Mountain Almanac for the Week of May 4

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

Tuesday, Nov. 4

The Woodland Park Downtown Development Authority will meet on Nov. 4 at the Woodland Park Council Chambers at 7:30 a.m.

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.

Managed 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 approve a detailed contract proposal from the Interstate Parking Company of Colorado, which does paid-parking systems for a variety of resort communities, including Breckenridge and Idaho Springs. The new proposed system will require fees for extended visitors and for hikers.  Local residents and patrons at local restaurants/bars for two hours would not be affected See related story in this week’s issue of TMJ.

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

Wednesday, Nov. 5

Wellness Walk. Scheduled for Nov. 5  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.

The Cripple Creek City Council will meet for their regular session on May 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers. Limited in-person attendance is permitted, but interested attendees must contact the city clerk’s office at 719-689-2502 no later than noon of the scheduled meeting. The session will be available online by accessing the city’s website.  An earlier work session on the viability of combining emergency communications services in  Teller County will be held at 4 p.m. This session will not available online.

Teller Rifles presentation. The officers of Teller Rifles, a nonprofit group, will be making a presentation before the Cripple Creek city council regarding the establishment of a new shooting range for the use of members and local residents. Our organization will be asking the city to deed to us approx. 13 acres of city-owned property on which is a disused range built back in the 90’s for the police department. This will enable us to further conduct training classes and live-fire exercises. Our presentation to city council will take place on Wednesday, May 5, at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers. We need your support. If any of you are able to attend, please do so. Remember, there is strength in numbers. If you are unable to attend, the meeting is available online by accessing the city’s website.

Thursday, May 6

Gallop in the Garden, Scheduled for May 6 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. .

The Woodland Park City Council will meet  in the Woodland Park Council Chambers, starting at 7 p.m. Limited attendance is permitted, and the meetings are available online.  For more information, call 719-687-9246.

Friday, April May 7

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 May 7  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.

First Friday Art Walk. Scheduled for May 7 in  Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs. Begins at 5 p.m. Galleries and shops are open late for special events, sales and snacks.

The festivities will also include the Opening Night  exhibition of the art of Michele Renée Ledoux, “Find the One You Love,” with more than 100 works neutral in palette, architectural in style, organic in process and texture. Scheduled for the G44 Gallery, 1785 S. 8th St, Colorado Springs.

Saturday, May 8

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.

Sunday, May 9.

Happy Mother’s Day from TMJ.  A number of local eateries, restaurants and casinos in Teller County and the Ute Pass are doing special Mother’s Day feasts or brunches. In many cases, reservations are required.

Upcoming

Mindful Monday. Scheduled for Garden of the Gods Visitor Center on May 10 at 9 a.m. Free event. A meditative morning walk and observing the sensory nature of the park. Ages 14 and up. Must wear a mask and respect social distancing protocols to participate. Meet in front near the flagpole. Dress for the weather, bring water, and journal for reflection.

The Teller County Commissioners will meet on May 13 at 9:15 a.m. in the Centennial Building in Cripple Creek.

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. For more information, visit www.themountainartists.org. or 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.