John DeFrancesco is the Palmer Lake Arts Council’s spotlighted artist for May 2026. DeFrancesco has been a local painter for over 30 years. His art focuses on the natural beauty of plants and gardens. DeFrancesco said he’s “driven to record nature emotionally, not simply artistically.” He continued, “I work to capture, not just an impression of what I see, but an interpretation of what I feel.” He was influenced by Manet and his uncle Andy who was a commercial artist in New York. DeFrancesco has won many awards including from the Palmer Lake Arts Group, the Pikes Peak Library District, and the U.S. Air Force Academy. His art is on display at Bella Art and Frame in Monument. Photo by Tati McAlister.
Held at the MFD Administrative Offices, 19775 Mitchell Avenue, Monument, CO 80132. This will be a great opportunity to meet the five candidates. For information, visit www.monumentfire.org or contact 719-488-0911.
Above: The Town of Monument Water Department has imposed water restrictions five weeks early because of the lack of precipitation and higher than usual temperatures we’ve had. The restrictions started on April 7 and will continue until Oct. 30. Odd-numbered addresses will be allowed to water on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Even number addresses can water on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. No watering is allowed on Sundays. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Tri-Lakes Chamber Awards, Apr. 2
Pat Shane was named Volunteer of the Year at the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce annual gala on April 2. The western-themed “Gilded West” event was held at Phil Long Music Hall in Colorado Springs. Tri-Lakes Cares won Non-Profit of the Year. Employee of the Year went to Patty Bellingham of DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen. Logan Bryson of Line-X was named Businessperson of the Year. Sandy Shook of Coffee with Sandy went home with the title Ambassador of the Year. Eagle Rock Distributing Co. was announced as Economic Development Corporation of the Year, and Tall Boy Marketing was named Member of the Year.
Above: Pat Shane (L) accepts his Volunteer of the Year award.
Tri-Lakes Cares Executive Director Haley Chapin accepts Non-Profit of the Year. Photos by Alicia Rohlfing
PLAG Art Scholarships
The Palmer Lake Art Group announced the winners of the art scholarship for graduating seniors. This year, the art group awarded two senior students. Diana Sapp of Palmer Ridge High School, won the first-place award of $1,500. Recipients must be students receiving their diploma in School District 38 by the end of the current year and meet the requirements of planning for a career in a visual arts-related field. Photos courtesy of Palmer Lake Art Group.
The Palmer Lake Art Group announced the winners of the art scholarship for graduating seniors. This year, the art group awarded two senior students. Sadie Arter of Lewis- Palmer High School, was awarded the second-place award of $1,000. Recipients must be students receiving their diploma in School District 38 by the end of the current year and meet the requirements of planning for a career in a visual arts-related field. Photos courtesy of Palmer Lake Art Group.
Forest Health and Wildfire Risk
Above: Tall Pines Ranch Firewise organizer Nancy Casadevall says, “It takes a community to safeguard our forests.” On April 3, members of the HOA’s Firewise USA ® Committee brainstormed how to engage more neighbors in beautifying the forest and protecting trees and homes from wildfire and mountain pine beetles. Forester David Root offered advice on identifying and dealing with these risks. Contact the Colorado State Forest Service or your local fire district for information. Photo by Lisa Hatfield.
E-motorcycles damage green space
Above: E-motorcycles riding on the Gleneagle green space Apr. 10, 2026. Photo submitted by a reader.
Above: Evidence of damage to the green space. Drone photo Jan. 11, 2025. Photo courtesy GCA.
The following is a letter from Mark Connell, president of the Gleneagle Civic Association Board of Directors, regarding an incident involving E-motorcyclists on March 29.
The Gleneagle Civic Association Board wanted to bring to your attention an incident that recently occurred on the Ray Berg Green Space. At about 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, one of our board members and his wife were confronted by four juveniles on E-motorcycles. The juveniles were told by our board member that E-motorcycles were not allowed on the green space. The juveniles drove concentric circles around our board member and his wife. They also rode their E-motorcycles directly at them, breaking off the charge at the last moment before turning away.
Although our board member was knocked to the ground, neither he nor his wife suffered any significant injury. Our board member reported the assault to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. Another GCA member witnessed this incident and walked toward the four E-motorcyclists, at which point they fled the scene. A sheriff’s deputy came to Gleneagle, took a report of the incident, and is following up with an investigation.
This incident comes after more than a year of trespassing and damage to the green space by E-motorcyclists. We have photo documentation of trespassing in February, April, and August of 2025, as well as an incident as recent as March 8, 2026. In 2025, trespassing E-motorcyclists damaged the green space by leaving multiple figure-eight “burn-outs.” Damage was estimated at $1,000 to repair. The damage was reported to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
The board would like to ask members for the following assistance in this ongoing investigation:
If you witness E-motorcyclists in the green space, please take photos or video if possible. Electric vehicles often look like e-bikes, but if they exceed the 750-watt legal limit, they are legally classified as motor vehicles. Motors ranging from 1,000 to 6,000-plus watts can reach top speeds of 30-65-plus mph. Consequently, the vehicle must be registered under Colorado law, the user must have a valid driver’s license, and the vehicle must be insured.
Please immediately report any sighting of E-motorcycles in the green space to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency phone number: 719-390-5555.
If you know the identity of any E-motorcyclists using the green space, please contact the Sheriff’s Office to assist with its investigation.
It is worth noting that KOAA Channel 5 ran a report on E-motorcycles at 6 p.m. on April 4, 2026, in response to a query from a Gleneagle North resident. The report noted that in the state of Colorado, E-motorcycles are defined as OHV’s (Off-Highway Vehicles), which are permitted only on designated motorized trails. They are not permitted on roads, sidewalks, parks, or areas that specifically prohibit motorized vehicles.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Best, Mark Connell President Gleneagle Civic Association Board of Directors
Easter Egg Hunt, Apr. 4
Above: On Apr. 4, hundreds of children, aged pre-school through elementary school, participated in the 4th annual Gleneagle Easter Egg Hunt on the Antelope Trails Elementary School (ATES) field. Over 15,000 plastic Easter eggs filled with candies along with bubble wands, sticker sheets, coloring books and small cush balls were scattered on the field for the hunt. Blair Dinkins, with eXp Realty, LLC, coordinated the event. She said her family started filling the eggs in late Fall 2025 in preparation. She stated this “community event draws Gleneagle families together and engages the school for a great time.” Veterans United Home Loans sponsored bounce houses as part of the after-hunt activities. Dinkins said the Gleneagle community should be on the lookout for information regarding another fun event for all ages, the Gleneagle Spirit 5k Walk/Run presently scheduled for Sept. 12. Photo by David Futey
D38 District-wide Art Show, Apr. 11
Above: On April 11th, Lewis-Palmer School District 38 welcomed the general public to the district-wide art show at the school district administration building, Big Red, in Monument. Students from all grades were represented in their art efforts and families and the students enjoyed the event. Photo by Janet Sellers.
Troop 194 Spring Food Drive
Above: On Apr. 11, Scout Master Larry Nikolaus (far left) and members of Boys and Girls Scout Troop 194 – Gleneagle pose with donations dropped off by Gleneagle community members and others for the troop’s Spring Food Drive. The troop has been collecting food donations in the Spring and Fall for over 20 years, typically collecting over 1,000lbs during each drive per Nikolaus. The donations collected during this drive are destined for Tri-Lakes Cares. Members of the troop also picked up trash along Gleneagle Drive, which they do quarterly. Nikolaus said the troop consists of boys and girls from Gleneagle and Monument. Photo by David Futey.
D38 Signing Day, Apr. 15
On April 15, Lewis-Palmer School District 38 celebrated 28 student-athletes as they signed letters of intent to compete at the collegiate level.
Palmer Ridge High School athletes included: Zach Austin, baseball, McPherson College Xavier Gonzalez, football, College of St. Scholastica Macy Smith, softball, Southern Virginia Liam Holliday, track & field, Dubuque College Diora Williams, soccer, Trinidad State Hayden Oringdulph, track & field, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs Esther Paulson, cross country/track & field, Seattle Pacific University Bryce Frazier, track & field, Hastings College Bella O’Donnell, track & field, Ft. Lewis College Owen Twesme, track & field, Montana State Nathan Moller, track & field, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs Noah Grace Denison, track & field, Black Hills State Carter Holstein, basketball, Buena Vista University
Lewis-Palmer High School athletes included: Maddox Bertz, baseball, Monterey Peninsula College Sydney Blazer, softball, Chandler-Gilbert Community College Ashton Brittain, baseball, Dakota State University Madi Crowe, volleyball, Fort Hays State University Jevon Davis, football, Colorado Mesa University Joey Davis, baseball, Dakota College at Bottineau Rylee Edmondson, basketball, Utah State Eastern University Josh Gilbreath, baseball, Crown College Kacey Johnson, track & field, Colorado State University Troy Johnson, football, Colorado Mesa University Cady Knight, volleyball, Regis University Charles Lendt, baseball, Northeastern Ty’sen Logan, football, Colorado Mesa University Mason Martin, football, Kansas Wesleyan University Luke Robinson, football, Wheaton College
Some of the Lewis-Palmer High School athletes who signed letters of intent on April 15 to compete at the collegiate level.
Some of the Palmer Ridge High School athletes who signed letters of intent on April 15 to compete at the collegiate level.
Photos courtesy of District 38.
MVEA Mulching, Apr. 11
Above: Area residents brought in their tree limbs and branches to be mulched in the second annual Mulch Madness event on April 11 in Monument. The event is sponsored by the Mountain View Electric Association (MVEA) in partnership with the Town of Monument Public Works Department and Monument Fire District. A total of 178 MVEA members protected their properties and the surrounding community by clearing excess brush and tree debris and having it mulched. Sara Muirheid, MVEA Communications Supervisor, says, “By working together with our local partners, we’re helping reduce fire risk while keeping our communities safe and resilient.” MVEA also offers free tree trimming near power lines. Photo provided by MVEA.
Donation to Monument Warriors
Above: 100+ Women Who Care Tri-Lakes met April 15 at the Woodmoor Barn to choose a local nonprofit for its semiannual donation. Members, who each give $100 twice a year, heard three-minute presentations from Beautiful Redemption Care Portal, Monument Warriors, and Tri-Lakes Preservation. The group selected Monument Warriors as its spring 2026 recipient. Monument Warriors is a team in the Colorado Special Olympics Southeast Region that supports Special Olympics athletes in the Tri-Lakes and north Colorado Springs area. The D38 Foundation, the fall 2025 recipient, provided refreshments and shared how its $7,000 donation funded teachers to further their educations and provide materials for arts, science, reading, and math at six schools. The next voting meeting is Oct. 21, 2026. For more information, visit 100womenwhocaretrilakes.com. From left are Coach Michelle, athletes Michal Tyler, Eden, and Janae, and Coach Meredith. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Teen donates to thrift store
Above: Lukas Gizelbach, a Monumental Impact intern (left), presented bookends he created to Brieana Weaver, Silver Key Thrift Store’s retail sales director (right) on April 15. Silver Key gave Lukas the opportunity last fall to share his prototype and gather customer feedback. He completed his internship by creating and packaging a set of his final bookends for donation to Silver Key’s new thrift store location next to The UPS Store in the Safeway shopping center on Route 105 in Monument. Photo by Jeanette Breton.
Silver Key Thrift Store relocates
Above and below: A huge crowd packed the new location of the Silver Key Thrift Store in the Safeway shopping center on Route 105 in Monument for a grand opening celebration on April 17. The new location is much bigger than the old place on Route 105 in Palmer Lake, where the shop was located for the past two years. Retail Sales Director Brieana Weaver says they’ll get more walk-ins in this location since it’s in a busy shopping center. The sign for the liquor store that used to be at the new location was still on the storefront. Silver Key President and CEO Jason DeaBueno says a lighted Silver Key sign will be installed on both ends of the building once it gets approved by the Town of Monument. He ended his speech by urging the crowd to “Buy! Buy! Buy! Use it and then recycle it, and we’ll sell it again!” Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Monument Arbor Day, Apr. 24
The Town of Monument celebrated its 32nd year of being designated “Tree City U.S.A.” by planting a tree on Arbor Day April 24. The Monument Parks Department planted a Vanderwolf Pine on the road leading to Monument Lake. This along with three other trees planted on the road earlier in the week are the town’s first Vanderwolf Pines. Parks Superintendant James Schubauer told the small crowd that these trees are supposed to be faster growing, fuller and softer compared to other pines. Schubauer gave tips on how to plant the tree as it was being placed in the ground. Pictured from left: Schubauer, Park Techs Trystan Pyle, and Michael Spencer start to remove the burlap surrounding the root ball. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Snow flowers, Apr. 17
Above: After a winter practically devoid of snow, 5 inches fell in Monument on April 17. On the left are our tulips on April 16. On the right is how they looked after the snow stopped falling. Photos by Michael Weinfeld.
Road renamed “Doc Close Road”
Above: The Monument Town Council has picked “Doc Close Road” as the winner of the contest to rename a new segment of roadway created by the realignment of Old Denver Road between Santa Fe Avenue and Wagon Gap Trail. Senior Planner Jenna Gorney (in photo) told the council at its April 21 meeting that the winning name submitted by Catherine McGuire was among 160 names suggested by 60 people in the contest. The road will be renamed in honor of McGuire’s grandfather Thomas Close, who was a medical doctor and pharmacist in Monument in the early 1900s. Close and his family used to live in the house that’s now Lolly’s. He bought 240 acres between Elephant Rock and Ben Lomand Mountain in 1922, and the family has made sure the land is preserved. Close was friends with Jim Higby and McGuire suggested in her application that her grandfather join his “childhood chum” with a road named in his honor. The renaming will be made official with a resolution probably at the next council meeting on May 4. The new sign will be unveiled at a ceremony on May 22. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
PLAC spotlights Walt Moore
Above: Local potter and teacher Walt Moore was the Palmer Lake Arts Council’s featured artist last month. Moore turned to art after a 30-year career as an environmental scientist. He fell in love with working with clay as a young boy. Moore sells his pottery from his studio in Red Rocks Ranch in Monument. He makes cremation urns for a local church and accepts custom orders for other pottery projects ranging from everyday functional work to artistic creations. Moore says, “Pottery is the most zen thing I’ve ever done.” He’s accepting students at his home studio. You can contact him at waltmoore1@msn.com.Photo provided by Tati McAlister.
The Town of Monument celebrated its 32nd year of being designated “Tree City U.S.A.” by planting a tree on Arbor Day April 24. The Monument Parks Department planted a Vanderwolf Pine on the road leading to Monument Lake. This along with three other trees planted on the road earlier in the week are the town’s first Vanderwolf Pines. Parks Superintendant James Schubauer told the small crowd that these trees are supposed to be faster growing, fuller and softer compared to other pines. Schubauer gave tips on how to plant the tree as it was being placed in the ground. Pictured from left: Schubauer, Park Techs Trystan Pyle, and Michael Spencer start to remove the burlap surrounding the root ball. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.The Town of Monument celebrated its 32nd year of being designated “Tree City U.S.A.” by planting a tree on Arbor Day April 24. The Monument Parks Department planted a Vanderwolf Pine on the road leading to Monument Lake. This along with three other trees planted on the road earlier in the week are the town’s first Vanderwolf Pines. Parks Superintendant James Schubauer told the small crowd that these trees are supposed to be faster growing, fuller and softer compared to other pines. Schubauer gave tips on how to plant the tree as it was being placed in the ground. Pictured from left, Schubauer, Park Techs Trystan Pyle and Michael Spencer carefully place the tree in the hole. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.The Town of Monument celebrated its 32nd year of being designated “Tree City U.S.A.” by planting a tree on Arbor Day April 24. The Monument Parks Department planted a Vanderwolf Pine on the road leading to Monument Lake. This along with three other trees planted on the road earlier in the week are the town’s first Vanderwolf Pines. Parks Superintendant James Schubauer told the small crowd that these trees are supposed to be faster growing, fuller and softer compared to other pines. Schubauer gave tips on how to plant the tree as it was being placed in the ground. Pictured from left, Monument Mayor Mitch LaKind and Council member Steve King greet the Arbor Bear.Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
On Apr. 11, Scout Master Larry Nikolaus (far left) and members of Boys and Girls Scout Troop 194 – Gleneagle pose with donations dropped off by Gleneagle community members and others for the troop’s Spring Food Drive. The troop has been collecting food donations in the Spring and Fall for over 20 years, typically collecting over 1,000lbs during each drive per Nikolaus. The donations collected during this drive are destined for Tri-Lakes Cares. Members of the troop also picked up trash along Gleneagle Drive, which they do quarterly. Nikolaus said the troop consists of boys and girls from Gleneagle and Monument. Photo by David Futey.
On Apr. 4, hundreds of children, aged pre-school through elementary school, participated in the 4th annual Gleneagle Easter Egg Hunt on the Antelope Trails Elementary School (ATES) field. Over 15,000 plastic Easter eggs filled with candies along with bubble wands, sticker sheets, coloring books and small cush balls were scattered on the field for the hunt. Blair Dinkins, with eXp Realty, LLC, coordinated the event. She said her family started filling the eggs in late Fall 2025 in preparation. She stated this “community event draws Gleneagle families together and engages the school for a great time.” Veterans United Home Loans sponsored bounce houses as part of the after-hunt activities. Dinkins said the Gleneagle community should be on the lookout for information regarding another fun event for all ages, the Gleneagle Spirit 5k Walk/Run presently scheduled for Sept. 12. Photo by David FuteyOn Apr. 4, hundreds of children, aged pre-school through elementary school, participated in the 4th annual Gleneagle Easter Egg Hunt on the Antelope Trails Elementary School (ATES) field. Over 15,000 plastic Easter eggs filled with candies along with bubble wands, sticker sheets, coloring books and small cush balls were scattered on the field for the hunt. Blair Dinkins, with eXp Realty, LLC, coordinated the event. She said her family started filling the eggs in late Fall 2025 in preparation. She stated this “community event draws Gleneagle families together and engages the school for a great time.” Veterans United Home Loans sponsored bounce houses as part of the after-hunt activities. Dinkins said the Gleneagle community should be on the lookout for information regarding another fun event for all ages, the Gleneagle Spirit 5k Walk/Run presently scheduled for Sept. 12. Photo by David Futey
Lukas Gizelbach, a Monumental Impact intern (left), presented bookends he created to Brieana Weaver, Silver Key Thrift Store’s retail sales director (right) on April 15. Silver Key gave Lukas the opportunity last fall to share his prototype and gather customer feedback. He completed his internship by creating and packaging a set of his final bookends for donation to Silver Key’s new thrift store location next to The UPS Store in the Safeway shopping center on Route 105 in Monument. Photo by Jeanette Breton.
Area residents brought in their tree limbs and branches to be mulched in the second annual Mulch Madness event on April 11 in Monument. The event is sponsored by the Mountain View Electric Association (MVEA) in partnership with the Town of Monument Public Works Department and Monument Fire District. A total of 178 MVEA members protected their properties and the surrounding community by clearing excess brush and tree debris and having it mulched. Sara Muirheid, MVEA Communications Supervisor, says, “By working together with our local partners, we’re helping reduce fire risk while keeping our communities safe and resilient.” MVEA also offers free tree trimming near power lines. Photo provided by MVEA.Area residents brought in their tree limbs and branches to be mulched in the second annual Mulch Madness event on April 11 in Monument. The event is sponsored by the Mountain View Electric Association (MVEA) in partnership with the Town of Monument Public Works Department and Monument Fire District. A total of 178 MVEA members protected their properties and the surrounding community by clearing excess brush and tree debris and having it mulched. Sara Muirheid, MVEA Communications Supervisor, says, “By working together with our local partners, we’re helping reduce fire risk while keeping our communities safe and resilient.” MVEA also offers free tree trimming near power lines. Photo provided by MVEA.
The Town of Monument Water Department has imposed water restrictions five weeks early because of the lack of precipitation and higher than usual temperatures we’ve had. The restrictions started on April 7 and will continue until Oct. 30. Odd-numbered addresses will be allowed to water on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Even number addresses can water on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. No watering is allowed on Sundays. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
The Monument Town Council has picked “Doc Close Road” as the winner of the contest to rename a new segment of roadway created by the realignment of Old Denver Road between Santa Fe Avenue and Wagon Gap Trail. Senior Planner Jenna Gorney (in photo) told the council at its April 21 meeting that the winning name submitted by Catherine McGuire was among 160 names suggested by 60 people in the contest. The road will be renamed in honor of McGuire’s grandfather Thomas Close, who was a medical doctor and pharmacist in Monument in the early 1900s. Close and his family used to live in the house that’s now Lolly’s. He bought 240 acres between Elephant Rock and Ben Lomand Mountain in 1922, and the family has made sure the land is preserved. Close was friends with Jim Higby and McGuire suggested in her application that her grandfather join his “childhood chum” with a road named in his honor. The renaming will be made official with a resolution probably at the next council meeting on May 4. The new sign will be unveiled at a ceremony on May 22. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
A huge crowd packed the new location of the Silver Key Thrift Store in the Safeway shopping center on Route 105 in Monument for a grand opening celebration on April 17. The new location is much bigger than the old place on Route 105 in Palmer Lake where the shop was located the past two years. Retail sales director Brieana Weaver says they’ll get more walk-ins in this location since it’s in a busy shopping center. The sign for the liquor store that used to be at the new location was still on the storefront. Silver Key President and CEO Jason DeaBueno says a lighted Silver Key sign will be installed on both ends of the building once it gets approved by the Town of Monument. He ended his speech by urging the crowd to “Buy! Buy! Buy! Use it and then recycle it and we’ll sell it again!” Photo by Michael Weinfeld.A huge crowd packed the new location of the Silver Key Thrift Store in the Safeway shopping center on Route 105 in Monument for a grand opening celebration on April 17. The new location is much bigger than the old place on Route 105 in Palmer Lake where the shop was located the past two years. Retail sales director Brieana Weaver says they’ll get more walk-ins in this location since it’s in a busy shopping center. The sign for the liquor store that used to be at the new location was still on the storefront. Silver Key President and CEO Jason DeaBueno says a lighted Silver Key sign will be installed on both ends of the building once it gets approved by the Town of Monument. He ended his speech by urging the crowd to “Buy! Buy! Buy! Use it and then recycle it and we’ll sell it again!” Photo by Michael Weinfeld.A huge crowd packed the new location of the Silver Key Thrift Store in the Safeway shopping center on Route 105 in Monument for a grand opening celebration on April 17. The new location is much bigger than the old place on Route 105 in Palmer Lake where the shop was located the past two years. Retail sales director Brieana Weaver says they’ll get more walk-ins in this location since it’s in a busy shopping center. The sign for the liquor store that used to be at the new location was still on the storefront. Silver Key President and CEO Jason DeaBueno says a lighted Silver Key sign will be installed on both ends of the building once it gets approved by the Town of Monument. He ended his speech by urging the crowd to “Buy! Buy! Buy! Use it and then recycle it and we’ll sell it again!” Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
On April 11th, Lewis-Palmer School District 38 welcomed the general public to the district-wide art show at the school district administration building, Big Red, in Monument. Students from all grades were represented in their art efforts and families and the students enjoyed the event. Photo by Janet Sellers.On April 11th, Lewis-Palmer School District 38 welcomed the general public to the district-wide art show at the school district administration building, Big Red, in Monument. Students from all grades were represented in their art efforts and families and the students enjoyed the event. Photo by Janet Sellers.On April 11th, Lewis-Palmer School District 38 welcomed the general public to the district-wide art show at the school district administration building, Big Red, in Monument. Students from all grades were represented in their art efforts and families and the students enjoyed the event. Photo by Janet Sellers.On April 11th, Lewis-Palmer School District 38 welcomed the general public to the district-wide art show at the school district administration building, Big Red, in Monument. Students from all grades were represented in their art efforts and families and the students enjoyed the event. Photo by Janet Sellers.
As reported in the Apr. 4 issue of Our Community News (OCN), Gleneagle Civic Association (GCA) board members stated continuing concerns regarding E-motorcycles operating on and causing damage to the Ray Berg Open Space (RBOS). On Apr. 6, GCA President Mark Connell sent the following email to GCA members alerting them of a confrontation that occurred between a board member and juveniles operating E-motorcycles on the RBOS. He included information on how to proceed if E-motorcyclists are seen on the RBOS and provided information on where such off-highway vehicles are permitted. David Futey can be contacted at davefutey@ocn.me
———————–
The Gleneagle Civic Association Board wanted to bring to your attention an incident that recently occurred on the Ray Berg Green Space.
At about 4:00PM on Sunday, March 29th, one of our board members and his wife were assaulted by four juveniles on E-Motorcycles. The juveniles were told by our board member that E-Motorcycles were not allowed on the Green Space. The juveniles drove concentric circles around our board member and his wife. They also rode their E-Motorcycles directly at them, then breaking off the charge at the last moment before turning away.
Although our board member was knocked to the ground, neither he nor his wife suffered any significant injury. Our board member reported the assault to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. Another GCA member witnessed this incident and walked toward the four E-Motorcyclists at which point they fled the scene. A sheriff’s deputy came to Gleneagle, took a report of the incident and is following up with an investigation.
This incident comes after more than a year of trespassing and damage to the Green Space by E-Motorcyclists. We have photo documentation of trespassing in February, April, and August of 2025, as well as an incident as recent as March 8th, 2026. In 2025, trespassing E Motorcyclists damaged the Green Space by leaving multiple figure eight “burn-outs”. Damage was estimated at $1,000 to repair. The damage was reported to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
The board would like to ask members for the following assistance in this on-going investigation:
If you witness E-Motorcyclists in the Green Space, please take photos or video if possible. Electric vehicles often look like e-bikes but if they exceed the 750-watt legal limit they are legally classified as motor vehicles. Motors ranging from 1,000 to 6,000+ watts can reach top speeds of 30–65+ mph. Consequently, the vehicle must be registered under Colorado law, the user must have a valid driver’s license, and the vehicle must be insured.
Please immediately report any sighting of E-Motorcycles in the Green Space to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency phone number: 719-390-5555.
If you know the identity of any E-Motorcyclists using the Green Space, please contact the Sheriff’s Office to assist with their investigation.
It is worth noting that KOAA Channel 5 ran a report on E-Motorcycles at 6pm on April 4, 2026, in response to a query from a Gleneagle North resident. The report noted that in the state of Colorado, E-Motorcycles are defined as OHV’s (Off-Highway Vehicle) which are permitted only on designated motorized trails. They are not permitted on roads, sidewalks, parks or areas that specifically prohibit motorized vehicles.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Best,
Mark Connell President Gleneagle Civic Association Board of Directors
Aerial view of damage to the open space on Jan. 11, 2025. Photo provided by the Gleneagle Civic AssociationAerial view of e-motorcyclists on the open space on Jan. 11, 2025. Photo provided by the Gleneagle Civic AssociationE-motorcycle on the Open Space February 22, 2025. Photo provided by the Gleneagle Civic Association.E-motorcycle on the Open Space April 28, 2025. Photo provided by the Gleneagle Civic Association.E-motorcycles September 7, 2025. Photo provided by the Gleneagle Civic Association.E-motorcycles March 3, 2026. Photo provided by the Gleneagle Civic Association.E-motorcycles April 10, 2026. Photo provided by a reader.E-motorcycles April 10, 2026. Photo provided by a reader.E-motorcycles April 10, 2026. Photo provided by a reader.E-motorcycles April 10, 2026. Photo provided by a reader.E-motorcycles April 10, 2026. Photo provided by a reader.
PRHS raises $30K for Make-A-Wish, honors 8-year-old
Above and below: On March 5, Palmer Ridge High School (PRHS) culminated a week of activities that raised $30,000 for Make-A-Wish Colorado by celebrating 8-year-old student Brooks, whose wish is to go to Disney World. Brooks has a congenital heart disease. She got a standing ovation from the crowd in the gym and got to throw a pie in the face of English teacher Matt Frost. The celebration wrapped up with teacher Daniel Russel getting his head shaved (at right), something he agreed to do if donations hit the $30,000 mark. The event began on a somber note, as Elijah Arnholt’s mother addressed the crowd and delivered a tribute to her son, who was a PRHS student. He passed away a year ago in March at age 18 after a courageous battle with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Photos courtesy of D38.
Bionic Sharks receive check
Caption: Students from the Tri-Lakes community robotics team, The Bionic Sharks FTC Team 19541, received a $2,000 Gene Haas Foundation grant after a season powered by hands-on digital fabrication using CNC, laser, and 3D printing capabilities available in Monumental Impact’s makerspace. From left are Pranav Balaji, Corey Cinalli (Robot: SharkByte), Alexandra Gonzalez, Alexandra Epstein, Anushka Nandwalkar, and Brandon Johnson. Photo by Mike Hinkle.
Kiwanis honors Weinfeld
Above: Our Community News Managing Editor Michael Weinfeld (right) received Monument Hill Kiwanis Club’s highest honor at the club’s weekly meeting at Big Red on March 14. On the left is Monument Hill Kiwanis Club President Jim Head. Kiwanian Ted Bauman presented Weinfeld with the President’s Award in the form of a plaque (shown below) containing the words “In grateful appreciation.” Bauman praised Weinfeld for the press coverage he’s given the club and “what you do in the community.” Weinfeld said Kiwanis is a fun group to cover because he gets to attend the Fourth of July parade, the Stars of Tomorrow talent show and all the club’s “great work.” Weinfeld’s wife, Tia M. Mayer (center), told the group, “He loves what he does. It’s not a chore, it’s a passion.” Photo by Bob Harrigan.
Lunar Eclipse, Mar. 4
Caption: A total lunar eclipse was visible in the Tri-Lakes area in the early hours of March 4. For several minutes, the moon turned blood red. This photo was taken in Woodmoor. Photo by Trish Wingert.
Students earn chess trophies
Caption: Nearly 30 students from kindergarten to high school won trophies at the 19th annual Lewis-Palmer School District Chess Tournament at Bear Creek Elementary School (BCES) on March 7. A total of 119 kids took part in one of the largest school district chess tournaments in Colorado. Bode Scally from Prairie Winds Elementary (PWES) won the kindergarten division. Michael Iatrow, also from PWES, was tops among first-graders. The second-grade winner was Chason Pace of Lewis-Palmer Elementary. BCES student Abraham Burruel finished first in the third-grade group. The fourth-grade trophy went to Simon Gonzalez-Smith of BCES. Among fifth- graders, Bradley Walker of BCES was tops. The sixth-grade winner was Charles Troupe, who’s homeschooled. Kyle Fieber of Monument Academy won the middle school division, and the high school trophy went to Robbie Collier of Lewis-Palmer High School. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
D38 Combined Concert, Mar. 17
Caption:The choirs from Palmer Ridge High School (PRHS), Lewis-Palmer High School (LPHS), and Lewis-Palmer Middle School (LPMS) held a combined concert at the PRHS auditorium on March 17. Many of the selections were a capella, and each choir performed separately before the combined choirs, all 177 students, performed together. Performances included poems written by current and former students that were set to music by Trey Makkler. Madeline Douthit directed the LPHS Mixed Choir, Treble Voices, PRHS Chamber Singers, and Women’s Ensemble, and Lee Meyer directed the LPMS choir. Photo by Steve Pate.
Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Winners, Mar. 15
Caption: Palmer Ridge High School (PRHS) senior Xavier Gonzalez won the top prize of $2,000 at the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club’s Stars of Tomorrow talent show on March 15. Gonzalez’s piano playing wowed the judges at the competition held at PRHS. Whether it was trying to compare instrumentals to gymnastics or singing and musical theater, or if it was just the talent of the performers, it took the judges about 45 minutes to make their decisions, much longer than usual. The second-place high school prize of $1,000 went to Bonneyclaire Patterson of PRHS, who played baritone sax, while the $500 third-place prize was won by Lewis-Palmer senior Jonathan Lilley, who sang a musical theater number. Among middle-schoolers, the $750 top prize went to Lewis-Palmer pianist Jack Wittenborn, while homeschooled violist Katherine Rose Johnson took home the $500 prize. Finally, fifth-grade pianist Esther Hunt of Prairie Winds won the $500 elementary school award. Pictured from the left: Esther Hunt, Jack Wittenborn, Katherine Rose Johnson, Xavier Gonzalez, Bonneyclaire Patterson, and Jonathan Lilley. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Caption: Reconstruction of the ponds at Fox Run Regional Park continues. The ponds were being drained, and the gazebo and surrounding area were being demolished. The gazebo, built in the 1980s, was found to need a rebuild, along with the existing amphitheater. The new gazebo and amphitheater will be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible. Ben Dumakowski, north district supervisor with El Paso County Parks, asks that everyone stay away from the construction area and not cross where the road is closed or where the chain-link fence encloses the pond area. Construction is expected to be completed later this summer. Photo provided by Friends of Fox Run Regional Park.
Monument “No Kings” protest
Caption: An estimated 400 people took part in a No Kings protest in Monument, a town where registered Republican voters outnumber Democrats three to one. The protest organized by the group Tri-Lakes 4 Democracy was the first time Monument joined the thousands of similar demonstrations held nationwide. The two-hour peaceful protest started at the Park-n-Ride on Woodmoor Drive and continued over the I-25 overpass and onto Route 105. A No Kings 3 sign was visible to vehicles driving south on the highway. There were music and speeches in the parking lot next to the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Meeting House on 105. Many vehicles driving by honked their horns in support of the demonstration. A few trucks with Trump flags also drove by to show support for the president. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Wakonda Hills wildfire preparedness
Caption: Wakonda Hills neighbors gathered at wildfire group leader Ken Kay’s home on March 22 to learn more about how to reduce their wildfire risk and help each other as a community. Speakers included Lisa Hatfield and André Mouton, volunteers with Fire Adapted Colorado, and Catherine Methot from neighboring Colorado Estates. Contact your fire district to find out what you can do on your own property and in your neighborhood. Photo by André Mouton.
Romanello bench dedicated
Caption: A bitterly cold mist was falling in Monument on March 27 when more than 50 people shivered through a ceremony dedicating a memorial bench to the late Jim Romanello on what would’ve been his 61st birthday. Romanello died last April after serving on the Monument Town Council since 2018. His daughter Gia Sherrill and son C.J. Romanello helped cut a blue ribbon during the ceremony. A plaque on the bench reads “A Good Father and Friend. He helped shape the Town of Monument into what it is today. He is greatly missed.” Mayor Mitch LaKind told the crowd that Romanello was “always a source of sunshine” and “always tried to have a positive attitude.” With the location near the waterwise garden on Third Street, LaKind said the bench would be a good place for people to sit and “reflect.” Pictured: In front, from left, son C.J. Romanello and daughter Gia Sherrill. In back, from left, Monument Town Council member Chad Smith, Mayor Mitch LaKind, Town Manager Madeline VanDenHoek, and Town Council members Steve Smith and Laura Kronick. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Nearly 30 students from kindergarten to high school won trophies at the 19th annual Lewis-Palmer School District Chess Tournament at Bear Creek Elementary School (BCES) on March 7. A total of 119 kids took part in one of the largest school district chess tournaments in Colorado. Bode Scally from Prairie Winds Elementary (PWES) won the kindergarten division. Michael Iatrow, also from PWES, was tops among first graders. The second-grade winner was Chason Pace of Lewis-Palmer Elementary. BCES student Abraham Burruel finished first in the third-grade group. The fourth-grade trophy went to Simon Gonzalez-Smith of BCES. Among fifth graders, Bradley Walker of BCES was tops. The sixth-grade winner was Charles Troupe, who’s homeschooled. Kyle Fieber of Monument Academy won the middle school division, and the high school trophy went to Robbie Collier of Lewis-Palmer High School. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
On March 5, Palmer Ridge High School (PRHS) culminated a week of activities that raised $30,000 for Make-A-Wish Colorado by celebrating eight-year-old student Brooks (pictured above), whose wish is to go to Disney World. Brooks has a congenital heart disease. She got a standing ovation from the crowd in the gym and got to throw a pie in the face of English teacher Matt Frost. The celebration wrapped up with teacher, Daniel Russel getting his head shaved, something he agreed to do if donations hit the $30,000 mark. The event began on a somber note, as Elijah Arnholt’s mother addressed the crowd and delivered a tribute to her son who was a PRHS student. He passed away a year ago in March at the age of 18 after a courageous battle with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Photo courtesy of D-38On March 5, Palmer Ridge High School (PRHS) culminated a week of activities that raised $30,000 for Make-A-Wish Colorado by celebrating eight-year-old student Brooks (pictured above), whose wish is to go to Disney World. Brooks has a congenital heart disease. She got a standing ovation from the crowd in the gym and got to throw a pie in the face of English teacher Matt Frost. The celebration wrapped up with teacher, Daniel Russel getting his head shaved, something he agreed to do if donations hit the $30,000 mark. The event began on a somber note, as Elijah Arnholt’s mother addressed the crowd and delivered a tribute to her son who was a PRHS student. He passed away a year ago in March at the age of 18 after a courageous battle with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Photo courtesy of D-38.On March 5, Palmer Ridge High School (PRHS) culminated a week of activities that raised $30,000 for Make-A-Wish Colorado by celebrating eight-year-old student Brooks (in the center above), whose wish is to go to Disney World. Brooks has a congenital heart disease. She got a standing ovation from the crowd in the gym and got to throw a pie in the face of English teacher Matt Frost. The celebration wrapped up with teacher, Daniel Russel getting his head shaved, something he agreed to do if donations hit the $30,000 mark. The event began on a somber note, as Elijah Arnholt’s mother addressed the crowd and delivered a tribute to her son who was a PRHS student. He passed away a year ago in March at the age of 18 after a courageous battle with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Photo courtesy of D-38.On March 5, Palmer Ridge High School (PRHS) culminated a week of activities that raised $30,000 for Make-A-Wish Colorado by celebrating eight-year-old student Brooks (right), whose wish is to go to Disney World. Brooks has a congenital heart disease. She got a standing ovation from the crowd in the gym and got to throw a pie in the face of English teacher Matt Frost (left). The celebration wrapped up with teacher, Daniel Russel getting his head shaved, something he agreed to do if donations hit the $30,000 mark. The event began on a somber note, as Elijah Arnholt’s mother addressed the crowd and delivered a tribute to her son who was a PRHS student. He passed away a year ago in March at the age of 18 after a courageous battle with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Photo courtesy of D-38.On March 5, Palmer Ridge High School (PRHS) culminated a week of activities that raised $30,000 for Make-A-Wish Colorado by celebrating eight-year-old student Brooks, whose wish is to go to Disney World. Brooks has a congenital heart disease. She got a standing ovation from the crowd in the gym and got to throw a pie in the face of English teacher Matt Frost. The celebration wrapped up with teacher, Daniel Russel (pictured above) getting his head shaved, something he agreed to do if donations hit the $30,000 mark. The event began on a somber note, as Elijah Arnholt’s mother addressed the crowd and delivered a tribute to her son who was a PRHS student. He passed away a year ago in March at the age of 18 after a courageous battle with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Photo courtesy of D-38.
In the February 2026 issue of Our Community News, Steve Eaton was credited for a snapshot of members of the Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club assembling Blessing Bags for the local Police Department that will be distributed to people in need. The photo credit should have been Maryam Eaton.
Edmondson scores 1,000th point
Above: During a varsity basketball game Feb. 6 at Cheyenne Mountain High School, Rylee Edmondson, a senior at Lewis-Palmer High School, scored her 1,000th point. The game was stopped to recognize this accomplishment. Photo by Steve Pate.
Kiwanis presents bell-ringing check
Above: Monument Hill Kiwanis Club (MHKC) has turned over the money it made ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. A check for $30,000 was presented to the Colorado Springs Salvation Army (SA) on Jan. 31. Members of Kiwanis, Tri-Lakes Women’s Club, and Lewis-Palmer D38 Key Club members spent 375 hours ringing the bell during the last holiday season. In the photo from left are MHKC Assistant Project Manager Mark Zeiger, SA representative Jeanette Bernstein, SA Maj. Nancy Bell, MHKC Project Manager Jeff Baker, and MHCK President Jim Head. Photo by Warren Gerig.
Rotary presents play park donation
Above: Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club has raised $2,256 that will go toward the planned Heart of Monument Play Park. Club President Maryam Eaton and club executive Katie Lenger presented a check to the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club on Feb. 14. The money was raised at the Glow Bingo event held Jan. 23 at Monument Community Presbyterian Church. The Play Park is a joint project among Kiwanis, the church, and the Town of Monument. So far, Kiwanis has raised more than $300,000 in donations and pledges for the park. The club hopes the park, which will be located on a half-acre plot next to Monument Community Presbyterian Church in downtown Monument, will be open by late summer or early fall. In the photo from left are Kiwanian Scott Ross, Eaton, Kiwanian Dean Snow, Lenger, and Kiwanian President Jim Head. Photo by Warren Gerig.
D38 arts education, Feb. 9
Above: On Feb. 9, Joseph Jesse, left, and Micaela Cimino gave a talk on the importance of engagement in the arts during the education years at a D38 gathering of interested school staff and citizens. The pair offered highlights from the years of their respective pursuits in the arts and entertainment industries and how the arts develop creative and engaged lives and careers. They are the owners of Bella Art and Frame Gallery in Monument. Photo by Janet Sellers.
Bionic Sharks advance to state
Above: Monument’s robotics team, the Bionic Sharks, advanced to the Colorado State Championship at Colorado School of Mines on Feb. 15. They received the REACH Award for outstanding community outreach. The award came with a $2,000 check. The team earned the right to compete in the championship by winning its second qualifier of the season at the Southern Qualifier at Manitou Springs High School on Feb. 7. From left are Alexandra Epstein, Nate Johnson, Alexandra Gonzalez, Pranav Balaji, Corey Cinalli, Brandon Johnson, Jeanette Breton, and Mike Hinkle. Photo by Robert Dawkins.
Lady Rangers recognized, Feb. 18
Above: Seniors playing for the Lewis-Palmer Lady Rangers basketball team were recognized after the game against Discovery Canyon on Feb. 18. Five seniors were recognized with their parents in a ceremony following the game: Rylee Edmondson, Emmi Medina, Kora O’Connor, Addison Kenley, and Aubrey Gross. The Lady Rangers beat Discovery Canyon in this final game before the playoffs. Photo by Steve Pate
Paper Tigers, Feb. 20
Above: Connie Stanton (standing) leads a “Paper Tigers” class on third Fridays, where students learn two or three new designs each time. On Feb. 20, the Monument Library held an origami class for children and adults to create small paper sculptures. Many of the children had a lot of experience making these small artworks, while it was a new attempt for some of the adults. Each person took a flat sheet of paper and engineered it with a specific series of manipulations and was able to create animals, contrive convoluted forms into a ball shape that could bounce, and make a frog toy that could hop and race the other frog toys. Below: An origami mouse bookmark. Photos by Janet Sellers.
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CO & US anniversaries celebrated
Above: At the Monument branch library on Feb. 24, visitors listened to traditional Irish and Scottish music by the duo Wilson and McKee (shown here with several of their traditional Celtic instruments), enjoyed refreshments and scavenger hunts, contributed to a community quilt, and met Ruby, the resident “giant day gecko.” The occasion celebrated the 150th anniversary of Colorado’s statehood and the United States’ 250th birthday of Independence. Each library in the district is hosting a dedicated open house featuring activities that highlight its unique character. Photo by Janet Sellers.
Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Finalists, Feb. 21 & 22
What do eight singers, four pianists, one gymnast, a cellist, a violinist, a violist, one dancer, a trumpeter, a baritone sax player, and two make-believe pirates have in common? They’ll all compete for cash prizes in the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club’s Stars of Tomorrow talent contest on March 15 at Palmer Ridge High School. A record number of more than 50 students showed off their talents at auditions on Feb. 21 and 22 at Big Red. Two fifth-graders from Palmer Lake Elementary, Emmalyse Schaffer and Anna Bearden, played pirates in a performance they wrote themselves. There were two sets of brothers and sisters. Singers Benton and Hadley Miles will compete with other high school students for prizes of $2,000 and $1,000. Violist Katherine Rose Johnson made the cut in the middle school division, and her older brother Austin, a violinist, will perform against high schoolers. Middle school prizes range from $750 to $500. The elementary school winner will take home $500. One 11-year-old from Palmer Ridge High School, Kenton Klein, didn’t make the cut but earned praise for originality by solving a Rubik’s Cube while answering questions from the judges. Photos by Michael Weinfeld.
Palmer Lake Elementary fifth-graders Emmalyse Schaffer (L) and Anna Bearden perform an original play.
18-year-old Palmer Ridge High School student Benton Miles sings.
17-year-old Palmer Ridge High School student Hadley Miles sings.
15-year-old homeschooled student Katherine Rose Johnson plays the viola.
17-year-old homeschool student Austin Johnson plays the violin.
Palmer Ridge High School junior Madelyn LaPaorte performs a dance routine.
Lewis-Palmer High School student Chloe Jarrell sings.
Palmer Ridge High School student Lana Elliott Field plays the cello.
Palmer Ridge High School junior Xavier Gonzales plays the piano.
Lewis-Palmer High School junior Evan Marsh plays the trumpet.
Lewis-Palmer High School student Elle Gustin plays the piano.
Eight-year-old LPES student Collins Carpenter performs a gymnastics routine.
12-year-old Monument Academy student Alyson Horne sings and plays guitar.
Palmer Ridge High School sophomore Ryleigh McFarland sings.
Palmer Ridge High School senior Bonneyclaire Patterson plays baritone sax.
Lewis-Palmer Middle School 8th-grader Jack Wittenborn plays the piano.
Lewis-Palmer High School senior Jonathan Lilley sings.
Palmer Ridge High School junior Mia Claypool sings, plays harmonica and piano.
Prairie Winds Elementary School 5th-grader Esther Hunt play piano.
14-year-old Lewis-Palmer Middle School student Kaiya Powell sings.
Four students win trips sponsored by the MVEA
Four students have won trips sponsored by Mountain View Electric Association (MVEA). Sixteen students from 12 schools in MVEA’s service territory applied. Two students tied for first place. Nathan Alger from Lewis-Palmer High School and Yasmin Amadu from Rampart High School of Colorado Springs will represent MVEA at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. this June. Tager Vitt from the Haven School in the Springs came in third place. He and Wesley Rains from Liberty Tree Academy in Falcon will attend the Cooperative Youth Leadership Camp in Clark, Colo., this July. Photos provided by MVEA.
Monument’s robotics team, the Bionic Sharks, advanced to the Colorado State Championship at Colorado School of Mines on Feb. 15. They received the REACH Award for outstanding community outreach. The award came with a $2,000 check. The team earned the right to compete in the championship by winning its second qualifier of the season at the Southern Qualifier at Manitou Springs High School on Feb. 7. From left are Alexandra Epstein, Nate Johnson, Alexandra Gonzalez, Pranav Balaji, Corey Cinalli, Brandon Johnson, Jeanette Breton, and Mike Hinkle. Photo by Robert Dawkins.Monument’s robotics team, the Bionic Sharks advanced to the Colorado State Championship at Colorado School of Mines on Feb. 15. They received the REACH Award for outstanding community outreach. The award came with a $2,000 check. The team earned the right to compete in the championship by winning its second qualifier of the season at the Southern Qualifier at Manitou Springs High School on Feb. 7. From left are Alexandra Gonzalez, Pranav Balaji and Corey Cinalli. Photo by Mike Hinkle.Monument’s robotics team, the Bionic Sharks advanced to the Colorado State Championship at Colorado School of Mines on Feb. 15. They received the REACH Award for outstanding community outreach. The award came with a $2,000 check. The team earned the right to compete in the championship by winning its second qualifier of the season at the Southern Qualifier at Manitou Springs High School on Feb. 7. From left are Pranav Balaji, Corey Cinalli, Alexandra Gonzalez, Alexandra Epstein, Anushka Nandwalker, and Brandon Johnson. Photo by Mike Hinkle.
What do eight singers, four pianists, one gymnast, a cellist, a violinist, a violist, one dancer, a trumpeter, a baritone sax player and two make-believe pirates have in common? They’ll all compete for cash prizes in the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club’s Stars of Tomorrow talent contest on March 15 at Palmer Ridge High School. A record number of more than 50 students showed off their talents at auditions on Feb. 21 and 22 at Big Red. Two fifth graders from Palmer Lake Elementary, Emmalyse Schaffer and Anna Bearden, played pirates in a performance they wrote themselves. There were two sets of brothers and sisters. Singers Benton and Hadley Miles will compete with other high school students for prizes of $2,000 and $1,000. Violist Katherine Rose Johnson made the cut in the middle school division and her older brother Austin, a violinist, will perform against high schoolers. Middle school prizes range from $750 to $500. The elementary school winner will take home $500. One 11-year-old from Palmer Ridge High School, Kenton Klein, didn’t make the cut but earned praise for originality by solving a Rubik’s Cube while answering questions from the judges. Photos by Michael Weinfeld.
Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Auditions, Feb. 21 & 22 – from left are Palmer Lake Elementary fifth graders Emmalyse Schaffer and Anna Bearden perform an original play. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Auditions, Feb. 21 & 22 – 18-year-old Palmer Ridge High School student Benton Miles sings a song. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Auditions, Feb. 21 & 22 – 17-year-old Palmer Ridge High School student Hadley Miles sings a song. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Auditions, Feb. 21 & 22 – 15-year-old homeschooled student Katherine Rose Johnson plays the viola. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Auditions, Feb. 21 & 22 – 17-year-old homeschool student Austin Johnson plays the violin. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Auditions, Feb. 21 & 22 – Palmer Ridge High School Junior Madelyn LaPaorte performs a dance routine. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Auditions, Feb. 21 & 22 – Lewis-Palmer High School student Chloe Jarrell sings a song. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Auditions, Feb. 21 & 22 – Palmer Ridge High School student Lana Elliott Field plays the cello. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Auditions, Feb. 21 & 22 – Palmer Ridge High School 11th grader Xavier Gonzales. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Auditions, Feb. 21 & 22 – Lewis-Palmer High School junior Evan Marsh plays the trumpet. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Auditions, Feb. 21 & 22 – Lewis-Palmer Middle School student Elle Gustin plays the piano. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Auditions, Feb. 21 & 22 – Eight-year-old Lewis-Palmer Elementary School student Collins Carpenter performs a gymnastics routine. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Auditions, Feb. 21 & 22 – 12-year-old Monument Academy student Alyson Horne sings and plays guitar. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Auditions, Feb. 21 & 22 – Palmer Ridge High School sophomore Ryleigh McFarland sings a song. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Auditions, Feb. 21 & 22 – Palmer Ridge High School senior Bonneyclaire Patterson plays baritone sax. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Auditions, Feb. 21 & 22 – Lewis-Palmer Middle School fifth grader Jack Wittenborn playing piano. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Auditions, Feb. 21 & 22 – Lewis-Palmer High School 12th grader Jonathan Lilley singing a showtune. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Auditions, Feb. 21 & 22 – Palmer Ridge Junior Mia Claypool playing piano and harmonica while singing a Billy Joel song.. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Auditions, Feb. 21 & 22 – Prairie Winds Elementary School 5th grader Esther Hunt playing piano. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow Auditions, Feb. 21 & 22 – Lewis-Palmer Middle School student Kaiya Powell sings. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Connie Stanton, (standing) leads a class called “Paper Tigers” on third Fridays where students learn 2-3 new designs each time. On February 20, the Monument Library held an origami class for the experience of creating small paper sculptures with children and adults. Many of the children had a lot of experience making these small artworks, while it was a new attempt for some of the adults. Each person took a flat sheet of paper and engineered it with a specific series of manipulations, and were able to create animals, contrive convoluted forms into a ball shape that could bounce, and a frog made as a toy that could hop and race the other frog toys. Shown below is a mouse bookmark. Photo by Janet Sellers.On February 20, the Monument Library held an origami class for the experience of creating small paper sculptures with children and adults. Photo by Janet Sellers.On February 20, the Monument Library held an origami class for the experience of creating small paper sculptures with children and adults. Photo by Janet Sellers.On February 20, the Monument Library held an origami class for the experience of creating small paper sculptures with children and adults. Photo by Janet Sellers.
Five seniors playing for Lewis Palmer Lady Rangers basketball team were recognized after the game against Discovery Canyon on Feb. 18. The seniors were recognized with their parents in a ceremony following the game. The Lady Rangers beat Discovery Canyon in this final game before the playoffs. Photo by Steve Pate.Pictured is Aubrey Gross and her parents, Jason and Shannon Gross. Aubrey was one of five seniors who were recognized with their parents in a ceremony following the game against Discovery Canyon. She plans to attend Utah State. Photo by Steve Pate
During a varsity basketball game at Cheyenne Mountain, Rylee Edmondson, a senior at Lewis Palmer High School, scored her 1,000th point on Feb. 6. The game was stopped to recognize this accomplishment. Photo by Steve Pate
Monument Hill Kiwanis Club (MHKC) has turned over the money it made ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. A check for $29,869.29 (later rounded up to $30,000) was presented to the Colorado Springs Salvation Army (SA) on Jan. 31. Members of Kiwanis, Tri-Lakes Women’s Club and Lewis-Palmer D38 Key Club members spent 375 hours ringing the bell during the last holiday season. In the photo from left are MHKC Assistant Project Manager Mark Zeiger, SA representative Jeanette Bernstein, SA Major Nancy Bell, MHKC Project Manager Jeff Baker and MHCK President Jim Head. Photo by Warren Gerig.
Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club has raised $2,256 that will go toward the planned Heart of Monument Play Park. Club President Maryam Eaton and club executive Katie Lenger presented a check to the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club on Feb. 14. The money was raised at the Glow Bingo event held Jan.23 at Monument Community Presbyterian Church. The Play Park is a joint project between Kiwanis, the church, and the Town of Monument. So far, Kiwanis has raised more than $300,000 in donations and pledges for the park. The club hopes the park will be open by late this summer or early fall.
Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club has raised $2,256 that will go toward the planned Heart of Monument Play Park. Club President Maryam Eaton and club executive Katie Lenger presented a check to the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club on Feb. 14.. In the photo from left are Kiwanian Scott Ross, Eaton, Kiwanian Dean Snow, Lenger, and Kiwanian President Jim Head. Photo by Warren Gerig.Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club has raised $2,256 that will go toward the planned Heart of Monument Play Park. The money was raised at the Glow Bingo event held Jan.23 at Monument Community Presbyterian Church. In photo is Laurie Beasley calling out numbers at the Glow Bingo event. Photo by Maryam Eaton.
On February 9, Joseph Jesse (left) and Micaela Cimino gave a talk on the importance of engagement in the arts during the education years at a D38 gathering of interested school staff and citizens. The pair offered highlights from the years of their respective pursuits in the arts and entertainment industries and how the arts develop creative and engaged lives and careers. They are the owners of Bella Art and Frame Gallery in Monument. Photo by Janet Sellers.
Above: This photo of alpenglow, a pinkish or reddish glow appearing on Mount Herman, was taken two minutes before sunrise on Jan. 18. The photo was taken from the intersection of Red Rock Ranch Drive and Highway 105. Photo by Randy Phillips.
Geese at Sunset
Above: A flock of geese enhances another beautiful sunset on Jan. 12. The photo was taken from the Monument Whataburger parking lot. Photo by Randy Phillips.
Ice Fishing on Monument Lake
Above: Hardy local fishermen braved the cold temperatures to pitch their ice-fishing tents on Monument Lake in January. Ice fishing fans can walk to their spot and fish; they don’t have to take a boat, and proponents say that fish are usually schooled up better and that winter fish taste better due to no algae in the water. Photo by Janet Sellers.
Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic, Jan. 17
Above: After a week’s delay because the lake hadn’t frozen, the Fifth Annual Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic got off to a good start on Jan. 17 when the loudspeakers blared the news that the Broncos had beaten the Bills 33-30 in overtime. The crowd of about 1,200 had even more to cheer about when the Lewis-Palmer Rangers made it into the championship round by getting past Liberty High School of Colorado Springs 4-1. But the Rangers lost to Chaparral High School of Parker 4-2. The Chaparral Wolverines took home the Star Trophy that’s shaped like the Palmer Lake Star, which was lit for the tournament. The event raises money for the Lewis-Palmer hockey team. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Icicle on Mount Herman
This photo of an icicle was taken on Mount Herman’s summit at midafternoon, Jan. 10. Beauty can be found when one looks for it. Photo by Randy Phillips.
Rotary Club assembles Blessing Bags
Above: Members of the Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club heard authors Michael Weinfeld and John Howe talk about the history of Monument Cemetery at their Jan. 15 meeting. Weinfeld and Howe told the group about many of the people buried in the cemetery as well as other bits of information about how they gathered information for their book Shootouts, Killings, and War Heroes: The History Hidden in Monument Cemetery. After the talk, the group assembled Blessing Bags (in photo) for the local police department that will be distributed to people in need. The bags are filled with hats, gloves, socks, toothbrushes and toothpaste, granola bars, crackers, fruity snacks, and water bottles. Photo by Steve Eaton.
Hockey lessons on the lake
Above: On Saturday, Jan. 17, the surface of Palmer Lake was finally frozen enough for enthusiasts to play ice hockey at the Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic’s rescheduled events, which ranged from learning sessions to games over the course of the weekend. Photo by Janet Sellers.
TLWC Seeking Grant Applications
The Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) is looking for groups that qualify for grants. TLWC’s Grant Application Program for 2026 is available Jan. 15 through March 15 on the club’s website www.tlwc.net. The program focuses on smaller organizations that typically do not have the staffing or resources to pursue grants from major granting foundations. Grants are a maximum of $3,000. Organizations eligible to apply for a grant include nonprofits, public service groups, and public schools that serve the Tri-Lakes area. Since 1973, TLWC has provided more than $1 million in grants. An example is Palmer Ridge High School student Addie Seymour, who used a TLWC grant to revive an unused aquaponic greenhouse to grow fresh produce (in photo). Addie and her team donated about 269 bags of lettuce to Tri-Lakes Cares last year as part of her 4-H project. Photo by Lisa Seymour.
EcoSpa groundbreaking, Jan. 22
Above On Jan. 22, Lindsay Willan and Kat Tudor, EcoSpa owners and partners, broke ground for the ERock Experience project that hopes to open this year. Elephant Rock is the name of the 28-acre town-owned property in Palmer Lake that was deeded to the town after the Living Word Fellowship abandoned the site in 2021. The ERock Experience, by developers Lindsay and Richard Willan, is slated to be a full-service wellness and community destination. The project will renovate the abandoned concrete swimming pool and pool house to create the spa and will operate under a lease-to-own agreement. From left are Lindsay Willan and Tudor. Photo provided by Lindsay Willan.
HSEA groundbreaking, Jan. 28
Above: School District 38 parents, students, staff, and school board members gathered Jan. 29 near the district’s “Big Red” administration building for the groundbreaking of the new Home School Enrichment Academy (HSEA) facility. Communications Director Amy Matisek emceed the event, which included remarks from board Vice President Patti Shank, Principal Julie Jadomski, Superintendent Amber Whetstine, and fifth-grader Ellie Torres. Students, led by music teacher Michael Norris, sang before attendees donned hard hats and broke ground. Pictured: From left are Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway, board Treasurer Todd Brown, Whetstine, Shank, and Director of Planning, Facilities, and Grounds Melissa Andrews. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Above and below Anyone driving south on I-25 recently might have been surprised to see a herd of dinosaurs congregating on the west side between the highway and Old Denver Road. They’re the first of what will be many such creatures that will populate the Lost Island II Adventure Park including a T-Rex as shown at the right. The park will include four 18-hole miniature golf courses, a 40,000-square-foot indoor multi-level playground and trampoline park, as well as a full-service restaurant and tiki bar. The project was approved by the Monument Town Council in July of last year. Director of Planning Dan Ungerleider says it’s scheduled to open in the spring of 2027. Photos by Michael Weinfeld.
North Pole Arts & Crafts Fair, Dec. 6
Above: On Dec. 6, the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club held its 19th Annual North Pole at Tri-Lakes Arts & Crafts Fair at Bear Creek Elementary. It featured live music, over 50 booths, baked goods, arts and crafts, and Santa Claus. Admission was free with donations of food, money, and games, all going to Tri-Lakes Cares for sporting equipment that was donated by 4KidzSports. For more information regarding this and other community events put on by the local Kiwanis Club, go to monumenthillkiwanis.org. Photo by Marlene Brown
NASTaP Gift Wrapping, Dec. 6
Above: Big thanks to our community of warm hearts—and happy hands—who rallied to the cheerful cause and brought in holiday gifts to the Holiday Gift Opportunity. Friends of the Native American Sacred Trees and Places (NASTaP) held a gift reception and wrapping event at Serranos Coffee Co. on Dec. 6. Nearly 200 gifts for children, teens, and seniors arrived just in time for gift wrapping, ready for their trip to the Ute Mountain Ute reservation holiday powwow in southwestern Colorado. Our Tri-Lakes area is ancestral land of the Ute Nation amid our forests and mountains. NASTaP shares its local and regional education and tours in our area and throughout the Southwest. Photo by Janet Sellers.
Monument Tree Lighting, Dec. 6
Above: Limbach Park was packed on Dec. 6 for the Monument Tree Lighting celebration. The crowd turned out despite a wind and snow squall that passed through just as the various booths were being set up. A choir of D38 students from Lewis-Palmer High School and Middle School and Palmer Ridge High School serenaded families as they got their pictures taken in front of seasonal backdrops. Kids decorated cookies and ornaments as they waited for Santa and Mrs. Claus to arrive.
Above: The legendary couple showed up as usual by hitching a ride on a fire truck. After counting down to the tree lighting, the Clauses spent a long time listening to requests from children.
Above: Kalen van Zoeren eats a cookie he decorated at the Club Pilates booth. Photos by Michael Weinfeld.
LPHS and PRH Combined Choir, Dec. 10
Above: The Lewis-Palmer and Palmer Ridge High School choirs performed a combined concert in the Lewis-Palmer auditorium on Dec. 10. Lewis-Palmer’s two Mixed Choirs and a Treble Voices choir, and Palmer Ridge’s two groups of Chamber Singers and a Women’s Ensemble presented holiday pieces, and some of these performances were done in the language written by the composers. Both high school choirs are directed by Madeline Douthit. The final pieces included all choir students and an audience sing-along. Photo by Steve Pate.
Bionic Sharks qualify for State
Above: Monument’s high school robotics team, the Bionic Sharks, is heading to the Colorado FTC State Championship. The team earned the First Place Control Award at the Metro Qualifier on Dec. 13 in Littleton. They’re now preparing for their next competition in Manitou Springs on Jan. 24. Then, they head to the Colorado School of Mines in Golden to compete in the state championship. In the photo from left are Anushka Nandwalkar, Alexandra Gonzalez, Pranav Balaji, Corey Cinalli, and Brandon Johnson. Photo by Mike Hinkle
Above: Monument’s high school robotics team, the Bionic Sharks, is heading to the Colorado FTC State Championship. The team earned the First Place Control Award at the Metro Qualifier on Dec. 13 in Littleton. They’re now preparing for their next competition in Manitou Springs on Jan. 24. Then, they head to the Colorado School of Mines in Golden to compete in the state championship. In the photo from left are Anushka Nandwalkar, Alexandra Gonzalez, Pranav Balaji, Corey Cinalli, and Brandon Johnson. Right (L to R): Nandwalkar and Gonzalez work on a robot. Photo by Mike Hinkle.
