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

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Snapshots of Our Community

Cruisers’ car show raises $7,500

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.

Other Snapshots of Our Community