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

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Columns: Arts, Books, Gardening, History, Library, etc.

Palmer Lake Historical Society, April 20 – Pikes Peak Library District holds wealth of history

By Marlene Brown

At its April 20 meeting at the Palmer Lake Town Hall, the Palmer Lake Historical Society (PLHS) hosted Brett Lobello, director of the Regional History and Genealogy Department of the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD).

Lobello explained how the PPLD houses several papers and collections from area families and noted influential personalities of the late 1800s and early 1900s. The special collections are housed in the 1905 Carnegie Library located at 20 N. Cascade Ave. in Colorado Springs. The genealogy collections contain U.S. research materials from Colonial times to the present, including, books, periodicals, and access to major genealogical databases. For more information on archiving and researching, go to ppld.org/regional-history-and-genealogy. Regional History and Genealogy staff care for non-circulated historic documents held in public trust by PPLD.

Some of the collection includes papers from Ruth Banning-Lewis, whose family’s ranch covered over 30,000 acres east of Colorado Springs. Her collection includes notes taken at Lowell School and Wellesley College. Most of the collection is composed of newspapers clippings, leaflets, brochures, and pamphlets of a political scope during her time serving on the School District 11 board, as founding member of Girl Scouts Council of Colorado Springs, and organizer of the Pikes Peak Chapter of the American Red Cross Volunteer Nurse’s Aid Corps. She was on the board of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, and from 1943-47 served on the Colorado Springs City Council.

Another special collection housed at the Carnegie Library in the photo archives is the Stuarts Aerial Collection from 1948-99. It contains aerial photographs of the building and construction of the City of Colorado Springs and other projects in El Paso County, including the Air Force Academy in the early 1960s.

Individuals can do research through Pikes Peak Newspapers at ppld.org/databases/newspaper-archive. The database contains tens of millions of fully searchable newspaper articles by keywords and dates from 1607 to the present.

Contact Special Collections to make an appointment with a librarian (719) 531-6333 ext. 1253 to gain access to more information.

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The next meeting of PLHS will be at the Palmer Lake Town Hall on the third Thursday of the month, May 18, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information, go to palmerdividehistory.org

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

Other Palmer Lake Historical Society articles

Other Palmer Lake Historical Society articles

High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – No mow May; planting in our mountain forest climes

By Janet Sellers

Habitat loss: bulldozers or lawns?

Lawns represent the single largest irrigated crop grown in the U.S. and are actually harmful to our ecosystem. Use of pesticides, herbicides, and toxins aside, monoculture lawns lack floral and nesting resources to support important myriad bees (the superfamily Apoidea, containing at least 5,700 species of bees).

Pollinators rely on us to help in May. The USDA Forest Service reported a study showing “that cutting the grass every two weeks resulted in significantly higher bee abundance. Less frequent mowing gives lawn flowers like dandelions and clover—this is where social pressure comes to bear—a little more time to grow and blossom, resulting in nourishment for bees.” Other studies showed that three-week intervals dramatically increased native pollinators and ecosystem health.

If we want something different in addition to our beloved pine forests of our environs, we need to plan for it with Mother Nature’s support.

Starting seeds indoors for a head start

I started seedlings in compostable clamshell containers that my muffins come in. It works great: add seedling mix, seeds, water, close the lid and in two weeks I had 5-inch sprouts. I made a mistake: I used compost. I had two seedlings out of 12 seeds planted. Two areas turned moldy; two were fine. I don’t know what caused the mold, but a seedling mix would have worked better.

Here’s the better way for our area:

  1. Start seeds with a seed-starting mix that has what you need for that purpose: coconut coir, peat moss, perlite, etc. for even moisture and some basic nutrients to get the seeds started. Loose, fluffy textures let the seeds emerge without clumps. The delicate sprouts need to stretch both up and down into the mix.
  2. Pot up (transplant) at 2-3 inches high to a bigger container of potting soil (it’s heavier, looser for airflow, and has more nutrients to support the baby plant). People use fancy pots, plant trays, or just rip holes in the soil bag for this stage of transplanting. Beware of tangled roots and gently separate the plants so they have their own space to grow. If they are too tangled, choose the stronger one to transplant. I usually try to save both—sometimes I can save most of them.
  3. Then wait for the outdoor weather to be warm enough to support the plants, usually by Memorial Day weekend. Many plants will be fine in larger pots, especially the fabric grow bags. Place outdoors after all danger of frost (Ask the weather forecasters!) right in the grow bags or in your prepared garden bed.

Janet Sellers, an avid “lazy gardener,” lets Mother Nature lead the way with Colorado high desert forest gardening. Contact her: JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Other High Altitude Nature and Gardening articles

Art Matters – Contemporary art prints and artist handmade books

By Janet Sellers

What is contemporary art?

Contemporary art is art made by living artists and encompasses a wide range of materials from the precious to everyday objects or materials, and includes electronic media and ephemera (typically, written, or printed items of collectible memorabilia).

The aesthetic value resides in the intention or purpose of the artwork instead of mere materials. Artists sell prints of their work from their own paintings, photography and their artist book images printed on a variety of materials including paper, cloth, wood, natural and synthetic as well as recycled materials. Mass production of the artists’ works are often made in posters and in mass-produced books by museums and publishing houses.

What is an artist book?

Around 1783, William Blake’s first collection of poems, Poetical Sketches, was printed. As artist, poet, and printmaker, he may be the forerunner of artist books, making his own books with words and images, and predecessor to the artist books of the 1960s. Artist books since the 1950s are considered an independent, unconventional art medium, an appealing alternative space for art.

The Smithsonian Library explains, “… In the United States, Ed Ruscha produced some of the first artist books consisting of compilations of photographs with a title on the front cover and little narrative quality. Other artists used the book format to create narratives to deal with difficult or emotional issues, and some used it as a cheap, portable way to make the artwork available to a broader public than the gallery and museum world allowed.… Books are meant to be touched, and their pages turned, but an art object is usually only experienced under glass in a museum. These are issues that affect the work of artists, practitioners of book arts, curators, museum collections staff, librarians, publishers, and others. Yet the problems of the ambivalent nature of the artist’s book is part of what gives it such interesting potential .…”

What are artist books and artist book print editions?

An artist book, Livre d’artiste, is art in book form. We might call it imagination that we can hold in our hands. The artist book creator has complete control over the creation, materials, content, and all aspects of the intention of the artwork. An artist book can be made of rare or common materials at hand for the artists’ creation, including upcycled paper or common printer paper. The latter is often used for artist books and repurposed books. The materials used are purposely chosen by the artist.

Artist books and prints represent powerful, personal aesthetic forces for communication. And unlike mass-produced books, artist books are intended for a smaller circulation of less than 1,000-5,000, often with smaller signed and numbered circulations of 1-100 for handmade prints, books or ‘zines. Artist books and prints are small scale and cost effective, using simple production processes. They are valued for their uniqueness and limited numbers and are collected by many, including the archives of museums, universities, and libraries worldwide.

Above: Downtown Monument venues hosted the annual No Boys Allowed Tour on April 20, with 250 tickets sold. Women patrons enjoyed special snacks and sales, and collected a free gift from every location, including Bella Art and Frame Gallery, shown here with artist Mark Dixon drawing people during the event. Downtown Monument Art Hop season starts May 18, 5-8 pm., showcasing local contemporary art and artists. Visitors enjoy and buy art while surrounded by live music, food, and fun. Photo courtesy of Maggie Williamson.

Janet Sellers is an artist, writer, and speaker. Her paintings, sculptures, and print artworks are exhibited coast to coast and locally in Colorado. Contact her at JanetSellers@ocn.me.

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Snapshots of Our Community

Monument water storage tank excavation in Forest View Estates

Above: Excavation resumed during April to prepare for installation of a 2-million-gallon water storage tank for the town of Monument. The town acquired the site by eminent domain in 2016, although the location in Forest View Estates had recorded restrictive covenants stating the property and other lots within Forest View Estates were limited to residential use. The initial excavation began in the summer and fall of 2022. During the winter of 2022-23, work on the property was tabled while laying of pipeline started and is ongoing along residential roads in Forest View Estates, Red Rock Ranch, Highway 105, and residential streets in downtown Monument. Photo by Sharon Williams.

Donations to Literacy Center

Above: The Palmer Ridge Key Club (PRKC) and Monument Hill Kiwanis Club (MHKC) donated more than 300 books and $650 for Tri-Lakes Children’s Literacy Center (CLC) on March 20. The money was raised during sponsorship nights at Arlene’s Beans in Monument and Mod Pizza in Colorado Springs. The Lewis-Palmer Middle School Builders Club (LPMSBC) and PRKC made another donation of more than 100 books to CLC. Many young children end up reading below their age level because they have no books of their own at home. CLC works with families and the community to provide an effective literacy program for struggling readers in grades 1-3. Each student gets personalized one-on-one tutoring. To donate or become a tutor, contact Tri-Lakes Senior Center Coordinator Rachel Morin at 610-246-1047. In the photo, Morin thanks PRKC President Todd Osborn and Elliot Beagley of Lewis-Palmer Middle School Bear Creek for their contributions. Photo by Dean Snow.

TLWC named Non-Profit of the Year

Above: Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) has been named Non-Profit of the Year by the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce. TLWC was honored by the chamber at its annual awards dinner on April 14. TLWC earned the honor for its accomplishments and contributions to the Tri-Lakes community. Accepting the award were members Charlie Ann Hayes, left, and Ann Cook. Photo courtesy of Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce.

Emergency Preparedness

Above: Students at Palmer Ridge High School helped organize an Emergency Preparedness Symposium on April 8. Several organizations that deal with emergencies like wildfires and disasters that might call for evacuation or “shelter in place” described the parameters for deciding proper responses. Christopher Gonzales, commander of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, has responded to many types of emergencies in our county. He described how decisions are made about addressing various emergencies, including traffic flow, first responder access, reverse 911 calls, and more. He suggested all county residents sign up for the reverse 911 service by logging into “Peak Alerts” at https://www.elpasoteller911.org/246/Peak-Alerts. A presentation by Lisa Hatfield and André Mouton of the Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church Emergency Preparedness Group (EPG) described how the group has helped Tri-Lakes residents “harden” their homes against wildfires. The process includes removing flammable materials from within 5 feet of your home, eliminating “laddering” vegetation, e.g., tall grass to Gambel oak to pines, preventing an ember storm from entering through vents in the eaves of your home, and other preventive measures. Photo by Steve Pate.

Cotton wins PLAG scholarship

Above: Each year, the Palmer Lake Art Group awards Art Scholarships to District 38 graduating seniors who have demonstrated serious commitment to art, intend to continue art studies, and plan for a profession with the visual arts. Isabelle Cotton, graduating senior at Palmer Ridge High School, was awarded the 2023 art scholarship of $2,500. Isabelle will attend Temple University, Japan Campus in the fall. Photo provided by the Palmer Lake Arts Group.

Gleneagle Egg Hunt

Above: On April 8, the Antelope Trails Elementary (ATE) School field was filled with Easter colors as over 6,000 plastic eggs were spread across it for the Gleneagle Easter Egg Hunt. The plastic eggs contained hard candy, bubble gum, bouncy balls, and other treats. Blair Dinkins, who lives adjacent to ATE, coordinated the hunt in partnership with the school. She is a realtor with the Colorado Team, a residential real estate agency that sponsored the event. She and other agency employees set up and conducted the event. Dinkins said, “We (the agency) wanted to bring something fun to the neighborhood for Easter.” The children were divided into three age groups with each assigned a different part of the field and then, at the sound of a horn, proceeded with the egg gathering simultaneously. There were also giveaways, food and coffee trucks, and free donuts. Photo by David Futey.

Lewis-Palmer HS Concert

Above: In preparation for the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) band competition, Lewis-Palmer High School (LPHS) presented its Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, and Small Ensemble concert on April 11. Tom Chapman, who directed the Symphonic Band, will leave LPHS after this academic year and will direct a final concert on May 9. The Small Ensemble included flutes, clarinets, trumpets, low brass, percussion, a woodwind choir, double woodwind quintet, and a brass choir. The small ensembles performed “on their own” without direction. Photo by Steve Pate.

Station 4 Push-In Ceremony

Above: Above: Monument Fire District staff and residents “push-in” the new Pierce Engine 514 at Station 4 in Gleneagle on April 29. Monument Mayor Mitch LaKind, Monument Fire District staff, board directors and residents gathered at the station on Gleneagle Drive to push in the 2023 Pierce Engine 514 and squad car 575, the first of its kind in the district. The ceremony of “pushing-in” apparatus harkens back to the 1800s, when fire departments used horse-drawn steamer engines to put out fires. After fighting the fire, crews would ready the horses in the stable for the next call, but because horses will not walk backward when they are under load, crews would push the apparatus back into narrow station bays. The time-honored tradition continues nationwide, whenever a department is lucky to receive new apparatus. Photo By Natalie Barszcz.

FOMP Trail Night

Above: About 50 people showed up for the first Friends of Monument Preserve (FOMP) Trail Night of the season on April 11. Participation was greater than normal due to local concern about recent wildfire mitigation by the Pikes Peak Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service in the Monument Preserve. Many trails were covered by debris from the “mastication” of Gambel oak groves and most vegetation under 6 inches in diameter. Brian Mullin, FOMP president, split the participants into small groups to clear debris from trails. Future trail nights will be on the second Tuesday of each month May through September, 6-8 p.m., and 5-7 p.m. the second Tuesday in October. Anyone is welcome to help build and maintain trails on these dates by simply showing up or by checking the FOMP website, www.fomp.org, for more details and other workdays. On a hike through the preserve a week later, April 18, the trails were in good shape—at least visible—and hikers and mountain bikers were out enjoying a nice day. Photo by Steve Pate.

Friends of Fox Run Park

Above: Members of Friends of Fox Run Park (FoFRP) helped clean the roadsides April 13 in Fox Run Park Regional Park near the dog park for Earth Day Week. Pictured from left are Dave Futey, Steve Jeroslow, and Linda Davies. There are several days scheduled to work with the park employees to clean up and help work on projects such as trail maintenance and fence repair. Contact FoFRP at friendsoffoxrunpark@gmail.com for more information. Photo by Julie Haverluk.

Sertoma fallen officer donation

Above: Gleneagle Sertoma Club donated $10,000 to the family of fallen Fountain police officer Julian Becerra (pictured in the background) on March 22. Becerra died after falling off a bridge while chasing a carjacking suspect on Feb. 2. Club President Larry Oliver presented the check to, from left, Fountain police officer John Kay, Colorado Springs Police Protective Association/Southern Colorado Law Enforcement Foundation Executive Director Sherryl Dillon, and Colorado Springs police officer Patrick David. Sertoma member Pete Peterson paid a moving tribute to Becerra and all first responders at the club’s recent Business and Pleasure event at Beasts and Brews in Colorado Springs. Photo by Dr. Vicki Wynn.

Eric Elison at TLCA

Above: On April 15, the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts (TLCA) hosted singer/songwriter Eric Elison and his Gordon Lightfoot Tribute Band. Elison, known as The Lightfoot of the Rockies, captivated the audience at this sold-out show with known and lesser-known Lightfoot songs along with a few of his originals. They performed Lightfoot songs included Early Morning Rain, a song that Lightfoot said was his “first best song,” If You Could Read My Mind, Sundown, The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, Song for a Winter’s Night written in Cleveland in the summer, Carefree Highway and Christian Island. The band also performed Elison’s Worthy of You, a tribute to his wife of 44 years. Elison, playing six- and 12-string guitars, was accompanied by highly accomplished musicians Frank Sanchez (electric bass), Matt Podschweit (keyboard), Dina Hollingsworth (flute) and KJ Braithwaite (lead guitar). Note: This concert happened two weeks before Lightfoot’s death at age 84. He died May 1. Information on upcoming events at the TLCA is at trilakesarts.org. Photo by David Futey.

TLWC donates to first responders

Above: Members of Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) delivered over $800 worth of gift cards to area fire, police, and EMS workers to thank them for all of the work they do to keep our community safe. TLWC members also delivered the gift cards and baked goods to the Pike Interagency Hotshot Crew on April 15. From left are TLWC member Judy Sawyer, Monument Police Sgt. Michael Case, and TLWC member Sandra Sciadini. Photo by Deborah Braun.

Alpine Essentials Ribbon-Cutting

Above: Members of the Woodward family attended a ribbon-cutting in front of their marijuana dispensary Alpine Essentials in Palmer Lake on April 19. Brother and sister co-owners Melissa and Tyler Woodward, their mother and co-owner Brenda and Tyler’s wife, Sarah, who manages the shop, were at the ceremony sponsored by the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce. Melissa said the ceremony was part of a “great journey” the family has been on. “It feels incredible,” she said. The Woodward family has been in Palmer Lake for four generations. Alpine Essentials first opened as a medical dispensary eight years ago. They officially added recreational sales on April 1. Their shop is one of two recreational dispensaries in Palmer Lake. The other is Dead Flowers, which also sells medical marijuana. Voters passed recreational sales last November by 55% to 45% in an effort to alleviate the town’s financial troubles. In the photo are, from left, starting with Melissa Woodward in yellow, Brenda, Brenda’s daughter-in law Sarah, and Sarah’s husband Tyler. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.

D20 Community Garden

Above: Some of the D20 Community Garden volunteers engaged in the spring cleanup of the D20 Community Garden on a sunny Saturday morning April 29 at Antelope Trails Elementary School. Tia Guillan of Academy District 20 led a team of about 30 volunteers from Antelope Trails Elementary fifth-grade student leadership, I Love Colorado Springs-City Serve, Woodmen Valley Chapel members, Discovery Canyon Campus High School National Honor Society, staff members, and families. The students annually plant strawberries, pumpkins, and sunflowers to line the fence in late summer, and each grade level tends a planter with a variety of plants throughout the growing season. The large team of volunteers prepares the community garden and the landscaping features in both spring and fall. Photo by Natalie Barszcz.

TLC appreciates MHKC

Above: Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC) has shown its appreciation for the help it’s gotten from the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club (MHKC). From left, MHKC President Greg Bielanski accepted a certificate of appreciation from TLC Development Specialist Christine Bucher and Executive Director Haley Chapin on April 15. Each year, MHKC conducts three major events that benefit TLC. They are Empty Bowls, with support from D38, in October, Harvest of Love, planned and executed by Service Leadership Programs in all D38 Schools in November, and the North Pole Craft Fair in December. These events raise more than $20,000 and about six tons of food each year. Photo by Warren Gerig.

100+ Women Who Care

Above: At the bi-annual meeting of the 100+ Women Who Care Tri-Lakes, three presentations were given by local nonprofits Tri-Lakes Cares, Friends of Fox Run Park, and Monument Warriors as to why they should be voted on and awarded a grant from the group. Each woman member writes a $100 check to the nonprofit that was voted to win. Monument Warriors, pictured, won the spring event on April 19. With over 45 women in attendance, over $4,500 was given to the Monument Warriors that night, and the other women could mail a check to the winner. Photo by Marlene Brown.

DCC Concert

Above: On April 25, the Discovery Canyon Campus (DCC) high school bands and orchestras of the Instrumental Music Program performed a Spring Concert for a capacity audience of parents and friends in the DCC high school theater. Among the music performed, Instrumental Music Teacher Kevin Whitelaw directed the Jazz Ensemble performing Blue Monk by Thelonious Monk, the String Orchestra performing Rhythmos by Kathryn Griesinger, and the Symphonic Band with music from How to Train Your Dragon. The Concert Band, directed by Jack Yonce, performed Renaissance Suite by Tielman Susato. For the finale, Whitelaw directed the combined bands and orchestras for music from The Incredibles by Michael Giacchino. Before the performance, the program held its end-of-year banquet, where Outstanding Classman, Hemiola, National Band, orchestra and jazz awards were announced. Photo by David Futey.