Wreaths Across America, Dec. 13
Above: On Saturday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m. Wreaths Across America and members of the community laid wreaths at the headstones of the veterans at the Monument Cemetery. At the same time, more than 5,600 locations across the United States and abroad were laying wreaths. They honored the veterans and their families for service to our country. For more information on how to get involved, either as a volunteer or to sponsor a wreath, go to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. Pictured: Maddie Mills and sons Mason, 9 years old, and Myles, 5 years old, Fisher lay a wreath on Paul Ducommun’s grave. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Above: On Saturday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m. Wreaths Across America and members of the community laid wreaths at the headstones of the veterans at the Monument Cemetery. At the same time, more than 5,600 locations across the United States and abroad were laying wreaths. They honored the veterans and their families for service to our country. For more information on how to get involved, either as a volunteer or to sponsor a wreath, go to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. Pictured (L to R): Monument Mayor Mitch LaKind (U.S. Army and Navy veteran) and Councilman Kenneth Kimple (retired U.S. Navy master chief petty officer) participated in the Wreaths Across America ceremony. Photo by Marlene Brown.
Reindeer in Monument, Dec. 14
Above: Kids got to pet and feed a real reindeer in Monument on Dec. 14. Jingles the reindeer made an appearance at the Front Street Square parking lot. He was brought to town by the Hilltop Reindeer Ranch in Peyton. The event was part of the special activities scheduled in Monument leading up to Christmas. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.Kids got to pet and feed a real reindeer in Monument on Dec. 14. Jingles the reindeer made an appearance at the Front Street Square parking lot. He was brought to town by the Hilltop Reindeer Ranch in Peyton. The event was part of the special activities scheduled in Monument leading up to Christmas. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Palmer Lake Yule Log Hunt, Dec. 14
Above and below: This year was the 92nd Annual Palmer Lake Yule Log Hunt. Children and adults ran up Sundance Mountain on a snowy day, Dec. 14, above Palmer Lake. Within 15 minutes, three boys could be heard shouting “over here” as they stood over the 8-foot-long pine that had been notched and tied with a ribbon. This year the Yule Log was found by Jude Karas pictured at right. The hunters then tied long ropes to the log, and the winners and friends straddled the Yule Log for their ride back into town. The tradition is that the same two-man saw used to cut the town’s first Yule Log in 1933 is still in use today. Hunters sawed the log in two and saved half to start the following year’s ceremonial fire. The other half was carried into Town Hall and set ablaze in the stone fireplace built by Palmer Lake’s volunteer firemen in 1936 strictly for the annual celebration. For more information, see palmerdividehistory.org. Photos provided by the Palmer Lake Historical Society and the Palmer Lake Yule Log Hunt.
Santa on Patrol, Dec. 23
Above: On Tuesday, Dec. 23, as Monument was decked out with flashing lights and wailing sirens, Santa cruised through town riding alongside the Monument Fire Department, Palmer Lake Fire Department, Palmer Lake Police, and Monument Police as part of the annual Santa on Patrol event. This festive convoy isn’t just about the noise and excitement—it’s all about spreading joy. With Toys for Tots loaded up, Santa and the first responders deliver gifts to kids around the community, lighting up faces with smiles and holiday cheer. It’s a fun, lively way to celebrate the season, bringing together the whole town with lights, sirens, and the spirit of giving. Pictured: Community member Harlee DeLong jams out with Soul Santa. Photo by Erica Burt.
Above: The Grinch causes his usual Christmas chaos while tormenting Palmer Lake Police Department Officer Bobby Perry as Sgt. Gene Ramirez enjoys the show. Photo by Erica Burt.
Monument carolers, Dec. 6
Above: Residents at the Village at Monument community got a treat the evening of Dec. 6. A group of eight people serenaded them with Christmas carols. Most of the carolers wore Santa hats, and some were dressed in Victorian outfits. They went door to door, entertaining anyone who was home. The event was organized by Village of Monument HOA Social Director Joanna Anaradian. From left are Jill Steinke, June Zelkin, Mary Beth Pryde, Anaradian, Angela Curtis, Matt Steinke, Laura Kronick, and Amy Adams. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Above: On Nov. 11, a geomagnetic storm broke out on the surface of the sun 92 million miles from Monument. It was a big one. So big that the skies over the Tri-Lakes area lit up in reds, pinks, and greens. These solar storms are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the strongest. This storm was rated a 4, strong enough for the lights to be seen just with your eyes. The deepest colors were found, however, in photographs. This photo, looking across Monument Lake to the Palmer Lake Star, was taken by Michael Weinfeld with an iPhone 16 Pro.
Above: Photo by Trish Wingert at the top of her cul-de-sac on Six Trees Lane in Woodmoor.
Monument Lake restroom, Nov. 5
Above and below: Mayor Mitch LaKind called it a “huge upgrade to Monument Lake.” A permanent year-round restroom was officially opened with a ribbon cutting shown at right on Nov. 5. The fire-safe, graffiti-resistant structure replaces three porta-potties. LaKind told the crowd of about 20 people, “For years, visitors to Monument Lake have had to rely on these porta-potties” that he said were built “more for character than comfort.” Now, he said, “nature calls can finally be answered in comfort.” According to Assistant Director of Public Works Andrew Archuleta, the two unisex ADA-compliant heated stalls will be open from 5 a.m.-7 p.m. until the warmer weather, when they’ll stay open longer. They’ll be locked overnight. About 75% of the $200,000 project was paid for by a grant from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Photos by Tia M. Mayer.
PLAG Small Works at Bella Art
Caption: The opening for the annual Palmer Lake Art Group Small Works Show was held on Nov. 7 at Bella Art and Frame Gallery in Monument. Gallery owners Micaela Cimino, left, and Joseph Jesse were the judges and presented the winning artist ribbons. The showcase gallery area was filled with colorful paintings, all for sale. Many sold at the opening. The show will be on exhibit through the end of December. Photo by Janet Sellers.
Integrity Wealth Advisors donates $5K
Caption: Integrity Wealth Advisors donated $5,000 to the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club on Nov. 15 that will go toward the upcoming Heart of Monument Play Park. Integrity Chief Operating Officer Wendy Fisher (right) presented the check to the club. The park will be located just north of Second Street between Jefferson and Adams Streets in historic downtown Monument. In the photo, Fisher presents the check to Kiwanian Scott Ross. Photo by Warren Gerig.
Lynn Roth’s photos at Monument Library
Caption: Lynn Roth, local fine art photographer, has many stories about his images that are on view at the Monument branch library. For decades, Roth brought youths from the Colorado area to do volunteer work with New Mexico indigenous community areas for hospitals and youth events. Here Roth stands with images of the Southwest, a favorite being Shiprock landscapes (the image on the upper left) which is a sacred site for Native Americans. Native Americans, specifically the Diné (Navajo), call Shiprock Tsé Bitʼaʼí, which translates to “rock with wings” or “winged rock.” This name reflects both the appearance of the formation and its significance in Navajo mythology, where it is often described as a great bird that turned to stone. Roth’s works are also available at Bella Art and Frame Gallery in Monument. Photo by Janet Sellers.
Alpaca Extravaganza, Nov. 22-23
Caption: The 20th Annual Holiday Alpaca Extravaganza was held Nov. 22 and 23 at the Black Forest Community Center. Hosted by Wild Hair Alpacas, local farms and artisans gathered to sell their alpaca products, including yarn and finished garments such as socks, hats, gloves, and scarves, and kids’ toys and household items. Pictured is Julie Tompkins of Tompkins Alpaca Pride spinning roving into yarn. Roving is the fiber made from the wool of the sheared animals and sent to mills for processing. The result is a smoother, softer yarn. For more information, contact tompkinsalpacapride.com or wildhairalpacas.com. Photo by Marlene Brown.
Chili Supper and Star Lighting, Nov. 29
Above and below: The Palmer Lake Volunteer Fire Department celebrated its 90th anniversary with the Annual Chili Supper and Star Lighting event on Saturday, Nov. 29. The event brought the community together for a night of warmth and festive cheer. Attendees enjoyed hearty chili prepared by dedicated volunteers, perfect for the crisp winter-like evening. There were more than 200 community members in attendance throughout the event. The highlight was the Starlighting ceremony, where the town’s historical 405-foot star was illuminated. This 90-year tradition was filling the night with a magical glow. Families and friends gathered around, sharing smiles and holiday spirit, while firefighters showcased their commitment to service. This cherished tradition not only marks the beginning of the holiday season but also honors decades of community support and volunteerism. The event beautifully combined delicious food, joyful company, and the promise of brighter days ahead. Photos by Erica Burt.
St. Peter Holiday Boutique, Nov. 8
Caption: Area residents caught the holiday spirit early as they strolled through the St. Peter Holiday Boutique in Monument on Nov. 8. More than 50 vendors displayed their products, ranging from arts and crafts to books. The $100 booth fees and bake sale funds will help pay for the eighth-grade class trip to Washington, D.C., next spring. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
PRHS production of The Wizard of Oz
Caption: The Bear Necessity Theatre Company presented The Wizard of Oz at Palmer Ridge High School Nov.6 through Nov. 8. Shown are Dorothy, played by Lucy Cavin, the Wicked Witch, played by Rowen Kluck, the Good Witch, played by Ruby Taylor, and Munchkins from Evans Elementary School. Caption by Steve Pate.
Gritzmaker honored by Sertoma
Caption: Gleneagle Sertoma member Duane Gritzmaker was inducted into the Sertoma International Hall of Fame on Nov. 11. He was honored at the Sertoma International Conference in Dublin, Ohio. Gritzmaker has more than three decades of community service with Sertoma. In the photo are, from left, Larry Oliver, Mary Obenauf, Duane and Barbara Gritzmaker, Dr. Vicki Wynn, and Trey Wynn. Photo provided by Sertoma International.
Chipping season wrap-up, Nov. 19
Caption: Monument Fire District hosted its annual wildfire mitigation/community chipping season wrap-up meeting Nov. 19 at Fire Station 1. Ambassadors from participating communities met to discuss results from the 2025 season and the planning process for 2026. The fire district will staff a full-time seasonal mitigation crew next year, which will expand the vegetation removal capacity for all participating neighborhoods. Caption by Division Chief-Community Risk Reduction Jonathan Bradley. Photo by Lisa Hatfield.
Tri-Lakes Women’s Club supports Sue’s Gift, Sept. 21
Above: Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) members recently stepped up to further their support of local nonprofit Sue’s Gift by running, walking, and volunteering at the 17th annual Be Ovary Aware Walk/Run on Sept. 21 at America the Beautiful Park in Colorado Springs. A team of 21 TLWC members ran and walked together to show their support of those affected by gynecological cancer, including the group’s immediate past Co-President Anne Campbell. Nine of the club’s members also arrived before dawn to assist with registration. The group raised more than $1,500 to help provide comfort, resources, and hope to individuals dealing with a gynecologic cancer diagnosis. Earlier this year, TLWC supported Sue’s Gift with a grant that was used in their financial assistance program. It provided funds for six patients currently in treatment. Photo by Maureen Morgan.
D38 Candidates Forum, Sept. 29
Above: More than 60 people heard the three candidates for two seats on the D38 school board answer questions ranging from teacher salaries to gender inclusion at a forum held at Big Red on Sept. 29. Jackie Burhans and Ginger Schaaf are the candidates from District 3. Tim Bennett is the candidate from District 1. On the question about gender inclusion, Burhans said every parent wants their child to feel welcome in school. She pointed out that the board has already ensured that “all student athletes feel safe and have a safe environment.” Schaaf said, “You should go into the bathroom and the locker room based on the gender that you were assigned at birth.” She added that she believes “boys shouldn’t compete in girls’ athletics.” Bennett agreed that boys and girls sports should remain separate, and he suggested the bathroom issue could be solved by having single-user restrooms. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Empty Bowls Fundraiser, Oct. 1
Above: Monument Hill Kiwanis Club hosted its annual Empty Bowls fundraiser Oct. 1 at Lewis-Palmer High School, drawing hundreds of attendees and raising thousands of dollars for Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC). Guests began the evening by selecting handcrafted bowls from local artists, then enjoyed a meal served by Lewis-Palmer School District 38 staff and board members. Volunteers staffed the event, which featured live music, a silent auction, and—for the first time—a cake auction that encouraged guests to take home entire cakes after dinner. Monument Hill Kiwanis aims to make a positive impact on youth and the broader community. Learn more at www.monumenthillkiwanis.org or call 719-488-2327. TLC operates as a community-based, volunteer-supported resource center that helps neighbors with housing, utilities, transportation, and medical expenses. TLC also runs the only food pantry in northern El Paso County and depends on donations and volunteers. Visit www.tri-lakescares.org or call 719-481-4864 for more information. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
PLPD Honor Guard, Oct. 4
Above: The Palmer Lake Police Department Honor Guard presented the colors at the annual Legacy Race supporting Breast Cancer Awareness on Oct. 4 at the Norris Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs. From left are members of the Palmer Lake Police Department Honor Guard, Officer Stafon Stevens, Officer James Bentley, and Officer Bobby Perry. Photo by Erica Burt.
100+ Women Who Care, Oct. 15
Above: On Oct. 15, 100+ Women Who Care Tri-Lakes gathered at The Woodmoor Barn to select a local nonprofit for its semiannual donation. Members, who each contribute $100 twice a year, listened to three-minute presentations from the D38 Foundation, Monument Warriors, and the Pikes Peak Library District. The group chose the D38 Foundation as its October 2025 recipient. The foundation supports continuing education for educators and funds innovative student learning initiatives. Learn more at www.d38foundation.org. Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC), the April 2025 recipient, provided refreshments and shared how its funding helped stock a donated five-door freezer. The freezer allows TLC to purchase bulk food at lower costs and store donated holiday turkeys and hams. Visit www.tri-lakescares.org for details. The next voting meeting will take place April 15, 2026. For more information, visit 100womenwhocaretrilakes.com. From left: D38 Superintendent Amber Whetstine; D38 Foundation leaders Holly Rollins and Kelly Bane; art teacher Dianna Harris; reading interventionist Hannah Dykes; D38 Board President Tiffiney Upchurch; and D38 Foundation Executive Director Stephanie Palzkill. Photo courtesy of 100+ Women Who Care Tri-Lakes.
Trunk or Treat, Oct. 24
Above: The trunks were decked out in eerie decorations, and the air was filled with the rustle of leaves and whispered laughter on Oct. 24. Little ghosts and goblins wandered from car to car at St. Peter Catholic Church’s Annual Trunk or Treat, collecting treats in their bags as shadows danced under the moonlight. With more than 75 kids and adults in attendance, all collecting treats, it was a night full of spooky surprises and sweet memories that lingered long after the last candy was claimed. Photo by Erica Burt.
Annual Pumpkin Giveaway, Oct. 25
Above: Local 4319 firefighters with Dianna Goodfellow (second from right) and family members gather after setting up the Eighth Annual Monument Local 4319 Pumpkin Giveaway at the Monument Market Place Clocktower, on Oct. 25. Goodfellow of Mutual Security Mortgage Ltd., an Erie resident, organizes and purchases the pumpkins for the free annual event, with financial assistance for the transportation, entertainment, bounce house, and candy provided by the Local 4319. A few firefighters and their families make a 200-mile round trip to Cooksey Family Farms in Roggen to gather and deliver 800 pumpkins to the Clocktower steps. With the help of about 30 Local 4319 members, the pumpkins were positioned for attendees to begin selecting a free pumpkin and vote for their favorite carved/decorated pumpkin in the Fifth Annual Monument Fire District firefighter pumpkin decorating competition. The event was complete with a L4319 Bounce Fire House, free candy, and fire truck tours. Music was provided by country singer Colton James, and DonutNV treats were available to purchase. About 679 pounds in food donations were collected for the Tri-Lakes Cares food pantry. Caption by Natalie Barszcz. Photo provided by Dianna Goodfellow.
Bench in Monument Preserve
Above: A memorial bench has been installed near the pond in the Monument Preserve in memory of Lt. Col. Anne Campbell. Campbell graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1983, earned a master’s degree from the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy at Tufts University and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Colorado, Boulder. After retiring from the Air Force, she began a career as a tutor for students with dyslexia and other reading disabilities. She was also an avid hiker and outdoorsperson. The photo, taken on Oct. 21, shows Mount Herman to the west and the Gambel oak colors. Photo by Steve Pate.
WMMI Pumpkin Patch, Oct. 25
Above: On Oct. 25 and every Saturday in October, there were family-oriented activities at the Western Museum of Mining & Industry (WMMI) Miners’ Pumpkin Patch. Visitors could take a tractor-pulled hayride, with the option of an ATV-pulled barrel ride for younger visitors. Besides the rides, visitors played a variety of lawn games including corn hole, attended a magic show presented by the Rocky Mountain Magic Academy, tried their hand at gold panning provided by the Gold Prospectors of Colorado, had the option to drive a soap box derby car provided by the Pikes Peak Soap Box Derby, and a choice of options from food vendors. Visitors could pick out their own pumpkin from the patch. WMMI Executive Director Grant Dewey said, “Great weather and terrific support by the community make this a tremendous event.” Pictured: Harrison Roberts of Colorado Springs picked out three pumpkins from the WMMI Miners’ Pumpkin Patch. Photo by David Futey.
Feed the Troll
Above: The Palmer Lake Restoration Committee, also known as Awake Palmer Lake, is kicking off a Feed the Troll campaign. Jodie Bliss, local metalwork artist, is working on the Palmer Lake Troll sculpture. The troll will live under the pedestrian bridge on the east side of the railroad tracks in Palmer Lake. Awake Palmer Lake received an art grant, but also seeks to raise matching funds to build the first stop in the Palmer Lake Art Walk. Make a tax-deductible donation at www.AwakePalmerLake.org by clicking the donate button and choosing Troll, or mail a check to PO Box 397, Palmer Lake, CO 80133. Bliss is also offering a blacksmithing workshop, where you can see what her artistry entails and gain hands-on experience creating a patch that will be permanently mounted on the Palmer Lake Troll, as well as one to take home. The workshop will be held Nov. 3 and 8, 10 a.m.-noon, and costs $500 for the workshop and the two patches. Each participant must be 18 years or older. To sign up, contact Cathy Wilcox at Catherinefishwilcox@gmail.com. Photo provided by Awake Palmer Lake.
Above: Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) held its second blood drive on Aug. 25 at the Woodmoor Barn. In partnership with Vitalant, TLWC welcomed 38 donors who came forward toim provide much-needed blood, aiding patients in overcoming medical challenges and receiving critical care. Vitalant estimated that this drive’s contributions can potentially save 114 lives. Summer is an especially critical time for blood donations as the incidence of traumatic injuries rises and the number of donors decreases. Additionally, large-scale emergencies and trauma events such as floods, tornadoes, and wildfires create further demand for life-saving blood. In the photo from left are Koko Pavich and Robbie Larson donating blood. Photo by Steve Pate.
Lions Club book presentation
Above: The Tri-Lakes Lions Club monthly meeting on Sept. 3 featured a talk by John Howe and Michael Weinfeld, the co-authors of the book Shootouts, Killings, and War Heroes: The History Hidden in Monument Cemetery. About a dozen Lions Club members filled the back room at Calvert’s Mini-Market in Palmer Lake to hear the co-authors tell stories about the people buried in the cemetery and other facts about the graveyard. Howe spent 14 years and Weinfeld seven researching and updating the cemetery files located in Monument Town Hall. Photo by Gordon Reichal.
Monu-Palooza, Aug. 31
Above: On a sunny afternoon on Aug. 31, the ninth annual Monu-Palooza Music Festival was held in Monument’s Limbach Park. The day-long festival band lineup included Emily Hall, Cirkus, Sandy Wells, Mojo Filter, Matt Bloom Band, Ashtōnz, and WireWood Station. Organizer and Ashtōnz band member Charlie Searle said it was “actually the 11th annual pre-Labor Day music event. The first two events were fundraisers, then we changed it to Monu-Palooza in year three.” Searle said over 200 tickets were pre-sold, and numerous walkups were entering throughout the day. Searle said, “What makes this great is you can spend all day or just come for your favorite band.” Searle said he appreciated the bands, vendor support, Mark Daniels for sound engineering, and volunteers C.J. Luna, Morgan Hildebrand, and his granddaughters Rowan and Salem for helping with the event. Matt Bloom from Palmer Lake said, “Charlie does a great job promoting the concert, and it’s been a terrific time each year we have performed here.” Photo by David Futey.
LPHS presents Clue, On Stage!
Above: Lewis-Palmer High School Theatre staged its fall production of Clue, On Stage! on Sept. 4-6. The production took the classic board game and movie and brought it to life on stage. Favorite characters like Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, and Colonel Mustard were caught up in a hilarious whodunit full of twists and surprises. These talented students demonstrated how arts education builds creativity, confidence, collaboration, and a growth mindset—while boosting academic and emotional development. Our local schools have performances of music, theater, and sports that are open to the whole community at a reasonable price. Residents are encouraged to join the fun and bring the whole family. Stay up to date with D38 fine arts events at https://tinyurl.com/d3-fine-arts. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Gleneagle Spirit 5K, Sept. 6
Above: On Sept. 6, the Gleneagle Spirit 5K Run/Walk returned after an 18-year hiatus. Mark Rudolph with ERA Shields Realty said, “I originally organized this race in 2005 and ran it by myself for three years, but it became too much for me. Then last year, I had six people show up at my front door, and they asked me to organize it again and would help.” Rudolph said, “We are looking for this to be a multi-year event and a legacy I want to leave with the community.” Blair Dinkins with EXP Realty co-organized it with Rudolph. The race events were a 5K walk, a children’s 1-mile race, and then the 5K runners’ race. The ages of the 183 total walkers and runners spanned from single digits to 85-year-old Jack Kiplinger. Volunteer team lead Bonnie Burckel said, “Scouting America Troop 194 helped with the course setup and were on the racecourse to guide the runners and walkers, and a number of Gleneagle residents helped with registration.” The top overall 5K male finisher was William Edwards (20:15.7) of Colorado Springs. The top overall 5K female finisher was Adaleigh Ross (24:12.9) of Colorado Springs. Photo by David Futey.
9-11 Remembrance
Above: Members of American Legion Post 9-11 and the Monument Police and Fire Departments, town officials, and citizens attended a remembrance of the 9/11 attacks at the Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Station. Among those attending from American Legion Post 9-11 were Commander Mike Christensen, Randy Fritz, Prayer Pastor Jim Bergeron, Mike Pietsch, Bill Miller, Ray Kinder, Chip Scharff, Yve Denison, Michael Keough, Anthony Trifuletti, Mark Tinkler, and Jim Wolf. The Fire Department members included Chief Andy Kovacs, Division Fire Chief Bumgarner, Division Fire Chief Bradley, Battalion Chief Coyle, Lt. Smith, Lt. Lance, Lt. Ragland, Engineer Rains, Engineer Schmidt, Firefighter Preedy, Firefighter Cox, and Firefighter Parker. Representing the Police Department were Chief Patrick Regan, Commander John Lupton, Commander Timothy Johnson, Lt. Mark Owens, Cpl. Hoeh, Officer Nyman, and Officer Leisberg. Also attending were Mayor Mitch LaKind, Town Manager Madeline VanDenHoek, and Town Council members Laura Kronick and Ken Kimple. Photo by Ray Kinder.
Rotary sponsors paddleboard race
Above: The Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club held its inaugural “Palmer Paddle” paddleboard race Sept. 7 at Palmer Lake to raise funds for community service projects. The 1.5-mile race featured youth and adult heats, with prizes and food trucks on site. Rock House Ice Cream donated 20% of race-day sales to support the club’s Warm Hugs initiative, which provides new winter coats to Tri-Lakes Cares clients. Sponsors included MVEA, The Mortgage Lady, Cutting Edge Realty, Local Landing, and Conexon Connect. Proceeds support Rotary programs such as free after-school math tutoring, scholarships, and coat giveaways. Rotary International has more than 1 million members in 45,000 clubs worldwide. Its mission includes promoting peace, fighting disease, supporting education, and protecting the environment. Learn more at www.tlrotary.com or facebook.com/TriLakesRotaryClub. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Hatfield book signing, Sept. 20
Above: The book signing on Sept. 20 at Covered Treasures Bookstore featured Lisa Hatfield, author of To Ride a Storm Surge, a novel about a family riding out Hurricane Katrina in 2005. A family consisting of a young girl, her mother, and her grandmother fights to survive the worst hurricane in recent history. The third book in a series of Ready to Go? books, Hatfield strives to help families be prepared for any disaster. Hatfield brings the struggles of Hurricane Katrina to life. Pictured in photo are, from left, Lisa Hatfield, Caryl and Gordon Saunders, and Amy Curry. Go to lisahatfieldwriter.com for more information about this and the other books in the Ready to Go? series. Caption by Marlene Brown. Photo by Steve Pate.
D38 CIC Ribbon-Cutting, Sept. 17
Above: On Sept. 17, Lewis-Palmer School District 38 officially opened its Career and Innovation Center (CIC) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Students have been learning in the facility since August, exploring welding and metalworking, skilled trades, robotics, engineering, aerospace, and the Transitions program. Phase 2 will add healthcare and computer science. The event marked the first public opportunity for community members, local leaders, state legislators, and partners to tour the building. Speakers included junior Dempsey Carnahan, Director of Communications Amy Matisek, Board of Education President Tiffiney Upchurch, and Superintendent Amber Whetstine. The Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce provided the ribbon and oversized scissors. After the ceremony, guests toured the facility, spoke with students and staff, and joined a scavenger hunt for CIC-branded prizes. Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/d38-cic-info. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Monument Lake restrooms
Above: Bye-bye porta-potties, hello permanent restroom. The long-delayed restroom at Monument Lake was installed Sept. 19. The pre-fab building arrived on a flatbed truck and was lifted by a huge crane that gently lowered it into place. The project was supposed to be finished in June, but several equipment delays postponed completion. The facility has two unisex bathrooms that will be open year-round with heat in the winter. The existing porta-potties will be removed. About 75% of the project cost was picked up by a $117,000 grant from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Coffee with a Cop, Sept. 25
On Sept. 25, the Monument Police Department and Wesley Owens Coffee partnered up for Coffee with a Cop. This community-focused and law enforcement outreach event is designed to bring community members and local law enforcement officers together in a casual, welcoming environment. The goal is to give residents the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with police officers, ask questions about public safety, and discuss any concerns they might have and fostering mutual understanding. Photos by Erica Burt.
Above: Officer Leseberg and Sara Petrie discuss community issues.
Above: (L to R): Officer Reifel, Lieutenant Owens, Commander Johnson, Officer Leseberg, and Officer Regan.
Last 2025 Art Hop, Sept. 26
Above: Sept. 26 was the last Art Hop of the season, but local art events for the fall and holiday season are just beginning in our area for art lovers and artists, and our local art venues are happy to keep a gift registry on hand to make gift-giving and holiday giving easy. Here, owners of Bella Art and Frame Gallery, Joseph Jesse and Micaela Cimino are with the artist of the month, Jamie Wilke. Photo by Janet Sellers.
Donala Open House, Sept. 26
Above: The Donala Water and Sanitation District (DWSD), which serves Gleneagle and surrounding areas, held a community open house Sept. 26 in the parking lot of its Holbein Drive offices to share updates and thank customers for their support. Board members, staff, and consultants met with attendees. DWSD provided dinner from Kneaders while highlighting its 2025 projects, including the redrilling of Well 7D in the upper parking lot. Helen Malenda-Lawrence of LRE Water discussed the well’s role in the district’s infrastructure. Superintendent of Water Operations Ronny Wright led tours showing the original well site, the expanded parking lot, redrilled well, and the relocated electrical equipment designed for easier maintenance. The district offices have been closed since May due to drilling. DWSD thanked nearby customers for their patience and expects to reopen the offices soon. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Skate Park mural, Sept. 27
Above: Town of Monument Planning and Public Works staff repainted a damaged community wall Sept. 27 at the Monument Skate Park, 500 Beacon Lite Road. Black Hills Energy sponsored the project. The team painted the wall black and used stencils of pine and aspen trees in fall colors. They applied mural paint and a protective coating to preserve the artwork and ease future cleanup. The original murals were created in October 2020 for Arts Month through a grant from the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region. A local artist added additional murals in 2022. From left are volunteer Ginger Lewis, Parks and Trails Planner Cassie Olgren, Senior Mechanic Rod Enoch, Street Tech Gabriel Martinez, Planner Ray Medina, and Street Tech Shawn Farnham. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Creek Week, Sept. 27
Above: Palmer Lake hosted its annual cleanup Sept. 27 as part of the Fountain Creek Watershed District’s 12th Creek Week, which runs Sept. 25-Oct. 5 across the 92-square-mile watershed from Palmer Lake to Pueblo. At its Sept. 25 meeting, the Board of Trustees read a proclamation recognizing Creek Week. Town staff, Parks and Trails Commission members, and community volunteers removed debris along Monument Creek, previously cut by Rocky Mountain Youth Corps volunteers. Public Works will collect the slash. Volunteers also refreshed paint in Glen Park’s play area. Learn more at fountain-crk.org and rockymountainyouthcorps.org. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Palmer Lake new trustee reception
Above: Team members from Tri-Lakes Preservation put together a community reception on Sept. 26 at the Town Hall Gazebo on the Village Green ahead of the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees meeting swearing-in ceremony. Attendees welcomed Beth Harris and Roger Moseley with a live flute and piano performance by Joseph Liberti and Steve Draper along with homemade cookies and pastries by Chef Gene Kalesti. Non-alcoholic refreshments were served. Well-wishers included representatives from the Monument Town Council as well as friends and family. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Palmer Lake 0.5K, Sept. 28
Above: Nearly 800 people, dogs, and assorted creatures turned out on a beautiful fall day for the annual .5 (Point 5) K “Race” in Palmer Lake Sept. 28. They began near the playground on the east side of the lake, proceeded down the Santa Fe Trail, then crossed the bridge over the railroad tracks to the finish line, with a Shipley Do-Nut break about halfway. The event is sponsored by Awake the Lake, and proceeds go toward maintaining outdoor facilities that make Palmer Lake a beautiful place. The Palmer Ridge Pep Band (inset) provided music to encourage participants just before crossing the bridge, and cheerleaders encouraged participants to make it across the finish line. Cash prizes were awarded for best costumes and other criteria, such as those who appeared to be having fun. Photo by Steve Pate.
In the Aug. 2 issue of Our Community News, we reported that Tommie Plank donated 32% of her sales at Covered Treasures Bookstore to mark the 32nd anniversary of the store. Plank actually donated 32% of her net sales. OCN regrets the error.
Buc-ee’s opponents’ meeting, July 27
Above: On July 27, nearly 100 residents gathered at the Woodmoor Community Center (the Barn) to discuss next steps following the Town of Palmer Lake’s July 25 release of a draft annexation agreement for the proposed Buc-ee’s Travel Center. Speakers emphasized key upcoming dates: the Planning Commission meeting on Aug. 20, which was continued to Sept. 3; the Board of Trustees annexation vote postponed from Aug. 28 to Oct. 2; and a pivotal special election on Sept. 9 to recall and replace Trustees Kevin Dreher and Shana Ball with two of three candidates—Beth Harris, John Marble, and Roger Mosely. It also features a citizen-led ballot initiative that, if passed, would require all future annexations—including Buc-ee’s—to go to a public vote. The annexation proposal has drawn statewide attention. U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet recently voiced opposition, calling the plan a “flagpole annexation” that threatens open space, water resources, and Colorado’s conservation legacy. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Kiwanis peach sales raise $10.4K
Above: Monument Hill Kiwanis Club raised $10,439 for community projects last month. The money came from sales of Colorado Palisades peaches. Every year, the club sells peaches to raise money. This year, they delivered 976 boxes full of them on Aug. 2. From left, Ed Tomlinson, Bob Eskridge, Greg Bielinski, Jack Fry, Assistant Project Manager Liam Wynne, and Kathy Strom (back to camera) appear to be enjoying the experience. Photo by Warren Gerig.
