponsored by the Tri-Lakes Friends of the Library. The December Selection is The Women with Silver Wings by Katherine Sharp Landdeck.

An Idea Lab program for ages 5 to 12 is Andy Warhol’s Tray Prints from 4:30 to 5:15 on Friday, Dec. 19. Join us for an exciting workshop where you’ll create your own Pop Art masterpiece inspired by Andy Warhol’s iconic screen prints. Learn simple printmaking techniques and unleash your creativity.

The teen Dungeons and Dragons group for ages 13-18 will meet from 4 to 5:45 on Saturday, Dec. 20. Join your fellow teens on an adventure in the world’s greatest role-playing game. New players and veterans alike are welcome to participate. Space is limited to eight players, and registration is required at 719-488-2370.

Holiday schedule changes

All Pikes Peak Library facilities will be closed all day Dec. 24 and Dec. 25. Libraries will close at 4 p.m. on Dec. 31 and remain closed on Jan 1.

Happy holidays from your library!

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

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High Altitude Nature and Gardens – Festive stuff: winter beauty outdoors, indoors, and holiday acorn bread

By Janet Sellers

From our winter outdoor scenes of berries, pine cones, and acorns to indoor blooming plant friends, nature shares her healing creations with us all season. Our abundant pine and fir trees generously share their much-needed green, and with snow and pinecones on the branches, give us our dreamy views all winter, and crabapple trees offer tiny red apples. But indoor flowers are mood-magical in winter, too.

Pet and kid-friendly indoor flowers

Some safe flowers that bloom in December include the usual favorites. Our local stores sell Christmas cactus, butterfly orchids (phalaenopsis), and more during the holiday season. Some other favorites are African violet, goldfish plant, ixora coccinea (Flame of the Woods) lipstick plant, shamrock, Indian mallow, and poinsettias.

Dangerous beauties

For cats, even a small amount of pollen, a single leaf, or vase water can be fatal. It’s really important to check out the safe plants when we have kids and pets around. The beautiful but deadly group: amaryllis, anthurium, cyclamen, calla lily, Kalanchoe, narcissus, and primrose. Almost all other bulb plants and all true lilies are favorites, too, but their pollen and the plants are deadly if our pets brush up against or ingest any of it.

Above: Poinsettias (left), butterfly orchids, and Christmas cacti (right) are among the favorites for safe flowering plants used for holiday decor around kids and pets. These colorful beauties also last many weeks, often many months, and as tropical perennials, they provide eye-catching interest year after year with proper care. Photos by Janet Sellers.

Acorn bread worldwide

Wiiwish, also known as shawii, acorn mush, was one of the main food staples of the indigenous peoples of California. Acorn bread is a global historical food that has been made for centuries, used before the introduction of grains, and as a famine food in Europe or as a staple in Native American diets. Acorns were a fallback food during times of scarcity, such as wars or bad harvests. Ancient writers like Pliny the Elder documented its use in making bread. The Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) had a long tradition of using acorns, as did the ancient Greeks, Japanese, and Koreans. In parts of Italy and other regions, acorn bread was a traditional food that is now rare but remembered in local folklore.

Holiday acorn bread

Variations of traditional acorn bread recipes incorporate seasonal ingredients (like spices) or are baked during the fall and winter holidays when acorns are in season. Acorn bread is a nutritious, nutty bread, traditionally a staple food for many cultures since ancient times. As a kid, I read about acorn foods in our fourth-grade Native American studies. I tried to make that bread with ground acorns. They tasted terrible. I didn’t know the acorn secret (and I didn’t end up eating any of that, either). Recently, I found many intriguing recipes online with foods from acorns. Note to self: Collect acorns earlier in the year for making acorn bread, a healthy, tasty, and hearty (albeit odd) bread during the holiday season.

The correct preparation involves grinding acorns into flour after removing the bitter tannins through a water soak/leaching process of the shelled acorns, then they’re dried and ground. Some cooks mix this with other flours for bread or porridge. This practice dates back to antiquity, with examples of its use by ancient Greeks, Japanese, and indigenous peoples in various parts of the world.

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.

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Art Matters – Art curation: We all do it, even with holiday trees and gift wrapping

By Janet Sellers

“Everyone discusses my art and pretends to understand, as if it were necessary to understand, when it is simply necessary to love.”—Claude Monet

How do we choose what we look at, live with, or give as gifts? That process—what feels right, meaningful, beautiful, or joyful—is a form of curation. Whether we’re arranging a holiday tree, selecting a painting for our wall, or wrapping a thoughtful present, we are choosing, organizing, and presenting with intention. That is curation.