Tri-Lakes Cares Garden

Above: Students from Palmer Ridge High School have been helping with the Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC) fresh food garden. Volunteers are welcome throughout the growing season, which is especially important through the summer. Contact JanetSellers@ocn.me for more information. Photo provided by Janet Sellers.

Other Snapshots of Our Community articles

March Weather Wrap

By Bill Kappel

It was an interesting March around the region with colder than normal temperatures but very little snowfall. This combination is rare. Usually if March is cold it is also snowy, and if March is dry it is warm. But not this year. This is also a little disappointing, as it would have been nice to continue the trend of above-normal moisture we have seen in the last few months. The good news is that snow continued to pile up in the mountains with the exception of the Arkansas River basin. In fact, the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado have been setting records for seasonal snowfall. Just as important, if not more, most of the western U.S. has seen copious amounts of snowfall. Most amazing is the amounts of snowfall that have already occurred this year, with many locations already breaking their all-time seasonal accumulations.

All this moisture in the western U.S. is, of course, very good news for helping alleviate some of the extreme drought conditions that have been occurring for the last several years. Now let’s hope the snow melts out “gracefully” as we head into spring and summer. If not, we will be dealing with some major flood issues throughout the region, especially for areas west of the Continental Divide.

For us along the Palmer Divide, temperatures were below normal for the first week of the month, with highs in the 30s and 40s and a little light snowfall on the 1st and 3rd. Even cooler air moved in on the 7th with areas of low clouds and fog along with some freezing drizzle and flurries through the morning of the 9th. Highs were below freezing on the 7th and 8th as well.

Skies cleared on the 9th and the stronger March sunshine helped temperatures warm quickly, reaching the upper 50s by the 10th. After a brief cool down on the 11th and 12th, the warmest temperatures of the month took hold on the 14th and 15th, topping out in the mid-60s and melting most of the remaining snowpack.

The most organized storm of the month then moved through in the next few days. This storm had all the signs of a spring system in the region, with mild air initially and areas of rain showers and ice pellets just after midnight on the 16th quickly turning to snow and blowing snow. Unsettled and cold conditions continued the next day with highs barely reaching the freezing mark.

Above: On March 20, the first day of spring, fast-moving clouds deliver short, light bursts of snow over Monument. Monument Rock is on the right a bit below the middle of the photo. Photo by Natalie Barszcz.

Spring-like conditions settled in over the remainder of the month, with highs bouncing around from the mid- to upper 50s on the 21st and 22nd to just above the freezing mark on the 25th and 26th. Several of the days started off quiet with mostly clear skies giving way to convective snow showers by late morning and early afternoon. Unfortunately, no organized systems moved through, so snow showers were scattered and didn’t produce any significant accumulations. Temperatures were below normal for most of the last two weeks of the month.

A look ahead

April is known for a wide range of weather conditions in the region and is on average our snowiest month of the year. We can see 70° temperatures one afternoon and blizzard conditions the next. Several recent years have seen over 50 inches of snow accumulate during the month. Of course, it also melts very quickly, often adding beneficial moisture to the soil and helping the vegetation, which is just getting started.

March 2023 Weather Statistics

Average High 43.8° (-8.4°) 100-year return frequency value max 57.9° min 38.0°

Average Low 18.3° (-3.3°) 100-year return frequency value max 27.0° min 12.0°

Highest Temperature: 66° on the 15th

Lowest Temperature: 5° on the 18th

Monthly Precipitation: 0.33” (-1.26”, 80% below normal) 100-year return frequency value max 4.29” min 0.22”

Monthly Snowfall: 6.4” (-13.9”, 70% below normal)

Season to Date Snow: 69.5” (-21.4”, 25% below normal) (the snow season is from July 1 to June 30)

Season to Date Precip.: 2.05” (-1.19”, 35% below normal) (the precip season is from Oct 1 to Sept 30)

Heating Degree Days: 1052 (+139)

Cooling Degree Days: 0

Bill Kappel is a meteorologist and Tri-Lakes resident. He can be reached at billkappel@ocn.me.

Other Letters to Our Community articles

Letters to Our Community – Necessary mitigation

If you were upset and thinking that the wildfire mitigation efforts underway at Monument Preserve are ugly, imagine the catastrophic conflagration that could occur if such mitigation wasn’t done. Imagine the heartache if one of your beloved places was burned to a crisp, reduced to nothing but blackened stalks of trees and scorched earth. Trails would be closed because of the danger of dead trees falling on hikers and bikers. It may not be pretty right now, but if you’ve spent any time outdoors, you know that nature rejuvenates itself. The vegetation will come back and we’ll have a healthier forest land. More important, we’ll have a more defensible forest, if and when flames come licking for more.

Those of us who do not have a degree in forest management or may be unfamiliar with the term Wildland Urban Interface, would do well to trust the professionals. By the way, take a look at your own property and see where mitigation might benefit your property and make you safer. There are knowledgeable people, particularly if you live in Woodmoor, who will come out and help you decide what you can do to achieve that. You’ll find that you can perform mitigation and still have a very nice-looking property.

Bill Beagle

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Letters to Our Community – D38 demographics changes are important

It is not about school district money, it is about having a plan for teachers and student population changes.

Our school district neighbors in Denver closed schools apparently because they did not see or plan for the growing student loss over the previous years.

School districts and boards like D38 are expected to identify changing demographics and plan in advance, not spring school district decisions on the community without specific detailed plans.

D38 demographics have changed over the last three years, and it is important D38 strategic plans are updated not only on a scheduled basis, but when rapid changes occur over a short period of time to account for inflation, population shifts, staffing, and budget changes.

Our Denver neighbors are learning district plans should be dynamic and be quickly reviewed with the community as conditions change and certainly before school closure decisions are quickly made.

President Reagan is famous for saying “Trust but verify.” Significant D38 demographic household changes, growth estimates, budget assumptions, curriculum evolution, and classroom teacher requirements are coming or already here. Community verification is difficult in an information-sparse environment.

D38 plans seem to be lagging in reflecting the new reality of rapid inflation, competitive staff recruiting, addressing deferred maintenance, and sadly a successful comprehensive vision for the future of our district.

A change in D38 is overdue and November elections are coming soon. Choose wisely and express your opinion just as the Town of Monument community governance decision and successful vote proved are essential for a better future.

Gordon Reichal

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Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – The power of human connection

By the staff at Covered Treasures

“Social connection is such a basic feature of human experience that when we are deprived of it, we suffer.”—Leonard Mlodinow

If we have learned anything these last few years, it’s the powerful need for human connection. These nonfiction and fiction books are noteworthy reads centering on this.

We Are the Light

By Matthew Quick (Avid Reader Press) $27.99

A widower takes in a grieving teenager and inspires a magical revival in Majestic, Penn., a small, quaint town torn apart by tragedy. Everyone sees Lucas as a hero, except Lucas. Insisting that his deceased wife visits him as an angel, Lucas spends his time writing letters to his former therapist. Then Lucas and Eli form an unlikely alliance, embarking on a journey to heal their neighbors and themselves. This unforgettable, optimistic tale reminds us that life is full of guardian angels.

Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World

By Vivek H. Murthy, MD (Harper) $29.99

Dr. Vivek Murthy’s message is about the importance of human connection, the hidden impact of loneliness, and the social power of community. He makes a case that loneliness affects not only our health but also how our children experience school, how we perform in the workplace, and the sense of division and polarization in our society. At the center is our innate desire to connect. We are, simply, better together.

The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness

By Robert Waldinger, MD and Marc Schultz, PhD (Simon & Schuster) $28.99

What makes a life fulfilling and meaningful? The stronger our relationships in all their forms—friendships, romantic partnerships, families, coworkers, book club members, Bible study groups—the more likely we are to live happy, satisfying, and healthier lives. The Harvard Study of Adult Development reveals that the strength of our connections with others can predict the health of our bodies and brains as we go through life. It’s never too late to strengthen current relationships and to build new ones.

B.F.F.: A Memoir of Friendship Lost and Found

By Christie Tate (Avid Reader Press) $28

A heartwarming memoir about Christie Tate’s lifelong struggle to sustain female friendship and the friend who helps her find the human connection she seeks. With Meredith, 20 years older, by her side, Christie embarks on a brutally honest exploration of her friendships past and present. B.F.F. explores what happens when we finally break the habits that impair our ability to connect with others, and the ways that one life can change another.

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

By Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD (Penguin) $19

Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, one of the world’s foremost experts on trauma, has spent over three decades working with survivors. He uses scientific advances to show how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores innovative treatments, exposes the tremendous power of our relationships to hurt and to heal, and offers new hope for reclaiming lives.

The Half Known Life: In Search of Paradise

By Pico Iyer (Riverhead Books) $26

Paradise: that elusive place where the anxieties, struggles, and burdens of life fall away. Pico Iyer brings together a lifetime of explorations to upend our ideas of utopia and how we might find peace amid difficulty and suffering. He brings together the outer world and the inner to offer us a surprising, original, often beautiful exploration of how we might come upon paradise amid our very real lives.

A Thread of Grace

By Mary Doria Russell (Ballantine) $17

It is 1943, and 14-year-old Claudette Blum and her father are among thousands of Jewish refugees scrambling over the Alps toward Italy. The Blums discover that Italy is anything but peaceful, as it quickly becomes an open battleground for the Nazis, the Allies, Resistance fighters, Jews in hiding, and ordinary Italian civilians trying to survive. It tells the little-known story of the vast underground effort by Italian citizens who saved the lives of 43,000 Jews during the final phase of World War II. Profoundly moving, it engages the value and depths of human connection.

Until next month, happy reading.

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

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April Library Events – Quilt show continues

By Harriet Halbig

The quilts made by the Palmer Divide Quiltmakers will remain on display through April. Patrons can come and enjoy the variety of techniques and colors.

Above: Palmer Divide Quiltmakers (PDQ) held its 21st annual quilt show at the Monument branch library in March. Members contribute to the community by providing pillows, turbans, and hats for adults and children undergoing cancer treatment in the Colorado Springs area. The club’s Blanket Brigade members gather weekly to piece and tie quilts for local children in need of comfort. PDQ raises money at local craft sales to help bring quilters from around the world to speak at the meetings and conduct classes for members. PDQ welcomes new members and meets the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, 166 Second St., Monument. Photos by Janet Sellers.

There will be many programs at the library for all ages during April. Go to our website, www.ppld.org and look under classes by location. In some cases registration is required.

We hope to see you soon at the library.

Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me

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Palmer Lake Historical Society, Feb. 16 – History of the KKK in Denver presented

By Marlene Brown

At the March 16 meeting of the Palmer Lake Historical Society (PLHS), special guest speaker Shaun Boyd, curator of History Colorado, presented a program on the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in the greater Denver area in the 1920s. Even though it was a dark time in Colorado history, the Colorado History Society has procured archives of the KKK membership and be able record in history as far the activities of the KKK of the time.

In the early 1900s there were about 100,000 people living in the Denver area, with about one-third being members of the KKK. As many as 30,000 people would show up for an event. The events were political and condoned violence. In 1915, The Birth of a Nation was the first nationally released film. The film was controversial and has remained so ever since as “the most reprehensibly racist film in Hollywood history.” The film has since been denounced for its racist depiction of African Americans, according to www.wikipedia.org.

Above: Shaun Boyd, curator of History Colorado, presents her program on the history of the KKK in Denver to the Palmer Lake Historical Society. March 16. Photo by Marlene Brown.

Many of Denver’s well-known residents, including Mayor Benjamin Franklin Stapleton who served five terms, 1923-31 and 1935-47, was a member of the KKK. He also was the Democratic Colorado state auditor from 1933 to 1935.

Though the Klan came to Colorado in 1921, they were disbanded by 1929. The records and membership ledgers can be viewed at historycolorado.org/kkkledgers. There were no known members on the ledgers from the Tri-Lakes area.

**********

Next month’s program is scheduled to be Treasure Trove of Local History—Pikes Peak Library District Collections by Brett Lobello, director of Regional History and Genealogy. Lobello will share information about researching through the library district’s special collections stored in the Carnegie Building next to the Penrose Library in Colorado Springs. The public is welcome to learn how to research for special projects.

The next meeting is scheduled for 7 to 8:30 p.m. April 20 (doors open at 6:30) at the Palmer Lake Town Hall, 42 Valley Crescent St. For more information, see palmerdividehistory.org. The PLHS offered a special “thank you” to Sigi Walker for her longtime work and support to the group and her special talents for the upkeep of the website and newsletter.

Marlene Brown can be reached by email at malenebrown@ocn.me.

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High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – Plants can fill us with food and fill our electrical energy needs, too

By Janet Sellers

Garden friends, it’s April and that means outdoors we’ll have snow and sunshine and rain and every mix of weather here in our area of Colorado. That’s not good news for outdoor planting unless you have a greenhouse to protect everything. But we can start tomatoes and other plants that take four to six months to grow.

We technically have a very short growing season, only 26 days. But we can start things indoors, get them going and then give them a protective covering for the month of June until they get going in the garden. We haven’t had a lot of hail in our area lately, but a protective outdoor trick is to cover the garden bed with chicken wire. The hail bounces off the chicken wire and doesn’t harm the plants.

Starting plants indoors from seeds is a good way to get things moving. Honestly, we shouldn’t plant anything outdoors until Memorial Day. We have snow even in late May, and that can ruin a good start of outdoor seeds.

Successful gardeners in our area have told me they start these seeds in April: tomatoes and cucumbers, beans, herbs, and other plants that they want to give a head start for the season.

Another method that can be started in April for plants is to use the straw bale method. That requires three or four weeks of preparation by putting in very well composted soil between the flakes and watering between the flakes as well. This will start the special composition for the straw to be ready for seeds. The straw not only provides a nice, inoculated substrate for the seeds but also insulates seeds from weather conditions while they are growing. I like straw bales because I don’t have to bend down very far and it’s basically an instant, inexpensive raised bed.

Some curious plant facts

  • ScienceDaily.com reports that, “by simply connecting a ‘plug’ to the plant stem, the electricity generated can be harvested and used to power electronic devices. IIT’s researchers show that the voltage generated by a single leaf may reach to more than 150 volts, enough to simultaneously power 100 LED light bulbs each time the leaf is touched.”—Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT).
  • Tomatoes ripen from the center out and the bottom up which means that you can harvest your tomatoes before they actually look ripe because of the way they ripen. You can put them on the window sill on the counter and they will continue to get redder but the flavor won’t change.

Janet Sellers is an avid organic “lazy” gardener. With minimal effort, she lets mother nature lead the way and take care of the growing. Send your garden tips to JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Other High Altitude Nature and Gardening articles

Art Matters – Paper mache: a high art with a long history

By Janet Sellers

Paper and paper mache are materials that have found a high calling in fine art. In making art, an artist creates meaningful communication. Artists can use nearly any medium to create their art, and the value lies in the intention and imagination more than mere materials. Paper mache as artifacts will last hundreds of years if made well and kept properly. Treasured lacquerwares of Asia and Europe have kept their value in the art market, too.

The earliest paper mache has roots in the Far East and Middle East. At the time, it was a way to reuse a material that was rare, costly, and strong. Its light weight gave advantages over other, heavier materials. The term “paper mache” (the English spelling) comes from the French for “chewed paper” as the rare and costly paper was mashed and recast into objets d’art and other artifacts.

Paper was invented in China in 105 A.D. and has both a humble and mighty reputation in the fine arts. There is a Chinese saying, “Life is as fragile as paper.” But in fine art and even warfare, paper is powerful. Wu dynasty impenetrable armor was made with paper mache.

The oldest preserved paper mache artifact is a falcon sarcophagus from the Sassanid dynasty in Persia (224 A.D.), considered one of the best materials to use for coffins. Also used for pot lids, furniture, trays, bowls and even eyeglass cases, paper mache is a wildly popular creative medium for fine art, décor, and playthings.

Italian cartapesta was used in southern Italy instead of marble for life-size and larger-than-life religious statues and monuments since the 1700s. Italy Magazine reports that while cartapesta began in Lecce in the 17th century, it possibly had its origins in Naples with presepe (nativity) figures as well as the life-size models of saints made for Holy Week processions—lighter to carry than wooden statues.

Today, artists worldwide use paper and paper mache for their fine art works. It embodies aesthetic characteristics and techniques like no other material. Its light weight, workability, and durability maintain its unique position in the art world and for posterity.

Janet Sellers is an artist, writer, and speaker. Her paintings, sculptures, and digital artworks are exhibited in the western U.S.A., and locally in Colorado. She can be contacted at JanetSellers@ocn.me

Other Art Matters articles

Snapshots of Our Community

D38 at the state capitol

Above: On March 1, a delegation of community members, parents, educators, board members, and the administrators from D38 took a trip to the state capitol to meet with state legislators and attend both House and Senate sessions. The trip was arranged by district lobbyist Amy Attwood and gave the district a chance to forge relationships and make the case for increased funding for K-12 education. Attendees were able to meet with Rep. Don Wilson, D20 Monument; Sen. Mark Baisly, SD-4, Sen. Paul Lundeen, SD-9, and Sen. Janice Marchman, SD-15. All have Education Committee assignments. Wilson and Lundeen are local to the Tri-Lakes area and Marchman is a working teacher. The group also got to sit in on part of a House and Senate session and watch a debate on Senate amendments to HB23-1064 Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact designed to make it easier for teachers, especially active military members and eligible military spouses, from one member state to receive a teacher’s license from another member state. The amendments were rejected, the bill was passed in the Senate, sent to the governor, and signed into law. In the photo from right to left are Leah Braaten, elementary teacher; Alexandra Seabourn, reading interventionist; Amy Sienkowski, middle school assistant principal; Tiffiney Upchurch, board member; Cynthia Eversole, music teacher; Chris Thomas, kindergarten teacher, Brett Ridgway, chief business officer; Carolyn Bedingfield, grandmother; followed by several other attendees up through KC Somers, D38 superintendent. Not shown are: Char Armstrong, psychologist; Jackie Burhans, community member and parent alumni; Courtney Bushnell, business/marketing/computer science teacher; James Howald, community member and parent alumni; Stephanie Markle, social studies teacher; and Theresa Phillips, board vice president. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Palmer Lake Broomball, Feb. 26

Above: On Feb. 26, the Palmer Lake Parks Commission sponsored the Second Annual Palmer Lake Winterfest Broomball Tournament. Proceeds from the event will be applied toward park improvements in Palmer Lake. The tournament had three divisions: Adult, Family/Friends, and Youth, with 10 teams signed up. Each team consisted of six players including the goalie. Teams could also have substitutes. Players needed to bring their own brooms and the desire to have a fun day on the Palmer Lake ice. Players and spectators also enjoyed music, s’mores, drinks, and various treats throughout the afternoon. Photo by David Futey.

Team Rubicon wildfire mitigation

Above: On March 4 and 5, 40 volunteers of Team Rubicon conducted wildfire mitigation operations in the foothills west of Larkspur. Their efforts included Home Ignition Zone mitigation education and the reduction of potential wildfire fuel through tree thinning operations. This area has been designated as high risk for extreme wildfires. The team’s efforts are part of a county-wide collaborative effort to protect life, property, and critical infrastructure outlined in the Douglas County Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Team Rubicon is a veteran-led volunteer disaster prevention and response group. This is the second of seven wildfire prevention efforts planned for this year in various Colorado communities. Caption by David LaRivee. Photo by Sharon Williams.