MFD receives accreditation, Aug. 5
Above: From left, Vice President John Hildebrandt, Treasurer Tom Kelly, Bookkeeper Jenny Bilbrey, Secretary Duane Garrett, Director of Administration Jennifer Martin, Lt. Curt Leonhardt, Battalion Chiefs Shannon Balvanz, Kris Mola, and Scott Ridings, Fire Chief Andy Kovacs, Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction Jonathan Bradley, Division Chief of Administration Jamey Bumgarner, Executive Battalion Chief Janaka Branden, Engineer Christian Schmidt, President Mark Gunderman, Firefighter/Paramedic Jeremy Furman, and Mike Barakay, lead member of the peer assessment team that referred Monument Fire District (MFD) for accreditation, at the Westin Hotel, Denver International Airport on Aug. 5. The group gathered for a hearing before receiving the accreditation award from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) for meeting the criteria established through the CFAI’s voluntary self-assessment and accreditation program. MFD is one of only 300 agencies to achieve International Accredited Agency status with the CFAI and the Center for Public Safety Excellence Inc. (CPSE). CFAI is dedicated to assisting fire and emergency service agencies worldwide in achieving excellence through self-assessment and accreditation, providing continuous quality improvement, and enhancing service delivery to their communities. Kovacs stated that the agency’s achievement of Accredited Agency status “demonstrates the commitment of the agency to provide the highest quality of service to our community.” Kovacs also said, “We have also been able to use the Commission on Fire Accreditation International’s process as a proactive mechanism to plan for the future of this agency and locate areas where we can improve on the quality of the services we provide.” Kovacs confirmed the accreditation process took about three years to complete and cost $21,787. Photo courtesy of MFD.
Chautauqua in Palmer Lake
Above: The annual Chautauqua at Palmer Lake, held July through Aug. 3, offered myriad of cultural events including presentations, daily yoga practice, live music, cultural workshops, theater, and more. Here, poets and enthusiasts shared original poetry and classical Shakespeare sonnets at the Palmer Lake Village Green. Artists enjoyed a plein air workshop at the lake after the plein air painting competition. Photo by Janet Sellers.
Above: An acoustic version of Ashtōnz with Charlie Searle, Kerrie Paige, and Nathan Gillis provided music to wrap up the Chautauqua festival in Palmer Lake Park. The event, which might become an annual festival in Palmer Lake, provided vendors and entertainment. The afternoon had been rainy and chilly, but the Ashtōnz were enjoyed by those who attended. Photo by Patt Kupka.
MFD “push-in” event, Aug. 8
Above: Firefighter Connor Parker is positioned behind the wheel of the district’s latest ambulance as Monument Fire District firefighters assist with the time-honored tradition of “pushing-in” the engine, at the Station 4 bay, on Aug. 8. The district ambulances get the most wear and tear responding to incidents and local area hospitals, and the apparatus is one of two ambulances scheduled to replace the older ambulances this year. The ceremony is a symbolic gesture to the time when firefighters pushed in horse-drawn steamer engines. 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 the narrow station bay. The time-honored tradition continues nationwide whenever a department is lucky to receive new apparatus. Several board directors and a few residents also attended the event. Photo By Natalie Barszcz.
National Neighborhood Night Out
Above: From left, Lt. Keith Barker of Monument Fire District’s Station 4 “C” Shift, residents Connor Johnston and Lucian Fiorito, and firefighter Connor Parker participate in the annual National Neighborhood Night Out event at the Little Train Park in Promontory Pointe on Aug. 9. The Promontory Pointe Homeowners Association board members hosted the annual picnic for about 80 guests, to thank local first responders from Monument Police Department, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, and Monument Fire Department for providing a safe neighborhood. Participants were served food from Arlene’s Beans and Lolley’s Ice Cream of Monument. Photo by Natalie Barszcz.
Annual GCA Picnic, Aug. 16
Above: On Aug. 16, the Gleneagle Civic Association (GCA) held its annual picnic at the Pauma Valley pavilion. GCA board members, from left, are Glenn Leimbach, Steve Kouri, Jeff McLemore (in rear), Jimmy Owenby, and Mark Connell hosted the event with over 200 community members attending throughout the afternoon. Attendees enjoyed a variety of barbecue meats and potluck dishes, along with music, bounce houses for the children, a raffle, and community fellowship. Connell expressed great appreciation to all the businesses that provided generous support for the raffle. Over 50 businesses contributed items, including a barbecue grill, various merchandise, and a variety of meal gift cards from area restaurants. Photo by David Futey.
New Activity Center Opens, Aug. 20
Above: Monument Community Presbyterian Church might not be the permanent location for the senior center that just had its ribbon-cutting on Aug. 20. President and CEO of Silver Key Senior Services Jason DeaBueno told the huge crowd that Classic Homes has pledged to donate about 2 acres of land on Jackson Creek Parkway between the YMCA and Whataburger for an all-ages community center. He says the donation is contingent on $13 million-$17 million being raised for construction. The first clue that the center, which moved from Grace Best Education Center, might not eventually be just for seniors came with the new name, Silver Key Tri-Lakes Activity Center. Marketing and Communications Manager Angela McGuire says more than 40 volunteers helped make the move from Grace Best, where the center had been for about three years. Caption by Michael Weinfeld. Photo by Steve Pate.
Kiwanis awards scholarships
Above: Monument Hill Foundation, the funding arm of the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club, awarded five scholarships totaling $10,000 this year. The scholarships went to Jay Olgren, Eden Ortega, Hayden Fields, Tasniem Ben Saud, and David Schultz. Olgren will study zoology, Ortega will study construction management, and Fields is enrolled in a Certified Nurse’s Assistant Program. Ben Saud will be studying psychology, and Shultz will major in law enforcement. Field’s sister Kaylie is a past recipient. She used her scholarship to earn her associate’s degree in criminology and is now pursuing her B.A. From left are Olgren, Ortega, Kaylie Fields and her sister Hayden. Kiwanian Ted Bauman is in the rear. Photo by Warren Gerig.
Zettlemoyer earns Gold Award
Above: Girl Scout Julia Zettlemoyer has earned a Gold Award for building a dog park at Trinity Community Park (TCP) in Monument. Fewer than 6% of Girl Scouts nationwide qualify for the Gold Award. Julia spent eight months planning and building the project. Junior Girl Scouts from Troop 44179 helped her build the park and clean up after earning a Bronze Award for their efforts. The dog park will be formally celebrated on Sept. 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. In photo, TCP Executive Director Tamara Schwarz is with Zettlemoyer and Chocolate the dog. Photo by Mayra Zettlemoyer.
Station 2 ribbon-cutting, Aug. 9
Above: From left, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Andrea Van Note, President Mark Gunderman, Division Chief of Administration Jamey Bumgarner (cutting the ribbon), Fire Chief Andy Kovacs, and Chamber Ambassador Sandy Shook are pictured at the Monument Fire District Station 2 remodel ribbon-cutting on Aug. 9. Pictured rear from left: Director Tim De Leon, Battalion Chief Kris Mola, Monument Town Manager Madeline VanDenHoek, and Treasurer Tom Kelly. The station remodel project, costing $1.719 million, was designed by OZ Architecture, with Flintco Inc. completing the remodel and John Sattler of NV5 Inc. providing the owner’s representative services for the district. Photo courtesy of MFD.
PLES gets new preschool program
Above: Palmer Lake Elementary celebrated its new preschool program on Aug. 12 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the opening of a new playground. Funding for the playground was provided by School District 38. The Monument Hill Kiwanis Club has paid for additional playground equipment. Information provided by Tyler Dumas. Photo by D38 Social Media Specialist Stephanie Gonzalez.
TL Cruisers 22nd Annual Car Show
Above: On Aug. 17, Tri-Lakes Cruisers hosted its 22nd annual benefit car show, lining Second Street in historic downtown Monument with vehicles including vintage classics and hot rods. Visitors enjoyed music, vendors, and prizes in the Betty Konarski Sculpture Park near the D38 administration building known as “Big Red.” Proceeds support Tri-Lakes Cares, which provides food, financial, medical, and transportation assistance to neighbors in need. Tri-Lakes Cruisers welcomes members from across the region with all types of vehicles—foreign or domestic, restored or daily drivers. Learn more at www.trilakescruisers.com and www.tri-lakescares.org. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Hummingbird Festival, Aug. 22-23
Above: On Aug. 22-23, visitors to the Hummingbird Festival at the historic Jackson Ranch observed the friendly alpacas, vendors, hummingbird talks and viewed the hummingbirds at the feeders and in pine trees overhead. Many visitors wanted tips and information about hummingbirds and how to attract them to their gardens. Some attendees reported they had hundreds of birds this year, while others reported a decline in bird visits. One visitor shared videos of the hundreds of birds that visit his garden, drinking over 2 gallons of prepared nectar a day. The Tri-Lakes region is home to the broad-tailed hummingbird all season and is an extended stopover site for the orange rufous hummingbird. Infrequent to our area of the four Colorado hummingbirds are calliope hummingbirds, preferring higher elevations at 8,500 feet, and the black-chinned preferring elevations below 6,000 feet. Photo by Janet Sellers.
PPLD Concert, Aug. 29
Above: On Aug. 29, the Pikes Peak Library District launched its free summer concert series at the Palmer Lake Village Green & Gazebo, next to the Palmer Lake Library. The featured performers, Peak Big Band, brought big band classics and rock favorites—including Duke Ellington and Guns N’ Roses—but moved indoors to Palmer Lake’s historic Town Hall due to rain. Among the musicians were two former D38 talents: former Palmer Ridge High School (PRHS) band director Butch Eversole and a 2024 PRHS graduate. Despite the weather, attendees made the most of the evening—some sat inside, others on the porch or under trees, enjoying the music and dancing in the rain. Two more concerts are scheduled for Sept. 5 and 12, from 6-7 p.m., free to all. Details available at https://ppld.org/palmer-lake-library-concert-series-2025. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Bonus Video – Surprise Load at the Second Street Train Crossing
Above: Palmer Lake residents gathered June 28 to celebrate the return of a beloved local landmark—a red British telephone box—at a tea party hosted by Richard and Lindsay Willan. The Willans originally salvaged the booth from an antique warehouse and installed it outside their Tudor-style home, where it became a quirky navigation point for locals. A year ago, a neighbor lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the 2,000-pound cast-iron booth, destroying it. The neighbor, Larry Bobo, survived. The Willans’ nephew in England sourced a replacement and shipped it stateside where it was unveiled to neighbors and community members including the Palmer Lake Fire Department. Guests enjoyed a traditional British tea potluck accompanied by the jazz stylings of Johnny Long ((www.johnlongblues.com). From left are the Willans family members with Richard in the center in a tux and tails, flanked from the right with celebrity chef Gene Kalesti, Lindsay, and Mai Kalesti in yellow. Bobo is represented as a cardboard Superman inside the phone booth. Photo by Krista Bobo.
Routes Outfitter ribbon-cutting
Above: The Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 1 for Routes Outfitter. Routes continues to have beer and whisky on tap for visitors, just as the previously-named Trails End Taproom provided, but the space is now mostly dedicated to outdoor gear and rentals and bike repair. In photo, Routes Outfitter owners Kristin and Jason Mezey. Photo by Chris Jeub.
Sertoma places flags for July 4th
Above: On July 2, the Gleneagle Sertoma performed its annual placement of flags for the Fourth of July along both sides of Gleneagle Drive and around the roundabout at Struthers Road. Sertoma members typically place over 300 flags to put drivers and walkers in the Fourth of July spirit. Photo by David Futey.
Pancake Breakfast, July 4
Above: On a sunny Fourth of July morning, Knights of Columbus (KofC) Council 11514 hosted its annual Fourth of July pancake breakfast fundraiser on the St. Peter Church walkway. Bob Lynn, Grand Knight for Council 11514 and coordinator of this year’s breakfast, said over 1,400 people were expected to attend. For $10, attendees ate scrambled eggs, pancakes, two types of sausages and beverages. Volunteers for the event included KofC members and their families, Monument Boy Scout Troop 17, Veterans of Foreign Wars members and the Monument Hill Kiwanis. Lynn said, “This is a terrific event that Monument puts on every year, and we look forward to doing the breakfast. It’s our biggest fundraiser.” Proceeds support Tri Lakes Cares, Mater Filius at Saint Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church, the Boy Scouts, Bakhita Mountain Home in Colorado Springs, and parish events. Photo by David Futey.
Palmer Lake Fun Run, July 4
The 43rd Annual Palmer Lake Fun Run kicked off Tri-Lakes area Fourth of July events. Race director Jenny Davey said a little ove 800 runners were expected. The fundraiser supports teachers at Palmer Lake Elementary School (PLES). Davey said, “the race proceeds go to grants for all teachers at the beginning of the year for classroom supplies and items like smart boards.” The race was supported by a number of area sponsors. The platinum sponsors were The Palmer Lake House, Tri-Lakes Paint Company, Bluestaq LLC., Freedom Express Car Wash and Black Hills Energy. Each sponsored a segment of the race. Davey was very appreciative of race volunteers from the Tri-Lakes YMCA, teachers and students from PLES and other community members. The top male finisher was Aiden Le Roux who ran the course in 19 minutes, 27 and 69 100th seconds. The top female finisher was Elin Latta of San Antonio, TX whose time was 23 minutes, six and 54 100th seconds.
Above: Members of the Tri-Lakes Runners, led by club owner Marc Johnson (left), were excited to race in the Palmer Lake Fun Run,
Above: Runners make their way around Palmer Lake just after the start of the Palmer Lake Fun Run. Photos by David Futey.
Monument Hill Kiwanis 4th of July Children’s Parade
Above: The beginning of the Monument Hill Kiwanis Children’s Parade. Photo by David Futey
Above: Gloria Beasley and Joy Beasley used balloons for a festive bike decoration as they readied to join in the Monument Hill Kiwanis Children’s Parade. Photo by David Futey
Above: Bike riders in the Monument Hill Kiwanis Children’s Parade. Photo by David Futey.
Monument Hill Kiwanis 4th of July Main Parade
Photos by David Futey
Beginning of the Monument Hill Kiwanis Fourth of July Parade
Monument Cub Scout Pack 117
Girl Scout Troop 45230
Monument Boy Scout Troop 17
Girl Scout Troop 41354
Bill Kaelin, President, Monument Hill Kiwanis
Rich Hicks, Monument Hill Kiwanian of the Year
Lewis Palmer School District 38
Tri-Lakes Women’s Club
Palmer Ridge High School Cheerleaders
Palmer Ridge High School Football Team
Lewis-Palmer High School Poms
Lewis-Palmer High School Football Team
PRHS Bearbotics
Madison Finlay-Wagner, El Paso County Fair Queen
Air Force Academy Cheerleaders
Monument Fire Department
Monument Street Fair
Above: Before and after the parade, people enjoyed the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Street Fair on the Fourth of July. Local businesses, non-profit organizations, food vendors and a variety of arts and crafts booths were available for browsing. Photo by David Futey.
Bookstore celebrates 32 years
Above: Covered Treasures Bookstore in Monument celebrated its 32nd birthday on July 17 and to mark the occasion, owner Tommie Plank committed 32% of her sales that day to the Heart of Monument Play Park. The playground for all ages and abilities is a project of the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club in partnership with the Town of Monument and Monument Community Presbyterian Church. The promotion raised more than $800 for the park and Plank rounded the donation up to an even $1,000. Photo and caption bv Susan Davies.
Ewerts and Ishko hold booksignings
Above: Covered Treasures Bookstore on Second Street in Monument hosted two authors for book signings on July 25. Both authors have written series for children. Nick Ishko, who lives in Monument, has written a series about Little John, The Little John Chronicles, that follows the character before he became part of Robin Hood’s band of merry men in Sherwood Forest. Gabriele Ewerts is also a children’s book author whose series of four books involve Sophie on her “portal” journeys. She also writes poetry and music. These children’s series are available at Covered Treasures. Photo by Steve Pate
Music at Limbach Park
Above: At the conclusion of the Monument Hill Kiwanis Fourth of July Parade, spectators made their way to Limbach Park for a family-friendly beer garden and live music. The opening band was the El Paso County Outlaw Band. Photo by David Futey.
Car Show at JCSL, July 12
Above: Jackson Creek Senior Living (JCSL) sponsored a “Diners, Desserts & Drives” event on July 12 with the Tri-Lakes Cruisers local car club. Vintage hotrods and restored cars were displayed for residents of JCSL or anyone else who stopped by. Right: A 1967 Dodge Charger restored by Larry Sutton, a member of Tri-Lakes Cruisers. Photos by Steve Pate
Art Hop, July 25
Above: At Art Hop on July 25, at Jefferson Studios, artist Kristin Colvin shared her art in many media and talked with visitors about art and art making. Daryl Muncey, artist and Jefferson Studios gallery owner, introduced his newest mural. Muncy has created a village-like mini art campus with several areas to exhibit art. Photos by Janet Sellers.
Above: Tamara Schwarz has been honored for all she’s done as executive director of Trinity Community Park in Monument. She’s been named a Daily Point of Light by the Points of Light global non-profit. Daily Point of Light Awards honor individuals and groups who create meaningful change to meet community needs. In Schwarz’s case, she was instrumental in creating the playground that’s described as “the most state-of-the-art inclusive park in the region.” She often volunteers more than 50 hours a week at the park, overseeing other volunteers, and working on expanding the playground. Photo by Kim Marlin.
Eagle Scout project statue dedicated
Above: It took three years, but Colin Saber finally got to dedicate the statue of a P-51 Mustang aircraft that helped earn him his Eagle Scout badge. Nearly 100 people attended the ceremony in front of the Monument Town Hall on a blustery day June 8. Saber raised $55,000 to move the statue from a site in Fort Collins to the front of the Town Hall. His goal was to honor Monument resident Col. Earl Depner, who flew 100 missions in the plane as an Army Air Corps pilot during WWII, as well as sculptor Robert Henderson who created the statue. Depner died in 2022, and Henderson died a year later. Veteran Matthew Giles told the crowd that Col. Depner was “likely smiling down from the stratosphere.” Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
D38 communications wins awards
Above: The School District 38 Communications Team won 11 awards at the Colorado School Public Relations Association (COSPRA) Conference June 4–6 in Breckenridge. Amy Matisek, communications director for Lewis-Palmer School District 38 is on the left. The team’s Social Media Specialist and Photographer Stephanie Gonzalez (right) was named Communications Rookie of the Year. The team’s other awards were for writing, design, photography, and video. The honors were chosen by school public relations professionals from across the country. Photo by Tyler Dumas.
Palmer Lake Fishing Derby, June 7
Above: A record number of young anglers turned out for the Tri-Lakes Lions Club Kids Fishing Derby at Palmer Lake on June 7. Lions Club volunteer Jim Hazuka says 352 children, ages 4 to 14, cast their lines into Palmer Lake. The winner in the 4-to-7-year-old category was Leo Kobeisi (below left photo), who caught a 13.5-inch fish. Among kids 8 to 11, the winner was Noomi Reiss (below middle photo). The top three finishers in that category all caught fish measuring 13.5 inches. A ticket was picked out of a hat to break the tie and name Noomi the winner. In the 12-to-14-year-old category, the winner was McKenzie Fribbs (below right photo), whose winning catch measured 12 7/8 inches. All the victors received a fishing rod, tackle box, hat and a gift card. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Jim Maguire Celebration of Life, June 13
Above: More than 400 people attended a celebration of life for longtime Monument resident Jim Maguire, “the Mayor of Maguireville,” also known to friends as “Jumpin’ Jimmy” and “Brushfire Maguire.” Maguire died May 3 at the age of 96. The ceremony was held outside at his home on a warm and sunny day . Maguire’s son Kevin remembered his dad as a “collector of friends and stuff.” A lot of stuff. Maguire collected thousands of pieces of memorabilia and stored them in his two barns that he named Maguireville. Kevin also had this to say about his father: “He was a hard worker. He was a good husband. He had a fun-loving spirit, and he truly did hate to miss a party. He had a great sense of humor. He was an easy man to like. He loved people. He was a thoughtful, caring, faithful friend to many. He was always interested in other people’s lives. He was a good father, a supportive husband. He had a mischievous twinkle in his eye.” Maguire’s grandson Tyler Powell also spoke, thanking his “grampy” for being an “inspiration to all of us.” Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Above: The ceremony ended with a riderless horse accompanied by members of the Pikes Peak Ranger Rider Pivots. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Hayward and McGrath booksigning
Above: On Saturday, June 14 at Covered Treasures Bookstore, George Hayward, left, author of Party Dolls: The True Tragic Story of Two Americans Attempted Escape from a 1969 Hanoi POW Camp, and Mike McGrath, author of Prisoner of War: Six Years in Hanoi, signed their respective books for patrons, chatted and exchanged many stories of their time in military service. McGrath, at the time a young Navy pilot who was captured in 1967 after being shot down over Vietnam, vividly presents a straightforward and compelling tale of survival, of years of suffering, and of the human will to endure. At the book signing, McGrath told of his time of six years in the POW camp known as the Hanoi Hilton, and of the dire circumstances and powerful comradery of those interned. His book is filled with stories of the courage to live, and his original drawings from that time, including how they saved bread to sculpt needed items albeit contraband to have, wrote notes on toilet paper, and even used a bone from soup to sculpt a religious cross. Hayward wrote stories of the men of The Party Dolls that tells the true, tragic story of an escape code-named the “Party.” The book was awarded the 2021 Best Indie Book Award winner for Nonfiction Military History. Also shown in the picture chatting with the authors on the right are Madeline VanDenHoek and her husband Eric. Photo by Janet Sellers.
Wildfire risk reduction, June 14
Above: Monument Fire Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction Jonathan Bradley led a June 14 presentation at The Barn in Woodmoor on wildfire risk in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI)—the zone where development meets or mingles with undeveloped vegetation. Introduced by Woodmoor Improvement Association Director of Forestry Jason Hann, Bradley discussed vegetation management, forest health, evacuation planning, and the role of community participation in wildfire protection. He cited recent regional fires, including the Berry, Waldo Canyon, Black Forest and West Monument Creek fires, and addressed rising insurance costs tied to wildfire threats. Attendees received handouts, including a personal wildfire action plan and a residential safety checklist (bit.ly/wildland-rsg). Bradley also promoted Monument Community Connect (bit.ly/connect-moco), a tool for residents to share information that can help first responders during emergencies. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
WMMI getting new entrance
Above: In mid-June, the North Gate Boulevard improvement project continued at the intersection of Struthers Road. According to the EngageCOS, the City Projects website ((https://parks.coloradosprings.gov/projects), the project “will improve the roadway at the Struthers intersection, installing enhanced infrastructure (convey stormwater into the city’s stormwater system, curbs, water quality vaults, pipes, and swales) and providing fewer lane changes for motorists.” It will “increase roadway safety and remove conflict points for motorists and pedestrians.” An August 2023 demolition and utility plan of the project shows a relocation of the Western Museum of Mining & Industry’s (WMMI) entrance to the signal at North Gate and Struthers through a re-route of the museum’s present driveway and a roundabout on the museum property. WMMI Executive Director Grant Dewey said the museum “is so thankful and excited to receive a new entry as part of the City of Colorado Springs upgrading of North Gate Boulevard. This will provide an easier and safer entry to our cultural campus after 55 years of using our authentic ranch dirt driveway.” Dewey extended appreciation to the Colorado Springs Public Works Department and contractors such as Wildcat Construction for their coordination with the museum. The project is estimated to be completed in September. Photo by David Futey
County Commissioners, June 21
Above: On June 21, El Paso County commissioners Holly Williams, District 1, and Bill Wysong, District 3, held an informal meeting with constituents at Wesley Owens coffee shop in Monument. The commissioners represent Woodmoor, Gleneagle, Black Forest, Palmer Lake, and Monument. About 40 residents, including local board members, councilors, and trustees attended. Williams said the county’s budget is limited due to TABOR and must be shared with local municipalities. Public Works Director Jack Ladley noted it costs about $1 million to pave one mile of road. His budget is around $23 million annually and the county has 2,410 lane miles to maintain. He said inflation drives up costs and warned that conflict in the Middle East could raise oil and asphalt prices. The discussion also addressed how development affects quality of life, with residents saying developers often override community concerns. Attendees questioned aquifer depletion, limited water supply, and the lack of county residents input in town planning decisions. They also raised concerns about wildfire mitigation, evacuation routes, and the need to balance growth with public safety. The group explored solutions such as increased citizen engagement and alternative funding, and requested future meetings be held in a larger venue. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Legacy at Jackson Landing, June 19
Above: The Legacy at Jackson Landing developer and planners held a community meeting June 19 at the Tri-Lakes Chamber Meeting House. Community members spoke with professional engineers Carl Barton, left, and Noah Brehmer, as well as the developer, Chris Hake (not shown). Issues discussed included the color schemes (earth tones), safety for public walkways and parking, green areas, traffic considerations, and site plans and elevations that showed the general look and feel of initial schematic design and design developments. Legacy at Jackson Landing is a 30-acre commercial development which includes a 129,000-square-foot “major” retailer, a potential hotel, restaurants, and additional retail space. It is located next to I-25 just north of Baptist Road. For more information on the project, see wp.ocn.me/v25n6monpc/. Photo by Janet Sellers.
WMMI History Day, June 21
Above: On June 21, the Western Museum of Mining & Industry (WMMI) celebrated its annual History Day. WMMI visitors speak with a military re-enactor who provided information on the history of military rifles. The event was filled with a mix of activities and information from the museum and other organizations. Visitors could take hayrides around the property, ride in a soap box derby car provided by the Pikes Peak Soap Box Derby organization, review military equipment, watch a military re-enactment, speak with re-enactors from the Colorado Military Historical Group Inc. and U.S. Army 250, and learn about other museums such as the Black American West Museum & Heritage Center in Denver and McAllister House Museum located in Colorado Springs. The WMMI operated some of its outdoor equipment including the Yellow Jacket Stamp Mill and the Osgood Steam Shovel. Information on upcoming events at the museum is at www.wmmi.org. Photo by David Futey.
Art Hop, June 27
Above: Being an artist, Daryl Muncey, came up with a creative idea when a tree fell on his fence last year; he built a replica of a one-room schoolhouse where he could hang more of his paintings. The bright blue building even comes equipped with a school bell in front that he rang for people who visited during Art Hop on June 27. The building is part of his Jefferson Studios complex at 215 Chapala Plaza in an alley off Second Street. Photo by Michael Weinfeld
Above: There’s also an artist gazebo where Our Community News volunteer and artist Janet Sellers displayed her brightly colored mural. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Above: Fellow artist, Dan Rich, showed off his art. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Cops and Bobbers, June 29
Above and below: Members of the Monument Police Department (MPD) mingled with young anglers at Monument Lake in an event called Cops and Bobbers on June 29. The event has been held elsewhere in Colorado and other states, but this was Monument’s first shot at it. The hope is that it’ll become an annual event. The aim is to give kids a chance to mingle and get to know members of their local police force while fishing. The children also got to choose from various swag including a junior police officer pin with a flashing red light and an MPD slap bracelet. By the way, for those who aren’t familiar with fishing terms, a bobber is the float that suspends the bait in the water. Above: Community Resource Officer Kelly Reifle and Scheel’s Marketing Director Jacey Sharping stand behind the table filled with MPD swag. Below: One of the kids taking part in the event casts his line. Photos by Michael Weinfeld.
Above: Monument’s robotics team (in photo) made it to the World Championships in April. Coach Eric VanDenHoek says the Bearbotics team had never made it that far. Their performance “exceeded our season goals.” Bearbotics traveled to Oklahoma to compete against 48 other teams. Their showing earned them a trip to Houston to compete against 601 of the best teams in the world. They finished 82nd out of 3,690 teams. They ranked 63rd out of 2,927 teams in the U.S. and second in Colorado. Student Carter Grizzle says it was “a life-changing event.” Photo courtesy of Eric VanDenHoek.
Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares fundraiser
Above: On May 14, Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC) held its annual Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares, a major fundraiser for the 41-year-old nonprofit, at Spruce Mountain Events in Larkspur. This year’s sold-out event was supported by 27 sponsors and attracted 400 paid attendees who sampled cuisine from 14 Tri-Lakes and Colorado Springs area restaurants. Racquel Garcia, founder and chief innovation officer of Hard Beauty, a whole-life drug and alcohol substance recovery organization and new owner of Lake & Lantern in Palmer Lake, delivered a moving keynote presentation regarding TLC, the support it provided to her at a difficult time in her life, and the subsequent collaborations to support the community in need including the 2013 Black Forest Fire. Chef Shane Lyons, a Los Angeles-area chef and son of Tri-Lakes Cares Director of Development & Planning Bill Lyons, performed cooking demonstrations using TLC pantry items and provided information on food waste, stating 40% of grown food is wasted each year with the most preventable food waste occurring in the household. The evening concluded with a paddle raise fundraiser that generated an initial donation of $30,000 followed by increments down to $50 with a goal of raising $125,000. TLC Executive Director Haley Chapin expressed “gratitude for all the support the event received from the participating restaurants, sponsors of the event, and the attendees.” Pictured are, front row, from left, Shelly Ruedin, Kelly Epstein, and TLC Executive Director Chapin. In the middle row are Indy Frazee, Derek Wilson, and Mark Steinberg. In the back row are Benny Nasser, board President Rich Schur, and Carol Foster. Not pictured: Kim Anderson-Grigg. Photo by David Futey.
High School artists honored, May 14
Above: Lewis-Palmer High School honored graduating seniors who intend to continue their fine and performing arts studies in college. The seniors were recognized in a May 14 ceremony similar to the ceremonies held for senior athletes who signed letters of intent to pursue sports in college. Interim Superintendent Amber Whetstine says the event “represents the significance of the arts in the Tri-Lakes community.” Arts Education Advisory Council member Theresa Phillips told the students their talents are “inspiring.” Their teachers were also honored. The students will study a range of subjects including theater, sound engineering, music business, and film production. One student, Jaithan McEchron, will study both violin and chemistry. Front row from left to right are Hope Muldoon, Abigail Sjobeck, Chloe Howver, Isadora Hayes, Bella Kappel, Tabor Hayes, and Penny Stafford. Back row from left to right are Sophia Schulz, Ashley Forsyth, Annabelle Erminger, Isabel Doyle, Luke Bridges, Keegan Owen, Jaithan McEchron, Sky Swenson, and Elliot Swiatek. Photo by Tyler Dumas.
Lake and Lantern Grand Opening
Above: In the space once occupied by Speedtrap Bistro, a new venue held its grand opening on May 17. The Lake and Lantern, owned by Racquel Garcia, opened its doors to serve food and non-alcoholic drinks to a full house. Charlie Searle and his band and ASHTONZ provided music to help launch the live music season. Photo by Steve Pate. See video clip below.
Art Hop Book Signings, May 23
The first Art Hop of the season featured two book signings at Covered Treasures Bookstore in Monument on May 23. Michael Weinfeld and John Howe signed copies of their book Shootouts, Killings, and War Heroes: The History Hidden in Monument’s Cemetery. They were invited back after a very successful signing last November. Also at the store for Art Hop was Karen Koepcke Morgan, who signed two of her children’s books, Can You Hide Like a Chameleon? and Are You Stronger Than an Ant? Photos by Charlie Searle. In upper photo, seated from left, are Howe and Weinfeld. From left in the back are bookstore owner Tommie Plank, store manager Paula Primavera and employee Claire Deeds. In the lower photo, Karen Koepcke Morgan with her children’s books.