Art curation is more than display—it is storytelling through materials and making experiences. It is a thoughtful arrangement that shapes how we feel about our surroundings and how others experience them. A curated space isn’t just decorated; it is expressive, layered, and emotionally resonant.

Art is communication—from maker to viewer and human to human. Every artistic choice—color, shape, texture, word, or sound—carries meaning. A painter choosing between magenta and warm red isn’t just making a visual decision; they are shaping a mood. A poet, a sculptor, a musician does the same, conveying feeling, memory, and connection through deliberate choices. When we choose art to give, or to live with, we participate in that dialogue.

Art changes a room. A space with art feels alive, personal, and engaging—rich with mood, warmth, and identity. It invites reflection, fosters connection, and adds soul to the everyday. A room without art can feel empty or overly neutral—calm perhaps, but lacking presence or character. Art doesn’t just decorate; it elevates. It can bring meaning, emotion, and even joy.

Just as museums design spaces to frame the artwork, we arrange our homes or workplaces in ways that allow our expression to shine. The room is the setting—art is the gem. The purpose of the environment is to support and enhance what we value. A thoughtfully chosen painting, sculpture, textile, or handcrafted object becomes the focal point—the treasure—around which the ambience is shaped.

We curate for comfort, celebration, memory, and belonging. Gift-giving, especially during the holidays, is a deeply human form of curation. We select what expresses our care—something beautiful, meaningful, or handmade. The wrapping, the presentation, even where we place the gift to be discovered—all are part of aesthetic intention. When we do this, we elevate a simple object into an experience.

Art helps create the spirit of a place. It shapes how we feel when we enter, how we remember it, and how we connect with others in it. Whether in a gallery, a living room, or a workspace, art invites feeling, reflection, and often, a sense of well-being.

We may not call ourselves curators, but in the choices we make—the colors we live with, the gifts we give, the stories we share—we are shaping beauty, meaning, and culture for ourselves and share that with others.

Janet Sellers is an artist, art specialist, and public speaker who shares her imaginative approach to art locally and globally. Contact her at JanetSellers@ocn.me.

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Snapshots of Our Community

Tri-Lakes skies painted with Northern Lights

Above: On Nov. 11, a geomagnetic storm broke out on the surface of the sun 92 million miles from Monument. It was a big one. So big that the skies over the Tri-Lakes area lit up in reds, pinks, and greens. These solar storms are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the strongest. This storm was rated a 4, strong enough for the lights to be seen just with your eyes. The deepest colors were found, however, in photographs. This photo, looking across Monument Lake to the Palmer Lake Star, was taken by Michael Weinfeld with an iPhone 16 Pro.
Above: Photo by Trish Wingert at the top of her cul-de-sac on Six Trees Lane in Woodmoor.

Monument Lake restroom, Nov. 5

Above and below: Mayor Mitch LaKind called it a “huge upgrade to Monument Lake.” A permanent year-round restroom was officially opened with a ribbon cutting shown at right on Nov. 5. The fire-safe, graffiti-resistant structure replaces three porta-potties. LaKind told the crowd of about 20 people, “For years, visitors to Monument Lake have had to rely on these porta-potties” that he said were built “more for character than comfort.” Now, he said, “nature calls can finally be answered in comfort.” According to Assistant Director of Public Works Andrew Archuleta, the two unisex ADA-compliant heated stalls will be open from 5 a.m.-7 p.m. until the warmer weather, when they’ll stay open longer. They’ll be locked overnight. About 75% of the $200,000 project was paid for by a grant from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Photos by Tia M. Mayer.

PLAG Small Works at Bella Art

Caption: The opening for the annual Palmer Lake Art Group Small Works Show was held on Nov. 7 at Bella Art and Frame Gallery in Monument. Gallery owners Micaela Cimino, left, and Joseph Jesse were the judges and presented the winning artist ribbons. The showcase gallery area was filled with colorful paintings, all for sale. Many sold at the opening. The show will be on exhibit through the end of December. Photo by Janet Sellers.