The Stickmen at the TLCA, Mar. 1

Above: The Stickmen brought their unique progressive rock style to the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts (TLCA) stage on March 1. The trio is composed of bassist Tony Levin, drummer Pat Mastelotto, and guitarist Markus Reuter. The band’s name is derived from the Chapman Stick played by Levin. The Chapman Stick is a 10- to 12-string instrument that offers the versatility of being used to play bass lines, melodies, and chords. Levin is considered one of the preeminent Chapman Stick players in the world. The Stick along with the U8 Touch guitar played by Reuter are both typically played by tapping and other techniques without the use of a guitar pick. The trio played selections from their 2022 EP titled Tentacles including Ringtone, Danger in the Workplace, and the title track Tentacles. Their set also included Prog Noir, Crack in the Sky, which is based on a Levin poem, and three King Crimson songs including Red. Levin and Mastelotto are longtime members of that band. Levin also has the distinction of having played on over 1,000 albums, being one of the most recorded bassists in music history. Photo by David Futey.

Drilling through the night

Above: Monument’s Well 13 near Santa Fe Trail and Fourth Street had a drilling rig operating 24 hours a day with a sound barrier wall and a well-lit tower and work space. The drilling took place over the last few weeks and is now completed, providing water for Monument’s residents. Photo by Jackie Burhans.

Stallsmith building dedication

Above: The Palmer Lake Sanitation District dedicated the district’s building to Joseph Stallsmith on March 8. Forty-five years ago, Stallsmith created the Palmer Lake Sanitation District and selected the original board members. Mark Bruce, current board chairman, presented a plaque commemorating Stallsmith’s contribution to the district and the Palmer Lake community. The plaque will be displayed at the entrance to the building. Stallsmith, 99, thanked the 25 people attending the ceremony and commented that he also helped set up the sanitation system at the U.S. Air Force Academy and used that experience to help in Palmer Lake and said “it was all downhill from here.” (an old joke). Becky Orcutt, district manager, presented a cake with a decoration shaped like a sewer manhole cover and cupcakes. One of the participants joked, “Don’t eat the brown ones.” Photo by Steve Pate.

Stars of Tomorrow Talent Show

By Steve Pate

Monument Hill Kiwanis, in conjunction with Lewis-Palmer School District 38, presented the first annual Stars of Tomorrow talent show March 19 at the Palmer Ridge High School auditorium. Emcees Anna Hacker, 10th-grader at Lewis-Palmer High School, and Dennis Beasley of Monument Hill Kiwanis, introduced the finalists in the competition to a crowd of about 350. Three categories of contestants competed for prizes. Rose Magdalene Helgoth, a fourth-grader at St. Peter Catholic School, won the elementary school category with a vocal performance of Who Will Buy from the musical Oliver and won the $500 elementary category prize. The middle school winner, Eric Lambrech, in sixth grade at Lewis-Palmer Elementary School (competing in the middle school category), performed the Piano Sonata #20, First Movement by Ludwig von Beethoven and won $750. The high school category winner was a bassoon solo by Raleigh Eversole, accompanied by Rob Lambrech on piano. Eversole, a senior at Palmer Ridge High School, won a $1,000 scholarship. The overall winner of the competition, all categories, was Wyatt Hyden, a junior at Palmer Ridge High School who won a $2,000 scholarship. Hyden has performed for a sold-out crowd at Red Rocks Amphitheater. He arranged and performed a guitar solo medley of Van Halen, Chuck Berry, Metallica, and Ozzy Osborne. The talent show was professionally judged for the students of Lewis-Palmer School District 38, grades 1 through 12. As reported in OCN last month, 49 students tried out over three days of preliminary competition to narrow the field to the 20 performers who qualified for the final competition. Steve Pate may be contacted at stevepate@ocn.me Above: Raleigh Eversole, Wyatt Hyden, Erich Lambrech, and Rose Magdalene Helgoth, category winners. Photo by Bob Harrigan.

TLWCC makes beds for needy kids

Above: Members of the Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) helped build beds for needy children on March 18. The 32 members, including Lori Forman, left, and Susan Congdon, right, picked up saws, drills, sanders, and hammers to build the beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a volunteer group dedicated to building, assembling, and delivering high quality beds for hundreds of needy children in northern Colorado Springs, northern El Paso County, and eastern Teller County. TLWC members also donated cash and bedding sets to outfit the beds. In its 50 years, TLWC has donated over $1 million to local police, school, and other nonprofit organizations in the Tri-Lakes community. Photo by Pam Munson.

Moors and McCumber at TLCA

Above: On March 18, Kort McCumber, left, and James Moors played a post-St. Patrick’s Day music celebration at the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts (TLCA). Moors and McCumber can both trace their family lineage to Ireland. That connection along with annual visits there provide the inspiration behind many of their lyrics and instrumental arrangements that weave Irish history and musical influence. Their set list included John Devoy, about an Irish Republican rebel; the non-instrumental Marjorie that highlights their lush vocal harmonies; Leaving for Cobh, about making the journey to the port of Cobh in Ireland to board a ship for the United States during the Potato Famine of 1840s; and the instrumental Standing Stones. They incorporated a variety of instruments throughout the evening including the Irish Bouzouki, fiddle, banjo, guitar, cello, and keyboard, which displayed the breadth of their musical talents. Information on the TLCA is at trilakesarts.org. Photo by David Futey.

Deer enjoy felled pinon pines

Above: Mule deer dine on the many pinon pine tree mounds in the nursery off Sunburst Drive, Monument, in the late afternoon on March 20. The deer were unperturbed by the chainsaw operators working close by as the forest thinning continued. The large-scale tree felling is part of the second phase of forest mitigation in the area. Photo by Natalie Barszcz.

Monument Rock gains visibility

Above: Forest thinning reveals a highly visible view of Monument Rock from Mount Herman Road on March 20. The area is hardly recognizable now that the scrub oak is cleared and many trees have been cut down. The fresh scent of pine permeates the air along the trails buried under bark debris left over from the fire mitigation project. Photo by Natalie Barszcz.

Odd place to water ski

Above: People gripe about dog (and horse) poop in the Monument Preserve and the debris left after the U.S. Forest Service wildfire mitigation, but a boat a mile in from Nursery Road? More trash to clean up. Actually, the hull appears intact, as does the trailer. But the interior (inset) is trashed and would need serious rework. And there’s no motor. This photo was taken March 21. On March 25, Focus on the Forest—Tri-Lakes arranged for Milo Crawford at The Unstuckables to use his truck to tow the boat to be impounded in Woodland Park. Photo by Steve Pate.

Eversole wins All-State honors

Above: Raleigh Eversole, who recently won the top prize in the High School category in the Monument Hill Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow contest, has also achieved best All-State musician status in four categories—choir, jazz, orchestra, and band. Eversole is in 12th grade at Palmer Ridge High School and plans to attend college next year aiming for a career in music. He sings and plays bassoon and tenor saxophone. On March 22, Eversole led off the Honors Recital at Lewis-Palmer High School with a solo bassoon performance of Elegy for Innocence, accompanied by Rob Lambrech on piano. Photo by Bob Harrigan. Caption by Steve Pate.

Other Snapshots of Our Community articles

Our Community Notices

By Janet Sellers

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

Student video contest

The Colorado Department of Transportation is launching a statewide video contest for high school students to create a public service announcement on distracted driving. Students are invited to create their own anti-distracted driving video for the chance to win money and be featured in CDOT’s awareness campaign. $5,000 prize pool awarded to the top entries. Submissions will be accepted through April 10, through CDOT’s Distracted Driving website, www.codot.gov/safety/distracteddriving.

Student community garden volunteers

Monument Community Garden will have some openings for student gardening volunteers starting in April. Tasks include preparing garden beds, weeding, sowing seeds and developing the compost sector. Bring gardening gloves, some tools will be provided at the work days by other volunteers. Besides tasks, there will be a short information and skills demonstration each 2-3 hour session. Contact Janet Sellers at JanetSellers@ocn.me for more information.

MVEA outage notifications

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

Trail Repair Volunteers Needed

Friends of Monument Preserve (FOMP) needs volunteers to help repair the trails in the National Forest Open Space surrounding the Monument Fire Center. The Forest Service recently completed the second phase of Fire Mitigation work and many of the social trails have been damaged. The Forest Service relies on FOMP to maintain these trails. Trail Repair work days are scheduled on the second Tuesday of the month from April-October. Next meeting: Tuesday, April 11 at 5:00 pm. Meet at the Mt. Herman trailhead off Mt. Herman Rd and Nursery Rd and bring gloves. Tools will be provided.

The safety stop is now state law

Bicyclists in Colorado now have safe and legal options for navigating through intersections after governor Jared Polis signed Colorado house bill 22-1028 into law on Wednesday, April 13, 2022. The new law, which allows bicyclists and users of low-speed conveyances to treat stop signs as yield signs and stop lights as stop signs when they already have the right of way, goes into effect immediately statewide. Info: bikecoloradosprings.org.

Neighborhood safety

What qualifies as suspicious activity? “If you see something, say something.” It’s vital to report to local law enforcement. Suspicious activity can refer to any incident, event, individual or activity that seems unusual or out of place. Some common examples of suspicious activities include: A stranger loitering in your neighborhood or a vehicle cruising the streets repeatedly. Someone peering into cars or windows. Here’s what local authorities and Colorado Department of Public Safety says is needed information: Who did you see; what did you see; when did you see it; where did you see it; why it is suspicious. Call 911 or your local law enforcement agency.

Free search for Unclaimed Property

Unclaimed property is tangible or intangible property that has had no activity for a specific period of time. Once the property is in the custody of the state of Colorado, the State will maintain custody of the property in perpetuity until the rightful owner or heirs come forward to claim. The State Treasurer’s Office provides this service free of charge. Colorado: Great Colorado Payback – Colorado.gov (findyourunclaimedproperty.com) SAME AS: https://colorado.findyourunclaimedproperty.com/app/what-is-ucp

The Sunflower is for people with non-visible disabilities

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

County Trailability Program

A new program uses mobility vehicles to allow more people access to nature in ways previously inaccessible to them. Trail routes for each county nature center include the volunteers and staff, trained to accompany participants. Vehicle registrations open April 1 and can be made at the Nature Center May1-Oct. 31. Contact El Paso County Regional Parks programs: Mary J Lewis at Bear Creek, or Jessica Miller at Fountain Creek, https://communityservices.elpasoco.com/trailability/.

Tri-Lakes Cares Needs Your Support

Tri-Lakes Cares is the only food pantry and human services organization located in and serving northern El Paso County through emergency relief and self-sufficiency programs. The community-based, volunteer-supported center is a critical resource for our neighbors in need. The best way to help support Tri-Lakes Cares is to donate. Visit https://tri-lakescares.org/donate to find out how to donate money, medical items, personal supplies, or food. Please check the web for current needs in our food pantry at https://tri-lakescares.org/donate/current-needs. Donation drop-off hours are Monday thru Thursday, 10 am to 4 pm. For more information about Tri-Lakes Cares or how you can help, contact Nicole Pettigrew, Director of Client Programs, at 719-481-4864 Ext. 111.

Senior Beat newsletter—subscribe for free

Each monthly Senior Beat newsletter is full of information for local seniors, including the daily menu of the senior lunches offered Monday through Friday at the Mountain Community Mennonite Church, 643 Highway 105, Palmer Lake. It also contains the schedule of the classes and events for the month at the Senior Citizens Center and senior-friendly library programs. To subscribe, send an email with your name and mailing address to SeniorBeat@TriLakesSeniors.org. Senior Beat can also be viewed online at www.TriLakesSeniors.org.

Can you volunteer today?

  • OCN needs your help. See article above.
  • Links to local organizations with an immediate need for volunteers are listed on the county’s website, www.elpasocountyhealth.org/volunteering-and-donations, for groups like Care and Share, Crossfire Ministries, blood donations, Early Connections (volunteer from home opportunity), foster an animal, Medical Reserve Corps of El Paso County, Salvation Army, Silver Key, and United Way (ongoing opportunities).
  • The Colorado State University Extension office in El Paso County has several opportunities for individuals interested in volunteering. https://elpaso.extension.colostate.edu/volunteer-opportunities/
  • Committed to building healthy, caring communities, these El Paso County volunteer-based and nonprofit organizations rely on the hard work of individuals like you. Reach out today and find out how you can play a part by becoming a volunteer in El Paso County. Get involved in El Paso County volunteering non-profits and organizations! https://www.americantowns.com/el-paso-county-co/volunteer-organizations/.
  • The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Program is composed of a collective citizens group with a true and common desire to partner with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office by volunteering their services while learning more about the internal workings of the law enforcement community. https://www.epcsheriffsoffice.com/volunteer-program-0.
  • The El Paso County Volunteer Program is a wonderful opportunity for citizens to learn about the various functions of county government as well as give back to the community. The County’s numerous boards and commissions need your experience, talents and time. https://bocc.elpasoco.com/volunteer.
  • Children’s Literacy Center provides free one-on-one literacy tutoring to Tri-Lakes children in grades 1-6 who are reading below grade level! Tutoring is at the Tri-Lakes Senior Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m., and our Summer Session will run through Aug. 14. For more information, to become a volunteer tutor or to enroll your child, visit www.childrensliteracycenter.org or email Christine Jeffson at Christine@childrensliteracycenter.org.

Other Notices of Our Community articles

Our Community Calendar

By Janet Sellers

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

GOVERNMENTAL BODIES

  • Forest Lakes Metropolitan District, Pinon Pines Metropolitan District 1, 2 & 3 board meeting. Typically meets quarterly on the first Mon., 4 pm Meetings are held via teleconference. For virtual joining instructions and updates see www.forestlakesmetrodistrict.com.
  • El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) regular meeting, usually every Tue., 9 am. BOCC land use meetings are being held every first and third Tuesday of the month as needed at 1 pm. View agendas and meetings at www.agendasuite.org/iip/elpaso. Meetings are held at Centennial Hall, 200 S. Cascade Ave., Suite 150, Colo. Springs. Info: 719-520-6430.
  • Monument Town Council meeting, Mon., Apr. 3 & 17, 6:30 pm, Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. Normally meets first and third Mon. Info: 719-884-801, www.townofmonument.org/260/Board-of-Trustees for remote attendance links.
  • Palmer Lake Board of Adjustments, Tue., Apr. 4, 5 pm, 28 Valley Crescent St., Palmer Lake. Normally meets first Tues., as needed.
  • El Paso County Planning Commission meeting, Thu., Apr. 6 & 20, 9 am, Regional Development Center, 2880 International Circle, Colo. Springs. Meetings are live-streamed on the El Paso County News & Information Channel at https://www.elpasoco.com/news-information-channel. Normally meets first & third Thu. (as required). Info: 719-520-6300, https://planningdevelopment.elpasoco.com.
  • Woodmoor Water & Sanitation District board meeting, Mon., Apr. 10, 1 pm, 1845 Woodmoor Dr., Monument. Normally meets second Mon. Info: 719-488-2525, www.woodmoorwater.com.
  • Lewis-Palmer School District 38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee (formerly DAAC), Tue., Apr. 11, 6-8 pm, Bear Creek Elementary School, 1330 Creekside Dr, Monument. , Monument. Contact for information is tmckee@lewispalmer.org.
  • Tri-Lakes Wastewater Facility Joint Use Committee meeting, Tue., Apr. 11, 10 am 16510 Mitchell Ave. Meets second Tue. Info: See https://tlwastewater.com/index.html Bill Burks, 719-481-4053.
  • Palmer Lake Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Apr. 12, 9 am, call-in only: 650-479-3208, Access Code 76439078, 120 Middle Glenway. Meets second Wed. Info: 719-481-2732. www.plsd.org.
  • Monument Planning Commission meeting, Wed., Apr. 12, 6 pm Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. Meets second Wed. To see the options for remote public participation in each meeting, visit www.townofmonument.org/263/Planning-Commission-Board-of-Adjustment. Info: 719-884-8028. www.townofmonument.org.
  • Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting, Thu., Apr. 13 & 27, 5 pm, Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent, Usually meets second and fourth Thu. Info: 719-481-2953. www.townofpalmerlake.com.
  • Monument Academy School Board meeting, Thu., Apr. 13, 6 pm at the East Campus. 4303 Pinehurst Circle. Meets second Thu. Info 719-481-1950, https://www.monumentacademy.net/school-board/board-meeting-minutes/.
  • Lewis-Palmer School District 38 board meeting, Mon., Apr. 17, 6-10 pm. Normally meets third Mon. This meeting of the Board of Education will be live-streamed on the district’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/LPSDCommunity, agenda, supporting documents at https://go.boarddocs.com/co/lewispalmer/Board.nsf/vpublic. Contact Vicki Wood. Phone: 719.481.9546 Email: vwood@lewispalmer.org Website: https://www.lewispalmer.org.
  • Monument Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Apr. 19, 9 a.m., 130 Second St. Zoom meeting. Find joining instructions on the website. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-4886, www.colorado.gov/msd.
  • Palmer Lake Town Planning Commission meeting, Wed., Apr. 19, 6 pm, Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-2953, www.townofpalmerlake.com.
  • Academy Water and Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Apr. 19, 6 pm. Usually meets third Wed. Public can join the Skype meeting: https://join.skype.com/PAcujKTn7Nrh. Check the website for a link: https://academywsd.colorado.gov/notices-and-alerts. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-0711, https://academywsd.colorado.gov.
  • Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District board meeting, in person or via Zoom, Wed., Apr. 19, 7 pm, Station 1, 11445 Teachout Road, Colorado Springs. Find updates and Zoom meeting joining instructions at www.bffire.org or contact Administrative Officer Rachel Dunn at 719-495-4300. Meetings are usually held on the third Wednesday.
  • El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority meeting, Thu., Apr. 20, 9 am Monument Town Hall Boardroom, 645 Beacon Lite Rd. Meets third Thu. Info: 719-488-3603. www.loopwater.org.
  • Donala Water & Sanitation District board meeting, Thu., Apr. 20, 1:30 pm, 15850 Holbein Dr. In 2023, meets fourth Wed., Check the website for the access code for the electronic meeting. Info: 719-488-3603, www.donalawater.org.
  • Triview Metropolitan District board meeting, Thu., Apr. 20, 5:30 pm, 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302, Monument. Normally meets third Thu. Info: 719-488-6868, www.triviewmetro.com.
  • Woodmoor Improvement Association Board Meeting, Wed., Apr. 26, 7 pm, Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. The WIA Board normally meets fourth Wed. Info: 719-488-2693, www.woodmoor.org.
  • Donald Wescott fire protection district special meeting, Wed., Apr. 26, 4:30 p.m., Station 1, 18650 Highway 105 Monument. Find updates and zoom meeting joining instructions at http://www.monumenfire.org or contact director of administration Jennifer Martin, at 719-484-0911. Meetings are usually held every other month on the 4th Wednesday.
  • Monument Fire District board meeting, in person or via Zoom, Wed., Apr. 26, 6:30 pm., Station 1, 18650 Highway 105, Monument. Find updates and Zoom meeting joining instructions at http://www.monumentfire.org, or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin, at 719-484-0911. Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday.