Palmer Lake sculpture installation
Above: The Palmer Lake Arts Council (PLAC) facilitated its first-ever installations of two sculptures for the art year 2025-26 on May 23, with two artists new to the program: Diego Harris and Bill Bunting. Attending Palmer Lake Arts Council members are, from left, Lynn Roth, Amy Hudson, and Tim Brannaman (starring as event welder) shared the happy event with sculptor Harris and his steel sculpture, Serpent Obelisk. Harris makes steel sculptures in Weathering steel, a process that forms its own patina when exposed to the elements. This eliminates the need for painting and offers enhanced corrosion resistance. Harris’ sculpture is available for purchase, with portions of the funds supporting the PLAC. Bunting, cowboy poet and sculptor, shared his sculpture Love for the Land with his poetry. Bunting created the steel sculpture by cutting small pieces of steel and welding them together into the plow shape. He included his poems about the sculpture, both honoring the stewards of the lands of the West. Photo by Janet Sellers.
Memorial Day in Monument
The skies were gloomy, befitting the somber occasion, as a few hundred people attended the Memorial Day ceremony in Monument Cemetery on May 26. The rain held off as local and state officials spoke and the names of veterans buried in the 5 acres of land were read aloud, each name followed by the ringing of a bell. The ceremony ended with the playing of taps by Michael Carlson on his bugle. This is Carlson’s last year performing at the ceremony. He’ll be attending college in South Dakota next Memorial Day. Above: Members of VFW Post 7829, American Legion/Tri-Lakes Post 9-11, Boy Scout Troop 17, and others salute the flags. Photo by Michael Weinfeld. See video clips below.
Pikes Peak Soap Box Derby
Above: On June 1, a portion of Higby Road in Monument was converted into a downhill racecourse for the 20th annual Pikes Peak Soap Box Derby. This is the first time the derby has been in Monument; previous years it was held on Costilla Street in Colorado Springs. Race Director Jim Taylor said, “We have a total of 43 racers from across the state, from Pueblo, Denver, Centennial, Woodland Park, Longmont, Brighton, and Colorado Springs.” Taylor was very appreciative of the supportive response from sponsors, the Town of Monument, and the Triview Metropolitan District (TMD). Taylor said TMD General Manager “James McGrady was instrumental in securing permits, coordinating the Higby Road closure for 3 1/2 days and assisting with the course setup.” The course was 650 feet in length with racers clocked at speeds up to 22 mph. The winning racer in the dual heats sometimes came down to thousandths of a second. The Stock division (ages 7-13) winner was Blake Elston and the Super Stock division (ages 9-18) winner was Ethan Elston after a double elimination bracket was conducted in each division. The brothers will head to Akron, Ohio in July to compete in the Soap Box Derby World Championship. Photo by David Futey. See video clips below.
PLAG annual scholarship awards
Above: On May 23, Bella Art and Frame Gallery hosted the Palmer Lake Art Group’s (PLAG) annual celebration of young artists with scholarship awards. From left are Clyde Smith of the Scholarship Committee, event judges Mark Dixon and Bonnie Sands, scholarship recipient Isadora Hayes, and events coordinator Rita Bates. Photo by Janet Sellers.
Above: From left, Micaela Cimino, co-owner of Bella Art and Frame Gallery, and scholarship winner Isadora Hayes stand near Hayes’s winning artworks at the PLAG scholarship exhibition celebration on May 23. Photo by Janet Sellers. Bonus photo not included in the printed copy of the OCN.
Monument Farmers Market
Above: The first Monument Hill Farmers Market of the season opened May 24 under threatening skies. Lucky for the vendors and the large crowd that turned out, it didn’t rain, though it got very windy at times. The market is open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend to early October. It’s held in front of Big Red at 66 Jefferson St. in Monument. Mike and Sherree Hrdlichka first opened the market in 2007. In the photo, from left are Filter Press Publisher Julie VanLaanen, and authors John Howe and Michael Weinfeld at their booth promoting their book Shootouts, Killings and War Heroes: The History Hidden in Monument’s Cemetery. Photo by Tia M. Mayer. See ad on page 5.
New sidewalk in Monument
Above: Walking into downtown Monument from the west side is safer now. There’s finally a sidewalk from the corner of Mitchell Avenue and Second Street across the train tracks to the Limbach Park parking lot. No more having to choose between navigating a ditch or walking on the road. Town Manager Madeline VanDenHoek says the project had been in the works for “many, many, many years,” but it finally happened because of the “persistence” of Civil Engineering Inspector Tom Martinez of the Monument Public Works Department. Martinez was able to “work something out” with the BNSF Railway so that the town didn’t have to pay $50,000 for permits and other things. The $60,000 cost of the project was covered by leftover federal grant money for drainage improvement. Drainage pipes were installed beneath the sidewalk. VanDenHoek hopes the sidewalk will eventually begin at the crosswalk on Mitchell Avenue. Photo by Michael Weinfeld. See the video clip below.
USAFA Graduation, May 29
Above: They missed out on the traditional flyover and air show, but the more than 900 Air Force and Space Force cadets went home with something more important—their diplomas. The graduation ceremony on May 29 at Falcon Stadium at the US Air Force Academy (USAFA) ended with the traditional hat toss (in photo), but not a performance by the Thunderbirds who were grounded by fog and low-lying clouds. Spectators did get to see the acrobatic flight team practice the day before. Dr. Troy E. Meink, the 27th secretary of the Air Force, was the main speaker at the graduation. Photo by Michael Weinfeld. See video clips below.
Palmer Lake Farmers Market
Above: On Sundays, the Palmer Lake Farmers Market welcomes the public with food, goodies, gifts, and music in its fun, festive atmosphere. Here, on June 1, a stand offered lemonade made fresh on site, sweetened to taste. The market is open Sundays 10-2 all summer at the lake near the bandstand. The market is also accepting new vendors. Details at Calvertsminimarket.com. Photo courtesy Stephanie Calvert. Caption by Janet Sellers. See ad on page 2.
Above: On March 31, School District 38 hosted a Wall-Breaking Ceremony to begin renovations on its Career & Innovation Center (CIC) at 1200 Synthes Ave., set to open for the 2025–26 school year. The center will provide secondary students with work-based learning opportunities, connecting high school education to in-demand careers. Students can earn certifications and prepare for college and the workforce. Over 100 attendees, including students, staff, school board members, and partners, celebrated the milestone. Guests, equipped with safety gear, participated in wall demolition. Phase one programs will feature Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Skilled Trades. Phase two will add hands-on learning in Healthcare and Information Technology. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Hop Out Hunger, Apr. 5
Above: On April 5, Bethesda Gardens Senior Living Center held its third annual Hop Out Hunger pancake fundraiser benefiting Tri-Lakes Cares. Balloons and bunnies adorned the event, which featured a $10 breakfast of pancakes, bacon, sausage, fruit, coffee, and orange juice. Proceeds support Tri-Lakes Cares in providing food, household items, and financial aid to those in need. Bethesda Director Jackie Lyons and staff brought their children, dressed in Easter attire, to join the festivities. Pictured from left are Ember, Eden, and Luliana. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
PLAG’s April Color Splash Show
Above: The Palmer Lake Art Group held its annual Color Splash art show in April at Library 21c branch of Pikes Peak Library District. Right (L to R): Anne Dye, first place winner, with presenter Rita Bates.
Above: Anne Dye’s winning artwork, Beside Still Waters. Photos courtesy Palmer Lake Art Group.
Wildlife overpass under construction
Above: Work has begun on a huge wildlife overpass that will cross I-25 near the Greenland Interchange between Larkspur and Monument. The overpass will be 204 feet wide and will span six lanes of the highway, making it one of the largest wildlife overpasses in the country. It’ll allow elk, mule deer, and pronghorn to have access to 39,000 acres of habitat on both sides of the highway. Most of the $15 million cost will be covered by a federal grant. The overpass is predicted to reduce the number of crashes caused by wildlife by 90%. Motorists can expect delays throughout the construction project, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Photo courtesy of CDOT.
Recall petition signing, Apr. 5
Above: On April 5, Palmer Lake residents began petitioning to recall Trustees Shana Ball, Kevin Dreher, and Dennis Stern. Braving wintry weather, Herb Preslier bundled up to staff a booth outside Calvert’s Mini-Market, a small business in Palmer Lake that has voiced concerns over Buc-ee’s potential impact. The recall committee cites key issues of transparency, responsibility, and ethical leadership. Residents also discussed initiating a separate petition to require voter approval for future annexations. Petition signings continued at various community locations throughout the 60-day petition period. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Monument Lake Regrading, Apr. 8
Above: It’s just as much a sign of spring as boaters returning to Monument Lake. On April 8, the town’s Public Works Department filled the deep potholes that had formed over the winter at the lake’s parking area and beach. Dump trucks emptied dirt which was smoothed out by road graders. Then, rollers came along to pack down the dirt. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Friends of Black Forest, Apr. 12
Above: People brought chainsaws, chippers, and gloves to help tackle beetle-infested trees, chipping slash to help slow the infestation, on a Black Forest property that had already been devastated in the 2013 fire. Friends of Black Forest is a big family even though they don’t all know each other yet. This huge project was organized by Terry Stokka, who said, “this is the kind of spirit that I want to foster in Black Forest, neighbors helping neighbors.” Participants said it was fun to band together and work as a team. If you live in the area and want to be added to Friends of Black Forest email list, write to terry@friendsofblackforest.org. Photo by Lisa Hatfield.
Soap Box Derby clinic, Apr. 5
Above: On April 5, the Pikes Peak Soap Box Derby (PPSBD) held its first of two clinics in April at Family of Christ Lutheran Church. The clinics provided derby racers an opportunity to build their cars for the upcoming derby. Pictured from left are PPSBD steering committee member Brandie Scott with Brent DeMatteo providing guidance to Oliver DeMatteo on installation of an axle on his car. This year the derby race will be held on Higby Road in Monument after over 20 years in downtown Colorado Springs. Practice day and final car inspection are scheduled for May 31, with the race occurring on June 1. Race Director Jim Taylor said, “We are expecting 37-40 racers this year with participants coming from Denver to Fountain and locations in between.” The race is open to anyone between the ages of 7 and 20. The racecourse is 650 feet long on Higby between Cloverleaf and Bowstring Roads. Higby will be closed for four days to accommodate the racecourse setup and the race. Taylor said, “The focus of the derby is to provide families an opportunity to build the car together and the enjoyment of having racers compete locally and nationally.” Information on PPSBD and the race is at www.ppsbd.org. Photo by David Futey.
TLWC Checkered Table Talk, Apr. 8
Above: The Tri-Lakes Women’s Club’s (TLWC) new Checkered Table Talk series is off to a strong start. TLWC says the first talk on April 8 was sold out. Those attending heard Mike Thiessen, assistant coach at the Air Force Academy, speak about “learning, love, and leadership.” Guests brought picnic baskets and ate lunch on tables covered in checkered tablecloths. The next talk will be held May 8 featuring the President and CEO of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic Nathan Newbrough. Photo by Kelly Trop.
LPHS staged The Lightning Thief
Above: Lewis-Palmer High School (LPHS) Theater staged The Lightning Thief on April 10-12, portraying Rick Riordan’s first book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series on stage. The musical follows Jackson, a modern teen who discovers he’s the son of a Greek god and must retrieve Zeus’ stolen lightning bolt to restore peace to Mount Olympus. Students played teenage demi-gods and Greek gods, including a lighthearted portrayal of Poseidon in a Hawaiian shirt. The production explored themes of abandonment, friendship, and inner strength. In the photo, The Lightning Thief cast and crew take a bow. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
TLC greenhouse construction
Above right: Mr. Vrieze’s Carpentry 1 and 2 classes at Lewis-Palmer High School built a greenhouse for the Tri-Lakes Cares produce garden and set it up in April. The greenhouse was received with sincere thanks to Mr. Vrieze (pictured above left) and the student volunteers whose contributions made this project possible; supplies were donated by Harbor Freight’s Tools for Schools program. The garden still needs seeds and perennials: rhubarb plants, berry plants, tomato and other food plants, and summer volunteers to help weekly for planting, weeding, and harvesting. Contact Molly at MollyS@trilakescares.org or Janet at JanetSellers@ocn.me. Photo by Janet Sellers.
D38 Art Awards, Apr. 15
Above: On April 15, School District 38 held its Arts Awards ceremony at the district administration building, recognizing top student artists from all district schools, Monument Academy, and the Home School Enrichment Academy. First-, second-, and third-place winners earned certificates, ribbons, and cash prizes. Student artwork, displayed at Lolley’s Tasting Room for two weeks prior, highlighted the talent celebrated at the event. Sponsors included Integrity Bank & Trust, D38 Foundation, Air Academy Credit Union, Lolley’s Ice Cream, Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts, and Palmer Lakes Arts Council. Pictured from left are Communications Director Amy Matisek and Amanda Staman, Palmer Lake Elementary art teacher and event organizer. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
100+ Women Who Care, Apr. 16
Above: On April 16, 100+ Women Who Care Tri-Lakes gathered at The Woodmoor Barn to choose a local nonprofit to receive the group’s donations. Members of the group, who each contribute $100 each twice a year, heard three-minute presentations from nominees Tri-Lakes Cares, the D38 Foundation, and Kiwanis for the Heart of Monument Playpark. After voting, Tri-Lakes Cares was selected as the recipient. Tri-Lakes Cares supports families and individuals in northern El Paso County, striving to make a positive impact. Learn more at tri-lakescares.org. Girls on the Ridge, the October 2024 recipient, provided refreshments at the April meeting and shared how their funds supported Palmer Ridge High School women’s sports, providing tools for performance, safety, and confidence. Visit girlsontheridge.org for details. The next meeting is set for Wednesday, Oct. 15. For more information, visit 100womenwhocaretrilakes.com. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
PRHS staged Radium Girls
Above: The Bear Necessity Theatre Company presented Radium Girls by D. W. Gregory in the Palmer Ridge High School auditorium April 17-19. The play is based on the lives of young women who worked at the U.S. Radium Corp. in the 1920s in New Jersey who became ill and died after being exposed to radioactivity while painting radium onto watch faces, etc., that made them glow in the dark. The girls were instructed to use their lips to put a fine point on their radioactive brush points so they could paint precisely. This procedure led to a condition called “radium jaw,” or radium necrosis, and many became sick and died. The young women and their friends and relatives fought to make workplaces safer in the U.S. and Europe. Pictured from left are Bella Pemberton as Kathryn Schaub, Jocelyn Langlois as Grace Fryer, Krew Sloan as Tom Kreider, and Lucy Cavin as reporter Nancy Jane Harlan. Caption by Jackie Burhans. Photo by Steve Pate.
Friends of Fox Run Park, Apr. 22
Above: Members of the Board of Friends of Fox Run Park set up an informational table for Earth Day on April 22 in Fox Run Park at the Roller Coaster Road Trailhead. They greeted hikers and runners and wished them a “Happy Earth Day.” Many of the park-goers stopped and visited with them, including a horse named Hey Gal. One of the core initiatives of the Friends group is to promote working with El Paso County on volunteer projects in the park such as trail building, painting, fence repair, and general landscape cleanup. If you would like to join the Friends of Fox Run Park on one of their projects, please email FriendsofFoxRunPark@gmail.com. Photo by Marlene Brown.
D38 students display their art
Above: Student artists of all ages displayed their work at Lolley’s Tasting Room in Monument. Elementary school students were featured from April 1-6 while middle and high school student artwork was on display April 8-13. Palmer Ridge student Everleigh Larsen won Best in Show in the high school category for her white charcoal and color pencil piece of a skull surrounded by flowers. Middle school Best in Show went to Lewis-Palmer eighth-grader Danae Archuleta’s sushi tic-tac-toe board made of clay. Kindergartner Hans Luebbert from Prairie Winds Elementary earned Best in Show in his age group for his mixed media creation Hedgehog Hearts. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
D38 multi-lingual night, Apr. 17
Above: School District 38 hosted a multilingual family night on April 17 at Lewis-Palmer High School, featuring resource tables, a family survey with a raffle, entertainment, and food, including potluck dishes and the Antojitos Juruilta food truck. Multilingual Learning Specialist Dr. Katie Scott organized the event to foster connection and celebrate culture, showcasing Ballet Folklorico, student and teacher spotlights, games, and refreshments. Family Liaison and Spanish interpreter Mency Dillenbeck provided simultaneous translation. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Young Marines honor WWII vets
Above: Jackson Waters of Monument was among 12 Young Marines from across the country who traveled to Guam and Iwo Jima to honor the 80th anniversary of the WWII Battle of Iwo Jima. They raised a flag on Mount Suribachi, the site of the famous flag-raising by Marines during the battle of Iwo Jima. Sergeant-Major Waters is a member of the Mountain View Young Marines in Centennial. The Young Marines is a national youth program for boys and girls, ages eight through high school, focused on leadership, citizenship through community service, self-discipline, and living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. Waters is standing fourth from right in the photo. Photo courtesy of the Young Marines.
Slash-mulch program, Apr. 19
Above: The Black Forest Slash and Mulch Committee (SAMCOM), a Colorado nonprofit doing business as the Black Forest Slash and Mulch Program, held its annual meeting at the Black Forest Community Center on April 19. Working in conjunction with Colorado State Forest Service, the Black Forest Fire and Rescue Department, and El Paso County, the program promotes wildfire mitigation through reducing hazardous fuels on private property. The 2025 program begins May 3. Please see bfslash.org for a schedule of drop-off and pick-up of slash and mulch. Pictured are Carolyn Brown and Jeff DeWitt, directors of the program. Photo by Marlene Brown.
Buc-ee’s Open House, Apr. 24
Above: From left, Daniel Higgins and Gerald Hatfield staff one of the information tables at the Buc-ee’s Open House held by Tri-Lakes Preservation at the Palmer Lake Elementary School Cafeteria on April 24. Brochures were available discussing water, environmental, local impact, and legal issues with the proposed annexation and construction of a Buc-ee’s travel center. Photo by Mike Cimino.
Arbor Day, Apr. 25
Above: The Town of Monument celebrated Arbor Day, April 25, by planting a tree in front of the Monument Sanitation District office on Second Street. The 12-foot chokecherry replaced a locust tree that died. The event was instructional as well as functional. Parks Superintendent James Schubauer (in blue shirt) gave tips on how to plant a tree. The key, he said, was not to bury the root ball too deep. The roots should be planted 6 to 8 inches below the surface, he said. Schubauer warned that if you plant them too deep, the roots won’t get any oxygen, and the tree will die. After the planting, Parks and Trails Planner and Program Manager Cassie Olgren gave out free ground-covering plants to the crowd. The first Arbor Day was observed on April 10, 1872, with the planting of an estimated 1 million trees in the mostly treeless grasslands of Nebraska. By 1885, Arbor Day became a legal holiday, celebrated on April 22. In 1970, President Richard Nixon changed the official date to the last Friday in April. Caption by Michael Weinfeld and Janet Sellers. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Chamberwinners announced
Above: John Howe and Michael Weinfeld of Our Community News were named Volunteers of the Year at the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce annual awards gala April 25. In addition to volunteering at the newspaper, Howe and Weinfeld spent years updating the town’s cemetery files resulting in a book about the cemetery. Interim Town Manager Madeline VanDenHoek won Business Person of the Year. VanDenHoek is expected to be named town manager this month. Gabrielle Traenkner of Sherwin-Williams was named Employee of the Year, Leann Hemenway of Herring Bank won Ambassador of the Year, and the Monument Warriors won Non-Profit of the Year. The Warriors are a Special Olympics team based in Colorado Springs. The gala was held at the Polaris Hotel at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. From left, Weinfeld, VanDenHoek, and Howe. Photo by Allen Alchian.
WMMI Super Saturday, Apr. 26
Above: On April 26, the Western Museum of Mining & Industry (WMMI) held its annual Super Saturday event. This year’s event featured a variety of activities where visitors could pursue artistic expression. Museum Marketing Coordinator Hunter Hall, front, and Museum Rentals Coordinator Kelsey Bailes are shown as they try acrylic painting with vendor Brush Crazy. Besides Brush Crazy, visitors found art activities through other vendors including Pebble Pups, Yellow Couch Creative, and the Embroiderers Guild. The museum staff also demonstrated a variety of the museum’s steam engines, and visitors could try their hand at gold panning. Information on upcoming museum events like Picnic N Planes and lectures is at wmmi.org. Photo by David Futey.
Above: Area residents rolled the dice Feb. 22 to raise more than $4,500 for a future meditation garden at Trinity Community Park in Monument. More than 60 people took part in Bunco night hosted by the park and Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club at Trinity Lutheran Church. The proceeds will go toward the garden that will include benches, sculptures, wind spinners, birdhouses, a labyrinth, and Rotary Peace Poles that display the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth.” In photo, Debby Jeroslow came dressed for the occasion. Photo by Laurie Beasley.
Lake and Lantern opened, Feb. 26
Above: Lake and Lantern Café opened on Feb. 26 in Palmer Lake at the former Speedtrap restaurant. It serves breakfast and lunch daily and aims to create an alcohol-free space for connection. Their offerings include zero-proof beer and mocktails. CEO Raquel Garcia leads the café with her son Jordan as chef, her husband Chris handling operations, and her son Jayden as cook, server, and mocktologist. Other family members contribute as needed. Lake and Lantern, with the motto “life, lit differently,” will host in-person recovery meetings by HardBeauty starting April 2 at 7:30 pm, offering hot coffee but no food. CEO Raquel Garcia, founder of HardBeauty and the HardBeauty Foundation, supports these efforts through the café. For more details, visit www.lakeandlantern.com or call 719-300-8013. To learn more about HardBeauty and the HardBeauty Foundation, check out www.hardbeauty.life and www.hardbeautyfoundation.org. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Roundabout alternatives, Mar. 5
Above: El Paso County hosted a community presentation on March 5 to discuss its Intersection Study for Woodmoor Drive and Lake Woodmoor. County Project Manager Alissa Werre introduced project managers John Moscovich and Michael Romero from Benesch. While presenters received positive feedback on a temporary roundabout, concerns about its proximity to Highway 105 led to the evaluation of three potential full-size roundabout locations (shown in inset): Woodmoor Drive and Lake Woodmoor, Woodmoor Drive and the Park & Ride entrance, and Woodmoor Drive and Monument Hill Road. Once a decision is finalized, the design phase is expected to take 12-18 months, with construction slated for late 2026 or early 2027. Based on traffic studies and the achievable level of service (LOS), the county favored the roundabout option at Woodmoor Drive and the Park & Ride. Attendees raised questions and concerns, which were documented, and additional input was welcomed until March 21. From left on stage are Romero, Werre, and Moscovich. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Monument Lake restrooms coming
Above: The thousands of people who visit Monument Lake each year soon won’t have to use a porta potty when nature calls. Ground was broken in February on what will be permanent restroom facilities. The inset photo example of what the building might look like was provided by Parks and Trails Planner and Program Manager Cassie Olgren. It has two unisex bathrooms with plumbing. She says she hopes the facility will be ready for use by the end of June. About 75% of the cost will be picked up by a $117,000 grant from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Photo by Tia M. Mayer.
Taste of Life expands shop, Mar. 1
Above: On March 1, the Taste of Life store, 18965 Base Camp Road, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its expanded retail shop. The shop has moved to the front of the building and features homemade meals for those too busy to cook, gluten-free options, and keto options. The store was packed for the event, which was covered by Fox 21 news. For more information, see www.tasteoflifestores.com. Inset: Donna Poelstra, owner of Taste of Life, greeted the crowd at the grand reopening. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Rock House ready for Easter
Above: On an early spring day, March 23, families and friends enjoyed lunch and/or ice cream at the Rock House ice cream shop, 24 Highway 105, Palmer Lake. Shown from left are Jeff Goldman, owner of the Rock House, Lynda Pate, Claire McFadden, Logan Downey, and Kristen McFadden (Claire’s mother). The Rock House also features house-made fudge, chocolate, and popcorn as well as lunch and dinner items. The Easter bunny atop the dinosaur appeared to be enjoying the ride. Photo by Steve Pate.
PLAG portrait workshop
Above: Members of the Palmer Lake Art Group (PLAG) enjoyed a club portrait workshop session in March. PLAG members, from left, Wilhelmina Steenbergen (modeling), Anne Dye, and Mark Dixon join the Plein Air Artist of Colorado winter indoor drawing program at Library 21c in the Create Space. PLAG members are invited to join this twice-a-month event where artists paint or draw in short gesture or long pose sessions. For information, visit PalmerLakeArtGroup.org. Photo courtesy of Palmer Lake Art Group.
Stars of Tomorrow winners, Mar. 16
Above: Two pianists, three Broadway-style singers, and a ballet dancer who played the drums won the top prizes at the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club’s Stars of Tomorrow talent show held at Palmer Ridge High School in Monument on March 16. Pianist Annabelle Carter, a homeschooled high school junior, earned the top prize of $2,000. In second place among high schoolers was singer Ruby Taylor, a Palmer Ridge junior, who took home $1,000. The third-place prize, worth $500, went to another singer, Winn Sienkowski, a Palmer Ridge High School junior. Among middle-schoolers, Aubrey Davis, a sixth-grader at Palmer Lake Elementary School, came in first for her performance that combined ballet and playing the drums. She earned $750 while singer Lila Brown, an eighth-grader at Lewis-Palmer Middle School, was second, earning $500. Finally, the elementary school winner was pianist Thomas Carter, who took home $500. Pictured from left to right: Thomas Carter, Ruby Taylor, Winn Sienkowski, Annabelle Carter, Aubrey Davis, and Lila Brown. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Whitecaps on Palmer Lake, Mar. 17
Above: On Monday, March 17, the Tri-Lakes area including the lake at Palmer Lake was affected by 55-plus mph wind gusts. The gusts created very choppy waters in a northerly direction with whitecaps. Near-blizzard conditions affected the area the following day and into Wednesday morning. Photo by David Futey.
Monument cemetery talk, Mar. 21
Above: The team of Michael Weinfeld and John Howe has been nominated for the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce honor of Volunteer of the Year. They’ll compete against other nominees and will learn who won at the chamber’s annual awards gala on April 25. Weinfeld and Howe gave two presentations about their book Shootouts, Killings, and War Heroes: The History Hidden in Monument’s Cemetery. They spoke at the Tri-Lakes Senior Center on March 21 (in photo) and the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club on March 22. Photo by Tia M. Mayer.
WMMI Geology Day, Mar. 22
Above: During the Western Museum of Mining & Industry’s (WMMI) annual Geology Day on March 22, WMMI Curator Jaime Gorrell assists museum visitor James Bolding with one of the activities. Bolding built a mineshaft structure made of toothpicks and marshmallows. To test the structure’s strength, it is placed in sand with wax paper over it then sand over top. A camera directed underneath the wax paper and attached to the adjacent laptop shows how the structure holds up under the weight of the sand. Besides this activity, visitors had the opportunity to interact with a variety of organizations, including the Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society, the Phoenix Gold Mine, SSR Mining from Cripple Creek & Victor, Lafayette History Museum, and Maptek staff demonstrating a Lindar scanner. WMMI Executive Director Grant Dewey said he “greatly appreciates the exhibitors enhancing the museum’s visitors’ educational experience and understanding of geology.” Photo by David Futey.
Wildfire risk reduction, Mar. 17
Above: Wildfire hazard management, forest health, and safer ingress/egress routes were described by Jonathan Bradley, Monument Fire’s division chief of Community Risk Reduction, on March 17. He spoke to residents of Pleasant View Estates, Sun Hills Estates, and the nearby Raton neighborhood. He urged all homeowners in the area to make each house and the zone around it less flammable, so it could not be ignited by flying sparks and burning embers. Residents should cut back trees and fuel from the right-of-way in front of each property so that in a wildfire, flames have less chance of blocking the escape route for residents and access for firefighters. For more “home hardening,” “fuels reduction,” and emergency planning ideas, search online for Colorado State Forest Service Home Ignition Zone brochure or see Ready, Set, Go! evacuation ideas at www.wildlandfirersg.org/. Photo by Lisa Hatfield.
WWII Vet Jim Clemmons’ 100th
Above: About 100 people, one for every year of Jim Clemans’ life, attended his centennial birthday party at Jackson Creek Senior Living in Monument on March 22. Clemans is a Navy veteran who served during WWII aboard the escort carrier Wyndham Bay. He saw action at Iwo Jima and the Battle of Okinawa. Clemans was also active in the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club, serving as grand marshal in the Fourth of July parade in 2023. Asked by an OCN reporter what tips he could give for reaching 100 years of age, Clemans said, “Just relax and don’t worry about it.” Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
TLWC donates baby products
Above: Volunteers with the Tri-Lakes Women Club (TLWC) donated 507 pounds of diapers and wipes to Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC) on March 24. The donation was needed because TLC can give women only seven diapers a week and as any parent will tell you, that’s not nearly enough to keep a baby dry. In addition to the baby products, TLWC raised nearly $500 to donate to TLC. TLC still needs other donations. To find out what else they could use, visit https://tri-lakescares.org/current-pantry-needs/. In the photo are TLWC volunteers Maureen Morgan (in front) and Kayleen Jackson. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Above and Below: As detailed in the photo caption on the front page, the Lake of the Rockies community fire mitigation project was necessary because three acres of dense stands of scrub oak and ponderosa pines behind the community and south of the Monument Lake dam were considered a “high hazard area.” A powerful machine called a “masticator” (pictured below) was used to chew up small trees, oak brush, and debris on the floor of the forest to open up space beneath the pines. Now that the project has been completed, it will be less likely a fire could spread to houses (visible in the background in the photo). The project cost nearly $11,000 and was paid for with a grant from the Pikes Peak Regional Council of Governments. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
PRHS football signing, Feb. 5
Above: In a formal ceremony held in the Palmer Ridge High School (PRHS) auditorium on Feb. 5, three graduating student athletes signed commitments to attend college and continue their football experiences. Coach Earl Carlton expressed his appreciation for the contributions made by these young men and wished them well in their coming adventures. Seated during the signings are, from left, Aiden Cohen to play football at Colorado Mesa University, David Brodeur, Ave Maria University, and Isaac Burks, Saint Ambrose University. Photo by Steve Pate.
Arndt wins PLAG show blue ribbon
Above: Donna Arndt was the blue ribbon winner of the Palmer Lake Art Group’s annual winter show with her Garden of the Gods, After the Storm, 2025, acrylic palette knife painting, 16” x 16”, created in 2025. This year the exhibition was held at the Garden of the Gods visitor center all month in February. Arndt, a local artist of several mediums, is also the sculptor for the statue, Come, Dizzy! in Palmer Lake at the Town Hall. Dizzy was the construction helper for the Palmer Lake star, fetching tools up and down the mountain. Dizzy fetched such things as hammers, nails, wires, light bulbs and more for the workers upon the mountain when the star was being built nearly a hundred years ago. Photo by Janet Sellers.