Integrity Wealth Advisors donates $5K

Caption: Integrity Wealth Advisors donated $5,000 to the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club on Nov. 15 that will go toward the upcoming Heart of Monument Play Park. Integrity Chief Operating Officer Wendy Fisher (right) presented the check to the club. The park will be located just north of Second Street between Jefferson and Adams Streets in historic downtown Monument. In the photo, Fisher presents the check to Kiwanian Scott Ross. Photo by Warren Gerig.

Lynn Roth’s photos at Monument Library

Caption: Lynn Roth, local fine art photographer, has many stories about his images that are on view at the Monument branch library. For decades, Roth brought youths from the Colorado area to do volunteer work with New Mexico indigenous community areas for hospitals and youth events. Here Roth stands with images of the Southwest, a favorite being Shiprock landscapes (the image on the upper left) which is a sacred site for Native Americans. Native Americans, specifically the Diné (Navajo), call Shiprock Tsé Bitʼaʼí, which translates to “rock with wings” or “winged rock.” This name reflects both the appearance of the formation and its significance in Navajo mythology, where it is often described as a great bird that turned to stone. Roth’s works are also available at Bella Art and Frame Gallery in Monument. Photo by Janet Sellers.

Alpaca Extravaganza, Nov. 22-23

Caption: The 20th Annual Holiday Alpaca Extravaganza was held Nov. 22 and 23 at the Black Forest Community Center. Hosted by Wild Hair Alpacas, local farms and artisans gathered to sell their alpaca products, including yarn and finished garments such as socks, hats, gloves, and scarves, and kids’ toys and household items. Pictured is Julie Tompkins of Tompkins Alpaca Pride spinning roving into yarn. Roving is the fiber made from the wool of the sheared animals and sent to mills for processing. The result is a smoother, softer yarn. For more information, contact tompkinsalpacapride.com or wildhairalpacas.com. Photo by Marlene Brown.

Chili Supper and Star Lighting, Nov. 29

Above and below: The Palmer Lake Volunteer Fire Department celebrated its 90th anniversary with the Annual Chili Supper and Star Lighting event on Saturday, Nov. 29. The event brought the community together for a night of warmth and festive cheer. Attendees enjoyed hearty chili prepared by dedicated volunteers, perfect for the crisp winter-like evening. There were more than 200 community members in attendance throughout the event. The highlight was the Starlighting ceremony, where the town’s historical 405-foot star was illuminated. This 90-year tradition was filling the night with a magical glow. Families and friends gathered around, sharing smiles and holiday spirit, while firefighters showcased their commitment to service. This cherished tradition not only marks the beginning of the holiday season but also honors decades of community support and volunteerism. The event beautifully combined delicious food, joyful company, and the promise of brighter days ahead. Photos by Erica Burt.

St. Peter Holiday Boutique, Nov. 8

Caption: Area residents caught the holiday spirit early as they strolled through the St. Peter Holiday Boutique in Monument on Nov. 8. More than 50 vendors displayed their products, ranging from arts and crafts to books. The $100 booth fees and bake sale funds will help pay for the eighth-grade class trip to Washington, D.C., next spring. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

PRHS production of The Wizard of Oz

Caption: The Bear Necessity Theatre Company presented The Wizard of Oz at Palmer Ridge High School Nov.6 through Nov. 8. Shown are Dorothy, played by Lucy Cavin, the Wicked Witch, played by Rowen Kluck, the Good Witch, played by Ruby Taylor, and Munchkins from Evans Elementary School. Caption by Steve Pate.

Gritzmaker honored by Sertoma

Caption: Gleneagle Sertoma member Duane Gritzmaker was inducted into the Sertoma International Hall of Fame on Nov. 11. He was honored at the Sertoma International Conference in Dublin, Ohio. Gritzmaker has more than three decades of community service with Sertoma. In the photo are, from left, Larry Oliver, Mary Obenauf, Duane and Barbara Gritzmaker, Dr. Vicki Wynn, and Trey Wynn. Photo provided by Sertoma International.

Chipping season wrap-up, Nov. 19

Caption: Monument Fire District hosted its annual wildfire mitigation/community chipping season wrap-up meeting Nov. 19 at Fire Station 1. Ambassadors from participating communities met to discuss results from the 2025 season and the planning process for 2026. The fire district will staff a full-time seasonal mitigation crew next year, which will expand the vegetation removal capacity for all participating neighborhoods. Caption by Division Chief-Community Risk Reduction Jonathan Bradley. Photo by Lisa Hatfield.

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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.

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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

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.

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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

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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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.

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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

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

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.

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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.

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