Mountain Almanac for the Week of April 27

*Many of the following events and gatherings must comply with the COVID-19 restrictions. For more details, contact the event sponsors and suggested web site.

Tuesday, April 27

Teller County Assessor Listens (TCAL).  In April and May, Assessor Colt Simmons will hold four meetings to discuss 2021 property reevaluations as prescribed by Colorado Statue.  Interested citizens can attend the meetings via Zoom or in person at 3 – 4:30 pm in Cripple Creek on Tuesday April 27th, Thursday April 29th, Tuesday May 4th, and Thursday May 13th.  For Zoom,  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82765074622  and Passcode 947726 or to attend in-person, the Teller County Centennial Building, 112 N. A Street, Cripple Creek, CO 80813.  Questions:  Visit https://www.co.teller.co.us/assessor/default.aspx or call 719-689-2941.

Wednesday, April 28

Wellness Walk. Scheduled for April 28 at the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center at 9 a.m. Meet at the lower level and choose a one, two or three-mile hike. Maps are available. Healthy living tips and mindfulness exercises to enhance your walk. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. Free admission.

New Gift Shop Hours. The Ute Pass Historical Society has new hours! The gift shop will be open Wednesdays 10-noon; and Thursdays through Saturdays 11-4. Stop by and check out our great selection of historical books, cards, art and jewelry. While here, ask about taking a free guided tour of  the five historic buildings in History Park. The gift shop is located at 231 E. Henrietta Avenue,  next to the Woodland Park Library. Call 719-686-7512 Watch the trailer for the Teller County dude ranch Video coming out later this year.

RV  Camping regulations. The Woodland Park City Council will hold a workshop on April 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the WP Council chambers to discuss the issue of the proposed 180-day limit for camping in RV parks.

Thursday, April 29

Gallop in the Garden, Scheduled for May 29 at 3:30 p.m. This is a 5K Fun Run/Jog/Walk in Garden of the Gods. Meet at the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center. There is free admission, but facial coverings required.

New Mayoral and Council Picks. The Woodland Park City Council will hold a special meeting on April 29   at 6 p.m. in the Woodland Park Council Chambers. The council will address the situation concerning the vacancy of two seats, a mayoral and council position. For more information, check the city of Woodland Park’s website or call 719-687-9246. In-person meeting attendance is permitted on a limited basis.

Live Music. Manitou Strings will play on April 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Armadillo Ranch, 962 Manitou Ave.

Friday, April 30

Tee-off Time.  The Shining Mountain Golf Course is open for daily play for the 2021 season, weather permitting. In addition, the clubhouse bar is open, along with the driving range and chipping area. Driving carts are now available.  Call 719-687-7587 for more information.

Furbaby Friday. Scheduled for April 30 at  9 a.m. at the  Garden of the Gods Visitor Center. Bring your furry friend, check in at the visitor center and get a free map of pet friendly areas in the park and register for the giveaway.

Saturday, May 1

Fossil Beds Activities.  The Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument in Florissant is open year-round. The Monument is now open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.   Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument offers 15 miles of beautiful, yet lesser known, hiking trails to explore, a free Junior Ranger Program, three short self-guided trails, a park video and museum exhibits, and bookstore.  Coronavirus restrictions, though, apply, and have impacted some displays. The visitor center is open Wednesdays through Sundays.  For additional information, please call (719) 748-3253 or visit our website: www.nps.gov/flfo or on Facebook or Twitter at /FlorissantNPS.

Mueller Hikes and Activities.  Kick off  spring at Mueller State Park, one of the secret gems of the state’s park system. While most state parks are overloaded with visitors due to the pandemic.  Mueller provides ideal trails without massive crowds. Typical weather this spring at Mueller can provide some great outings.  A full schedule of naturalist programs can help you to look, learn and enjoy the surroundings.  Enjoy guided hikes and special programs.   For more information, call 719-687-2366.

Live Music  Leo and the Lark Album Release will perform on May 1 at 8:30 p.m., Armadillo Ranch, 962 Manitou Ave.

Sunday, May 2

Thank You to Our First Responders and Medical Professionals Tribute Concert.  The Woodland Park Wind Symphony has announced its first live concert since December 2019 on Sunday, May 2 at 7 p.m. at the Ute Pass Cultural Center.  The concert is free, but seating at the Ute Pass Cultural Center is limited and seats need to be reserved.  Director Craig Harms has produced a “thank you to our heroes” video to enhance our performance of “Captain America” for our 1st responders and medical professionals who have worked tirelessly during the pandemic. For seat reservations go to www.woodlandparkwindsymphony.com  or call 719-687-2210. Doors open at 6pm.

Upcoming

Paid-Parking in Green Mountain Falls. The Green Mountain Falls Board of Trustees are scheduled to meet on May 4 at 7 p.m.  The GMF Board of Trustees are scheduled to review contract proposals for a new managed parking system, which could require fees for extended visitors and for hikers.  Local residents and patrons at local restaurants/bars for two hours would not be affected.

Manitou Springs City Council will meet on May 4 at 6 p.m. at  Manitou City Hall.

The Cripple Creek City Council will meet on May 5 at 5:30 p.m. at the CC Council Chambers.  Limited in-person attendance is permitted. Please call the city clerk’s office at 719-689-2502 not later than noon on the day of the meeting.

Come and get Crabby with Kiwanis!  Scheduled for May 17 between 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. It’s tax day and that means Crab to the Ute Pass Kiwanis!  Come and enjoy all-you-can-eat crab with a couple of sides, iced tea or lemonade and some great raffle and auction opportunities too!  And this all while supporting the children of Teller County!  The cost is $35 in advance and $40 at the door. There are two seatings, so be sure to pick the one that works best for you! For more information, call 719-315-5004.

Call  For Local Artists

The 36th annual Mountain Arts Festival is accepting applications for artists from the Pikes Peak Region.

The festival is August 7 and 8 on the green between the Ute Pass Cultural Center and the Woodland Park Public Library.  Eligibility: Any artist or craftsperson exhibiting his or her own handmade works of art is eligible. A committee comprised of members of the Mountain Artists will judge all applications. Criteria for judging include quality, salability, and uniqueness of item(s). The Mountain Arts Festival draws art lovers from all over the state, and is highly regarded among artists who have exhibited there. With up to 80 exhibitors, there is a surprising variety of art at the show, including but not limited to paintings, sculpture, woodwork, textile artists, mural artists, metalworks, and jewelry. The deadline for applications is May 1 and interested artists can download the application from the Mountain Artists website: www.themountainartists.org.

For more information, contact Rita Randolph at  719-502-5085.

 Chamber Business After Hours. Scheduled for May 18 and hosted by Foxworth – Galbraith Home Improvement System, located at 400 W. Midland Ave/US Hwy. 24. It will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The Chamber After Hours is Teller County’s largest networking event.  All Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce members are encouraged to attend.  Take advantage of this opportunity to network and catch up with your friends, clients and customers plus meet new members in an informal setting.  Business After Hours is a great way to share information about your business and learn about other members. Fun, food, drinks and door prizes.  Don’t forget your business cards. For more information, call 719-687-9885.