WEEKLY & MONTHLY EVENTS

  • Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO) meeting, Sat., May 13, 10 am–12 pm., Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. Members of local HOAs welcome. Usually meets bi-monthly second Sat. of the month. www.nepco.org.
  • The Centering Prayer Group at Black Forest Community Church, first Sat., 8:30-10 am The Old Log Church. Centering prayer opens and closes the meetings with discussion and fellowship in between; open to all. Contact Rev. Roger Butts, 719-433-3135, for information.
  • Half Day Prayer Group at Benet Hill Monastery, first Sat., 9 am-12 pm. All vaccinated guests are welcome. Contact Sister Therese at (719) 355-1638 or (719) 355-1650 or stherese@benethillmonastery.org. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Monument Hill Kiwanis Club meeting, every Sat., 8 am. www.MHKiwanis.org, MonumentHillKiwanis@gmail.com for details, guests are welcome. Service leadership clubs, Key clubs, Builders Club and K-kids at D38 schools. Memberships open to the public. Info: RF Smith, 719-210-4987, www.MHKiwanis.org. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Neighborhood Net Ham Radio, every Sat., 10 am Amateur ham radio operators practice for emergencies on weekly repeater nets so neighbors can help neighbors. Sign up at www.mereowx.org/neighborhood-net or contactus@mereowx.org.
  • Palmer Lake Art Group, second Sat. A variety of art programs are offered after the social gathering and business meeting. Guests welcome. 300 Hwy 105, NE corner of I-25 and 105. 9:30 am. Info: 719-460-4179, www.palmerlakeartgroup.com.
  • Lions Club Bingo, every Sat. (except the first Sat.), 8:30 am-1 pm and first Mon., 5:30-10 pm Tri-Lakes Lions Club’s portion of the proceeds benefit those in need in the Tri-Lakes community. Updated info and location: Jim Naylor, 719-481-8741 or www.trilakeslionsclub.org.
  • Tri-Lakes Parkinson’s Disease Support Group, third Sat., 10 am-noon, Monument Community Presbyterian Church, 238 Third St., Monument. Info: Syble Krafft, 719-488-2669; Barry (group president), 719-351-9485. If you need any help, please call Syble or Barry.
  • Benet Hill Monastery, Let us pray with you, walk in the forest, come up and visit prayer sites, every Sun. worship is 10:15 a.m., 3190 Benet Lane, 80921. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church, every Sun., 8 and 11 am traditional, 9:30 am contemporary. Both in-person (no registration necessary) and live stream at www.tlumc.org/live. Watch live or replay: www.facebook.com/tlumc, www.youtube.com/tlumc.org. Info: 719-488-1365, www.tlumc.org. 20256 Hunting Downs Way, Monument. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Fuel Church Sunday Service, every Sun. Service times, 11:00 am Live service streaming at www.fuelchurch.org at 11:40 am on www.fuelchurch.org. Mountain Community Mennonite Church, 643 Hwy 105, Palmer Lake. Nursery and kids’ service. Non-denominational, spirit-filled. Need prayer? Email us info@fuel.org. See ad on page < 7 >.
  • Ridgeview Baptist Church, every Sun., 10:30 am, temporarily meeting at 9130 Explorer Dr., Colorado Springs, 80920. Info: 719-357-6515 or www.ridgeviewcolorado.org. See ad on page < 6 >.
  • German Conversation Group, every Mon., 1:30 pm, Monument Library, 1706 Woodmoor Drive. Public welcome with Intermediate to Advanced German speaking skills.
  • The Forest Chorus, first and third Mon., 7-8:30 p.m., at the Black Forest Community Center. most months. The group supports community events, leading sing-along audience participation, and occasionally perform a wide variety of music for fun. For more information please email: blackforestnews@earthlink.net. Previous choir or barbershop experience is preferred.
  • Women’s A.A. Step Study, every Mon., 6:30 pm, meeting remotely, check for details. Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 675 Baptist Rd. Park in west lot. Info: 866-641-9190.Al-Anon Zoom Meeting, Just for Today Online, every Mon., 9:00 – 10:00 am Zoom Meeting ID: 889 4142 7446, Password 349309
  • Al-Anon Zoom Meeting, Just for Today Online, every Mon., 9-10 am Zoom Meeting ID: 889 4142 7446, Password 349309.
  • Monument Life Recovery Group, every Mon., 6:30-7:30 pm, The Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd. This faith-based support group is for those seeking freedom from all hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Daycare provided for children under age 11. Info: 303-946-2659, www.liferecoverygroups.com/meetings/life-recovery-group-3/.
  • Amateur ham radio WØTLM (Tri-Lakes Monument ham radio Association), third Mon. All amateur ham radio operators or those interested in becoming one are welcome. Info: www.W0TLM.com
  • La Leche League breastfeeding support group, second Mon., 7 pm, . Partners and helpers welcome (and babies and kids, too) so we can meet our breastfeeding goals together. Black Forest Community Center 12530 Black Forest Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80908. For more information, contact RachelKLangley@gmail.com.
  • Children’s Literacy Center, every Mon. & Wed., 5:30-6:30 pm. Provides free one-on-one literacy tutoring to Tri-Lakes children in grades 1-6 who are reading below grade level. Tutoring is at Grace Best Education Center, 66 Jefferson St. Monument. For more information, to become a volunteer tutor, or to enroll your child, visit www.childrensliteracycenter.org or contact Rachel Morin, Tri-Lakes Senior Center Coordinator, CLC 610-246-1047 (cell).
  • Centering Prayer Group at Benet Hill Monastery, every Tue., 10-11 am. All vaccinated guests are welcome. Contact Sister Therese at (719) 355-1638 or (719) 355-1650 or stherese@benethillmonastery.org.
  • Essentrics Fitness Program at Senior Center, every Tue., 9 am & Thu., 10 am, Grace Best Education Center, 66 Jefferson St, Monument, CO 80132. Registration & info: Sue Walker, 719-330-0241, www.trilakesseniors.org.
  • Friends of Monument Preserve (FOMP) Trail Repair monthly Work Days, 2nd Tue. Apr.-Oct. October, Work Days 5:00 – 7:00 pm. May-Sept. Work Days 6-8:00 pm. Meet at Mt Herman Trailhead at the corner of Mt Herman Rd and Nursery Rd, bring gloves. FOMP needs volunteers to help repair the trails in the National Forest Open Space surrounding the Monument Fire Center. The Forest Service recently completed the second phase of Fire Mitigation work and many of the social trails have been damaged. The Forest Service relies on FOMP to maintain these trails. Next meeting: Tues., Apr. 11, 5:00 pm. Tools will be provided.
  • GriefShare Support Group, last Tue. of the month, 10:30 am-noon. NEW LOCATION: Tri-Lakes Senior Center, 66 Jefferson St. in the Grace Best Elementary School building. The Tri-Lakes Silver Alliance has partnered with Colorado Palliative and Hospice Care to host a 13-session grief support group in Monument. RSVP, info: Sue Walker, 719-330-0241.
  • Senior Citizen Lunches, Connections Café sites, every Wed. will have “grab and go” (prepared meals). A $2.25 donation is requested. Call 719-884-2300 to reserve your meal. Meals on Wheels and Home Delivered Meals will deliver frozen meals for the week to Monument. Food Pantry offers a “pick up only” Mon.-Fri., noon-12:30 pm, Mountain Community Mennonite Church, 643 Hwy. 105, Palmer Lake. Reservations requested: 719-884 2300. Check the Silver Key @ Tri-Lakes website for events and schedules, https://www.silverkey.org/tri-lakes-events/.
  • Colorado Springs Philharmonic Guild Listening Club, third Wed. Free virtual event. Maestro Wilson will conduct monthly hour-long programs. RSVP at www.cspguild.org.
  • Gleneagle Sertoma, first and third Wed., 11:45 am to 1 pm at Beasts and Brews, 7 Spectrum Loop, Colorado Springs. The longest continuously serving civic service organization in northern El Paso County features a program speaker addressing local topics of interest. Duane Gritzmaker, dwgritz@gmail.com or 719-649-9220.
  • Senior Social, fourth Wed., 12455 Black Forest Rd. Info: www.aarpchapter1100blackforest.weekly.com.
  • Tri-Lakes Church of Christ Wednesday night fellowship classes, every Wed., 6-7:30 pm, 20450 Beacon Lite Road, Monument (corner of Beacon Lite & County Line Roads). Info: 719-488-9613, gregsmith@trilakeschurch.org, www.trilakeschurch.org.
  • Tri-Lakes Cruisers, first Wed., 7 pm. A nonprofit car club. Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce community room, with numerous activities and events each month. Club membership applications are now being accepted and are available on the website: https://tl-cruisers.weebly.com.
  • AARP Black Forest #1100, second Wed., noon. All ages welcome. In-person, Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Rd.
  • Senior Bingo, third Wed. Silver Alliance Senior Center, Space is limited to 16 participants. RSVP & info: Sue Walker, 719-464-6873, or email sue@monumentalfitness.
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7829, third Wed., 7 pm, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce community room, 166 2nd St., Monument. New members welcome. Info: Post Commander and POC Bruce Beyerly, Bruce.Beyerly@gmail.com.
  • VFW Auxiliary to Post 7829, third Wed., 7 pm, The Country Club at Woodmoor, 18945 Pebble Beach Way, Monument. Guests are welcome to join; contact carlsonmkc@aol.com for instructions on how to connect. If you are a relative of a veteran who served on foreign soil during war or other military action, you may be eligible. Info: Kathy Carlson, 719-488-1902, carlsonmkc@aol.com.
  • Pikes Peak Genealogical Society, Wed., Apr.12, 6:30pm hangout begins. & pm meeting begins. Program:Researching European Records Without a Passport, by Carol Darrow. Currently only zoom. Info: PPGSPresident@PPGS.com
  • Al-anon Meeting: Monument Serenity AFG, every Thu., 7-8 pm, Ascent Church (formerly the Tri-Lakes Chapel), 1750 Deer Creek Rd., Monument. Info: MonumentSerenity@gmail.com.
  • Palmer Divide Quiltmakers, first Thu., 6:30-8:30 pm at Monument Chamber of Commerce building, 166 2nd St, Monument, CO.
  • Al-Anon meeting: Letting Go, every Thu., 9-10:15 am at Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd., Monument. For additional information go to www.al-anon-co.org.
  • Networking breakfast, first and third Thu., Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce in person or via Zoom 166 2nd Street Monument 7:30-9 am free registration at www.TriLakeschamber.com.
  • Fuel Church Griefshare, every Thu., 5:30-7:30 pm 643 State Highway 105, Palmer Lake. Email info@fuel.org. 643 Hwy 105, Palmer Lake.
  • A.A. Big Book Study, every Thu., 7 pm, Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 675 W. Baptist Rd. Call 425-436-6200, access code 575176#.
  • Palmer Lake Historical Society, Thu., Apr. 20, meeting, 7:00 pm, doors open at 6:30 pm. Usually meets third Thu. Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent St. https://palmerdividehistory.org
  • Friends of Fox Run Park, fourth Thu. Zoom meeting, 7 pm, email friendsoffoxrunpark@gmail.com, they will email you the link the day of the meeting. Join the growing group to learn about volunteering and supporting the park for forest safety, trails, trees, education, more. Info: friendsoffoxrunpark@gmail.com.
  • Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) monthly meeting, third Fri., Apr. 21, 11:30 am, fun garden-style party, and a style show featuring Chico’s clothing collections. Location: Falcon Club, USAFA. Meetings are open to all members of Tri-Lakes Women’s Club. To become a member, or learn about the club, visit our website at www.tlwc.net Contact Info: Tri-Lakes Women’s Club membership@tlwc.net
  • Senior Book Club, second Fri., 11 am-noon, Silver Alliance Senior Center, all are welcome. Coffee & snacks served. RSVP & info: Sue, 719-330-0241.
  • Gleneagle Women’s Club, membership luncheon, third Fri., Sept-June, various venues, 12 activity groups, i.e., hiking, bridge, etc. Guests welcome. For information contact Amy Miller, (310) 941-1590.
  • Monument Dementia Caregiver Support Group, second Sat., 9:45-11:15 am. Meets in Person, First National Bank Monument ( 581 Highway 105, Monument, CO 80132). Meets monthly, 2nd Sat. Contact: Registration is required, call 800-272-3900 or email khare@alz.org to register.
  • Tri-Lakes Monument radio Association, Details: Contact Bob Witte, 719-659-3727.

SPECIAL EVENTS

  • VOLUNTEER TODAY! Our Community News mailing day, Thu., May 4, approx. 9 am–2 pm. We are all volunteers at OCN and need YOUR help, even for an hour two, getting the papers ready to mail. Contact AllenAlchian@ocn.me to sign up and get the address and exact times.
  • Pikes Peak Brewing Company, pop up Smokehouse Fridays and Saturdays until it’s gone. See ad on page < 11 >.
  • Special Hazardous Waste event for hard to recycle items, Fri., Apr. 7, El Paso County Household Hazardous Waste Facility 3255 Akers Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80922
  • EGGStravaganza, Fox Run Regional Park, Fri., Apr. 7, 7:45pm; 8:00-8:15pm; 8:30 pm start times. Glow in the dark egg hunt at Fox Run Regional Park. 2-6 person teams to find eggs with answers, win a prize! Ages 8+. Prepaid timed registration required, $5 per person/ $4 per member. www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com.
  • Benet Hill Monastery Holy Week Services: Good Friday April 7, 3:00 p.m. Easter Vigil, April 8, 7:00 p.m. Easter Sunday April 9, 10:15 a.m. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Tri Lakes United Methodist Church, Good Friday Service, Apr. 7, 6:30 p.m. Easter Sunday, Apr. 9, 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11:00 a.m.See ad on page < 8 >.
  • Wildland fire information workshop, Apr. 8, 9-12. Palmer Ridge High School Auditorium, 19255 Monument Hill Road. Covering personal preparedness, all about evacuation, home hardening and risk assessment, local wildfire concerns. For more info, videos, etc., https://admin.El Pasoco.com/pproem/fire-mitigation/
  • St Mathias Episcopal Church Easter Service, Sun., Apr. 9, 10:00 a.m., egg hunt to follow service. All are welcome.See ad on page < 6 >.
  • Fuel church Easter, Sun., Apr. 9, 11:00 a.m. Easter scavenger hunt follows service (for ages 1-11 years). See ad on page < 7 >.
  • Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Networking, Tue., Apr. 11, 5 pm–7:00 pm, members free, $15 for non-members. Details: www.trilakeschamber.com. 719-481-3282.
  • Free home buying class, Thu., Apr. 13, 5:30 p.m. -7:00 p.m.with Rebecca Seedorf, Realtor. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Monument Fire District/Donald Wescott Fire Protection District Pancake Breakfast and Push-In Ceremony, Sat., Apr. 15, 10 am, Station 4, 15415 Gleneagle Drive. www.monumentfire.org.
  • 100+ Women Who Care Bi-Annual Meeting, Wed., Apr. 19, 5:00pm, Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Drive. We are 100+ Women committed to contributing $100 two times a year to local Tri-Lakes charities, which will positively impact our communities by allowing us to give up to $20,000 annually. Together we can make a difference that we can see! Big impact, without a big commitment. For more information on how to join us visit: http://www.100womenwhocaretrilakes.com/
  • Susan Helmich Fine Jewelry. special event, Wed.-Thu, Apr.19, 20 only. See ad on page < 13 >.
  • Monumental Med Spa, special botox offer Thu., Apr. 20. See ad on page < 7 >.
  • Palmer Lake Historical Society, Thu., Apr. 20, meeting, 7:00 pm, doors open at 6:30 pm. KKK in Denver in the 1920s. Usually meets third Thu. Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent St. https://palmerdividehistory.org
  • Jackson Creek Senior Living will host a 12-week GriefShare support group for anyone grieving the death of a family member or friend. Meets weekly Tuesdays, Feb. 7 – Apr. 25, 6-8 p.m., Falcon’s Nest (3rd Floor), located at 16601 Jackson Creek Parkway. Open enrollment, but registration is required. to register, visit https://www.griefshare.org/groups/162569. Please wait until you receive confirmation before joining the group.
  • Arbor day celebration, Fri., Apr. 28, 10am. Town of Monument will be celebrating Arbor Day at Monument Lake. There will be a tree planting demonstration and staff available to answer questions from the public about trees. Attendees will get to take home a free plant. https://townofmonument.org.
  • YMCA healthy kids day, Sat., Apr. 29, Learn about summer activities at the Y for school age kids. YMCA of the Pikes Peak region. See ad on page < 6 >.
  • A Better Hearing Center, special offers through Apr. 30, 574 East Highway 105 Monument Affordable Flooring Connection, special offers through Apr. 30. see ad on page < 13 >.
  • Cornerstone Cleaners, special offers through Apr. 30. 1030 W. Baptist Road, near King Soopers. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • Eagle Wine & Spirits, special offers through Apr. 30. Baptist Road next to King Soopers. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Gleneagle Candle Co., special offers through Apr. 30. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • Monument Cleaners, special offers through Apr. 30, 15932 Jackson Creek Pkwy., in Monument Marketplace. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Noel Relief Centers, new patient special. 950 Baptist Rd #130, Monument. See ad on page < 7 >.
  • The Living Room Plants, special offers through Apr. 30. 12229 Voyager Pkwy, Suite 100. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • The Vanity Box, Special offers. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Tri Lakes Collision and Auto Service Center, special offers through Apr. 30., 2101 Wolf Court, Monument. www.trilakescollision.com. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Covered Treasures Bookstore, Sat., May 6. 11 am-1 pm., author Sandra Dallas will sign her book Where Coyotes Howl. 105 Second Street, Monument.
  • GameCon XVI GameCon, Sat. May 6, 8 am-5pm, Cost: $15. A tabletop gaming convention for students in grades 6 – 12 in the Pikes Peak region. Janitell Junior High School,7635 Fountain Mesa Rd. Fountain CO 80817 . D20 GameCon is a non-profit teachers organization, info: https://www.gamecon.info
  • Peter Pan, Ent Center for the Arts, Sun., May 7. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • Taste of Tri Lakes Cares, tickets for an evening of food and fun Tues., May 9, 5:30 p.m. See ad on page < 21 >.
  • YMCA summer day camp, starts Tue., May 30, Info: www.ppymca.org/daycamp. See ad on page < 6 >.
  • Jackson Creek Community garage sale, June 16, 17, Contact Frances, 719-200-7387.
  • Front Range Maker’s Market, free, 90+ Artisan Makers, Boutiques & Food Trucks. Sat., June 17, 8:30am-3pm. Lewis-Palmer High School. Outdoors. Info: Frmakersmarket.com. See ad on page < 21 >.
  • Tri Lakes Church of Christ, Vacation Bible School, June 26-29.
  • Western Museum of Mining and Industry, summer family days: June 19-23 and July 17-21. www.wmmi.org.

Our community calendar carries listings on a space-available basis for Tri-Lakes events that are sponsored by local governmental entities and not-for-profit organizations. We include events that are open to the general public and are not religious or self-promotional in nature. If space is available, complimentary calendar listings are included, when requested, for events advertised in the current issue. To have your event listed at no charge in Our Community Calendar, please call (719) 339-7831 or send the information to calendar@ocn.me or Our Community News, P.O. Box 1742, Monument, Colorado 80132.

Other Our Community Calendar articles

February Weather Wrap

By Bill Kappel

Overall, February was pretty close to normal, but it took a winding road to get to normal. Temperatures overall came out right about normal, with high temperatures slightly warmer than normal and lows right at average. Snowfall was slightly above normal as several of the snowstorms occurred with very cold temperatures and high snow/water ratios.

The first week of February was mild and dry with temperatures peaking about 10-15 degrees above normal on the 4th and 5th as highs reached the mid-50s. This also helped melt some of the snowpack that had built up during January. This warmth was interrupted by a series of cold fronts that affected the area starting on the 6th.

The first push of cooler air came through without any moisture, as the snow stayed in the mountains. Temperatures dropped to normal on the 6th and 7th. As the system departed, the back side of the storm swung through and produced snow and wind from the evening of the 8th through the morning of the 9th. Some decent snowfall rates occurred as well, with several inches accumulating in about two hours just before midnight on the 8th. Temperatures were cold behind the system with highs only reaching the low to mid-20s. Fresh snow on the ground and clear skies also made for efficient radiational cooling, and lows dipped just below zero on the morning of the 10th.

High pressure built in behind this system and brought in mild air from the west/southwest. Temperatures responded, jumping from the upper 30s on the 10th to the mid-50s on the 11th. Mild conditions stuck around through the next couple days as the west/southwest flow kicked in ahead of the next approaching storm system.