Bella Art has new owners
Above: On Feb. 16, the new owners of Bella Art and Frame gallery invited their gallery artists and clients for a meet-and-greet gathering. From left are Joseph Jesse, gallery artist Bonnie Sands, and Micaela Cimino. Jesse and Cimino are the new owners who said they will continue to offer art, art events and picture framing at Bella Art and Frame Gallery. New for the venue will be art and artist events, planned for Saturdays starting in March, including open studio hours with art instruction available. The various events will be open to the community. Cimino was a Palmer Lake Art Group high school scholarship award winner and went on to study at Pratt Institute in New York. After working in New York as an illustrator for many years, she has returned home to the Monument area with her family to continue her support of the arts locally. Photo by Janet Sellers
Stone wins Stars and Stripes Award
Above: On Feb. 16, Isabelle Stone of Monument was presented with the Stars and Stripes Award, the highest honor given by American Heritage Girls. Friends, family, and supporters attended the ceremony at the Ascent Church in Monument. Isabelle earned the award by partnering with the nonprofit group Sarah’s Home to remodel a storage room for books used in the group’s curriculum. The room had been in disarray (left photo). Sarah’s Home provides a sanctuary for teenage girls who are survivors of sex trafficking. Over the last 13 years, Isabelle has earned 97 badges and performed 1,295 hours of community service with American Heritage Girls, a group that teaches girls 5-18 years old perseverance, self-reliance, and leadership. She’s been a member of three different troops across the country since she was 5. She currently attends weekly meetings of Troop CO2017 at the Ascent Church. Caption by Lilyan Gardner. Photos by Rebecca Stone.
Stars of Tomorrow auditions, Feb. 22
There was music, comedy, poetry, magic—even a ballet dancer who played the drums. More than three dozen area students tried out for the Monument Hill Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow talent show on Feb. 22. The students are competing for cash prizes. The elementary school winner will take home $500, and the middle school winner will earn $750. There will be three high school winners. The top prize will be $2,000, second prize will be worth $1,000, and third prize $500. Students who pass their auditions will compete in the talent show on March 16. Photos by Michael Weinfeld.
Above: Claire Baldwin, a 6-year-old first-grader from LPES sang a song.
Above: Julianna Ward, a 16-year-old PRHS student, sang a Broadway tune.
Above: Carmen Claudio, a 13-year-old LPMS student, dressed like Little Red Riding Hood and came equipped with trees and a basket to sing a song from Into the Woods.
Above: Ruby Taylor, a PRHS student, sang a song.
Above: Miriam Beasley, a LPMS student, sang a song while doing sign language.
Above: Winn Sienkowski, a 17-year-old PRHS student, sang a song.
Above and Below: Aubrey Davis, an 11-year-old sixth-grader at LPMS, played the drums after dancing a ballet.
Above: Lila Knapp (left), a 13-year-old Lewis-Palmer student, played clarinet and Brooke Tuck, a 14-year-old Lewis Palmer Student, played French horn.
Above: Penelope Hall, a 12-year-old seventh-grader at Lewis-Palmer Middle School, did a comedy routine.
Above: Lewis-Palmer student Thomas Carter played the piano.
Above: Fireworks ended the Fourth Annual Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic. More than a thousand people saw Pine Creek High School beat the Lewis-Palmer Rangers for the second straight year in an overtime shootout. The score was 3-2. The Eagles took home the Star trophy, shaped like the Palmer Lake Star that was lit for the tournament. The event raises money for the Lewis-Palmer hockey team. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
TLWC helps Christmas Giveaway
Above: On Dec. 14, 40 members of the Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) gathered at the Colorado Springs Event Center located at Academy Blvd and Palmer Park and rotated throughout the afternoon helping our community neighbors’ select gifts as part of the Bob Telmosse Christmas Giveaway. There were thousands of people, many of whom spent a long time lining up during the overnight hours to enter when the doors opened at 9 am. The event started in 1983 as a result of a prank. Someone ran an ad in the Gazette Telegraph saying Bob Telmosse’s business was giving away free food. When people come to his business, Bob explained the mistake and had them come back the next day and provided them with food from his own resources. It has continued every year and now is sponsored by the the Bob Telmossé Foundation (santa-bob.org). There is more information on the TLWC at https://tlwc.net.
New WMMI exhibit, Dec. 21
Above: The Western Museum of Mining & Industry (WMMI) has a new exhibit. A Moment in Time: The Nevada Northern Railway chronicles the photographic journey of Charles W. Case who used a Hasselblad 500C/M camera and Zeiss lenses to capture the railroad’s stark beauty. Jaime Gorrell, WMMI museum curator, opened the exhibit on Dec. 21. Museum volunteers Gary Steffens (in photo) and Steve Berry spoke to the pre-opening attendees about their experiences with railroading. Berry drove steam locomotive No. 40 on a recent trip to the railway museum in Ely, Nev. The exhibit runs through April 15. Photo by Allison Robenstein.
Monument tree light removal, Jan. 2
Above: With the holidays in the rearview mirror, it was time to take down the lights at Limbach Park in Monument on Jan. 2. Workers from Savatree of Colorado Springs used poles that could extend 24 feet as well as cherry pickers to take down the lights that had been on since Dec. 7. The lights surrounding the park’s bandshell were still lit as of Jan. 2. Photos by Michael Weinfeld.
Kiwanis bellringing check presented to the Salvation Army, Jan. 11
Above: Monument Hill Kiwanis Club (MHKC) presented a check for $32,212.50 to the Colorado Springs Salvation Army (CSSA) on Jan. 11. The money was raised by Kiwanis bellringers during the holiday season. Members rang the bell for a total of 392 hours. Rob Knoth led all volunteers with 47 hours of bellringing. Heide Baker was second with 21 hours and Mark Anderson was third with 19. MHKC thanked residents of the Tri-Lakes community, the Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC), and Lewis-Palmer District 38 middle and high school Service Leadership programs for their help in reaching this goal. From left are Maureen Morgan and Kathy Sera-Budney of TLWC, Rich Couch of the Colorado Springs Kiwanis, Maj. Steve Ball of the CSSA, Mark Zieger from MHKC, Jeane Turner of the CSSA, Anderson and Knoth (MHKC), and Kiwanis President Bill Kaelin. Photo by Warren Gerig.
Geese at Big Red, Jan. 19
Above: On a frigid Jan. 19 afternoon, over 50 geese found a bit of warm sunshine on lawn at the D38 administration building (Big Red). Photo by David Futey.
TLWC receives Kiwanis award
Above: Monument Hill Kiwanis Club (MHKC) gave Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) a Community Service Award on Jan. 11. TLWC member Maureen Morgan, left, and co-President Kathy Sera-Budney accepted the award. MHKC honored TLWC for its continued long-term support of Kiwanis’ bellringing. Photo by Warren Gerig.
Monument Employees of the Year
Above: James Schubauer and Joe Castellano are Monument’s Employees of the Year for 2024. Schubauer, far right, is the parks superintendent and Castellano, middle, is the streets foreman. Interim Town Manager Madeline VanDenHoek, left, says the two were recognized by both their co-workers and the town’s leadership team for their “dedication, contribution and commitment to our community.” They were recognized at the Jan. 21 Monument Town Council meeting. Photo by Tina Erickson.
TLWC accepting grant applications
Above: On Jan. 15, Tri-Lakes Women’s Club’s (TLWC) started accepting grant applications for 2025. Organizations eligible to apply include nonprofits, public service organizations, and public schools that serve the Tri-Lakes area. This year’s grants are worth up to $3,000, $1,000 more than before. The application package includes instructions as well as other important qualifying information. Applications must be submitted by Mar. 15. The TLWC program focuses on smaller organizations that typically do not have the staffing or resources to pursue grants from major granting foundations. Since 1973, TLWC has provided over $1 million in grants to local organizations including Palmer Ridge High School (PRHS), which bought an Automated External Defibrillator with the money. In the photo is Annie Vandenbussche, a school nurse consultant at PRHS. Photo by Amy Matisek.
Foggy fishing, Jan. 26
Above: The fog rolled in the morning of Jan. 26 making a mysterious scene on Monument Lake. The frozen lake was covered with ice fishing huts, and the trees were frosted white, making for a beautiful, though, cold morning. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic, Jan. 21
Above: Fireworks ended the Fourth Annual Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic. More than a thousand people saw Pine Creek High School beat the Lewis-Palmer Rangers for the second straight year in an overtime shootout. The score was 3-2. The Eagles took home the Star trophy, shaped like the Palmer Lake Star that was lit for the tournament. The event raises money for the Lewis-Palmer hockey team. Photo by Michael Weinfeld. See also the photo on page < 1 >.
More than two dozen student athletes from School District 38 signed national letters of intent to play their sport at the collegiate level on Nov. 13. Above: From left are Lewis-Palmer High School students Drew Boyarko (baseball, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs), Hunter Morgan (baseball, Dodge City Community College), Maddie Sanderson (volleyball, University of Montana), Abigail Perry (swimming, Ohio State University), Kate Kleinsmith (soccer, Seton Hall University), and Gwen McAllister (soccer, University of South Carolina Upstate).
Above: From left are Palmer Ridge High School students Myra Newman (volleyball, University of Mary), Lauren Clawson (volleyball, Fort Hays State University), Amara Langstaff (girls lacrosse, Slippery Rock University), Mia Hansen (volleyball, Southern Methodist University), Ryan Eells (lacrosse, University of Delaware), Channing Howarth (field hockey, Belmont Abbey College), Danielle Wilke (volleyball, Missouri Science and Tech), Haley Inscoe (soccer, Drury University), and Sydney Fisher (soccer, University of Nebraska at Kearney). Photos courtesy of D38.
Skoog honored by Sertoma, Nov. 20
Above: Daryl Skoog received the Service to Mankind award from the Gleneagle Sertoma Club on Nov. 20. Sertoman Donna O’Bryant says Skoog was honored for his “tremendous work ethic and dependability” as a transportation volunteer for Silver Key for the past four years. She says he put in more than 2,000 volunteer service hours giving more than 2,000 rides to more than 2,500 seniors. Skoog has also acquired vehicles for homeless families as a member of the group Family Promise. In addition, Skoog volunteers to help the prison ministry population. From left are Skoog, Jayme Holligan of Silver Key, and Sertoman Harvey LeCato. Photo by Dr. Vicki Wynn.
Kiwanis North Pole Craft Fair, Dec. 7
Above:The Monument Hill Kiwanis Club’s annual North Pole Arts & Crafts Fair was held in the Grace Best Education Center Auditorium on Dec. 7 with over 2,000 people attending. Booths included baked goods made by local churches and food and handmade crafts made by vendors. Live holiday music and free pictures with Santa were featured. The fair is a fundraiser for Tri-Lakes Cares and 4KidzSports. For more information, contact monumenthillkiwanis@gmail.com. Photo by Marlene Brown.
Classic Monument Mercantile Santa
Above: Among the many Santas around Monument before Christmas, the tallest Santa greeted people at Monument Mercantile. Painted by Bing Flanery, the grandfather of Brody Love and father of Michael Love, co-owners of the Mercantile, around 1990 in Grand Prairie, Texas, this wooden Santa welcomed people into the Mercantile store. Shown with Santa on Dec. 12, from left, are Brenda Spiker, Brody Love (co-owner with Michael Love), Lynda Pate, and Chuck Spiker. Photo by Steve Pate.
Santa at annual tree lighting, Dec. 7
Above: Santa and Mrs. Claus might’ve been sweating in their red suits the night of the Monument tree lighting. It was unusually warm for a Dec. 7 with highs in the 50s. The lights on the trees and the bandshell seemed more elaborate this year. The annual event featured the Lewis-Palmer Middle and High School choirs, games, and food trucks. As usual, the event ended with Santa hearing suggestions from kids on what they wanted for Christmas. In photo, 3-year-old Noah Gaspar meets Santa and Mrs. Claus. Photo by Pam Braverman.
Arkenstone at TLCA, Dec. 7
Above: On Dec. 7, the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts (TLCA) and a capacity audience welcomed A Winter’s Eve with David Arkenstone and Friends. Arkenstone, with five Grammy nominations, 20 billboard hits, and over 800 compositions, played keyboard and guitar and was accompanied by Josh Gilgoff (percussion), Laurann Angel (violin), Cecilia Caughman (cello), and Kimberly Zaleski (flute) this evening. The festive song selection included I Saw Three Ships, Carol of the Bells, Deck the Halls, The Ice Palace, a song inspired by a story told by his grandmother, Tchaikovsky’s Arabian Dance from the Nutcracker ballet, and The Jumper, a Norwegian folk song. The second set song selection was performed entirely with acoustic instruments and in an intimate stage setting. It began with a Christmas song medley that included O Little Town of Bethlehem and The First Noel. Information on the TLCA is www.trilakesarts.org. Photo by David Futey.
Energy at Sacred Sites book signing
Above: Author Heidi Wigand-Nicely signed her newest book, Energy at Sacred Sites at Covered Treasures bookstore on Dec. 15. In the book, she shares stories of her hikes and travels, interviews and explorations with interested persons that include Native American Elders and scientists of both Western and indigenous native sciences. She offers special exploration hikes several times each year. Photo by Janet Sellers.
Santa and Elf visit Palmer Lake Chili Dinner, Nov. 30
Above: On Nov. 30, Santa Claus and his elf arrived in style, trading in his magical sleigh for a Palmer Lake fire truck with lights flashing and sirens sounding. Children were able to visit with Santa and share their wishes for the holidays. The 89th annual Chili Supper and Star Lighting welcomed visitors from far and wide for the annual event. Inset: The Palmer Lake Firefighters Association welcomed attendees and served chili. Serving are Fernando Hernandez on the left and Jared Cabunoc on the right. Plenty of desserts were also available. In accordance with tradition, a drawing was held and the winner, Jack Yavanian, lit the Palmer Lake Star for the season. The star lighting is a decades-old tradition, serving as a symbol of hope for all throughout the holiday season. Photos by Janet Sellers.
WMMI honors departing staff
Above: On Oct. 30, Western Museum of Mining & Industry Executive Director Grant Dewey, far right, and the museum held a reception to honor three staff members departing the museum. From left, Lauren Knight, Richard Sauers, and Loretta Howden made significant contributions to further the museum’s mission and visitor experience. Knight was education coordinator for over three years and is departing to accompany her military spouse who is being transferred. Sauers and Howden are retiring after lengthy terms of service at the museum. During his 12 years at the museum, Sauers acted as executive director and then curator, being responsible for refining and advancing the museum’s collection. He also guided the grant funding and renovation process for the Reynolds Ranch Farmhouse located at the front of the museum property. Howden served the museum for over 20 years in a variety of capacities, starting as a volunteer then segueing to staff positions as marketing coordinator and operations manager. Information on the museum is at www.wmmi.org. Photo by David Futey.
Harvest of Love donates food
Above: Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC) received 11,045 pounds of non-perishable food collected by D38 schools as part of the Harvest of Love program. The Monument Hill Kiwanis Club was originally scheduled to pick up the food on Nov. 6 and 8, but the pickups had to be postponed because of the snowstorm. The food was finally delivered on Nov. 15. TLC helps feed economically disadvantaged families during the holidays. In the photo, students from Bear Creek Elementary School pose in front of boxes of food. Photo by Dean Snow.
Gobble Squabble, Nov. 23
Above: Local robotics students took part in the fourth annual Gobble Squabble on Nov. 23. They took part in various competitions at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, including a scrimmage with 10 teams and a Robot Chaos competition with 14 combat robots. The three local teams called the Circuit Sharks, the 3rd Turtle, and Bionic Badgers will now compete in a qualifier tournament on Dec. 4 at Chatfield High School in Littleton. In the photo, the local teams scrimmage with their alliance teams. Photo by coach Jeanette Breton.
Cemetery history book signing
Above: Dozens of people, including most of the Monument Town Council and Mayor Mitch LaKind (on the left), lined up at Covered Treasures Bookstore in Monument on Nov. 30 to get a book on the history of the town cemetery signed by the authors. Local residents Michael Weinfeld and John Howe signed copies of Shootouts, Killings, and War Heroes: The History Hidden in Monument’s Cemetery the day the book was officially released. Customers were treated to pieces of a cake with a photo of the book on top (see photo on page < 1 >) as well as cookies baked by Howe. The event was part of Small Business Saturday. The book contains stories of the people buried in the cemetery as well as fun facts about the graveyard and the town. Copies will be available at the bookstore, the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce in Monument, and the Lucretia Vaile Museum in Palmer Lake, as well as on Amazon. Photo by Anikka van Zoeren.
A big crowd greeted Michael Weinfeld and John Howe at their book signing at Covered Treasures (17 sec)
Michael Weinfeld and John Howe signed their book at Covered Treasures on Nov. 30. (45 sec)
Kiwanis delivers Empty Bowls check
Above:The Monument Hill Kiwanis Club (MHKC) delivered a check for $11,700 raised during the annual Empty Bowls dinner to Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC) on Nov. 2. MHKC, Lewis-Palmer School District 38, and Tri-Lakes Women’s Club help organize the Oct. 3 event. The money will benefit TLC’s various programs that help economically disadvantaged households in the area. From left are Kiwanis Project Manager Dave Bailey, TLC Director of Development Bill Lyons, and MHKC President Bill Kaelin. Photo by Bob Harrigan.
John Adams at TLCA, Nov. 2
Above: On Nov. 2, the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts (TLCA) welcomed TLCA favorite John Adams. Adams ushered in the holiday spirit as his first set was Christmas-themed songs. That was followed by a set of John Denver songs. Adams performed traditional Christmas songs such as Away in the Manger and Silent Night, in which he sang verses in German, Dutch, and English. He also performed songs Denver sang on Christmas albums and at concerts. These included The Peace Carol by Bob Beers, which Denver sang with the Muppets during a 1979 Christmas special, Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream written by Ed McCrudy, a poem by Robert Bridges titled Noel: Christmas Eve 1913, Christmas for Cowboys, written by Denver’s lead guitarist Steven Weisberg, The Marvelous Toy by Tom Paxton, and Aspenglow written by Denver. Information on upcoming events at the TLCA is at www.trilakesarts.org. Photo by David Futey.
Roth donates turkeys to TLC
Above: From left, Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC) volunteers Andra Kneip, Rick Pohlman, Wilma Steenbergen join TLC Food Programs Manager James Russell and volunteer Dan Willemyns with the food donations at TLC. The man behind the Ford Amphitheatre in Colorado Springs donated 250 turkeys to TLC on Nov. 19. TLC Executive Director Haley Chapin said J.W. Roth has been donating turkeys “for years.” She said TLC asked Roth for more turkeys than usual this year and “he didn’t hesitate.” The group distributed the turkeys along with corn, green beans, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy and pie to 234 families on Nov. 19 and 21. That’s an increase of 47 families from a year ago. Photo by Nora McKay.
Elison at TLCA, Nov. 23
Above: Eric Elison’s Christmas with Bing show premiered at the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts on Nov. 23 to a capacity crowd. The final show will be at the Black Forest Community Club on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale at christmaswithbing.com. Pictured from left are Eric Elison, Evie Valentine, Natalie Jensen, and Ava Grace. Photo by Chris Lennon.
Woodmoor Nordic opens
Above: Thanks to the early November snowstorm, Woodmoor Nordic Nonprofit groomed its ski trails early and had many local skiers enjoying the snow on Nov. 9. This is its earliest opening to date. The last time it opened in November, it had a record-breaking 60-plus days of local skiing. The ski area is open to the public, and day or season passes are available, along with rentals by online reservation. More details can be found here: www.WoodmoorNordicNonprofit.org. Photo by Michael Brothers.
Above: Area residents got rid of thousands of gallons of old paint at the free PaintCare drop-off in Monument on Sept. 12. An estimated 19,200 pounds of latex paint and an estimated 1,600 pounds of oil-based paint were collected. Twenty-two gallons of latex and oil-based paint in good condition were given away. Photo courtesy of PaintCare.
Cemetery history, Oct. 3
Above: The Monument Homemakers hosted a talk on the history of Monument Cemetery at their monthly meeting Oct. 3. Among the topics covered by Michael Weinfeld, right, and John Howe were stories behind the deceased, some unusual causes of death, and the connection between the cemetery and the country’s most infamous prisons. The topics are included in Weinfeld and Howe’s upcoming book, Shootouts, Killings, and War Heroes, the History Hidden in Monument Cemetery. It wll be released on Nov. 30, the same day Howe and Weinfeld will be signing copies at Covered Treasures Bookstore in Monument from 1-3 p.m. The Monument Homemakers is in its 114th year, making it the oldest group still in existence in the Tri-Lakes area. The group meets on the first Thursday of the month at the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce building in Monument. Photo by Tia M. Mayer.
Above: Michael Weinfeld and John Howe speak to the Monument Homemakers about Monument Cemetery
Chamber wins awards, Oct. 4
Above: The Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce earned three awards at the Colorado Chamber Alliance Signature Annual Conference on Oct. 4. The chamber came in second place for Highest Increase in Membership Dues Revenue. It got third place awards for both Highest Increase in Membership and Highest Membership Retention at the ceremony in Colorado Springs. The Tri-Lakes Chamber competed against more than 80 chambers from around the state. From left are Nathan Wessells, Tri-Lakes Chamber director of Membership, Terri Hayes, president and CEO, and Abigail Léger, event planner. Photo courtesy of Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce.
Empty Bowls Fundraiser, Oct. 3
Above: On Oct. 3, the Monument Hills Kiwanis Club hosted its annual Empty Bowls event at Lewis-Palmer High School. Hundreds of people attended, raising thousands of dollars for Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC). The event starts with the selection of a local artist’s bowl, then a silent auction and food served by D38 staff and board members and is accompanied by local musicians and staffed by volunteers. (Inset: Bear Creek Elementary Principal Donnell Potter and Lewis-Palmer High School Principal Bridget O’Connor) The Kiwanis’ mission is to make a positive difference for youth and our community. For more information, visit www.monumenthillkiwanis.org or call719-488-2327. TLC is a community-based, volunteer-supported resource center whose mission is to empower families and individual neighbors to reach toward a better tomorrow. TLC helps with utilities, housing, transportation, and medical costs and runs the only food pantry in Northern El Paso County. It relies on donations and volunteers to operate. For more information, visit www.tri-lakescares.org or call 719-481-4864. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Amphitheater update, Oct. 5
Above: On Oct. 5, organizers of the Ford Amphitheater (VENU) in Colorado Springs hosted a presentation at the venue for about 100 neighbors, providing a season recap and detailing sound mitigation plans. Despite third-party verification of sound compliance, the team acknowledged concerns and outlined efforts to expand sound barriers, adjust speaker configurations, and refine show hours to address community feedback.
Above: Outside the Oct. 5 presentation, 12 protesters gathered to express opposition to the development of the Ford Amphitheater (VENU). In response to ongoing community concerns, Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade released a public letter on Oct. 25 affirming the city’s commitment to addressing noise issues. Mobolade praised VENU’s mitigation efforts and announced plans for an independent noise study, pledging to hold a neighborhood meeting before year’s end to ensure residents’ voices continue to be heard. Photos by Chris Jeub.
Northern Lights, Oct. 10
Above: A storm 93 million miles away lit up the sky in our area on Oct. 10. The strong geomagnetic storm on the sun caused the sky to glow purple, green and blue, the sort of aurora borealis you can usually see only in places like Iceland, Greenland, or Alaska. Most people in our area couldn’t see it just by looking up. It could only be captured with a camera or cellphone set with a slow shutter speed. The type of gas in the atmosphere determined what colors you saw. Nitrogen caused the blue and purple glow; oxygen created the greens and reds. This photo was taken with an iPhone14 Pro, shutter speed of 3, looking west at a grove of cottonwoods and ponderosa pines with the foothills in the background. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
MFD Station 4 remodel, Oct. 12
Above: From left, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Leanne Hemenway, El Paso County Commissioner Holly Williams, Battalion Chief Kris Mola, Fire Chief Andy Kovacs, Division Chief of Administration Jamey Bumgarner (cutting the ribbon), Director Mark Gunderman, Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction Jonathan Bradley, Vice President John Hildebrandt, Monument Mayor Mitch LaKind are pictured at the Monument Fire District Station 4 remodel ribbon cutting on Oct. 12. Kovacs said the property built in 1997 was in need of an upgrade and he thanked Bumgarner, Logistics Officer Lt. Curt Leonhardt, and Fire Technician Joe Valdez, the district’s remodel design team, Kevin Schaffer of OZ Architecture, the Flintco Inc. construction team, and John Sattler of NV5 Inc., the owner’s representative services responsible for liaison and management of the project. Kovacs also thanked the Board of Directors, Williams, LaKind, several council members, and Town Manager Madeline VanDenHoek for their continued support and the residents for approving the mill levy that improves the quality of life for the firefighters. Photo by Natalie Barszcz.
Pumpkin Giveaway, Oct. 19
Above: From left are Luke Brown, Sparky the Dog, and Connor Brown at the Seventh Annual Monument Local 4319 Pumpkin Giveaway at the Monument Market Place Clocktower on Oct. 19. Dianna Goodfellow of Mutual Security Mortgage Ltd., an Erie resident, organizes and sponsors the free event, traveling to Cooksey Farms in Roggen with a few firefighters and their families to hand cut and gather the donated pumpkins. The group delivered 600 pumpkins to the Clocktower steps, and with the help of other Local 4319 members, the pumpkins were positioned for the event. Attendees voted for their favorite carved/decorated pumpkin in the Fourth Annual Monument Fire District firefighter pumpkin decorating competition. Food donations were collected for the Tri-Lakes Cares food pantry. Photo by Natalie Barszcz.
Monument Lake Snake
Above: Even those with ophidiophobia (fear of snakes) can enjoy the Monument Lake snake. It was created last year with a few painted rocks and has now grown to more than 60. One rock in memory of someone’s pet Leyla has a collar wrapped around it. A black rock honors Air Force Special Warfare. There’s also a rock painted with a dinosaur and snake warming themselves by a fire. The rocks can be found in the northeast corner of Monument Lake across from the new pier. There’s an official-looking sign next to it that says “Monument Lake Snake, Est 2023.” Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Above: A snake made of painted rocks in in the northeast corner of Monument Lake
Limbach Park playground, Oct. 12
Above: Limbach Park was filled with the sounds of happy children Oct. 12 when a new playground was officially opened. The new playground replaces the old metal equipment with safer, plastic equipment colored bright blue and green. There is now a climbing structure with ropes, spinners, a merry-go-round, swings, (in photo) and a place for kids to create music. The floor is cushy and soft unlike the previous playground’s hard surface. Interim Town Manager Madeline VanDenHoek told the crowd she’d been dreaming of rebuilding the town’s parks since she was first hired 11 years ago. She thanked residents for shopping in Monument because the tax dollars helped pay for the playground that cost about $400,000. The old merry-go-round, rocking animals, and framing equipment were auctioned off by the Schur Success Group. A couple from Colorado Springs bought them for $522. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Above: Kids climb at new Limbach Park playground.
Above: Kids have fun on the merry-go-round at the new Limbach Park playground.
Above: Kids play with a spinner at the new Limbach Park playground.
Above: Kids enjoy the swings at the new Limbach Park playground.
Above: The ribbon cutting ceremony at the opening of the new Limbach Park playground
Above: Kids enjoy the slide at the new Limbach Park playground.
Above: Kids create music at the new Limbach Park playground.
Above: Kids play music at the new Limbach Park playground.
Above: Monument Mayor Mitch LaKind says the playground is a big improvement.
Above: Interim Town Manager Madeline VanDenHoek says the playground was paid for by the parks budget.
Girls on the Ridge, Oct. 16
Above: Girls on the Ridge Athletics earned the 100+ Women Who Care’s bi-annual donation on Oct. 16. Girls on the Ridge supports the young women who compete in Palmer Ridge High School sports. 100+ Women Who Care members each commit to contributing $100 to Tri-Lakes charities every April and October. The group picked Girls on the Ridge because it says it believes “sports have the power to teach important life skills, build confidence, and create a sense of community.” Tri-Lakes Cares and the Lewis-Palmer D38 Education Foundation were also in the running for the donation. From left are Girls on the Ridge representatives Kevin Dreher, Heidi Dreher, Holly Dreher, Zoya Scholsser, and Jennica Mabe. Photo by Cathy Wilcox.
WMMI Pumpkin Patch, Oct. 19
Above: Jordan and Mia Baez of Colorado Springs were among the over 4,000 attendees of the Western Museum of Mining & Industry (WMMI) Miners’ Pumpkin Patch. The patch was open every Saturday during October. On Oct. 19, many of the attendees selected a pumpkin or two to take home for their Halloween festivities just like the Baez sisters. Attendees also enjoyed a magician act, a ride in a barrel train, a variety of oversize games like Connect-4 and Jenga, and other outdoor activities. Information on upcoming events at the museum is at www.wmmi.org. Photo by David Futey.
Above: Antique cars filled Monument’s downtown area for the Tri-Lakes Cruisers’ 21st annual benefit car show on Aug. 18. The event raised $7,500 for Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC). A check was presented to the group on Sept. 11. In the photo, from left, are Cruisers Vice President Andy Houck, Cruisers Secretary Glenn Whiteside, TLC Director of Operations Julie Keim, TLC Development Specialist Christine Bucher, Cruisers President David Whitlock, TLC Director of Development and Planning Bill Lyons, and past Cruisers President Jim Nab.
Above: A 1929 Ford Model A truck. Photos provided by Andy Houck.
PL Farmers Market opened, Sep. 1
Above: On Sunday, Sept. 1, the new Palmer Lake Farmers Market opened in the back parking lot of the building where Calvert’s Mini Market is located at 4 Highway 105. The first market showcased a handful of local vendors offering produce, baked and canned goods, and handmade crafts. Calvert’s booth had salsas and snacks. The market has added many vendors and offerings each weekend since. The market will run on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Oct. 6.
Above: From left are Suan Calvert, owner Stephanie Calvert, Marc Calvert, and Tyler Calvert talking to a customer. Photos by Jackie Burhans.
9-11 Remembrance
Above: Members of The Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District (TLMFPD), Monument Police Department and American Legion Post 9-11 took part in a ceremony remembering the victims of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and those who died when a hijacked plane crashed in Shanksville, Penn. The ceremony took place at TLMFPD Station 1 on Highway 105 in Monument. Those in the photo include Interim Town Manager Madeline VanDenHoek, Monument Police Chief Patrick Regan, Monument Police Commander John Lupton, Monument Police Sgt. Sam Yanez, Arleen Kinder, Ruby Taylor, American Legion Post 9-11 members Randy Fritz, Tony VanBeek, Jim Bergeron, Mike Christensen, Mike Pietsch, Bill Miller, Mike Schwamberger, and Ray Kinder, Monument Mayor Pro Tem Steve King, Monument Police Commander Tim Johnson, Monument Police Sgt. Mike Case, Monument Police Officer Demmaje Brown-Franklin, Monument Police Officer Paul Nyman, and Monument Police Officer Cory Yarbrough. Photo by retired Lt. Col. Chip Scharff.
Fox Run Park Accessibility Day
Above: Fox Run Regional Park had its first Outdoor Accessibility Day, Saturday Sept. 7. Parks in El Paso County are becoming ADA (American with Disabilities Act) compliant and are providing more resources to people with disabilities. A Terrain Hopper was test-driven by Mike Titera (shown in photo), who has Parkinson’s. He commented that he not been able to take a walk or hike on the trails for about five years. He was able to go on the trails and test drive the Terrain Hopper for about 30 minutes. Terrain Hoppers can traverse mud, sand, snow, rocks, and steep hills. Contact Bear Creek Regional Park at 719-520-7529 to make a reservation for a guided hike using a mobility-aided device. Photo by Marlene Brown.
Monument mixed use development
Above: As seen Sep. 18, construction is moving forward on a mixed-use development at the corner of Second and Front Streets in Downtown Monument. The project will cover 1.15 acres with 15 lots featuring residential and commercial retail spaces. Photo by Chris Jeub.
Palmer Lake Wine Festival, Sep. 14
Above: This year’s Palmer Lake Wine Festival was much warmer (hotter) than last year’s festival. It was held near the gazebo west of the lake on Sept. 14 and featured Colorado wines, food trucks, and music. Funds raised by the festival benefit Tri-Lakes Cares. Photo by Steve Pate.
