Snapshots of Our Community

Tri-Lakes skies painted with Northern Lights
Monument Lake restroom, Nov. 5
PLAG Small Works at Bella Art
Integrity Wealth Advisors donates $5K
Lynn Roth’s photos at Monument Library
Alpaca Extravaganza, Nov. 22-23
Chili Supper and Star Lighting, Nov. 29
St. Peter Holiday Boutique, Nov. 8
PRHS production of The Wizard of Oz
Gritzmaker honored by Sertoma
Chipping season wrap-up, Nov. 19

Tri-Lakes skies painted with Northern Lights

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

**Above:** *Photo by Trish Wingert at the top of her cul-de-sac on Six Trees Lane in Woodmoor.*

Monument Lake restroom, Nov. 5

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

PLAG Small Works at Bella Art

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

Integrity Wealth Advisors donates $5K

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

Lynn Roth’s photos at Monument Library

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

Alpaca Extravaganza, Nov. 22-23

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

Chili Supper and Star Lighting, Nov. 29

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