This next storm had more moisture to work with and again another shot of Arctic air, all just in time for Valentine’s Day. Snow started to fall by late afternoon on the 14th and continued through the 15th. During the storm, 4-8 inches of snow arrived along with chilly temperatures. Highs only reached the teens on the 15th and dipped below zero again on the morning of the 16th. This storm also had a lot of wind, so significant blowing and drifting occurred, making for some tough driving conditions at times.

Just like earlier in the month, mild conditions quickly returned, with sunshine and high pressure building in from the west/southwest. This allowed temperatures to jump back above normal from the 18th through the 21st. Highs again peaked in the low to mid-50s during the period. However, the good snowpack helped to temper highs from reaching their full potential.

These mild conditions were again interrupted by the final shot of cold air for the month, and this was the coldest yet. A strong push of Arctic air moved in during the early morning of the 22nd, accompanied by a strong cold front, gusty winds, fog, and flurries. Cold air continued to deepen through the morning with snow starting to fall as well. The cold air resulted in light and fluffy accumulations of 3-6 inches with plenty of blowing snow off and on during the 22nd and 23rd. Temperatures tumbled to the singled digits during the day on the 22nd and well below zero that night and the morning of the 23rd. But the Arctic air was shallow and began to drain from the higher elevations of the Palmer Divide during on the 24th. This allowed us to hit the low 40s that afternoon while lower elevations of the plains only reached the teens and 20s.

The remainder of the month again saw a return to mild conditions along with gusty winds at times. Conditions were dry for the last week of the month, with each day seeing average to above average temperatures. These gusty winds along with the stronger late-February sunshine also did a lot of work to melt our snowpack. But don’t get too excited, the next month is our snowiest time of the year.

A look ahead

March is known for a wide range of weather conditions in the region. We can see 70° temperatures one afternoon and blizzard conditions the next. Many of us remember the blizzard of March 2003 when we received 30-50 inches of snowfall that shut down the region. However, snow that does fall begins to melt quickly this time of the year, providing beneficial moisture for our plants as we head into spring.

February 2023 Weather Statistics

Average High 41.5° (+1.8°) 100-year return frequency value max 51.9° min 32.8°

Average Low 12.8° (-0.0°) 100-year return frequency value max 21.9° min 3.7°

Highest Temperature 56° on the 11th, 25th

Lowest Temperature -11° on the 23rd

Monthly Precipitation 0.73” (-0.21” 23% below normal) 100-year return frequency value max 2.10” min 0.02”

Monthly Snowfall 19.5” (+1.8”, 10% above normal)

Season to Date Snow 65.1” (-5.4”, 8% below normal)

Season to Date Precip. 1.72” (+0.07”, 4% above normal)

Heating Degree Days 1034 (-4)

Cooling Degree Days 0

Bill Kappel is a meteorologist and Tri-Lakes resident. He can be reached at billkappel@ocn.me.

Other Weather articles

Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – March mystery madness

By the staff at Covered Treasures

“Good books don’t give up all their secrets at once.”—Stephen King

March is a month of basketball and spring break. It’s also a great time to hunker down with some good mysteries, whether you are staying at home or traveling.

Standing Dead

By Margaret Mizushima (Crooked Lane Books) $28.99

Critically acclaimed author Margaret Mizushima brings the eighth installment of her award-winning Timber Creek K-9 mysteries. Deputy Mattie Wray and her sister, Julia, travel to Mexico to visit their mother only to discover that she and her husband have vanished without a trace. Back in Timber Creek, Mattie finds chilling notes that lead her, Robo, and the sheriff’s department to a grisly discovery, and the suspicion that her mother and sister are in danger. In a last-ditch gambit, Mattie must go undercover into a killer’s lair to save her mother or die trying.

Saguaro Sanction

By Scott Graham (Torrey House Press), $16.95

When Janelle Ortega’s cousin is found murdered at a remote petroglyph site in Saguaro National Park, she and her husband, archaeologist Chuck Bender, are drawn deep into a threatening web of hostility and deceit stretching across the U.S.-Mexico border and back in time 1,000 years, to when the Hohokam people thrived in the Sonoran Desert. Book eight in Scott Graham’s National Park Mystery Series introduces readers to the landscapes and cultural histories of Saguaro National Park, providing an inside look at its wonders and archaeological and cultural complexities.

Exiles

By Jane Harper (Flatiron Books) $27.99

Mystery follows federal investigator Aaron Falk, even on vacation in Southern Australian wine country. It’s the one-year anniversary of Kim Gillespie’s disappearance at a busy town festival, abandoning her baby. When Kim’s older daughter makes a plea for anyone with information to come forward, Falk and his old buddy, Raco, can’t leave the case alone. Falk is welcomed into the tight-knit circle of Kim’s friends and loved ones. But the group may not be what it seems.

Finlay Donovan is Killing It

By Elle Cosimano (Minotaur Books) $17.99

Finlay Donovan is killing it—except, she’s really not. She’s a stressed-out single mom and a struggling novelist, and her life is in chaos. When Finlay is overheard discussing the plot of her new suspense novel, she’s mistaken for a contract killer, and inadvertently accepts an offer to dispose of a problem husband to make ends meet. Finlay discovers that crime in real life is a lot more difficult than its fictional counterpart, as she becomes tangled in a real-life murder investigation. This is the first in a witty new series.

My Sister’s Grave

By Robert Dugoni (Thomas & Mercer) $15.95

Tracy Crosswhite has spent 20 years questioning the facts surrounding her sister Sarah’s disappearance and the suspect’s murder trial. Tracy became a homicide detective and dedicated her life to tracking down killers. When Sarah’s remains are finally discovered, Tracy is determined to find the answers. She unearths dark, long-kept secrets that will forever change her relationship to her past and open the door to deadly danger. This is the first book in the bestselling series that has millions of readers around the globe.

How to Sell a Haunted House

By Grady Hendrix (Berkley) $28

Grady Hendrix takes on the haunted house in a new thriller that explores the way your past and your family can haunt you like nothing else. Louise’s parents have died; she dreads going home to deal with her brother and all the details. Unfortunately, she’ll need his help because it’ll take more than some new paint and clearing out a lifetime of memories to get the house on the market. But some houses don’t want to be sold, and their home has other plans for both of them.

The Violin Conspiracy

By Brendan Slocumb (Vintage) $17

Ray McMillian is a Black classical musician on the rise, undeterred by the pressure and prejudice of the classical music world, when a shocking theft sends him on a desperate quest to recover his great-great-grandfather’s heirloom violin on the eve of the most prestigious musical competition in the world. Ray must not only reclaim his precious violin but prove to himself, and the world, that there has always been a truly great musician within him.

Until next month, happy reading.

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

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March Library Events – Enjoy our annual quilt display,

March Library Events – Enjoy our annual quilt display, participate in adult reading

By Harriet Halbig

As in many years past, the Palmer Divide Quiltmakers will display many of its creations in the library during March. The quilts will hang from the ceiling and be mounted on the walls throughout the library. A printed guide naming the maker of each piece will be available. This is a welcome, colorful event which many anticipate.

The Winter Adult Reading Program will continue through March 31. Upon registering for the program, you will receive a convenient tote bag, just right to carry a few books or a tablet. Upon completing 30 days of reading 30 minutes or more or participating in selected library programs, you will receive the annual program mug and a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory chocolate bar.

You can register online at our web site, ppld.org, or come in during open hours to register in person.

As tax time approaches, you can access federal and state forms on our website as well. From the home page, ppld.org, go to research, taxes and view the available forms. There is also information on free help with taxes.

We hope to see you soon at the library.

Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me

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Palmer Lake Historical Society, Feb. 16 – Awake the Lake Committee describes mission

By Marlene Brown

On Feb. 16, the Palmer Lake Historical Society (PLHS) meeting led by Vice President Diane Kokes heard from the Awake the Lake Committee. Members of the committee explained the mission of Awake the Lake is to salvage, restore, and recreate the natural majesty of the namesake of the town. Palmer Lake is the only natural lake along the Front Range. The Town of Palmer Lake was founded in 1871 by Gen. William Jackson Palmer and incorporated in 1889.

Committee member Jeannine Engle, former owner of the Rock House, gave a photographic history of the tiny town of Palmer Lake from 1820 when the Columbine, the state flower, was discovered along with Elephant Rock. Though Elephant Rock is privately owned, it can be seen from Highway 105 and the Santa Fe Trail that runs from Palmer Lake to Monument. In 1871, a telegraph office was set up in Palmer Lake and Hacket’s Ditch was dug from Summit Lake to Palmer Lake to fill the lake because the railroad drained most of the water to run steam engines across the state. The Rockland Hotel was built in 1889, and in 1890 the first Chautauqua was held. Many people came by railroad for the event. It was $2.25 round trip from Denver.

Jason Phillips, a graduate of School District 38, began the efforts to “Save the Lake” in the ‘90s. Though he was only 10 years old, he was able to raise over $10,000 to donate to the town to help refill the lake.

Linda Vier of Divide GeoAnalytics LLC monitors the six wells and reports to the town. She has tracked precipitation and evaporation of the lake since June 2017 and watches for significant water dissipation due to drought and other natural causes.

Jeff Hulsmann, owner of O’Malley’s Steak Pub, reported that the railroad was still using steam engines up until 1950s. The lake had been drained and refilled several times. Even though Palmer Lake is a natural spring-fed lake, the use of the water for train engines caused the lake to be emptied. Water was brought from the reservoirs above the town in an effort to refill the lake.

Above: The Awake the Lake Committee, from left: Jason Phillips, Jeannine Engle, Jeff Hulsmann, and Linda Vier. Photo by Marlene Brown.

In 2014, Chris Cummins, volunteer water attorney, worked to fight the railroad and filed for the water rights for the town. In 2016, the change of water rights was finally obtained. Though the railroad had tried to increase the size of the lake’s footprint, the Awake the Lake organization decreased the size of the lake back to its natural state.

Several fundraisers include the Fourth of July Festival and .5k race. With over 1,000 runners, the 2022 .5k race raised $37,000 in day. One of the group’s accomplishments is the pedestrian bridge that crosses the tracks from the parking areas on the west side of the lake. Being able to access the lake without crossing the railroad tracks has been a true community effort. For more information and to make donations, go to awakepalmerlake.org

**********

The next meeting of PLHS will be at the Palmer Lake Town Hall on the third Thursday of the month, March 16, 7 p.m., doors open at 6:30 pm. For more information, go to palmerdividehistory.org.

Marlene Brown can be reached by email at malenebrown@ocn.me.

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High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – Colorado in March is full of nature’s surprises

By Janet Sellers

Every spring, I write about the dandy dandelion and its health benefits to eat as well as the benefits to our local soils and our planet. After a long winter of letting our landscapes as nature intended for our ecology to “nest in place” the dandelion is one of the first greens and flowers we see in March. The plant is a real lifesaver. It supports our pollinators as one of the first available plants.

Edible root to flower, the dandelion has traditionally been sought after as a culinary and important landscape plant. Not for exotic beauty, although it has been an important culinary and medicinal plant since ancient times in Europe. Dandelions were brought to North America (known as Turtle Island to indigenous peoples) by the European immigrants in the 1600s. They wanted to make sure they had an available food and medicine source when they reached the New World.

Our hummingbird scouts arrive in March

March marks the arrival of the hummingbird scouts to Colorado. Their migration begins from their warm winter homes in Central and South America. Nesting grounds in Colorado range from our local area for the broadtail hummingbird to Canada and Alaska for the rufous hummingbird. We see four kinds of hummingbirds in Colorado along our Central Flyway here in our Front Range area: broadtail, rufous, calliope, and black-chinned. Each of these passes through our area onto their nesting areas in higher altitudes.

Daylight saving time will start March 12.

That means we’ll have to adjust our clocks and ourselves to the changes it brings. Originally devised to help ranchers, farmers, and crops, it is currently a support for golfers in golf courses. Michael Downing, author of Spring Forward: The Annual Madness of Daylight Saving Time purports that it is a money maker for golf courses and shopping malls but a disruptor for school children and most people, as they must go to school and work in the dark. While the clock does not affect our growing plants related to sunlight, the issue is more complex than that for the food industry and human life. According to some studies, there are higher incidences of a variety of health and heart issues due to circadian rhythm disruption.

Janet Sellers is a writer, artist, and speaker and enjoys sharing about the forests, mountains, and landscapes of Colorado. She offers Shin Rin Yoku meditative walks throughout the year. Contact her at JanetSellers@ocn.me.

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Art Matters – Artists know how to share the visible and the invisible

By Janet Sellers

“I don’t know why people are so keen to put the details of their private life in public; they forget that invisibility is a superpower.”—Banksy

Our imaginations are invisible but powerful. We take in what we see and hear—and use all our senses—to make sense of our world and who we are. In art, the creators can visibly show or merely imply ideas to the viewer. That’s the fun of it. That’s the excitement of looking at art in person: The viewer has a personal connection with the art in their flow of the moment.

In weekly art roundtable discussions, I hear from art curators and art collectors from all over the world. They are enthusiastic about enjoying art personally and sharing their collections in novel ways. Art collectors locally and globally are acknowledging their profound interest in collecting paintings these days more than ever, and enjoying the art for themselves. No longer are collectors amassing mere assets of popularity. They are taking in artworks that are meaningful to them with a more personal approach to their taste.

The aforementioned Banksy is a unique artist, with no curators but many interested collectors. It is hard to collect the works because they exist outdoors on buildings and structures to reach viewers. And publicly, no one knows who Banksy is.

Banksy makes graffiti creations that are so temporary that the very wall the artwork is put on has to be removed to keep and sell the artwork. Banksy’s work is recognizable and highly critical of the wrongs of our world. Indeed, both Banksy and the artwork are hard to get hold of. Banksy is considered to be worth—by speculation of London’s Dawson auction house—over $60 million.

Above: Bella Art and Frame Gallery owners Maggie Williamson, left, and Ethan Ahlstrom, right, show off their new gallery space. They kept the tradition of their guest artist wall and individualized exhibit spaces, with over 40 artists represented, and have pedestals for freestanding sculptures. The shop is now at No. 11 Front Street Square, 251 Front St., Monument. Photo by Janet Sellers.

We are inundated with visual stimuli on our screens and phones to the point it is overwhelming. Seeing and appreciating visual art in person is the most enjoyable way to experience it. We can view art at our own tempo and move on or walk back to see artworks. Art lovers as collectors and as artists have always known this and have explored ideas to their outer limits. We are moving back from over-screened life to personal control of our wall spaces and viewing at will via real art on real walls in real time.

Janet Sellers is an artist, writer, and speaker. Her paintings, sculptures, and digital artworks are exhibited in the western U.S. and locally in Colorado. Contact her at JanetSellers@ocn.me.

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Snapshots of Our Community

Celebrating Marie West’s 100th

Above: Longtime Monument resident Marie West celebrated her 100th birthday on Feb.18 with a party at Trinity Lutheran Church, where she’s known as Grandma because of all the kids she’s taken care of. About 300 friends and relatives attended the party including her three daughters, all eight of her grandchildren and four of her 14 great-grandchildren. Her two great-great grandchildren were unable to attend. West told Our Community News she’s “flabbergasted” that she’s now a centenarian. Her advice to those who want to reach that age? “Just keep busy.” Since retiring and moving to Monument in 1991, she kept busy by helping with home daycare until she was 95. Though not a smoker, West admits to enjoying the occasional margarita. She grew up on a farm in Iowa, and after high school she worked at a munitions factory. When she was old enough to enlist, she joined the WAVES branch of the Navy where she was part of the blimp ground crew handling ropes during takeoffs and landings. Among her jobs after the war was working with the first computers, including UNIVAC. Photos by Michael Weinfeld.

 

Lewis-Palmer D-38 combined band concert, Jan. 31

Above: The Lewis-Palmer School District presented its combined concert on Jan. 31 in the Lewis-Palmer High School auditorium. The Monument Academy Festival Band, conducted by John Patterson; the Lewis-Palmer Middle School Symphonic Band, conducted by Sarah Loyer; the Palmer Ridge High School Wind Ensemble, conducted by Raleigh E. Eversole IV; and the Lewis-Palmer High School Wind Symphony, conducted by Tom Chapman, performed separately. Then the combined band of over 100 musicians, conducted by Eversole, performed two additional pieces. The logistics in transitioning from each band to the next were impressive and involved rearranging chairs and music stands and prioritizing the sequence of band sections to leave their seats in the auditorium to move onto the stage. Highlights included presentations by Patterson and Eversole about the history and evolution of music programs. Eversole began the music program at LPHS before transitioning to Palmer Ridge. Photo by Steve Pate.

“Grandmother” Tree at Fox Run Park

Above: The beloved tree in Fox Run Regional Park known to our Ute predecessors as “Grandmother” appears to open wide her arms to welcome her grandchildren back to the Ute summer home in the Fox Run Park area from the New Mexico gentle winter lands. There is a resting bench near the tree in honor of a contemporary family’s grandmother. It seems many families enjoy the bench on a walk through the park. Grandmother tree seems to enjoy them, too. Do you have fond memories of Fox Run Park? When did you first go to Fox Run Park? Did you bring your children there? Did you take hikes there or play soccer or play on the playground? Friends of Fox Run Park would like your stories and anecdotes about the park. Do you have a fun story or memory you’d like to share with others? Contact the Friends of Fox Run Park at FriendsofFoxRunPark@gmail.com. Photo by Janet Sellers.

Scout seeks to honor WWII vets

Above: A Monument Boy Scout from Troop 17 is raising money to have a sculpture honoring World War II veterans installed at the Town Hall. Colin Saber, a 13-year-old eighth-grader at Monument Academy, wants to move artist Robert Henderson’s sculpture of a P-51 Mustang aircraft from Fort Collins to Monument as part of his Eagle Scout project. Saber says his project was inspired by the recent death of Monument resident Col. Earl Depner (inset), who flew 100 missions in the plane as an Army Air Corps pilot during WWII. Saber wants to honor Depner and other veterans. Saber’s fundraising goal of $55,000 would pay for moving the artwork, installing it at the Town Hall, and other things. You can donate at this website: https://p51monument.com. Photos provided by Colin Saber.

Tri-Lakes Cruisers installs officers

Above: The Tri-Lakes Cruisers Car Club has installed its 2023 officers. They are (from left) Steve Gutman, Secretary; Don Ostrander, Vice President; David Whitlock, President; and Epifanio Maestas, Treasurer. They’re preparing for the club’s 20th Annual Benefit Car Show that will be held Aug. 27. For info on the club visit www.trilakescruisers.com. Photo by Lon Wartman.

Friends of Fox Run Park fundraiser

Above and below: The Friends of Fox Run Park joined Friends of El Paso County Nature Centers in a fundraiser for the new Fox Run Park Nature Center on Feb. 4. Nearly 500 people attended, and with the beautiful weather, they were able to roast hot dogs and marshmallows over a fire bowl at the gazebo. Games, a dog costume contest, and a parade were featured. The wagon-drawn hayrides through the park were a big hit. For more information on the nature center and how to donate, contact maryjolewis@elpasoco.com. For more information regarding volunteer projects in Fox Run Park, contact friendsoffoxrunpark@gmail.com. Photos by Marlene Brown.

 

Wildfire mitigation

Above: During the first weekend of February, Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster response group, conducted training and mitigation operations in northern El Paso County. Using the Monument Meeting House as a classroom, they trained 19 new chainsaw operators and then put them in the field for two days with 12 more experienced chainsaw operators to get practical experience with fire mitigation operations. Over two days, these volunteers removed a dozen dying trees and chipped several thousand cubic feet of scrub oak from a 4-acre lot in the wildland-urban interface. By creating a defensible space around properties, their volunteer efforts greatly reduced the wildfire threat to the entire neighborhood. In the photo, Dave LaRivee and Jack Hughes of Team Rubicon instruct some of their students in how to safely use a pole saw to remove dead branches from ponderosa pines. Caption by David LaRivee. Photo by Sharon Williams.