Residents invest in fire protection
Above: A Monument Fire District (MFD) firefighter demonstrates hydrant capability on East Palmer Divide Avenue/County Road 404 on Sept. 18. About 133 homeowners from the Wissler Ranch development contributed funds to expand to a 45,000-gallon cistern with a hydrant for a total of $400,000. The system is capable of supplying 40 fire engines by hooking up a supply hose to the hydrant/tank system and will be invaluable for fighting wildland and house fires in the area. MFD is working with a few other neighborhoods to install a similar system.
Above: Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction Jonathan Bradley addresses homeowners from the Wissler Ranch development Photos courtesy of MFD.
New Limbach Park playground
Above: Exciting things are happening in Limbach Park! A new playground is on the way. There will be a ribbon cutting at the new playground Oct. 12. Photo by Chris Jeub.
PL pickleball courts are open
Above: As seen Sep. 27, the new pickleball courts are open in Palmer Lake, offering residents stunning mountain views while enjoying the popular sport. Photo by Chris Jeub.
Santa Fe Open Space Fall colors
Above: Fall colors have just started in the Santa Fe Open Space off the Santa Fe Regional Trail near Palmer Lake on Sept. 27. Photo by Steve Pate.
Palmer Lake 0.5K “Race”
Above and Below: About 1,500 people, assorted cartoon characters, and some dogs turned out for the 10th annual .5 (Point 5) K “Race” in Palmer Lake on Sept. 29. Donuts were available to re-energize “runners” at the halfway point and either a beer or soft drink was available at O’Malley’s for those who finished the jaunt. A bagpiper encouraged “runners” just before the donut break, and Palmer Ridge cheerleaders pictured below encouraged participants just before crossing the bridge to the finish line. The event is sponsored by Awake Palmer Lake and funds generated from entry fees and T-shirt sales go toward enhancing parks and maintaining other attractions around town. Photos by Steve Pate.
Above: High school students attending the second annual “Youth Camp” receive instruction at Monument Fire District’s Station 1 training room. Eleven high school students attended the camp May 30-June 1 to discover more about the type of work firefighters and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers carry out. Students were taught Stop the Bleed, CPR training, EMS skills and scenarios, forcible entry skills, vehicle extrication, and how to compete for a firefighter or EMS career position successfully. The camp is expected to continue annually for high school students with an interest in fire and EMS careers. The students and staff were grateful for the hospitality and lunch on the last day provided by Emergency Incident Support (EIS). Caption by Natalie Barszcz/Photo courtesy of Monument Fire District.
Kiwanis Peach Sale, Aug. 3
Above: For the second straight year, Monument Hill Kiwanis Club filled orders for more than 1,000 cases of hand-picked peaches on Aug. 3. The sales net the Kiwanis club about $10,000. The money funds grants to various groups in the Monument area. Fifty-two volunteers helped distribute the peaches in two-hour shifts. In the photo, Rick Schoenlein (face obscured), Chuck Leggiero, and Dean Snow manage to stuff three cases of peaches into the trunk of a BMW Z3. Photo by Bob Harrigan.
Chautauqua, July 29-Aug.4
Above and below: The local Chautauqua was revived in Palmer Lake for 2024 by the Palmer Lake Arts District. As a historic American cultural event, the weeklong cultural adventures included yoga and Feldenkrais classes, numerous historic cultural talks and walks, a guitar concert with Masa Ito, music with Ray DeMers and with the Tri-Lakes Brass ensemble, poetry readings by local poets, and kids’ paintings of the lake. Bagpiper Isaac Watkins led the “call for artists” from the bridge over the lake to the art pavilion to the all-day plein air painting contest. Michael Magrin (judge for the plein air art contest) led a cloud painting class that rounded out the art events courtesy of Palmer Lake Art Group. Photos include Watkins, a landscape scene of the crowd listening to the Tri-Lakes Brass, Jim Sawatzki sharing the Summer Sojourn at Palmer Lake Town Hall, Nicole Urbatchka leading yoga classes at the Village Green, and Magrin’s cloud painting class. Photos by Lynn Roth and Janet Sellers.
National Night Out, Aug. 3
Above: From left, El Paso County Sheriff’s Officers Lt. W Grier and Sgt. J Darbyshire (standing) engage with a group of young attendees at the annual National Neighborhood Night Out event at the Little Train Park in Promontory Pointe on Aug. 3. The Promontory Pointe Homeowners Association board members hosted the annual picnic for about 120 guests to thank local first responders from Monument Police Department, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, and Monument Fire Department for providing a safe neighborhood. Participants were treated to a live performance by singer/songwriter Nick Davey performing renditions of pop classics such as Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison, In the Summertime by Mungo Jerry, I’m Into Something Good by Herman’s Hermits, and a mashup of The Tide Is High made popular by Blondie with Stir It Up by Bob Marley and the Wailers. Sandwiches and cookies from Black Forest Café were served. Photo by Natalie Barszcz.
EV Chargers in Palmer Lake, Aug. 8
Above and below: On Aug. 8, the Town of Palmer Lake held a grand opening for a bank of two electric vehicle (EV) chargers installed by CORE Electric Cooperative, the town’s electricity provider. The chargers on town property south of County Line Road and east of Highway 105 are available to all EV drivers, but CORE customers get discounted prices. The Board of Trustees unanimously passed resolution 79-2023 authorizing a lease agreement with CORE. The ribbon cutting was attended by CORE Electric personnel and the Palmer Lake mayor, a trustee, and staff. Rob Osborn, CORE director of Business Development, and Rob Liechty, CORE member energy programs director, oversaw the installation. Osborn and Liechty said part of CORE’s mission was to serve smaller communities along the Front Range and support rural development. For more information, see https://ocn.me/v23n12.htm#plbot. From left are Town Administrator Dawn Collins, Liechty, Mayor Glant Havenar, Osborn, Trustee Shana Ball, and staff. Photos by Jackie Burhans.
Rotary assembles “blessing bags”
Above: On Aug. 15, members of the Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club assembled “blessing bags” for children filled with water, snacks, socks, and stuffed animals, which the Monument police will distribute to those in need. For more information, visit www.TLRotary.com. From left are Alisha Baty, Officer Kelly Fisher, Laurie Beasley, Christy Smith, Sloan Fisher-Goodwin, Nicole Schoolsky, Jonathan Bradley, and Shannon Schur. Photo by John Small.
Sue Walker retirement, Aug. 8
Above and below: An emotional Sue Walker said goodbye to Silver Key Senior Center at an Aug. 8 retirement party attended by an overflow crowd of more than 50 people. Walker, 61, has been director of the senior center for nine years. She told the crowd, “You guys are like my family.” Walker continued, “It’s a big adventure for me. It’s sad, but yet it’s happy.” She says she’ll especially miss volunteer Sandi Watson-Staggs, who she described as “a sister from another mister.” Walker plans on a “busy” retirement. She wants to travel, help her husband Jeff with his web development business and spend more time with their two daughters. Adrienne Timmons has been named interim director. Photos by Michael Weinfeld.
Sue Walker told seniors that they should take care of each other. (18 sec)
Sandi Watson-Staggs introduced Sue Walker, who said Sandi was her best friend at the senior center. (39 sec)
Sue Walker told the seniors that she’d miss them. (8 sec)
Sue Walker honored, Aug. 12
Above: During the Aug.12 recognition and farewell to Silver Alliance’s Program Manager Sue Walker, she shared a hearty laugh with her audience upon receiving Silver Key’s Gold Spoon Award from Silver Key Foundation Board President and CEO Jason DeaBueno. Walker was hired in 2013 by Tri-Lakes Silver Alliance to develop activities and events for the Tri-Lakes Senior Center. She inherited a program that was not much more than a once-a-week bingo and potluck luncheon run by local seniors themselves with about 25 attendees. She started adding regular exercise events, then informational presentations. Health and crafts programs followed. Soon she had a full calendar of activities spanning every day of the week with many being free events. She produced a monthly newsletter and with the help of her husband increased publicity through a dedicated website and published notices in the local papers. Although hired and paid as a part-time employee, it was rare when she was not found at the Senior Center promoting the many available classes and encouraging seniors to engage and socialize. Her enthusiasm for the program from the beginning was contagious, which accounted for the ten-fold increase in regular attendance during her tenure. Walker filled a key role in accomplishing a successful and seamless transition of the Senior Center from Silver Alliance to Silver Key in 2022. Now the Silver Key Senior Center, it is located in downtown Monument in the former Grace Best Elementary School, at the corner of First and Jefferson Streets, across from St. Peter Catholic Church. For more information, visit www.silverkey.org/trilakes/. Photo by Allen Alchian.
PL Pickleball Courts, Aug. 12
Above: On Aug. 12, workers were placing fencing around the Palmer Lake Pickleball courts located adjacent to the lake. Photo by David Futey.
OCN reporter now naturalized American citizen
By Lisa Hatfield
Helen Walklett has been reporting for Our Community News since early 2017. She emigrated to the United States with her husband and two daughters from the United Kingdom in 2016. In her prior life, she was an elected member of Rothbury Parish Council in Northumberland, the northern-most county of England, so she already understood the workings of local government. This made her a perfect candidate to report on the El Paso Board of County Commissioners meetings when she volunteered with OCN.
The Walklett family submitted the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form N-400 Application for Naturalization in March 2024 after holding “green cards” for the required five years, and then all separately took the citizenship test as part of an immigration interview in July. When USCIS granted approval, Walklett and her family received their notice to take the Oath of Allegiance, which happened on Aug. 14. They turned in their permanent resident cards and recited this oath:
“I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God.”
Above: From left are Eleanor, Helen, Kate, and Peter Walklett. Photo by Kathy Troka.
NASTaP Gathering, Aug. 16-18
Above: The Annual Membership Meeting and Gathering of Native American Sacred Trees and Places (NASTaP) was held Aug. 16-18 at La Foret Conference Center in Black Forest. NASTaP is a nonprofit 501C3 that was formed over five years ago to help educate the public and protect the Culturally Modified Trees (CMTs) along the Front Range and beyond the state’s borders. Presentations were by well-known anthropologists and authors regarding the migration of Native American tribes for several thousands of years across North America and the trail marker trees left behind. Many of the CMTs are considered living artifacts and were modified for several different reasons. During the evenings, drumming and traditional Native American dancing were featured. For more information regarding NASTaP, go to nastap.org. Photo by Elva Wolin. Caption by Marlene Brown.
Trinity Park welcomes all
Above: The Trinity Community Park grand opening and community celebration was held on Saturday, Aug. 24, with games, prizes, crafts, food trucks, music entertainment and, of course, the opening of the newest phase of the park. Hundreds of people turned out for the grand opening of the 2½-acre Trinity Community Park on Aug. 24. Festivities included music, dancing, dog training, and games for kids and adults and food trucks. The park is designed to allow kids with and without disabilities to play together. A dog park is also planned for the area. Sponsors contributed to the creation of the park along with the Town of Monument. The park welcomes people of every age and ability. The playground is diverse and inclusive, and shares the benefits of play and exploration as vital community connections, creating unity and well-being in the community. The first of its kind in Monument, the park is loaded with fun areas that are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant, accessible for old and young alike, areas that include the pavilion, sidewalk, parking, and signs, with tables, benches, and security cameras. The park features playground equipment for exercise, sound, wheelchair accessible features such as the merry-go-round, and more. Sponsors contributed to the creation of the park along with the Town of Monument. The park is just west of Trinity Lutheran Church at 17750 Knollwood Dr., Monument. Photo by Janet Sellers.
Monu-Palooza, Sept. 1
Above: On Sept.1, sharks were dancing on stage and concert-goers on the lawn for the Matt Bloom Band during the eighth annual Monu-Palooza Music Festival. The daylong festival lineup also included Mojo Filter, Skin & Bones, Emily Hall, Ashtōnz, and WireWood Station. Charlie and Marissa Searle co-organized the festival held at Monument’s Limbach Park. Charlie Searle, also a band member of Ashtōnz, said the festival has become a “local institution” with the “lineup one of the best we have had, the sponsorship has been great, and support from friends and others have helped made this a terrific festival.” Marissa Searle said, “We are proud to bring this to the community each year. All the bands have local roots and all but one have played the festival multiple times.” Matt Bloom, whose band is from Palmer Lake, said, “This is the third time we have played the festival; it has great energy and a super cool crowd.” Photo by David Futey.
Academy Jazz Ensemble, Aug. 23
Above: On Aug. 23, the Academy Jazz Ensemble performed a show in conjunction with the Pikes Peak Library District. The show was held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Village on the Green, by the gazebo behind the Palmer Lake Library building. The Academy Jazz Ensemble is a professional big band whose mission is to explore and preserve the music of America’s original art form. Its members include the finest jazz musicians in the area, many of whom are public schoolteachers, including former and current Palmer Ridge High School Band Directors Butch Eversole and Sarah Romero. Attendees enjoyed great music, beautiful weather, and spectacular skies. For more information on the Academy Jazz Ensemble, see www.academyjazz.org. For more information on events at the Palmer Like Library, see www.ppld.org/palmer-lake-library. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Eagle Scout Project aids Trinity Park
Above: Matthew Grundel of Boy Scout Troop 9 in Monument earned his Eagle Scout badge by landscaping the entrance and loop drop-off area at Trinity Community Park in Monument. Not only did Matthew coordinate all the work but he completed all the fundraising. Assisted by many of Matthew’s fellow scouts, he planted native grasses and wildflowers that will add beauty and require minimal upkeep. Park Executive Director Tamara Schwarz thanked Grundel for his hard work. Pictured from left, Sam Yount, Braiden Sere, and Grundel work on the project. Photo by Corey Grundel.
WMMI Family Day, Aug. 24
Above: On Aug. 24, the Western Museum of Mining & Industry (WMMI) offered a variety of activities and exhibitors during Family Day: Farming & Ranching. The museum provided hayrides, gold panning, blacksmith exhibits, the operation of the Yellow Jacket Stamp Mill and other outdoor machinery, and tours of the Reynolds House. Attendees could also visit a variety of vendors including the Pikes Peak Beekeepers Association, Twig & Berry Dyes, Palmer Land Conservancy, Gingersnap Rescue Ranch and Dianne’s Dahlias, which offer dahlias grown on the museum property and sold at the museum’ s farmers market on Monday and Wednesday. A portion of the proceeds from the dahlia sales benefit the museum and its education mission. Information on tours and upcoming museum events is at wmmi.org. Photo by David Futey.
Murphey at TLCA, Aug. 31
Above: On Aug. 31, Michael Martin Murphey captivated a sold-out Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts (TLCA) audience for two hours, drawing upon his over 50 years of songwriting. He said this once-a-year solo tour acts as a “remembrance for my father and to basically remind me how I began.” He introduced each song with in-depth background on the song’s genesis and inspiration. The background stories included travels with his father through Rocky Mountain National Park as a youth, growing up in east Texas, living and recording in Los Angeles, Colorado and Nashville, supporting Native American voting rights, St. Francis of Assisi, and his friendships with Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings among others. The song list included Cosmic Cowboy, his first country hit What’s Forever For?, Geronimo’s Cadillac, Carolina in the Pines, Medicine Man, Boy From the Country, and Wildfire. Information on upcoming events at the TLCA is at www.trilakesarts.org. Photo by David Futey.
Above: The Alta 25 apartment complex at 1320 Herman View Way in Monument opened its doors with a ribbon cutting on June 26. The complex features one, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in three-story garden-style buildings. Photo by Charlie Searle.
Concert in the Park, June 26
Above: Mimic, a classic rock cover band, has audience members dancing as it played to a full crowd on June 26 during the Concert in the Park series at Limbach Park. Photo by Laura Lucero.
Palmer Lake Fun Run, July 4
On a brisk July 4 morning, over 500 runners participated in person and over 200 virtually in the 42nd annual Palmer Lake Fourth of July Fun Run. The 4-mile race from Palmer Lake to Monument on the Santa Fe Trail traditionally starts the Fourth of July activities in the Tri-Lakes area. Race Coordinator Kelsey Belcher thanked “the volunteers and communities of Palmer Lake and Monument for their continuing support of the race.” She also extended “special thanks to the Palmer Lake Police Department, Storm Guard Construction, a decades-long supporter of the race, Bluestaq, and other vendors who make this race possible with their support.” Proceeds from this 100% volunteer-supported race go directly to the Palmer Lake Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization to distribute for classroom and teachers’ needs. Dillon Powell (19:20:52) and Aubrey Surage (23:26:97), both from Colorado Springs, were the top male and female finishers by chip time. Surage has been the top female finisher for three years in a row. Photos by David Futey.
Above: Ben, Mia, and Grace Kimes of Colorado Springs showed off their Fourth of July spirit before running in the Palmer Lake Fun Run.
Above: Runners make their way around the lake at Palmer Lake just after the 7 a.m. start of the Palmer Lake Fun Run.
Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast, July 4
Knights of Columbus Council 11514 of St. Peter Church hosted its annual Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast. Past Grand Knight Alan Feldkamp said, “1,400-1,500 were expected to attend with over 10,000 pancakes being made by Knights volunteers.” Feldkamp said proceeds from the breakfast go toward “Tri-Lakes Cares, Marion House, Lewis Palmer D-38 School District disabled students, Catholic Charities, and other charities supported by the Knights.” Volunteers from the Monument Hill Kiwanis, Veterans of Foreign Wars, St. Peter students, and Boy Scout Troop 17 assisted in making the event a success. Active-duty military and first responders in uniform ate for free. Photos by David Futey.
Above: The St. Peter walkway was packed with attendees of the Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast.
Above: Knights of Columbus Council 11514 Grand Knight Bob Lynn was one of the many volunteers who assisted with the Fourth of July Pancake Breakfast.
Monument Children’s Parade, July 4
Above: From left are Chason Pace, Paisley Harris, Hattie Pollock, Lillian Pace, and Freddy Pollock came attired in red, white, and blue to participate in the Fourth of July Children’s Parade. The Pollock children came all the way from Iowa to attend the parade. Photo by David Futey.
Above: Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 17 lead the way for the Fourth of July Children’s Parade. Photo by David Futey.
The Monument 4th of July parade started with the traditional kids parade. (14 sec)
Monument Parade, July 4
Bands and floats preparing for the 4th of July parade in Monument.
Parade participants lined up along Old Denver Rd preparing to join Monument’s July 4th parade
Fourth Infantry Division Band from Fort Carson.
The Fourth Infantry Division Band from Fort Carson marched in Monument’s 4th of July parade (10 sec)
Above: Scott Ross, Kiwanis president
Above: D38 President Tiffany Upchurch and Superintendent Dr. Stacie Datteri.
Above: Rich and Shannon Schur, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Business Persons of the Year 2023. Photo by David Futey.
Above: Sheri Miller, Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce 2023 Volunteer of the Year. Photo by David Futey.
Above: Maddy Norton, 2024 El Paso Fair Queen and LPHS senior. Photo by David Futey.
Above: Eight-year-old Boone Lester dressed up as George Washington to watch the Fourth of July parade in Monument. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Above: The Tri-Lakes Women’s Club.
Above: Palmer Ridge High School BearBotics Robotics.
The Palmer Ridge High School BearBotics Robotics team took part in the Monument 4th of July parade (9 sec)
Above: Lewis-Palmer High School football team.
Above: Palmer Ridge High School football team.
Above: Lewis-Palmer High School cheerleaders.
Above: Palmer Ridge High School cheerleaders.
Above: Tri-Lakes Majors softball team.
Above: Tri-Lakes Little League team.
Above: Lewis-Palmer High School poms.
Above: Monument Fire Department.
Tiny and large dinosaurs danced the Monument 4th of July parade route. (13 sec)
The Colorado Renaissance Festival had a huge contingent in Monument’s 4th of July parade. (1 min 27 sec)
A C-130 cargo plane made several flyovers during Monument’s 4th of July parade. (20 sec)
Monument Street Fair, July 4
Above: Second and Washington Streets in Monument were filled with Fourth of July spectators, enjoying various foods, viewing arts, and local business and nonprofit booths as part of the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Street Fair. Live music was also available throughout the afternoon at Limbach Park. Photo by David Futey.
Above: The Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce set up a booth during the Fourth of July Street Fair in Monument. John Howe, left, manned the booth that morning and was joined by Lisa Hatfield. Both Howe and Hatfield are Our Community News volunteers. OCN is a member of the chamber. Photo by Steve Pate.
Hazel Miller at TLCA, July 19
Above: On July 19, Colorado Music Hall of Fame member Hazel Miller and her backup band The Collective returned to the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts (TLCA) stage. Miller, a TLCA audience favorite, and the Collective sets included a blend of blues, jazz, and swing genres. The genre diversity was typified by songs performed including Do Wrong Shoes by Jackie Allen, It Don’t Mean a Thing by Duke Ellington, She Just Wants to Dance by Gary U.S. Bonds, and Rio de Janeiro Blues by Joe Sample and Randy Crawford. Information on upcoming events at the TLCA is at www.trilakesarts.org. Photo by David Futey.
Car show at JCSL, July 27
Above: Jackson Creek Senior Living (JCSL), 16601 Jackson Creek Parkway, held its third annual classic car and hotrod show by the Tri-Lakes Cruisers Car Club on July 27. The proud owners of the vehicles were glad to discuss how they restored and modified these classic vehicles. JCSL provided food and live entertainment for residents and guests. For information about JCSL services, you may contact Laura Hale, 719-259-1331. Pictured: Glen Whiteside with his modified 1933 Chevy hotrod. Photo by Steve Pate.
Above: On May 30, the Western Museum of Mining & Industry (WMMI) held its annual Picnic N Planes event in celebration of the Air Force Academy graduation and Thunderbirds air show. The museum’s hilltop was dotted with numerous lawn chairs, blankets, and umbrellas to shade the sun as over 500 visitors took advantage of the ideal vantage point for the Thunderbird’s aerial show. Museum Executive Director Grant Dewey said the museum “was very excited to host the event and to have visitors from around the state take part.” Museum volunteer Gary Steffens was among a group aged 19 to 75 from Denver and Colorado Springs who make this an annual event. Steffens said, “This is the ninth year we have attended for the friendship, food to share, and the great air show.” The museum has hosted the event for more than a dozen years. Information on upcoming museum events is at wmmi.org. Photo by David Futey.
Sanctuary Pointe Park opens
Above: The Triview Metropolitan District Board of Directors and Classic Homes officially opened the new Sanctuary Pointe Park on Sanctuary Rim Drive in Sanctuary Pointe on May 31. Food trucks were available and Wirewood Station provided music from the covered pavilion. Jim McGrady handled the ribbon-cutting on behalf of Tri-Lakes Metropolitan District. Triview and Classic Homes each contributed about $1 million to the construction, which includes a sporting field, covered pavilion, and access to about 10 miles of hiking trails. Photo by Steve Pate.
Tri-Lakes Lions Fishing Derby
Above and below: The Tri-Lakes Lions Club held its annual kids fishing derby at Palmer Lake on June 1. About 260 kids registered for this year’s event and were accompanied by parents or other adults who helped bait hooks, cast, and handle fish. Last year’s event was cold and windy, but this year saw calm, sunny conditions. Colorado Parks and Wildlife stocked the lake with rainbow trout a few days before the derby, and those using “power baits” seemed to land more fish than those using worms or other baits. Again this year, Jim Hazuka organized the Lions Club and other volunteers who helped with registration and measuring fish for the contests—largest fish for each age group. Sponsors included Colorado Parks and Wildlife, which donated fishing gear for those who did not bring their own, Bass Pro Shops, Roadrunner Bait, which donated free fishing worms, Rosie’s Diner, the Town of Palmer Lake, Safeway, Colorado Friends and Family Fishing, Tri-Lakes Printing, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and 3GEngagement. Photos by Steve Pate.
Kiwanis celebrates 50th
Above: Monument Hill Kiwanis Club celebrated its 50th anniversary on June 1. Members got together at Maguireville, which is where Monument resident Jim Maguire has two barns filled with memorabilia. They celebrated past Kiwanis achievements and heard President Scott Ross talk about plans for the future. A spokesman says the club gave out $109,000 in grants last year to “make a positive difference for youth and our community.” Photo by Bob Harrigan.
Silver Key Thrift Store reopens
Above: The Silver Key Thrift Store in the West End Center on Highway 105 has expanded and had its “Grand Reopening” on June 7. About 100 people turned out to support the store, which provides funding for many activities and resources for seniors through the local Silver Key Senior Center in the Grace Best Elementary School building in Monument. Jason DeBueno, president of Silver Key, Colorado Springs, was on hand, along with local dignitaries Jayme Holligan, director of Volunteer Events and Community Engagement, and Sue Walker, who manages the local Silver Key center. Tammy Jones manages the newly reopened thrift store and the volunteers who staff and support the store. The store offers a variety of clothing, books, paintings, tools, cooking utensils, etc., at low cost. Photo by Steve Pate.
D38 Innovate 38, June 20
Above: On June 20, nearly 50 people gathered at the D38 Learning Center in the Big Red administration building to participate in the Innovate 38 community discussion. Attendees included staff, parents, community members, community partners, and students. The forum was designed to discuss programming ideas for D38’s new Career and Innovation Center, to be located at the newly purchased facility, slated to open in August 2025. Director of Innovative Programs Jessica McAllister welcomed attendees, set meeting norms, and defined Career and Technical Education (CTE) as a modern, expanded version of vocational technology that emphasizes real-world, hands-on skills leading to high-demand, high-wage jobs. Dr. Tatiana Bailey Ph.D. of Data-Driven Economic Strategies, reviewed the state of the job market, focusing on job areas with high rates of growth. Attendees broke into table sessions to discuss goals for programming in the new center. For more information on CTE, see www.lewispalmer.org/page/career-technical-education. To see the Innovate 38 forum video and slides, see bit.ly/d38-innovate. Pictured standing at the front of the room with the microphone is McAllister. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Outdoor Pikes Peak Initiative
Above: The Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance (PPORA) held one of six public listening meetings at Bear Creek Elementary School on June 21. The alliance introduced and explained the Outdoor Pikes Peak Initiative (OPPI) and listened to interested members of outdoor businesses, nonprofits, government entities, and local outdoor enthusiasts. The PPROA’s mission is to strengthen the outdoor industry in the Pikes Peak Region through leadership and collaboration. One of its core values is the protection, conservation, and stewardship of natural resources. Land and water management promotes healthy ecosystems for communities and wildlife. Proper management of natural resources can promote economic growth for local businesses and the workforce, the alliance says. PPORA is asking for help from the area communities in the planning process of OPPI. For more information, contact it at pproa.org. Photo by Marlene Brown.
Rainbow over Gleneagle, June 21
Above: For a brief moment at 5:30 a.m. on June 21, a rainbow greeted early risers in the Gleneagle area as a light rain fell. Photo by David Futey.
Shakespeare in Palmer Lake, June 22
Above and below: Shakespeare’s Two Gents was presented by Act Out Theatreworks on the Village Green in Palmer Lake on Saturday, June 22. The play is a version of Two Gentlemen from Verona. Using the words of Shakespeare’s time, actors were staged upon the lawn, attired in campy modern garb. The event was courtesy of the Palmer Lake Arts Council. Photo above by Janet Sellers. Photo below by Lynn Roth.
St. Peter welcomes new principal
Above: St. Peter Catholic School has a new principal. Karen Shannahan comes from St. Pius X Catholic School in Aurora, where she held the same position. Before that, she was a fifth-grade teacher at Monument Academy. The school says Shannahan “plans to focus on forming virtuous students and promoting academic excellence through nurturing relationships with students, parents, staff, parishioners and the Monument community.” Photo courtesy of Karen Shannahan.
Art Hop, June 28
Above: June 28, artist Steve Castle of Woodmoor presented his watercolors of Americana at the Love Shop outdoor porch venue. An Air Force veteran and aerospace retiree, Castle has been making watercolor paintings since childhood. Next to him is his painting The Sole Survivor. The vintage truck depicted was the only surviving—and untouched—part of the Flying W Ranch after the Waldo Canyon wildfire.
Above: James Divine of JazzySaxMan.com played pop songs on his saxophone on Front Street.
Above: The music group Hickabee, complete with bass, fiddle, guitars, and mandolin, played folk and blues tunes from the Monument Mercantile shop veranda for Art Hop passersby. Photos by Janet Sellers.
Art Sites completes installations
Above: On June 28, the selection committee for the Art Sites outdoor public art in Monument celebrated the completion of the installation of sculptures throughout Monument in June at the Secret Window events venue. The artist call was well received nationwide, and artists from across the United States submitted their work with 12 artists’ works chosen for the 2024-25 exhibition season, delivered by the artists and installed by the Town of Monument in June. Photo by Janet Sellers.
In the May issue of OCN, in the Snapshots of Our Community,
• it was stated that Emily Osborn won the third place PLAG scholarship. Actually Ella Davis won that scholarship.
• The caption on the Earth Day Tree Planting April 21 should have identified the people pictured (L to R) as Tamara Schwarz, Aida Richardson, Don Richardson, 101-year-old WWII vet Marie West, Patsy Janeba and John Janeba. It should also have noted that the photo was taken by Tamara Schwarz.
• The photo of the Tim Watkins Memorial Trail sign was taken by Brian Mullin. Mullin also reinstalled the sign after safeguarding it during wildfire mitigation last year.
OCN regrets the errors.
Wildfire Preparedness Day, Apr. 27
Above: Palmer Ridge High School’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) hosted the annual Wildfire Preparedness Day on April 27. Four speakers talked about home mitigation, fire evacuation, planning, and regional analysis. Civilian and governmental agencies including the Red Cross, Monument Fire Department, and Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management also provided information. Photo by Ella Blakely.
LPHS band concert, May 7
Above: The Lewis-Palmer High School (LPHS) band performed its final concert of this school year, a Pops concert featuring seniors in the Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Symphony on May 7 at the LPHS auditorium. Directed by Sam Anderson, each band featured solos by senior musicians, and seniors were honored for their contributions during their tenure at LPHS. Awards received by these talented musicians were also announced. Photo by Steve Pate.
Little Log Church celebrates 100th
Above: The Little Log Church in Palmer Lake celebrated its 100th anniversary on May 11. Those attending got to tour the log chapel that was built in 1924. Some wore 1920s-era clothes, including members of the 100th anniversary planning committee (in photo). A scavenger hunt was also part of the festivities. Standing from left are Donna Ewers, Anne Jones, Chairman Kristi Olsen, and Betty Thomas. Seated is Pastor Bill Story. Photo by Pete Olsen.
Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares, May 15
Above: The Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares 40th anniversary event was held on May 15 at the Spruce Mountain Events Center. Participating restaurants competed in a “Chopped” style event by crafting tasty samples from a basket of items from the Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC) food pantry. The judges’ favorite was UVA Wine Bar & Restaurant, while the crowd’s favorite was Bethesda Gardens Monument Assisted Living and Memory Care. The sold-out event with 400 attendees was supported by numerous sponsors, celebrity judges, staff, and volunteers. It was TLC’s most successful Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares event ever. Executive Director Haley Chapin, left, looks on as TLC board President Rich Schur of Schur Success Group thanks event organizer and TLC Development Specialist Christine Bucher. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Pelicans on Lake Woodmoor
Above: It was cold, gray, and foggy on April 20 when Misty Reed of Woodmoor spotted something unusual on Lake Woodmoor. A squadron of pelicans were huddled together in an inlet. Certainly not something you see every day. Photo by Misty Reed.