Ice fishing on Palmer Lake

Above: The town of Palmer Lake was a popular spot for ice fishing on Sunday, Feb. 5. In the background, a Burlington Northern Santa Fe engine can be seen travelling south with coal-filled freight cars. Photo by Natalie Barszcz.

Mardi Gras at the Senior Center

Above: Silver Key at Tri-Lakes Senior Center hosted a Mardi Gras celebration Feb. 21 at the Grace Best location, 66 Jefferson St., Monument. Sue Walker, center director, provided games to entertain guests, and participants brought food, including shrimp creole, beignets, king’s cake, and other delicacies associated with Mardi Gras. Line dancing and other activities followed at the center. To learn about future events at the senior center, please visit https://www.silverkey.org/tri-lakes-events/. Photo by Mack Sharp. Caption by Steve Pate.

CPR/AED/First Aid classes

Above: What will you do if someone collapses in front of you? Or if someone is injured in an accident or an attack? At a Heartsaver CPR/AED/First Aid class, instructor Carley Lehman had students practice when and how to perform basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR compressions and breathing. Then they learned how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator) which can help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. First aid for bleeding and other trauma followed. Finally, the class practiced real-life scenarios as Lehman kept adding twists and interesting variables. Three more classes will be offered in 2023 at Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church (TLUMC): April 8, July 8, and Oct. 14. We hope you will sign up and practice to be ready to help when emergency strikes. Write to André Mouton, leader of the TLUMC Emergency Preparedness Group, at epg@tlumc.org. Pictured: In a practice scenario in the church sanctuary, “a member of the audience at a choir concert” passed out and required emergency assistance. Some CPR class members “treated” the patient while others called 911, got the AED and first aid kit, helped the “distraught friend” of the victim, and shepherded audience members out of the way if they were not trained in first aid and could not help. Photo by Lisa Hatfield.

Wildfire Neighborhood Ambassadors

Above: Residents of Black Forest Park, east of Roller Coaster Road in El Paso County, earned a free chipping day in 2022 when one of their neighbors, Steve Jeroslow, attended the Wildfire Neighborhood Ambassadors class, communicated with his neighbors, and organized the effort. The 2023 class kicked off Feb. 21, and you can still sign up and catch up. This is the third annual presentation of the series, which has trained 60 personnel in 30 neighborhoods in 10 different localities in Colorado, Montana, and Oregon. Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church Emergency Preparedness Group (TLUMC EPG) is a 2020 national award winner in the wildfire mitigation arena and has conducted numerous wildland fire risk reduction projects. EPG wants you to do your homework in your yard and home before a wildfire comes here again! Write to André Mouton, leader of TLUMC EPG, at epg@tlumc.org. Photo by Lisa Hatfield.

Black Forest Boy Scout Chili Supper

Above: Bridger Nelson served chili when the Black Forest Boy Scout Troop 70 held its annual chili dinner on Sat., Feb. 25, at the Black Forest community center. In addition to the delicious chili and accompanying dishes, a silent auction also helped raise funds for the scouts and their community. Photo by Creighton Smith.

Palmer Lake Valentine’s Dinner

Above: On Feb. 11, Palmer Lake hosted a Valentine’s dinner and dance event called “All You Need is Love” at the Town Hall. The Palmer Lake Fun Raisers!, an Awake Palmer Lake committee, hosted the event to raise funds to build concrete steps on the east side of the pedestrian bridge at Palmer Lake. The committee includes Laurie Caves, Cathy Wilcox, Tish Torweihe, Nikki McDonald, and Cindy Graff. Awake Palmer Lake is a 501(3)c organization that fundraises via various events to keep the lake and surrounding areas beautiful. The event featured a dinner donated by former Mayor Nikki McDonald’s company Catering by Nikky along with dance lessons. Attendees could purchase tickets for the dance only or for the full event. In the photo, Caves greets attendees at the front door. For information on upcoming events, see http://awakepalmerlake.org. Photo by Jackie Burhans

Bearbotics at State Champships

Above: Three Monument Bearbotics teams placed in the Colorado FIRST’s State Championship in Fort Collins on Feb. 18. Bearbotics FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Team Beta got the second-place Innovate Award. Team Sigma earned the third-place Control Award, and Team Alpha scored the third-place Design Award. The high school students had to skillfully maneuver their robots through an electrical power substation game field to perform precision technical tasks using autonomous functions, computer vision, advanced software controls, and other techniques while avoiding collisions with the other three robots on the field. Each of the advanced robots was designed and built entirely by students, including the software. Bearbotics coach Jeanette Breton, in photo, was awarded a special Compass Award for giving outstanding guidance and mentorship to the teams throughout the year. Photo by Mike Hinkle.

Wildfire fuels reduction Phase II

Above: BARKO 930B excavators clear large swaths of dense Gambel oak, undergrowth, and some pine trees in the trail areas northwest of the memorial grove and south of Monument Fire Center in the Monument Preserve on Feb. 18-19. The second year of the U.S. Forest Service three-year project is well underway, with large areas already cleared. The project is part of an ongoing effort to reduce fuels that put the area at risk for high-intensity, potentially catastrophic wildfires for the residents living in the wildland urban interface. During Phase 2, trail users are advised to stay at least 300 feet from the areas being cleared because the excavators have been known to throw debris long range. The third phase is planned for winter 2024. For more information, contact the Pikes Peak Ranger District office at 719-636-1602 or visit www.fs.usda.gov. Photo by Natalie Barszcz.

Kiwanis talent show auditions

Dozens of School District 38 students auditioned from Feb. 23-25 for the chance to compete in the Kiwanis Club of Monument Hill’s first Stars of Tomorrow talent show March 19, 2 pm at Palmer Ridge High School. They danced, sang, played musical instruments, and acted at Monument Community Presbyterian Church. Winners of the talent show on March 19 will be split according to school grade. The elementary school winner will earn $500 and the middle school champion will go home with $750. There will be scholarships worth $1,000 and $2,000 awarded to the high school winners.

Contortionist Julia Branch, 11
Drummer Kylie Huffman, 9
Guitarist Wyatt Hyden, 16
Vocalist Rose Helgoth, 9
Bassoonist Raleigh Eversole, 18
Vocalist Rose Helgoth, 9

Photos by Michael Weinfeld

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January Weather Wrap

By Bill Kappel

The year has started off on the cold and snowy side, which is good news for us as we have started the snow season with a deficit so far. Temperatures were well below normal, especially for the second half of the month, and snowfall was above normal, punctuated by an Arctic air intrusion to end the month. January is normally one of our driest months, so to get a little extra moisture to start the year is always welcome.

The new year started off with some snowfall but relatively mild temperatures. Two to four inches of snowfall accumulated between the 1st though the 3rd, but temperatures still managed to reach the upper 20s to low 30s each afternoon. Quiet conditions returned for the next week with dry conditions from the 4th through the 10th and temperatures at or above normal. Relatively mild and breezy conditions set up from the 8th to the 10th. These westerly winds helped jump temperatures into the low 50s each afternoon and more importantly kept overnight lows warm, with most areas staying above freezing on the 10th.

A quick-moving cold front temporarily disturbed this pattern with cooler temperatures and some light snow accumulation on the 11th. Temperatures began to warm back up over the next few days, eventually reaching our warmest temperature of the month on the 14th, with upper 50s reached that afternoon.

The general weather patterns in the region started to shift soon thereafter with a more northwesterly flow taking hold. This opened the door for a series of cold fronts and storm systems to move through the region. Every day from the 15th through the 31st was below average from a temperature perspective, the exception being the 27th when values were right about average for the day.

A series of weather systems brought snowfall on several days. The heaviest snow occurred from the evening of the 17th through the evening of the 18th. This storm accumulated 4-8 inches and produced a lot of blowing snow, causing some major travel issues in the region. Then new storms moved through every three days or so, with a few inches from the afternoon of the 20th to the afternoon of the 21st, and another couple inches from the morning of the 23rd through the morning of the 25th, and a final couple of inches from the 28th through the 30th.

The final event was associated with cold Arctic airmass that brought in some near-record cold temperatures. This push was moisture-starved, with generally light snowfall but plenty of cold air. Temperatures dropped well below zero on the evening of the 29th with morning lows 10-15F degrees below zero on the 30th. Highs of course were also cold, barely reaching the teens on the 29th and even colder on the 30th. A warmup began on the 31st, but even then we couldn’t break above freezing.

A look ahead

February is often a transition month as we move from the dry and cold conditions in December and January toward relatively warmer and wetter conditions of March and April. Total precipitation for the month averages around an inch, which falls in the form of snow and accumulates around 20 inches. Average high temperatures are in the 30s. It can get very cold in February with Arctic air making brief pushes into the region. However, days begin to get a little longer, which leads to some nice, sunny days, and the snow that does fall begins to melt faster.

January 2023 Weather Statistics

Average High: 35.9° (-4.2°)
100-year return frequency value: max 48.4° min 30.8°

Average Low: 13.4° (0.0°)
100-year return frequency value: max 26.6° min 6.6°

Highest Temperature 58° on the 14th

Lowest Temperature -12° on the 30th

Monthly Precipitation: 0.99” (+0.28” 39% above normal)
100-year return frequency value: max 1.56” min 0.01”

Monthly Snowfall: 21.6” (+4.2”, 10% below normal)
Season to Date Snow: 45.5” (-7.3”, 14% below normal) (the snow season is from Oct 1 to Sept 30)

Season to Date Precip.: 0.99” (+0.28” 39% above normal) (the precipitation season, Jan 1 to Dec 31)

Heating Degree Days: 1251 (+154)

Cooling Degree Days: 0

Bill Kappel is a meteorologist and Tri-Lakes resident. He can be reached at billkappel@ocn.me.

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Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – Whispers of nature and wildlife around us

By the staff at Covered Treasures

“The mountains are calling and I must go.”—John Muir

Many of us live in Colorado because we are at home in the outdoors. These books transport you to the outdoor world when you can’t be in it and prepare you for the times you can be in it.

Whispers in the Wilderness

By Erik Stensland (Morning Light Photography) $21.95

Landscape photographer Erik Stensland has spent many years exploring the hidden corners of Rocky Mountain National Park. Time alone in nature has led him to explore the hidden wilderness that resides deep within us all. Using short reflections on nature paired with gorgeous photographs, he reminds us of wisdom that our busy world has forgotten. This is the first book in the Whispers series. The second book is The Journey Beyond: Learning to Live Beautifully in a Troubled World.

Colorado Wild and Beautiful

By Glenn Randall (Farcountry Press) $32.95

Glenn Randall presents 125 images culled from 30 years of exploring the Centennial state. He backpacked alone into the heart of the state’s most spectacular mountain ranges, traveling by foot, snowshoes, skis, and rafts. During his journeys, Randall has photographed the state’s abundant natural beauty, historical sites, wildlife, and outdoor adventurers. Photographs are not enhanced digitally or in the darkroom.

The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs: Use Outdoor Clues to Find Your Way, Predict the Weather, Locate Water, Track Animals—and Other Forgotten Skills

By Tristan Gooley (Experiment) $17.95

Writer and navigator Tristan Gooley wants to help you understand nature’s clues. He shares more than 850 tips for forecasting, tracking, and more, gathered from decades spent walking around the world. Whether you’re walking in the country or city, along a coastline, or by night, this is the ultimate resource on what the land, sun, moon, stars, plants, animals, and clouds can reveal.

An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us

By Ed Young (Random House) $30

The Earth teems with sights and textures, sounds and vibrations, smells and tastes, electric and magnetic fields. But every animal, including humans, is enclosed within its own unique sensory bubble, perceiving but a tiny sliver of our immense world. Ed Young coaxes us beyond our own senses, bringing the joy of discovery to encounter fish that fill rivers with electrical messages, what bees see in flowers, what songbirds hear in their tunes, what dogs smell on the street, and so much more. He tells of pivotal discoveries as well as the many mysteries that remain unsolved.

The Hawk’s Way: Encounters with Fierce Beauty

By Sy Montgomery (Atria Books) $20

When falconer Nancy Cowan allowed Sy Montgomery to work with her magnificent birds of prey, it was the start of a deep love affair for Montgomery with hawks. Montgomery spent time getting to know their extraordinary abilities and instincts. Hawks are deeply emotional animals, quick to show anger and frustration, and can hold a grudge for years. But they are also loyal and intensely aware of their surroundings. This mesmerizing account features 16 pages of color photographs.

The Secret Network of Nature: Trees, Animals, and the Extraordinary Balance of All Living Things

By Peter Wohlleben (Greystone Books) $17.95

Master storyteller and forester Peter Wohlleben introduces us to the latest scientific discoveries and recounts his insights from decades of observing nature, showing us how to recapture our sense of awe and see the world around us with new eyes. Wohlleben describes the interplay between animals and plants and answers such questions as: How do they influence each other? Do lifeforms communicate across species? And what happens when this finely tuned system gets out of sync?

Slow Birding: The Art and Science of Enjoying the Birds in Your Own Backyard

By Joan E. Strassmann (Tarcherperigee) $27

Evolutionary biologist Joan E. Strassmann introduces readers to the joys of birding. This guide features detailed portraits of bird species and the scientists who have discovered and observed them; what to look for when slow birding, so that you can uncover clues to the reasons behind specific bird behaviors; bird-focused activities to open your eyes to the fascinating world of birds and how their behaviors change from day to day and season to season.

Until next month, happy reading.

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

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February Library Events – Winter Adult Reading Program is underway

By Harriet Halbig

The 2023 Winter Adult Reading Program will run from Feb. 1 to March 31. Patrons who register and log 30 days of activities will receive a Rocky Mountain Chocolate bar and a program mug.

Each day you read for 30 minutes or more, do activities such as join a book club, read a new author or genre, write a review, or attend one of a list of library programs—log that day on the game card you can pick up at the library.

Those who complete 30 days of activities or reading are also entered in a drawing for the grand prize. Three Samsung tablets with covers will be awarded. Or pick up the latest edition of District Discovery magazine for all the details.

To register for the program, stop by the library or go to our web site, ppld.org.

Do you love the library? In celebration of National Library Lovers Month, the library is encouraging patrons to submit a letter telling us what you love about the library. Submit entry forms at the library and be entered for some great prizes including tickets for four to the Olympic and Paralympic Museum or dinner for two at a restaurant at the Broadmoor. One entry per person, please.

The library will be open on Presidents Day, Feb. 20.

Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me

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Palmer Lake Historical Society, Jan. 19 – Historical Society holds annual meeting

By Marlene Brown

The Palmer Lake Historical Society (PLHS) held its annual Potluck and Membership Meeting at the Palmer Lake Town Hall on Jan. 19. It was the first Potluck and Membership Meeting since the pandemic began in 2021. The mission statement of PLHS is to preserve, protect, promote, and provide access to historical data, artifacts, and other items of significance relating to the Palmer Divide area. The area includes Palmer Lake, Monument, School District 38, the United States Air Force Academy and east to Table Rock.

Above: The Palmer Lake Historical Society resumes the Annual Potluck and Membership Meeting for the first time since 2021. Photo by Diane Kokes.

PLHS supports and maintains the Lucretia Vaile Museum, 66 Lower Glenway St., through its programs throughout the year. Volunteers are needed to help at the museum and other events. Contact Roger Davis, museum director and curator, at palmerdivdehistory.org/volunteer-opportunities/.

Monthly events include the Father’s Day Ice Cream Social in June, Chautauqua in August, the Palmer Lake Chili Supper and Star Lighting in November, and the Palmer Lake Yule Log Hunt and Ceremony in December.

Above: The PLHS board was reinstated at the annual meeting. Diane Kokes, the new vice president, is on the far left. Photo by Marlene Brown.

After nominations and the membership voted, Diane Kokes joined the board as the new vice president. Jim Sawatzki surprisingly resigned as president earlier in the day, so the position is now open.

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The meetings are normally held on the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m., doors open at 6:30, at the Palmer Lake Town Hall. For more information, go to palmerdividehistory.org.

Marlene Brown can be reached by email at malenebrown@ocn.me.

Other Palmer Lake Historical Society articles

High Altitude Nature and Gardening (HANG) – Bringing nature indoors: seedlings, plants, and soil

By Janet Sellers

February indoor gardening

Our coldest month is typically February here, but we still can start up some of our gardening and nature plans now. It is a perfect time to plan the spring garden. Planning is key to success. With a plan at hand, taking action is simple and offers an organized method to work from, even if we change our plans.

It is deceptively simple. Starting with soil and seeds, a quick and simple indoor starter plan can include a daily calendar for soil checks and watering reminders. Making a mini-greenhouse from a plastic salad greens container or milk jugs is as easy as container washing, rinsing, filling with soil and seeds, and covering. The key seems to be a bit of air flow and even moisture. This year I am going to try the layers of pinecones, soil, seed, and water sprinkling.

My mini-greens salad containers with indirect light will stand in for a real greenhouse. I have a lot of saved seeds, so I’ll choose veggie or flower seeds. Deer- and pest-resistant plants that protect the garden include marigolds, mint, and “stinky” plants like lavender, iris, purple sage and salvias. Alas, the iris, lilies, daffodils, and most bulb flowering plants are toxic to pets and I avoid them. My garden is full of purple sage, asters, and wildflowers.

Potted indoor plants

I love to have pet-safe flowering indoor no-soil plants like cymbidium orchids around the house. Indoor plants with soil can be tricky with root issues and can get root rot or mold quickly. That’s likely a drainage problem, overwatering, or mold. It’s best to make oxygen available by aerating the soil and finger-checking the soil top and mid-section often. The cure is in the soil and microbe health, not fertilizer or adding water. Moisture balance is key for microbial health.

Indoor potted plant health

Smell the soil—it should smell pleasant. Any unpleasant smell indicates bad soil and that means soil replacement: Remove the plant with soil from the pot; check soil. If the soil smells bad or the root is balled up in the pot, shake off the soil onto paper (and toss in the garden), rinse the roots, and repot with new potting soil. I put pinecones at the bottom of the pot, add soil part way, place the plant, then fill up with moist potting soil and water immediately, letting it all drain well.

Janet Sellers is an avid lazy gardener, letting Mother Nature lead the way for indoor and outdoor gardening and landscaping. We’d love to know your spring garden tips; sent them to JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Other High Altitude Nature and Gardening articles

On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Trail etiquette

On the Trail (in memory of Tim Watkins) – Trail etiquette

By Steve Pate

Last spring, the Trails and Open Space Coalition (TOSC) assembled equestrians and others to get input on how to share trails with hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers. Here are the resulting recommendations to a Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation committee which led to signs in some open space areas. These signs suggest to trail users who encounter equestrians:

  • Slow down. Horses are “prey” animals, always on the lookout for predators. Hikers and bikers should slow down and move to the side of the trail.
  • Say “Hello.” Talking calms the horse and reassures the rider.
  • Share the trail. Horses always have the right-of-way.

OCN previously shared Friends of Monument Preserve (FOMP) guidelines for mountain bikers, hikers, and equestrians sharing trails. FOMP’s guidelines reiterated those guidelines set forth by TOSC.

Here are guidelines for cyclists and hikers:

Cyclists

  • Ride with a bell. Announce your presence in a friendly way. Try not to startle other users.
  • When passing hikers, cyclists must yield. Cyclists are responsible for avoiding crashing into someone (or entering their safe space). Ride in control at all times. Be able to slow down and stop if necessary to negotiate a safe pass. Often, it’s easier for a hiker to move to the side of the trail to let you pass, and most hikers will do this if there is a safe place and you communicate with them. Thank them and continue on your way.
  • If you are riding downhill and encounter someone riding uphill, you must yield to them. Usually, this means slowing and getting to the side or stopping. Get as far off the trail as possible and allow the uphill rider to ride past.
  • If you encounter an equestrian, slow down, stop if necessary and engage in a conversation about the best way to pass.
  • If there are others in your group, let the person you are passing know how many are behind you.
  • If you stop for any reason, move off to the side—don’t block the trail.
Above: Monument Preserve, Jan. 14. Photo by Steve Pate.

Hikers/trail runners

  • Maintain situational awareness. Watch for other trail users.
  • Cyclists are required to yield to hikers and equestrians, but it is much easier for hikers to step off a narrow trail than it is for cyclists to do so.
  • Avoid standing along the outside edge of a switchback/climbing turn. Most cyclists prefer to use the outside of the turn—it’s safer and easier to get through the turn.
  • If hiking in groups, spread out so that other users can pass safely.
  • If you stop along the way, move to the side—don’t block the trail.
  • Please keep all pets under control, especially excitable, unruly, or aggressive ones, so they don’t negatively impact or injure other users.
Above: Santa Fe Open Space, Jan. 17. Photo by Steve Pate.

Equestrians

As stated above, equestrians have the right of way. When you see someone approaching on horseback, please step aside, say “hello,” and control your dog if you have one with you.

Steve Pate can be contacted at stevepate@ocn.me

Please stay on designated trails and do not cut across.

Other On the Trail articles

Art Matters – Valentines and the fates of flirts

By Janet Sellers

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner on Feb. 14. It’s a day to exchange gifts, particularly for giving a thoughtful gift to one’s sweetheart. In our culture, point-blank asking what the giftee wants has been taboo for some time. Somehow, asking what a person wants makes the giver look less thoughtful. But this shouldn’t be so!

When artwork is a gift, it can be a heartfelt, authentic gesture. Since taste and personality enter into the equation, the joy is optimized with a preplanned surprise. Maybe that is why many valentines were secretly delivered.

How to buy art for a gift

February is a great month to buy art as a gift. The key is to know the giftee’s desired artist or artworks. We have several art venues in town and local artworks online, too, so that could have art inspirations worth pursuing. The secret to success is to go together with the giftee and visit the art in person. Or together check out the online offerings, which most artists have today. Ask insightful questions such as, “Do you know of an artist or artwork that would be nice to have?” Or “I’m thinking of getting a painting or a sculpture, what do you think is a good idea?” Or “Let’s go art shopping, I need your input.” That would optimize success to please the intended.

Artful Valentine cards

Valentines aren’t just for sweethearts. They are thoughtful, warmhearted reminders of affection and caring, especially in the cold of February. Artist-made valentine cards are always unique and will likely become a keepsake memory for a long time. The earliest surviving card was written in prison, from Frenchman Charles the Duke of Orleans. Imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1415. He wrote the following to his wife: “Je suis desja d’amour tanné Ma tres doulce Valentinée.” Which translates to: “I am already scorched (literally “tanned”) of love, my very gentle Valentine.”

In the 1600s, Shakespeare wrote, “To-morrow is Saint Valentine’s day, all in the morning betime, and I a maid at your window, to be your Valentine.” York Castle Museum has a valentine exhibit called “The fate of flirts” spanning 200 years, and a pre-printed one from 1797 decorated with Cupid and flowers and the verse around the borders read: “Since on this ever Happy day, All Nature’s full of Love and Play, yet harmless still if my design, ’Tis but to be your Valentine.”

In Georgian times, exchanging Valentine cards had become quite normal, and the practice really took off in Victorian times in England, as the penny post launched in 1840. Even then, not every Valentine card held sugary words, and to this day, kids of all ages send greetings of jest, fun, and frivolity amid the romantic efforts of some.

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Janet Sellers is an artist, writer, teacher, and public speaker who enjoys realizing her imagination into making artful things. Happy to share her art and artful ideas, she can be reached at JanetSellers@ocn.me.

Other Art Matters articles

Snapshots of Our Community

Susan Miner book signing, Jan. 21

Above: Susan Miner of Palmer Lake signed copies of her first novel, Jewels of Kidron on Jan. 21 at Covered Treasures Bookstore in Monument. More than two dozen people showed up, including Vivian Cobb seen in photo, to have their copies signed. It took Miner five years to write the novel. She’s now working on a sequel. Miner has been active in the community for many years and is currently a member of the Palmer Lake Planning Commission and a former member of the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees. Photos by Michael Weinfeld.

Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic, Jan. 6

Above: The Annual Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic took place on Jan. 6 on a frozen Palmer Lake. Lewis-Palmer, Pine Creek, Cheyenne Mountain, and Chaparral high schools competed in the event. Chaparral’s Wolverines defeated Cheyenne Mountain 4-3 and then beat the Lewis-Palmer Rangers (pictured below) 5-4 to win the Classic. Photos by Creighton Smith.

John Howe at Silver Key, Jan. 9

Above: The Silver Key at Tri-Lakes Senior Center, 66 Jefferson St., Monument, hosted a presentation by John Howe on interpersonal communication titled “I’m talking, are you listening?” on Jan. 9. Howe is a local community leader with college-level presentation skills. In addition to its usual services, Silver Key at Tri-Lakes occasionally sponsors events and presentations like this. Please check the Silver Key website, https://www.silverkey.org/tri-lakes-events/ for scheduled events and activities. Photo by Steve Pate.

Waters: Young Marine of the Year

Above: Jackson Waters, 16, of Monument was named Division 4 Young Marine of the Year. Jackson will now compete with five other finalists for the highest honor, National Young Marine of the Year. Previously, Waters was named Unit Young Marine of the Year and earned two Gold Presidential Service Awards. He’s also a public affairs correspondent for the Young Marines program. The Young Marines is a national nonprofit youth education and service program for boys and girls age 8 through high school graduation. The program focuses on teaching the values of leadership, teamwork, and self-discipline. Photo courtesy of the Young Marines.

Author Kevin Anderson at TLCA, Jan. 14

Above and below: International best-selling author Kevin J. Anderson held a book-signing and lecture on Jan. 14 at the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts (TLCA). Anderson has published over 175 books with 24 million copies in print in 35 languages. Anderson and his wife, Rebecca, are residents of Monument. He described his journey from a small town in Wisconsin where he made regular visits to the “bookmobile” to satiate his thirst for reading, especially science fiction, and later his study of astrophysics augmented his creativity in writing science fiction. He contributed to many Star Wars and other sci-fi odysseys. He signed copies of his books before and after his presentation, and part of the proceeds of book sales went to TLCA. Photos by Steve Pate.

Gary Weston’s science fiction art at TLCA, Jan. 14

Above and below: In conjunction with Kevin J. Anderson’s book-signing and presentation at the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts on Jan. 14, Gary Weston displayed many of his science fiction-oriented creations made from readily available items. Examples include Voltron the Invincible, Altoid Radiocon Robot, and Nemo’s Robotic Submarine. Photos by Steve Pate.

Kim Richey at TLCA, Jan. 21

Above: An enthusiastic audience greeted Grammy-nominated Kim Richey to the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts (TLCA) stage on Jan. 21. She said, “Connecting with the audience, the back and forth is what makes performing and the audience experience special.” And connect she did during her two-set concert with songs that stretched the breadth of her nearly 30-year music career. Richey introduced each song with a little bit of background starting with her eight-hour journey from Durango over Wolf Pass to reach Colorado Springs. She related how she finds inspiration for each song, from a snowy walk on a London evening, to an Ian Fleming quote about villains, to a one liner from the TV show Hill Street Blues. Beginning with Every River, Richey tapped into all her albums with songs such as Chinese Box, Come Around, Pin A Rose, London Town, and Chase Wild Horses. Photo by David Futey.

New wells coming to Monument

Above and below: The Town of Monument will be drilling three new wells. The site for Well 11 (seen in left and top right photos) is in the open space west of Park Trail Drive near Blizzard Valley Trail. A sound barrier has been built around it to protect neighbors from the noise of 24-hour drilling. Well 12 (bottom right photo) will be off Mitchell and Santa Fe Avenues, and Well 13 will be near Santa Fe Trail and Fourth Street. The town estimates the drilling will take about three weeks to complete. Photos by Michael Weinfeld.

Other Snapshots of Our Community articles

Our Community Notices

By Janet Sellers

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

D38 Talent Show

District 38 Schools and Monument Hill Kiwanis Club are teaming up to hold a performing arts talent show for students in D38 or living in the D38 boundary. Students wishing to compete must submit an application (available online at monumenthillkiwanis.org as are contest rules and critical dates) by Sat., Feb. 11. Auditions will be held Sat., Feb. 25.

Start and end times for D-20

New school start and end times were announced for D-20 for their 2023-24 school year. The new times are as follows: Elementary School: 7:30 am-2:30 pm; Middle School 8:50 am-3:55 pm (CMS: 8:20 am-3:25 pm); High School 8:10 am-3:15 pm. See www.asd20.org/announcements/new-startend-times-for-202324-school-year-2023-01-24/.

D38 free and reduced price school meals policy

Applications for free and reduced price school meals, instructions and an information letter to households are available at each school or online at www.lewispalmer.org/nutritional services.

Drop the Distracted Driving

Colorado has a law that bans texting while driving for drivers of all ages. CDOT found that most people have a “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature on their phone in a recent survey, but many don’t know how to use it. The unexpected can happen in an instant. Be proactive, learn how to enable this feature see DropTheDistraction at distracted.codot.gov.

Colorado Auto Safety and Traction Law

During winter storms, or when conditions require, CDOT will implement the Passenger Vehicle Traction Law. CDOT can implement the Passenger Vehicle Traction and Chain Laws on any state highway; the law requires specific tire tread depths, chains (or an approved alternative traction device such as Tire Socks). See https://www.codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw.

Winter Car Safety per CDOT

Make sure all vehicle systems are in safe operating condition. Even locally, include: sturdy scraper/snowbrush, snow shovel, sand for traction, flashlight, tow strap, jumper cables or battery jump starter device, extra batteries, multi-tool (leatherman type), blanket or sleeping bag, gallon jug of water, first aid and essential medications, flares/reflectors to signal for help and warn other motorists, battery or crank-powered radio for emergency broadcasts. Checklist: https://www.codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/winter-preparedness.

The safety stop is now state law

Bicyclists in Colorado now have safe and legal options for navigating through intersections after governor Jared Polis signed Colorado house bill 22-1028 into law on Wednesday, April 13, 2022. The new law, which allows bicyclists and users of low-speed conveyances to treat stop signs as yield signs and stop lights as stop signs when they already have the right of way, goes into effect immediately statewide. Info: bikecoloradosprings.org.

Neighborhood safety

What qualifies as suspicious activity? “If you see something, say something.” It’s vital to report to local law enforcement. Suspicious activity can refer to any incident, event, individual or activity that seems unusual or out of place. Some common examples of suspicious activities include: A stranger loitering in your neighborhood or a vehicle cruising the streets repeatedly. Someone peering into cars or windows. Here’s what local authorities and Colorado Department of Public Safety says is needed information: Who did you see; what did you see; when did you see it; where did you see it; why it is suspicious. Call 911 or your local law enforcement agency.

Seniors Driver’s License Electronic Renewal

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

DMV online and kiosks

Clerk & Recorder’s Office provides motor vehicle and driver’s license services. 30+ services at mydmv.colorado.gov. Renew registration online or at a kiosk. Make appointments. check in for appointments and wait where it’s convenient for you. The DMV encourages Coloradans to skip the trip and use its online services whenever possible. So before your next trip to the DMV, remember to save time, go online. Visit DMV.Colorado.gov/Save-time for more information. See epcdrives.com.

MVEA offers rebates

For information on MVEA’s energy efficiency rebates, visit www.mvea.coop/save-energy-money/rebates/, or call 800-388-9881.

Free search for Unclaimed Property

Unclaimed property is tangible or intangible property that has had no activity for a specific period of time. Once the property is in the custody of the state of Colorado, the State will maintain custody of the property in perpetuity until the rightful owner or heirs come forward to claim. The State Treasurer’s Office provides this service free of charge. Colorado: Great Colorado Payback – Colorado.gov (findyourunclaimedproperty.com) SAME AS: https://colorado.findyourunclaimedproperty.com/app/what-is-ucp

The Sunflower is for people with non-visible disabilities

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

Tri-Lakes Cares Needs Your Support

Tri-Lakes Cares is the only food pantry and human services organization located in and serving northern El Paso County through emergency relief and self-sufficiency programs. The community-based, volunteer-supported center is a critical resource for our neighbors in need. The best way to help support Tri-Lakes Cares is to donate. Visit https://tri-lakescares.org/donate to find out how to donate money, medical items, personal supplies, or food. Please check the web for current needs in our food pantry at https://tri-lakescares.org/donate/current-needs. Donation drop-off hours are Monday thru Thursday, 10 am to 4 pm. For more information about Tri-Lakes Cares or how you can help, contact Nicole Pettigrew, Director of Client Programs, at 719-481-4864 Ext. 111.

Free services for seniors

Mountain Community Senior Services offers free transportation and handyman services to Tri-Lakes seniors. Private transportation to medical appointments or a grocery store is now provided by Envida, 719-633-4677. If you need grab bars in the bathroom, a ramp to your door, or repair of stairs or railings, please call 719-488-0076, and leave a message or visit www.coloradoseniorhelp.com.

Senior Beat newsletter—subscribe for free

Each monthly Senior Beat newsletter is full of information for local seniors, including the daily menu of the senior lunches offered Monday through Friday at the Mountain Community Mennonite Church, 643 Highway 105, Palmer Lake. It also contains the schedule of the classes and events for the month at the Senior Citizens Center and senior-friendly library programs. To subscribe, send an email with your name and mailing address to SeniorBeat@TriLakesSeniors.org. Senior Beat can also be viewed online at www.TriLakesSeniors.org.

Can you volunteer today?

  • OCN needs your help. See article on page < 28 >.
  • Links to local organizations with an immediate need for volunteers are listed on the county’s website, www.elpasocountyhealth.org/volunteering-and-donations, for groups like Care and Share, Crossfire Ministries, blood donations, Early Connections (volunteer from home opportunity), foster an animal, Medical Reserve Corps of El Paso County, Salvation Army, Silver Key, and United Way (ongoing opportunities).
  • The Colorado State University Extension office in El Paso County has several opportunities for individuals interested in volunteering. https://elpaso.extension.colostate.edu/volunteer-opportunities/
  • Committed to building healthy, caring communities, these El Paso County volunteer-based and nonprofit organizations rely on the hard work of individuals like you. Reach out today and find out how you can play a part by becoming a volunteer in El Paso County. Get involved in El Paso County volunteering non-profits and organizations! https://www.americantowns.com/el-paso-county-co/volunteer-organizations/.
  • The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Program is composed of a collective citizens group with a true and common desire to partner with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office by volunteering their services while learning more about the internal workings of the law enforcement community. https://www.epcsheriffsoffice.com/volunteer-program-0.
  • The El Paso County Volunteer Program is a wonderful opportunity for citizens to learn about the various functions of county government as well as give back to the community. The County’s numerous boards and commissions need your experience, talents and time. https://bocc.elpasoco.com/volunteer.
  • The El Paso County Fair started as a potato festival in 1905 and has grown into so much more. We will be celebrating our 117th Fair, July 16th -23rd! https://www.elpasocountyfair.com/p/getinvolved/volunteer-opportunities
  • The Friends of El Paso County Nature Centers is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit whose mission is to support Bear Creek and Fountain Creek Nature Centers. The organization is comprised of an executive board of elected officers and a general membership governed by official Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation as a 501-c-3 nonprofit organization. https://communityservices.elpasoco.com/nature-centers/nature-center-volunteers/
  • Children’s Literacy Center provides free one-on-one literacy tutoring to Tri-Lakes children in grades 1-6 who are reading below grade level! Tutoring is at the Tri-Lakes Senior Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m., and our Summer Session will run through Aug. 14. For more information, to become a volunteer tutor or to enroll your child, visit www.childrensliteracycenter.org or email Christine Jeffson at Christine@childrensliteracycenter.org.

Other Notices of Our Community articles

Our Community Calendar

By Janet Sellers

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

GOVERNMENTAL BODIES

  • Forest Lakes Metropolitan District, Pinon Pines Metropolitan District 1, 2 & 3 board meeting. Typically meets quarterly on the first Mon., 4 pm Meetings are held via teleconference. For virtual joining instructions and updates see www.forestlakesmetrodistrict.com.
  • El Paso County Planning Commission meeting, Thu., Feb. 2 &16, 9 am, Regional Development Center, 2880 International Circle, Colo. Springs. Meetings are live-streamed on the El Paso County News & Information Channel at https://www.elpasoco.com/news-information-channel. Normally meets first & third Thu. (as required). Info: 719-520-6300, https://planningdevelopment.elpasoco.com.
  • El Paso Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) regular meeting, usually every Tue., 9 am. There is no meeting on Feb. 14. BOCC land use meetings are being held every first and third Tuesday of the month as needed at 1 pm. View agendas and meetings at www.agendasuite.org/iip/elpaso. Meetings are held at Centennial Hall, 200 S. Cascade Ave., Suite 150, Colo. Springs. Info: 719-520-6430.
  • Monument Town Council meeting, Mon., Feb. 6, 6:30 pm, Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. Normally meets first and third Mon. Info: 719-884-801, www.townofmonument.org/260/Board-of-Trustees for remote attendance links.
  • Palmer Lake Board of Adjustments, Tue., Feb. 7, 5 pm, 28 Valley Crescent St., Palmer Lake. Normally meets first Tues., as needed.
  • Lewis-Palmer School District 38 Parent and Community Advisory Committee (formerly DAAC), Tue. Feb. 7, 6-8 p.m. Lewis-Palmer Elementary School, 1315 Lake Woodmoor Dr., Monument. For further information tmckee@lewispalmer.org.
  • Tri-Lakes Wastewater Facility Joint Use Committee meeting, Tue., Feb. 7, 10 am 16510 Mitchell Ave. Meets second Tue. Info: Bill Burks, 719-481-4053.
  • Palmer Lake Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Feb. 8, 9 am, call-in only: 650-479-3208, Access Code 76439078, 120 Middle Glenway. Meets second Wed. Info: 719-481-2732. www.plsd.org .
  • Monument Planning Commission meeting, Wed., Feb. 8, 6 pm Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. Meets second Wed. To see the options for remote public participation in each meeting, visit www.townofmonument.org/263/Planning-Commission-Board-of-Adjustment. Info: 719-884-8028. www.townofmonument.org.
  • Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting, Thu., Feb. 9, 23, 5 pm, Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent, Usually meets second and fourth Thu. Info: 719-481-2953. www.townofpalmerlake.com.
  • Monument Academy School Board meeting, Thu., Feb. 9, 6 pm at the East Campus. 4303 Pinehurst Circle. Meets second Thu. Info 719-481-1950, https://www.monumentacademy.net/school-board/board-meeting-minutes/.
  • Woodmoor Water & Sanitation District board meeting, Mon., Feb. 13, 1 pm, 1845 Woodmoor Dr., Monument. Normally meets second Mon. Info: 719-488-2525, www.woodmoorwater.com.
  • El Paso County Regional Loop Water Authority meeting, Tue., Feb. 16, 9 am Monument Town Hall Boardroom, 645 Beacon Lite Rd. Meets third Thu. Info: 719-488-3603. loopwater.org.
  • Monument Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Feb. 15, 9 a.m., 130 Second St. Zoom meeting. Find joining instructions on the website. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-4886, www.colorado.gov/msd.
  • Palmer Lake Town Planning Commission meeting, Wed., Feb. 15, 6 pm, Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-2953, www.townofpalmerlake.com.
  • Academy Water and Sanitation District board meeting, Wed., Feb 15, 6 pm. Usually meets third Wed. Public can join the Skype meeting: https://join.skype.com/PAcujKTn7Nrh. Check the website for a link: https://academywsd.colorado.gov/notices-and-alerts. Meets third Wed. Info: 719-481-0711, https://academywsd.colorado.gov.
  • Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District board meeting, in person or via Zoom, Wed., Feb. 15, 7 pm, Station 1, 11445 Teachout Road, Colorado Springs. Find updates and Zoom meeting joining instructions at www.bffire.org or contact Administrative Officer Rachel Dunn at 719-495-4300. Meetings are usually held on the third Wednesday.
  • Triview Metropolitan District board meeting, Thu., Feb. 16, 5:30 pm, 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 302, Monument. Normally meets third Thu. Info: 719-488-6868, www.triviewmetro.com.
  • Donala Water & Sanitation District board meeting, Thu., Feb. 16, 1:30 pm, 15850 Holbein Dr. In 2023, meets fourth Wed., Check the website for the access code for the electronic meeting. Info: 719-488-3603, www.donalawater.org.
  • Lewis-Palmer School District 38 board meeting, Tue., Feb. 21, 6-10 pm, (closed for President’s Day holiday). Normally meets third Mon. This meeting of the Board of Education will be live-streamed on the district’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/LPSDCommunity, agenda, supporting documents at https://go.boarddocs.com/co/lewispalmer/Board.nsf/vpublic. Contact Vicki Wood. Phone: 719.481.9546 Email: vwood@lewispalmer.org Website: https://www.lewispalmer.org.
  • Monument Town Council meeting, Tue., Feb. 21, 6:30 pm, Town Hall Board Room, 645 Beacon Lite Rd., Monument. Normally meets first and third Mon. Info: 719-884-801, www.townofmonument.org/260/Board-of-Trustees for remote attendance links.
  • Woodmoor Improvement Association Annual Meeting, Wed., Feb. 22, 7 pm, Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. Sign-in begins at 6:30 pm. The WIA Board normally meets fourth Wed. Info: 719-488-2693, www.woodmoor.org.
  • Monument Fire District board meeting, in person or via Zoom, Wed., Feb. 22, 6:30 pm., Station 1, 18650 Highway 105, Monument. Find updates and Zoom meeting joining instructions at http://www.monumentfire.org, or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin, at 719-484-0911. Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday.
  • Donald Wescott Fire Protection District board meeting, meets in person or via Zoom, every other month. Next meeting: Wed., Mar. 22, 4:30 pm, Monument Fire District Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. Usually meets the fourth Wed. every other month, precedes the MFD board meeting. Find updates and Zoom meeting joining instructions at www.monumentfire.org or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin at 719-484-9011.