Monument wind storm, May 6
Above: It was so windy on May 6 there were waves with white caps on Monument Lake. A tree was knocked down at St. Peter Catholic School (in photo). Flags were flying straight up. A high wind warning was issued by the National Weather Service. A gust of 60 mph was recorded on Monument Hill. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Above: Flags outside Jackson Creek Senior Living show how windy it was. (12 sec)
Above: The wind created white-capped waves on Monument Creek. (23 sec)
Monument hydrant flushing, May 9
Above: The Monument Water Department finished its annual hydrant flushing last month. About 300 hydrants were cleaned of sediment buildup over nine days. Up to 1,400 gallons a minute spewed from this hydrant off Monument Lake Road on May 9. From left, water techs Jon Rigaud, Ryan Sieber, Da’John Lee, Danny Kuchinsky, and Clint Gavigan. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Above: Monument water techs flush a hydrant. (9 sec)
LPES 50th anniversary, May 13
Above: On May 13, Lewis-Palmer Elementary School celebrated its 50th anniversary with an open house and ribbon cutting. Current and former administrators, teachers, parents, students, school board, and community members were greeted with balloons, popcorn, and snacks, and displays of yearbooks. The Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center provided the ribbon and the very large scissors for the ribbon cutting. Staff members held the ribbon for current and former D38 staff and board, from left, former Principal Jenny Day, Ted Bauman, Dr. Jerry Parsons, Principal Davonne Johnson, board President Tiffiney Upchurch, Acting Superintendent Amber Whetstine, board member Todd Brown, former board member Tommie Plank, and Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Silver Key Senior Summit, May 16
Above: Sue Walker, director of the Silver Key Senior Center in Monument, organized activities at the Silver Key Senior Summit at the Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs on May 16. The Monument senior center events included tai chi demonstrations, chair yoga, and line dancing (pictured). Our local Silver Key Senior Center, located at 66 Jefferson St. in the Grace Best Elementary School building, offers many services for seniors which can be seen at https://www.silverkey.org. For more information, call 719-884-2300. Staff and volunteers are pictured at Tri-Lakes Silver Key, Monument. From left are Sandi Watson-Staggs, Mary Frances Quattlebaum, Sue Walker, and Mary Lou Figley. Photo by Steve Pate.
Art Hop, May 24
Above: May 24 brought back Monument’s monthly Art Hop for spring and summer. Here, artist Dawn Healy of Black Forest shared her intricate and distinctive gourd art. Healy was the featured artist at Bella Art and Frame Gallery for May. The gallery will showcase different artist exhibitions each month along with the gallery’s signature artists. Amid the festive atmosphere of music, conviviality, and refreshments for the art lovers—and art buyers of course—locals and visitors alike enjoyed the small-town fun of visiting with each other in Downtown Monument as they celebrated the arts with community spirit. This year, the Art Hop has been moved from the third Thursday of the month to the fourth Friday.
Above: The musical group Flashback played in front of the Love Shop in the Front Street Square. Flashback entertained passersby with popular rock tunes. Photos by Janet Sellers.
Mid-June Prescribed Burn
Above: During this past week, preparations have been underway for a prescribed burn in Pike National Forest, west of Monument near Mt. Herman. Federal and Town employees and community volunteers are removing ground fuel from the forest along Mt. Herman Road to ensure a slow controlled burn. In this photo, Rick Binder and Val Burt from Team Rubicon work alongside a chipper crew from the Monument Fire Department. Over three days of effort, more than 60 volunteers mitigated 13 acres of Pike National Forest. The prescribed burn is scheduled for mid-June. If/when you see smoke, please do not call 911 unless you see a fire (not smoke) that is unattended. The prescribed burns are weather-dependent and are expected to take place over three days at Memorial Grove, Monument Rock, and the Mount Herman trailhead. Once the prescribed fires begin, smoke may be seen for several days. Photo by Marianne LaRivee.
First MA East HS Graduation
Above: Monument Academy East Campus held its first high school graduation on May 18. The campus opened in fall 2019. There were 21 students in the senior class of 2024, including Valedictorian Scott Kohlhase (below). Kohlhase is among 144 seniors in Colorado who received the prestigious Daniels Fund Scholarship. More than 200 relatives, staff, and community members attended the ceremony at the front of the campus. Photo by Evan Clay/ClayVisuals. Monument Academy East Campus held its first high school graduation on May 18. The campus opened in fall 2019. There were 21 students in the senior class of 2024, including Valedictorian Scott Kohlhase. Kohlhase is among 144 seniors in Colorado who received the prestigious Daniels Fund Scholarship. More than 200 relatives, staff, and community members attended the ceremony at the front of the campus. Photo by Evan Clay/ClayVisuals.
Monument Presbyterian Church
Above: Monument Presbyterian Church celebrated its 150th anniversary on May 19. Attended by church members and the community, the Founders Day celebration and dedication of Sheldon Jackson Chapel at the church was held at the Sunday worship. A reception in the chapel and on the west lawn featured vintage 1880s desserts. Photos courtesy of Daniel Krucoff.
Vets march for suicide awareness
Above: You might’ve seen three men, one waving an American flag, marching down the side of the road in Monument or Palmer Lake on May 24. They are veterans hoping to raise awareness about veteran suicide. They hiked from Denver to Colorado Springs and then to Castle Rock in 3 1/2 days. The veterans belong to the Castle Rock group ConnorsK9 P.A.W.S. President and founder Michael Connors, a disabled retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, was joined by veterans Joshua Henkels and a man known simply as Nova. Statistics show 22 veterans die by suicide each day, but Connors suspects it’s closer to 40. When he tried to take his own life, a service dog stopped him. Now, he’s helping others who might be in a similar situation. His 501c3 nonprofit provides professional service dogs to veterans. He hopes his march will result in an increase in donations that would pay for service dog training equipment. To donate, go to connorsk9paws.org and click on How to Support. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Three veterans walked during the Memorial Day weekend to raise awareness of veteran suicide. (12 sec)
Michael Connors, a disabled Army veteran, says more veterans commit suicide every day than you think. (20 sec)
Water tank completed, May 23
Above: During the last weeks of May, contractors established sustainable erosion control measures and landscaping at the site of the newly constructed, controversial Monument water tank. Located in the residential Forest View Heights HOA west of Monument, the 2-million-gallon tank serves as water storage for the Town of Monument. Nearby residents have complained about the height of the tank. Rocked drainage sites and ground cover include seeding mat, planting of 55 trees, 35 shrubs and various deep-rooting, drought-resistant grasses. As of May 23, all the vegetation had been planted. Surface irrigation provides water to establish start-up growth and will be removed after two years. Excavation for the tank began two years ago, with landscaping of the surrounding area as the final stage to completion. Photo by Sharon Williams.
Above: Thirty people attended a public meeting March 10 to give feedback and get more information on the proposed Heart of Monument Play Park. The park will be next to the Monument Community Presbyterian Church, which is donating the land. It’ll be for people of all ages and those with physical and emotional disabilities. NES Inc. will use the input from the meeting attendants as well as comments gathered by Monument Hill Kiwanis Club and the Heart of Monument Steering Committee to finalize the design of the park. NES says the design could be ready by June. It’s hoped the park will be open this summer or fall. From left, Roberta Ross, Monument Mayor Mitch LaKind, and Tri-Lakes Cares Executive Director Haley Chapin look at the project plans. Photo by Bob Harrigan.
TLC thanks Kiwanis, Mar. 30
Above: Tri-Lakes Cares (TLC) has thanked Monument Hill Kiwanis Club for its contributions to TLC. Kiwanis President Scott Ross was given a certificate of appreciation on March 30. Kiwanis raises money for TLC with Empty Bowls, D38’s Harvest of Love, the Giving Tree, the North Pole Craft Fair, and food distribution during the holidays. From left are TLC Director of Operations Julie Keim, Executive Director Haley Chapin, Development Specialist Christine Bucher, and Ross. Photo by Warren Gerig.
Tri-Lakes Chamber awards, Apr. 12
Below: The Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce gave out its annual awards on April 12. Sheri Miller of Mountain Wings Management was named Volunteer of the Year. Amber Jack of Edward Jones was awarded Ambassador of the Year. The honor of Businesspersons of the Year went to Shannon and Rich Schur of the Schur Success Group. The top Non-Profit award was given to Owen Schoolsky of Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club while Julie and Steven Hart of Geneva Technologies went home with the Economic Development Business award. Photos by Hannah Yeomans.
100+ Women Who Care, Apr. 17
Above: On April 17, 100+ Women Who Care Tri-Lakes gathered at the Woodmoor Barn to hear from two nominees for its bi-annual grant. The nominees included Trinity Community Park, an accessible park on the east side of I-25, and Heart of Monument Park, an all-ages, universally accessible park in the works through a partnership of the Town of Monument and the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club. The group selected Trinity Community Park for its award. Trinity Community Park is Monument’s first Americans with Disabilities (ADA) compliant community park. It is a playground for everyone at every stage of life, with equipment for all abilities and every body type. For more information, see https://trinitymonument.org/trinity-community-park. Photo by Jackie Burhans.
Earth Day tree planting, Apr. 21
Above: Volunteers from Trinity Lutheran Church and the surrounding community planted 50 Douglas fir saplings at Trinity Community Park on a cold, foggy Earth Day April 21. The saplings were donated by Neighborhood Forest, a national group that gives free trees to kids to plant every Earth Day. This year, it gave away 67,000 trees. Pictured (L to R): Tamara Schwarz, Aida Richardson, Don Richardson, 101-year-old WWII vet Marie West, Patsy Janeba, and John Janeba. Photo by Tamara Schwarz.
TLWC helps charity, Apr. 15
Above: Members of the Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) sorted children’s clothing by size and gender on April 15 so it can be donated to needy families. The donations will be handled by Catholic Charities Social Services. From left are TLWC members Cindy Beley, Sandy Mangiarelli, and Sandra Sciadini. Photo by Maureen Morgan.
Chamber After Hours, Apr. 16
Above: The monthly Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event was held April 16 at Lolley’s Tasting Room. The room at 174 Washington St. is an annex to Lolley’s Ice Cream on Second Street. It can be reserved for any kind of party or get-together and holds about 75 people. The event space was packed with networking Chamber members and their guests eating food and sampling Lolley’s ice cream. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Fox Run Nature Center meeting
Above: Close to one hundred people met with executives of the El Paso County Parks and Community Services Department at Pikes Peak Brewery April 18, a rescheduled date from March 14 due to weather. Many people went to learn about the details of the proposed Fox Run Nature Center. There have been discussions about dropping the number of parking places from 60 to 30 and downsizing the canopy walk. Engineering has mapped most of the trees in the park and has looked for the least vulnerable spot for trees, plant life and wildlife, where the nature center will be built. For more information about the nature center, go to www.communityservices.elpasoco.com/nature-centers/fox-run-nature-center/. Caption by Marlene Brown. Photo by Mike Thomas.
Students win PLAG scholarships
Above: Palmer Ridge High School student Cavan Porter (left) has been awarded the top scholarship of $1,500 from the Palmer Lake Art Group (PLAG). The second-place scholarship of $1,000 went to Palmer Ridge student Marian Griffiths (right). Lewis-Palmer High School student Ella Davis was awarded a $500 scholarship. Since 1977, PLAG has awarded about $87,000 in scholarships to graduating D38 seniors planning to continue their study of the arts. A small number of artists formed the group in 1965. It now has members throughout the Pikes Peak region. Photos courtesy of PLAG.
Arbor Day in Monument, Apr. 26
Above: On April 26, people gathered near the Third Street Santa Fe Trail trailhead to celebrate Arbor Day and learn about tips for successful planting of trees in our high desert mountain clime. Town Gardener Cassie Olgren led a talk about proper planting and after-care tasks. Then visitors were given free plants to take home and put in their gardens. Photo by Janet Sellers.
Tim Watkins Trail sign reinstalled
Above: Last year, before the National Forest Service wildfire mitigation work in the Monument Preserve north of Mount Herman Road, Brian Mullin, president of Friends of Monument Preserve (FOMP), removed and stored the sign which marked the Tim Watkins Memorial Trail. The sign has been reinstalled about three-fourths mile in from the Red Rocks Road parking lot. FOMP built and maintains this trail as it does for many trails through the preserve. Watkins, a well-known part of the Tri-Lakes mountain-biking community, was killed while riding in the Mount Herman area in 2017, and his killer has not been identified. If you have any information regarding this unsolved murder, please contact the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. FOMP “trail nights” to maintain trails in the preserve are scheduled the second Thursday of May through October at 5 p.m. Meet at the Red Rocks Road parking lot just north of Mount Herman Road if you can help. Photo by Brian Mullin
Above: Members of Native American Sacred Trees and Places (NASTaP) and others went on a hike with Heidi Wigand-Nicely to look for Culturally Modified Trees (CMTs) on March 9 in Fox Run Regional Park. CMTs in Fox Run Park have been purported to have been bent, twisted, grafted or otherwise modified by the Ute and other tribes before the late 1800s. One of NASTaP’s strategic goals is to identify, document and protect Native American CMTs and sacred places. Nearly 100 trees have been identified in Fox Run Park with distinguishing traits such as bark peels, bent shapes and tie-down marks, girdling and burls, split trunks, and branches. The trees were used for trail markers, burial markers, medicine, and for ceremonial purposes. Fox Run Park and the surrounding areas included in the Front Range are known campsites for the nomadic indigenous peoples for hundreds of years. NASTaP is a 501C3; for more information go to www.nastap.org or visit its booth at the Roller Coaster Trailhead on April 20 for Earth Day. Contact Membership Chair Linda Davies at ldaviesrex@gmail.com . Photo by Heidi Wigand-Nicely. Caption by Marlene Brown.
Schwarz honored for fundraising
Above: Tamara Schwarz, executive director of Trinity Community Park in Monument (at the right in the photo), was honored with the News 5 Jefferson Award for community service on March 11. TV station KOAA anchor Dianne Derby (at the left in the photo) presented Schwarz with the award that honors those who go above and beyond in serving their neighborhood. In two years, Schwarz raised $400,000 for state-of-the-art ADA-compliant playground equipment for the park. Schwarz will now compete for the national version of the award. Photo by Karen Heater.
Rotary collects products for TLC
Above: Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club collected 855 pounds of hygiene and household products during the club’s Give the Gift of Dignity Hygiene Drive for Tri-Lakes Cares. The drive was held March 13-17. The products included soap, body wash, shampoo, dish soap, laundry soap, and multi-purpose cleaner. From left are James Russell, Laurie Beasley, Brenda Small, Cara Simmons, Jeremiah Baty, and Rich Schur. Photo courtesy of Tri-Lakes Dynamic Rotary Club.
WMMI Family Day, Mar. 23
Above: On March 23, the Western Museum of Mining & Industry (WMMI) hosted its Spring Family Day with a focus on mining. WMMI staff person Jamie Gorrell coordinated the event and said she was “very happy with the exhibitor turnout and variety of participatory options provided to visitors.” The exhibitors included the Gold Prospectors of Colorado, demonstrating different techniques to mine for gold in water, including panning and sluicing; Cool Science, with exhibits on magnetism and making your own “dippin’ dots” ice cream using liquid nitrogen; the Phoenix Gold Mine, an active gold mine in Idaho Springs operated by fourth generation miners that offers tours of the mine for visitors to see copper sulfate, pyrite, and gold veins; and Newmont Mining Corp. Kaitlyn Ragsdale, external relations supervisor with Newmont Mining, said it was an exhibitor at the event to “inform visitors of the active gold mining being done by Newmont and the benefits of gold in everyday life.” She also said Newmont appreciated the long and ongoing partnership with the museum, including collaboration on an upcoming display on open pit mining. Information on upcoming events at the museum can be found at www.wmmi.org. Photo by David Futey.
Palmer Lake Easter festivities
Above: Kids had to bundle up on a chilly, windy day to take part in Palmer Lake’s Easter festivities on March 30. Children got to hunt for eggs on the town green. Young kids were given a head start before the older children were allowed to take part. The Easter Bunny was there for photos. There were also crafts, face painting and a bake sale. The day started with a pancake breakfast fundraiser put on by the Palmer Lake Fire Association. Caption by Michael Weinfeld. Photo by Shirley Murray.
Active shooter response training
Above: There are three words to remember if you ever have the unfortunate experience of being where someone starts shooting. Run. Hide. Fight. Cpl. Joshua Marks and Community Resource Officer Kelly Fisher of the Monument Police Department told an active shooter response training class Mar. 13 that the first thing you should do is run. Leave your belongings behind and get out as soon as you can. Then, find a place to hide. And, if possible, fight the shooter by throwing things at their sensitive areas like their head, their eyes, and their groin. There’s also a helpful anagram to remember. OODA stands for Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act. Observe what’s going on, orient yourself to your surroundings, decide what to do, and then do it. The class was sponsored by the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce and the Schur Success Group. Caption by Michael Weinfeld. Photo by Laura Kronick.
Stars of Tomorrow, Mar. 17
Above: Everleigh Larsen gives her winning performance among high schoolers at Stars of Tomorrow. (38 sec)
Above: Kurt Lambrech gives his second place performance at the Stars of Tomorrow talent show. (67 sec)
Above: Rowan Vaughn gives her third place performance at the Stars of Tomorrow talent show. (69 sec)
Being different can be hard on a kid, but it’s what earned these children big prizes at the Monument Hill Kiwanis Club’s Stars of Tomorrow talent show on March 17. Palmer Ridge 10th-grader Everleigh Larsen (above left) won the top prize of a $2,000 scholarship in the high school division. She performed Claude Debussy’s freeform clarinet piece Premiere Rhapsodie, which showed off her impressive breath control. Second place went to Kurt Lambrech, (above center) a Palmer Ridge 11th-grader, who played an eclectic version of George Gershwin’s I’ve Got Rhythm on piano. He went home with a $1,000 scholarship. The third-place scholarship worth $500 went to Rowan Vaughn, (above right) a senior at Palmer Ridge High, who sang Vanilla Ice Cream from the Broadway musical She Loves Me. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Among middle-schoolers, the drum trio Monument Music Drum Corp won the top prize of $750. Bear Creek Elementary fifth-grader Gavin Barkley and two sixth-graders from Monument Academy, Gunner Skalla and Kay Gillings, alternated playing different drum sets and a set of conga drums. They were the only ones who acted like kids when they heard the results. They jumped up and down and thrust their hands in the air.
Above: The Monument Music Drum Corp gives 1st place performance among middle schoolers at Stars of Tomorrow. (23 sec)
Above: Winners among high school students are announced at the Stars of Tomorrow talent show. (61 sec)
Above: Winners in the middle school division are announced at Stars of Tomorrow talent show. (45 sec)
The Taylor Reeves Dance Troupe came in second among middle-schoolers and went home with $500.
Above: Winners in the middle school division are announced at Stars of Tomorrow talent show. (45 sec)
Above left: From left, Kay Gillings, Gavin Barkley, and Gunner Skatta hold their awards. Above center: Standing from left are Greysen Stevens, Taylor Reeves, Ada M.J. Campbell, and Adeline Moats. Ashley Hedstrom is doing the split in front. Above right: Gymnast Korina Mirenda. Photos by Michael Weinfeld.
Gymnast Korina Mirenda, a third-grader from Bear Creek Elementary, won $500 for coming in first in the elementary school division.
Above: Korina Medina gives her 1st place performance among elementary students at Stars of Tomorrow. (61 sec)
Above: The elementary school winner is announced at the Stars of Tomorrow talent show. (23 sec)
Flags retired, Mar. 23
Above: Members of Boy Scout Troop 17 retired dozens of tattered or faded American flags on March 23. They were assisted by the Monument Fire Department, Monument Police Department, and the Jackson Creek Senior Living facility. Photo courtesy of BSA Troop 17.
Biggest snowstorm of the winter, March 13-16
Above: The biggest snowstorm of the winter socked Monument with more than two feet of snow from March 13-15. Travel was next to impossible at the height of the storm. Hundreds of motorists were stranded around the Monument exit off I-25. The truck stops at the exit quickly filled up. A warming center was opened at St. Peter Catholic Church. School was canceled on the 14th and 15th. In the photo, the ornamental bicycle outside the Coffee Cup Café in Monument is covered in snow. Photo by Michael Weinfeld. For more weather news see page 18.
Above: You can hear the wind howl in this video of the snowstorm in a Monument community on March 14. (11 sec)
Above: Members of the Tri-Lakes Lions Club and Knights of Sight gathered Jan. 14 to process over 60 pounds of recyclable eyeglasses donated by area residents. The glasses were sent to the Colorado Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center in Denver for further processing. Lions International vision centers will provide the glasses for free to underprivileged people around the world. Walmart Vision, America’s Best, Monument Vision, and Premier Vision helped with the project. Photo by Gordon Reichal.
Waters is Young Marine of the Year
Above: A Palmer Ridge High School junior was named Division 4 Young Marine of the Year for the second consecutive year on Dec. 28. Jackson Waters, 17, will now compete with five other division winners for the title of National Young Marine of the Year, the highest honor bestowed by the Young Marines nationally. The competition will be held March 23 in Woodbridge, Va., near the Young Marines National Headquarters. Since joining the Young Marines in 2016, Jackson has logged 850 hours of community service. Photo courtesy of the Young Marines.
TLWC CPR Training, Feb. 21
Above: Members of the Tri-Lakes Women’s Club (TLWC) and their spouses got CPR training at the Woodmoor Barn on Feb. 21. The training was conducted by the Monument Fire Department and UC Health cardiac care nurses. According to the American Heart Association, 74% of cardiac arrests that occur outside of a hospital happen at home, and nearly half of those victims survive when someone performs CPR. In the photo, TLWC member Margie Klaus watches as Roger Meurer, spouse of TLWC member Laura Meurer (not pictured), practices CPR technique. Checking the monitor that gives feedback on proper CPR technique are TLWC member and organizer of the event Carol Costakis and her husband Greg. Photo by Sue Leggiero.
D38 Chess Tournament, Feb. 24
Above: There were chess boards as far as the eye could see in the gym at Bear Creek Elementary on Feb. 24 as the school hosted the 17th annual D38 chess tournament. About 130 students took part. Robert Collier was the best among high school students, and Colton Kandrak topped the middle school division. Among elementary school students, Abraham Burruel won the first-grade category, Anze Caulkins was tops among second-graders. Henry Johnson won the third-grade division. Max Lindeman came in first among fourth-graders. The fifth-grade category was won by Walter Hefter. Kyle Fieber was tops among sixth-graders and Sam Knauf won the kindergarten category. In the photo, Palmer Lake Elementary School student Tucker VanderJagt makes a move toward victory in his third-round competition. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Ice Cream for Breakfast, Feb. 24
Above: About 40 people lined up early to be among the first to eat ice cream for breakfast at Lolley’s Ice Cream in Monument on Feb. 24. Monument residents Ryan Maguire and his family were first in line at 8:40 a.m., 20 minutes before the shop opened. Maguire says they were first in line last year, too. The national event was originally scheduled for Feb. 3, but had to be postponed in Monument because of a snowstorm. Maguire says if it hadn’t been postponed, they would’ve stood in line in the snow. Customers had their choice of having their ice cream on top of waffles or mini-doughnuts. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Stars of Tomorrow auditions, Feb. 24
There was singing, gymnastics, piano and guitar playing, even clogging at the auditions for the second annual Stars of Tomorrow talent show. The auditions were held Feb. 21, 24, and 25 at “Big Red,” the D38 administration building in Monument. The Kiwanis Club of Monument Hill puts on the show that’ll take place March 17 at Palmer Ridge High School. Winners will be announced that night. The elementary school winner will earn $500, and the top middle school student will take home $750. Two scholarships worth $1,000 and $2,000 will be given to the high school winners. Photos by Michael Weinfeld.
Above: Korina Mirenda performs a gymnastics routine. (58 sec)
Korina Mirenda performed gymnastics.
Above: Evie LaBouliere and Caroline Marsh perform a gymnastics routine. (1 min 9 sec)
Evie LaBouliere and Caroline Marsh performed gymnastics.
Alyson Horne sang.
Adalae LaBouliere and Truvie Marsh performed gymnastics.
Above: Rowan Vaughn performs a song. (1 min 19 sec)
Roman Rodriguez performed a Michael Jackson dance routine.
USAFA wildfire, Feb. 25
Above: Large plumes of smoke were visible from the Tri-Lakes area on the afternoon of Feb. 25. The smoke was generated by a brush fire on steep terrain north west of West Monument Creek Road on the south side of the Air Force Academy. The fire began around 1 p.m. Wind was gusting from the west at 30-40 miles per hour throughout the day. By evening, the fire had grown to about 150 acres. Due to the fire, the base was closed to the public, pre-evacuation notices were issued for Douglass and Pine Valley housing, Douglass Valley Elementary School was closed, and Air Academy High School students switched to remote learning. A Red Flag Warning had been in effect when the fire began with higher-than-normal temperatures and wind gusts in the forecast. As of Tuesday morning, Feb. 27, at 4:30 a.m., the fire was 168 acres and 50% contained. Caption by Natalie Barszcz. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Above: About 1,1100 people bundled up to watch the 3rd Annual Palmer Lake Outdoor Classic on a frozen Palmer Lake on Jan. 6. The temperature was around 20 degrees when the Palmer Lake Star was lit, and fireworks brightened the dark sky to mark the start of the high school tournament. There were fire pits to warm the crowd and several food trucks offering a variety of treats. Pine Creek beat Palmer High of Colorado Springs 3-2 to take home the championship trophy. Lewis-Palmer finished third by defeating Chaparral 3-1 in the consolation final. The event proceeds covered all of Lewis-Palmer’s hockey team’s fees for the season. Photo by Michael Weinfeld
Early round at the Palmer Lake Outdoor classic (19 sec)
Fireworks at Palmer Lake Outdoor classic (16 sec)
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Color guard at Palmer Lake Outdoor classic (30 sec)
Palmer Lake’s version of the Zamboni at the Outdoor Classic (15 sec)
Ice fishing in a blizzard, Jan. 8
Above: No heat, no hut, no problem. This ice fisherman didn’t let sub-zero temperatures and wind-blown snow stop him from trying his luck on Monument Lake on Jan. 8. Of course, it didn’t stop this reporter from walking his dog, either. The Tri-Lakes area got several inches of snow. Windchills were in the double digits below zero. Photo by Michael Weinfeld.
Ignition-resistant gardens
Above: Waterwise landscaping and foundation plantings can also be resistant to wildfires, said Cassie Olgren, Monument’s Parks & Trails planner and program manager, to the Tri-Lakes Women’s Club Garden interest group. She described a safe, sustainable approach to landscaping to reduce the risks of homes catching fire where grassland, forests, and human development overlap and we are vulnerable to wildland fires. The keys are regular yard and vegetation maintenance; choosing the right plants, fences, and mulches; and designing your landscape to include fire breaks. See Olgren’s “Firewise Landscaping” presentation full of beautiful examples at townofmonument.org/524/Gardening-and-Landscaping-Videos-and-Cla . Visit the town’s Waterwise Garden on the northwest corner of Adams and Second Street. Olgren is searching for community groups to get involved with town gardening and the Heart of Monument Play Park projects. Contact her at colgren@tomgov.org . For information on Tri-Lakes Women’s Club activities, see trilakeswomen39sclub.wildapricot.org/ . Photo by Lisa Hatfield.
Winter storm preparedness
Above: At the Monument Hill Kiwanis meeting on Jan. 13 at the “Big Red” D 38 administration building in Monument, Lisa Hatfield, author of To Melt a Snowdrift, presented guidelines to avoid traveling in severe winter weather and ways to prepare that could help one survive if caught out. She was accompanied by Dr. Gayle Humm, who, after her military service, was part of El Paso County Search and Rescue and shared some of her experiences rescuing hikers and others stranded in severe conditions. See Emergency Preparedness Guide at epc-assets.elpasoco.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/OEM/PPROEM-Preparedness-Guide-Final-Feb2023.pdf. Photo by Steve Pate.
Robotics competition, Jan. 13
Above: Bear Creek Elementary School (BCES) hosted a FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Competition on Jan. 13. The event was organized by D38’s Bearbotics Robotics Teams and BCES in collaboration with Colorado FIRST. More than 60 volunteers helped put on the event. The competing teams were from schools and communities across the Front Range. All three Bearbotics FTC Teams, Ragnarok Team 19541, Theta Team 19970 and Sigma Team 20771 made it to the playoffs. This competition was a qualifier for teams to receive tickets to the Colorado State Championship. Teams competed in the Centerstage Robot Game that was revealed in September and were judged in areas of Inspire, Connect, Motivate, Think, Innovate, Controls, and Design. Bearbotics FTC Ragnarok Team 19541 won the Connect Award and Bearbotics FTC Theta Team 19970 won the Motivate Award. All three Bearbotics Teams will compete in their second qualifier on Feb. 10 at Severance High School in Severance, Colo. Caption by Jeanette Breton, executive director, Monumental Impact. Photo by Steve Pate.
Donkeys in Downtown, Jan. 20
Above: Jake, Tin Cup, and Louie went for a run Jan. 20 and caused many a head to turn. The donkeys were running through downtown Monument with owner Joe Polonsky and his friends Jon Roberts and Roland Brodeur. They came from the nonprofit Double Rainbow Ranch in Monument, down Second Street to the Santa Fe Trail. The animals are being trained for pack burro racing, a sport where humans race with donkeys while guiding them with a rope. From front to rear, Brodeur with Tin Cup, Polansky with Jake, and Roberts with Louie. Photo by Jeanette Lamb.
Kiwanis donates to Salvation Army
Above: Monument Hill Kiwanis Club presented a check for $36,550 to the Salvation Army on Jan. 20. The money was raised by volunteer bellringers during the holiday season. Kiwanis members and their partners, Tri-Lakes Women’s Club and Lewis-Palmer District 38 Key Club members, spent 521 volunteer hours ringing the bells at three locations in Monument. The hourly rate worked out to be three times the national average. From left, front row are Kiwanians Jeff and Heidi Baker, Mark Zeiger, Salvation Army representatives Greg Mitchell, Capt. Doug Hanson, and Tri-Lakes Women’s Club representatives Pam Perry and Shelly Pruitt. Back row are Kiwanians Rob Knoth and Mahlon Lang. Photo by Warren Gerig.
“Push-in” first MFD wildland engine
Above and below: Driver Engineer Shaun Leonhardt is positioned behind the wheel of the Monument Fire District’s first Wildland Type 3 engine, as El Paso County Commissioner Holly Williams, board directors, residents and Monument Fire District firefighters assist with the time-honored tradition of “pushing-in” the engines at the Station 1 bay on Jan. 27. The district received the Wildland Type 3 engine 541 and a replacement ambulance in December. Fire Chief Andy Kovacs said the ambulance will be placed into service in early February and engine 541 will be the first of its kind within the district. Engine 541 is designed to navigate rough terrain, hold a large capacity of water, and has pump and roll capability. The engine will be operated by the district’s dedicated wildland crews and, besides tackling local fires, could deploy to wildland fires outside the district and state. The ceremony of “pushing-in” apparatus dates 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 the narrow station bay. The time-honored tradition continues nationwide, whenever a department is lucky to receive new apparatus. Photos By Natalie Barszcz.
Sertoma donates to Home Front
Above: The Gleneagle Sertoma Club donated $10,000 to the Home Front Military Network (HFMN) at the club’s Dec. 6 meeting. The money was raised by the annual Patriot Golf Benefit Tournament on Aug. 23. HFMN Executive Director Kathleen Hatten and Development Director Jennifer Wilson say the group has had a great impact on military and veteran families in the Pikes Peak region and all across Colorado. From left, Sertomans Pete Peterson and John Coyle present the check to Hatten and Wilson. Photo by Victoria Wynn.
O’Bryant named Sertoman of the Year
Above: At the Sertoma Christmas dinner on Dec. 13, Donna O’Bryant was named Sertoman of the Year. O’Bryant has been a Sertoman for 30 years. Photo by Victoria Wynn.