WEEKLY & MONTHLY EVENTS

  • Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO) meeting, Sat., Mar. 11, 10 am–12 pm., Woodmoor Barn, 1691 Woodmoor Dr. Members of local HOAs welcome. Usually meets bi-monthly second Sat. of the month. www.nepco.org.
  • The Centering Prayer Group at Black Forest Community Church, first Sat., 8:30-10 am The Old Log Church. Centering prayer opens and closes the meetings with discussion and fellowship in between; open to all. Contact Rev. Roger Butts, 719-433-3135, for information.
  • Half Day Prayer Group at Benet Hill Monastery, first Sat., 9 am-12 pm. All vaccinated guests are welcome. Contact Sister Therese at (719) 355-1638 or (719) 355-1650 or stherese@benethillmonastery.org. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Monument Hill Kiwanis Club meeting, every Sat., 8 am. www.MHKiwanis.org, MonumentHillKiwanis@gmail.com for details, guests are welcome. service leadership clubs, Key clubs, Builders Club and K-kids at D38 schools. Empty bowls dinner and silent auction Oct. 12. Memberships open to the public. Info: RF Smith, 719-210-4987, www.MHKiwanis.org. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Neighborhood Net Ham Radio, every Sat., 10 am Amateur ham radio operators practice for emergencies on weekly repeater nets so neighbors can help neighbors. Sign up at www.mereowx.org/neighborhood-net or contactus@mereowx.org.
  • The Wine Seller Free Wine Tastings, every Sat., 1-4 pm, 2805 Roberts Dr., Monument. Info: 719-488-3019, www.thewineseller.net.
  • Palmer Lake Art Group, second Sat. A variety of art programs are offered after the social gathering and business meeting. Guests welcome. 300 Hwy 105, NE corner of I-25 and 105. 9:30 am. Info: 719-460-4179, www.palmerlakeartgroup.com.
  • Lions Club Bingo, every Sat. (except the first Sat.), 8:30 am-1 pm and first Mon., 5:30-10 pm Tri-Lakes Lions Club’s portion of the proceeds benefit those in need in the Tri-Lakes community. Updated info and location: Jim Naylor, 719-481-8741 or www.trilakeslionsclub.org.
  • Tri-Lakes Parkinson’s Disease Support Group, third Sat., 10 am-noon, Monument Community Presbyterian Church, 238 Third St., Monument. Info: Syble Krafft, 719-488-2669; Barry (group president), 719-351-9485. If you need any help, please call Syble or Barry.
  • Benet Hill Monastery, Let us pray with you, walk in the forest, come up and visit prayer sites, every Sun. worship is 10:15 a.m., 3190 Benet Lane, 80921. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church, every Sun., 8 and 11 am traditional, 9:30 am contemporary. Both in-person (no registration necessary) and live stream at www.tlumc.org/live. Watch live or replay: www.facebook.com/tlumc, www.youtube.com/tlumc.org. Info: 719-488-1365, www.tlumc.org. 20256 Hunting Downs Way, Monument. See ad on page < 2 >.
  • Fuel Church Sunday Service, every Sun. Service times, 11:00 am Live service streaming at www.fuelchurch.org at 11:40 am on www.fuelchurch.org. Mountain Community Mennonite Church, 643 Hwy 105, Palmer Lake. Nursery and kids’ service. Non-denominational, spirit-filled. Need prayer? Email us info@fuel.org. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Ridgeview Baptist Church, every Sun., 10:30 am, temporarily meeting at 9130 Explorer Dr., Colorado Springs, 80920. Info: 719-357-6515 or www.ridgeviewcolorado.org. See ad on page < 6 >.
  • German Conversation Group, every Mon., 1:30pm, Monument Library, 1706 Woodmoor Drive. Public welcome with Intermediate to Advanced German speaking skills.
  • The Forest Chorus, first and third Mon., 7-8:30 p.m., at the Black Forest Community Center. most months. The group supports community events, leading sing-along audience participation, and occasionally perform a wide variety of music for fun. For more information please email: blackforestnews@earthlink.net. Previous choir or barbershop experience is preferred.
  • Women’s A.A. Step Study, every Mon., 6:30 pm, meeting remotely, check for details. Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 675 Baptist Rd. Park in west lot. Info: 866-641-9190.Al-Anon Zoom Meeting, Just for Today Online, every Mon., 9:00 – 10:00 am Zoom Meeting ID: 889 4142 7446, Password 349309
  • Al-Anon Zoom Meeting, Just for Today Online, every Mon., 9-10 am Zoom Meeting ID: 889 4142 7446, Password 349309.
  • Monument Life Recovery Group, every Mon., 6:30-7:30 pm, The Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd. This faith-based support group is for those seeking freedom from all hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Daycare provided for children under age 11. Info: 303-946-2659, www.liferecoverygroups.com/meetings/life-recovery-group-3/.
  • Amateur ham radio WØTLM (Tri-Lakes Monument ham radio Association), third Mon. All amateur ham radio operators or those interested in becoming one are welcome. Info: www.W0TLM.com
  • La Leche League breastfeeding support group, second Mon., 7 pm, . Partners and helpers welcome (and babies and kids, too) so we can meet our breastfeeding goals together. Black Forest Community Center 12530 Black Forest Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80908. For more information, contact RachelKLangley@gmail.com.
  • Children’s Literacy Center, every Mon. & Wed., 5:30-6:30 pm. Provides free one-on-one literacy tutoring to Tri-Lakes children in grades 1-6 who are reading below grade level. Tutoring is at Grace Best Education Center, 66 Jefferson St. Monument. For more information, to become a volunteer tutor, or to enroll your child, visit www.childrensliteracycenter.org or contact Rachel Morin, Tri-Lakes Senior Center Coordinator, CLC 610-246-1047 (cell).
  • Centering Prayer Group at Benet Hill Monastery, every Tue., 10-11 am. All vaccinated guests are welcome. Contact Sister Therese at (719) 355-1638 or (719) 355-1650 or stherese@benethillmonastery.org.
  • Essentrics Fitness Program at Senior Center, every Tue., 9 am & Thu., 10 am, Grace Best Education Center, 66 Jefferson St, Monument, CO 80132. Registration & info: Sue Walker, 719-330-0241, www.trilakesseniors.org.
  • GriefShare Support Group, last Tue. of the month, 10:30 am-noon. NEW LOCATION: Tri-Lakes Senior Center, 66 Jefferson St. in the Grace Best Elementary School building. The Tri-Lakes Silver Alliance has partnered with Colorado Palliative and Hospice Care to host a 13-session grief support group in Monument. RSVP, info: Sue Walker, 719-330-0241.
  • Senior Citizen Lunches, Connections Café sites, every Wed. will have “grab and go” (prepared meals). A $2.25 donation is requested. Call 719-884-2300 to reserve your meal. Meals on Wheels and Home Delivered Meals will deliver frozen meals for the week to Monument. Food Pantry offers a “pick up only” Mon.-Fri., noon-12:30 pm, Mountain Community Mennonite Church, 643 Hwy. 105, Palmer Lake. Reservations requested: 719-884 2300. Check the Silver Key @ Tri-Lakes website for events and schedules, https://www.silverkey.org/tri-lakes-events/
  • Colorado Springs Philharmonic Guild Listening Club, third Wed. Free virtual event. Maestro Wilson will conduct monthly hour-long programs. RSVP at www.cspguild.org.
  • Gleneagle Sertoma, first and third Wed., 11:45 am to 1 pm at Beasts and Brews, 7 Spectrum Loop, Colorado Springs. The longest continuously serving civic service organization in northern El Paso County features a program speaker addressing local topics of interest. Duane Gritzmaker, dwgritz@gmail.com or 719-649-9220.
  • Senior Social, fourth Wed., 12455 Black Forest Rd. Info: www.aarpchapter1100blackforest.weekly.com.
  • Tri-Lakes Church of Christ Wednesday night fellowship classes, every Wed., 6-7:30 pm, 20450 Beacon Lite Road, Monument (corner of Beacon Lite & County Line Roads). Info: 719-488-9613, gregsmith@trilakeschurch.org, www.trilakeschurch.org.
  • Tri-Lakes Cruisers, first Wed., 7 pm. A nonprofit car club. Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce community room, with numerous activities and events each month. Club membership applications are now being accepted and are available on the website: https://tl-cruisers.weebly.com.
  • AARP Black Forest #1100, second Wed., noon. All ages welcome. In-person, Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Rd.
  • Senior Bingo, third Wed. Silver Alliance Senior Center, Space is limited to 16 participants. RSVP & info: Sue Walker, 719-464-6873, or email sue@monumentalfitness.
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7829, third Wed., 7 pm, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce community room, 166 2nd St., Monument. New members welcome. Info: Post Commander and POC Bruce Beyerly, Bruce.Beyerly@gmail.com.
  • VFW Auxiliary to Post 7829, third Wed., 7 pm, The Country Club at Woodmoor, 18945 Pebble Beach Way, Monument. Guests are welcome to join; contact carlsonmkc@aol.com for instructions on how to connect. If you are a relative of a veteran who served on foreign soil during war or other military action, you may be eligible. Info: Kathy Carlson, 719-488-1902, carlsonmkc@aol.com.
  • Pikes Peak Genealogical Society, Wed., Feb. 8, 6:30pm Zoom hangout, 7 pm start; second Wed., guests welcome. Usually meets at The Venue, Library 21c 1175 Chapel Hills Drive Colorado Springs (currently only Zoom). Info:ppgsPresident@ppgs.com.
  • Al-anon Meeting: Monument Serenity AFG, every Thu., 7-8 pm, Ascent Church (formerly the Tri-Lakes Chapel), 1750 Deer Creek Rd., Monument. Info: MonumentSerenity@gmail.com.
  • Palmer Divide Quiltmakers, first Thu., 6:30-8:30 pm at Monument Chamber of Commerce building, 166 2nd St, Monument, CO.
  • Al-Anon meeting: Letting Go, every Thu., 9-10:15 am at Ascent Church, 1750 Deer Creek Rd., Monument. For additional information go to www.al-anon-co.org.
  • Networking breakfast, first and third Thu., Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce in person or via Zoom 166 2nd Street Monument 7:30-9 am free registration at www.TriLakeschamber.com.
  • Fuel Church Griefshare, every Thu., 5:30-7:30 pm 643 State Highway 105, Palmer Lake. Email info@fuel.org. 643 Hwy 105, Palmer Lake.
  • A.A. Big Book Study, every Thu., 7 pm, Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 675 W. Baptist Rd. Call 425-436-6200, access code 575176#.
  • Palmer Lake Historical Society, Thu., Feb. 16, 6:00- 8:00 pm. Usually meets third Thu., meeting 7:30pm. Palmer Lake Town Hall, 28 Valley Crescent St.
  • Friends of Fox Run Park, fourth Thu. Zoom meeting, 7 pm, email friendsoffoxrunpark@gmail.com, they will email you the link the day of the meeting. Join the growing group to learn about volunteering and supporting the park for forest safety, trails, trees, education, more. Info: friendsoffoxrunpark@gmail.com.
  • Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) monthly meeting: Fri., Feb. 17, 11 am, Falcon Club, USAFA. Program: Katie and Joe Uveges, father-daughter Singer/songwriter local duo with a focus on folk/country/bluegrass. Third Fri. Meetings open to TLWC members. To become a member, or learn about the club, visit our website at www.tlwc.net. Contact Info: Tri-Lakes Women’s Club membership@tlwc.net
  • Senior Book Club, second Fri., 11 am-noon, Silver Alliance Senior Center, all are welcome. Coffee & snacks served. RSVP & info: Sue, 719-330-0241.
  • Gleneagle Women’s Club, membership luncheon, third Fri., Sept-June, various venues, 12 activity groups, i.e., hiking, bridge, etc. Guests welcome. For information contact Amy Miller, (310) 941-1590.
  • Monument Dementia Caregiver Support Group, Second Sat., 9:45-11:15 am. Meets in Person, First National Bank Monument ( 581 Highway 105, Monument, CO 80132). Meets monthly, 2nd Sat. Contact: Registration is required, call 800-272-3900 or email khare@alz.org to register.
  • Tri-Lakes Monument radio Association, Details: Contact Bob Witte, 719-659-3727.

SPECIAL EVENTS

  • VOLUNTEER TODAY! Our Community News mailing day, Thu., Mar. 2; approx. 9 am–2 pm. We are all volunteers at OCN and need YOUR help, even for an hour two, getting the papers ready to mail. Contact AllenAlchian@ocn.me to sign up and get the address and exact times.
  • Winter Fun at Fox Run, Sat., Feb. 4, 10 am-2 pm, celebrate winter’s beauty: roast hot dogs and marshmallows, live music, wagon hayrides, storytelling, dog costume contest and parade with prizes for the winners, games, and more. Fox Run Regional Park, $5/person includes food and all activities. Prepaid registration at www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com. All proceeds support a new nature center in Fox Run Regional Park.
  • Palmer Lake business workshop series, Thu., Feb. 9, Social Media Workshop, coffee and a light breakfast for attendees. $17/person. Register now: info@palmerlakecolorado.org. Palmer Lake Town Hall, 42 Valley Crescent, Palmer Lake.
  • Free chess tournament, all k-12 students in Lewis-Palmer School District #38 area, Sat. Feb. 11, 2023, Bear Creek Elementary School (a new location). Reg. begins 8:15 a.m., First Round 9:00 a.m. Please arrive by 8:40 a.m. Play is 4 rounds, Tournament should be over by 2:00 p.m. Pre-registration is encouraged so we can order sufficient trophies and medals for all participants. Pre-register each student at: shorturl.at/mWX36. Chess sets will be provided. Children should bring their own snacks. Event is selling pizza and sodas as a fundraiser. Contact Steve Waldmann, the Tournament Director and Bear Creek Elementary Chess Club Coach at huskerco@gmail.com. If you know of an adult who would like to be one of our Tournament Referees, contact Steve Waldmann.
  • D38 Talent Show application due date, Sat., Feb. 11, auditions Sat., Feb. 25. Info: monumenthillkiwanis.org.
  • Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Networking, Tue., Feb. 14, 5 pm–7:00 pm, members free, $15 for non-members. Details: www.trilakeschamber.com. 719-481-3282.
  • Wildfire Neighborhood Ambassador Program: 2023 Kick-off Meeting. Tues., Feb. 21, 7 – 8:30 p.m., learn to reduce wildland fire risk, earn a free wood chipper rental for your neighborhood. TLUMC EPG offering a FREE course (on Zoom) to share information to organize neighbors and implement wildfire risk reduction projects in your own neighborhood. See Eventbrite.com, search “wildfire neighborhood ambassador” for more info and to sign up, or write to Andre’ at epg@tlumc.org.
  • Black Forest Saddle Club: awards ceremony for top equestrians for 2022 show season, Sat., Feb. 25, 3 pm, includes officer elections. Refreshments provided. Black Forest Lutheran Church, 12455 Black Forest Rd. Contact styfree451@gmail.com or visit BlackForestSaddleClub.com.
  • Affordable Flooring Connection, special offers through Feb. 28. see ad on page < 2 >.
  • Cornerstone Cleaners, special offers through Feb. 28. 1030 W. Baptist Road, near King Soopers. See ad on page < 4 >.
  • Eagle Wine & Spirits, special offers through Feb. 28. Baptist Road next to King Soopers. See ad on page < 3 >.
  • MVEA board nominations by committee due Thu., Mar. 16 and petition due Apr. 6. See ad on page < 9 >.
  • Monument Cleaners, special offers through Feb. 28, 15932 Jackson Creek Pkwy., in Monument Marketplace. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • Monumental Med Spa, special offers through Feb. 28 at the loft, 4 Hwy. 105 Palmer Lake. See ad on page < 7 >.
  • Noel Relief Centers, new patient special. 950 Baptist Rd #130, Monument. See ad on page < 7 >.
  • Pikes Peak Brewing Co., pop up smokehouse Fri. & Sat., 1756 Lake Woodmoor Dr. See ad on page < 13 >.
  • Tri-lakes Collision, special offers through Feb. 28. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • The Living Room Plants, special offers through Feb. 28. 12229 Voyager Pkwy, Suite 100. See ad on page < 5 >.
  • McCord’s Garden center opens, Wed., Mar. 1, Book projects before Mar. 1 for a special offer. 2720 McShane Dr, Monument,(Corner of Hwy 105 & McShane Dr.) See ad on page < 4 >.
  • YMCA youth sports registration: Flag Football, Volleyball & Soccer Season starts Apr. 3. Info: ppymca.org/sports. See ad on page < 6 >.

Our community calendar carries listings on a space-available basis for Tri-Lakes events that are sponsored by local governmental entities and not-for-profit organizations. We include events that are open to the general public and are not religious or self-promotional in nature. If space is available, complimentary calendar listings are included, when requested, for events advertised in the current issue. To have your event listed at no charge in Our Community Calendar, please call (719) 339-7831 or send the information to calendar@ocn.me or Our Community News, P.O. Box 1742, Monument, Colorado 80132.

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