Mountain Almanac for the week of May 11

*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, May 11

The Green Mountain Falls Planning Commission will meet on Nov. 11 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be conducted virtually, and is available for participants on Zoom.  Visit the town government’s website for details.

Wednesday, May 12

Wellness Walk. Scheduled for Nov. 12  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.

Recover the Fun. A Manitou Classroom at the Manitou Springs Library on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. The mission is to engage, empower, and enrich individuals in recovery and their loved ones. The goal is to establish a foundation for life-long development and connection and contribution to the community. The program envisions a world that recognizes the inherent worth of all people, and therefore, seeks to meet all people with compassion and treat all with dignity and respect. The group values authenticity, love, kindness, hope, gratitude, humor, curiosity, creativity, purpose, and teamwork

Thursday, May 13

Gallop in the Garden, Scheduled for May 13 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 Teller County Commissioners will meet on May 13 at 9:15 a.m. in the Centennial Building in Cripple Creek. In-person attendance is permitted on a limited basis.  The meetings are also available on Zoom.  Check the county government’s website for details.

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.

The Woodland Park Planning Commission will meet  in the Woodland Park Council Chambers on May 13, starting at 7 p.m. Limited attendance is permitted, and the meetings are available online.  For more information, call 719-687-9246.

Friday, May 14

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 14  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 15

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 the indoor museum exhibits and the theater will remain closed throughout the summer. The park video, though, is available at the Fossil Bed’s website. Visitors also can enjoy massive petrified redwood trees in an outdoor exhibit. 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.

Cheesman Ranch Hike. Explore the Cheesman Ranch, where the Mueller family ran their cattle operation.  The hike is scheduled for May 15 at the Mueller State Park from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Join volunteer naturalist Cindi on a moderate 5-mile loop, enjoy great views of Pikes Peak and visit the historic remains of the ranch. Bring plenty of water and a snack. Meet at the park’s Grouse Mountain Trailhead. For more information, call Linda Groat at 719-687-2366.

Pikes Peak  Birding and Nature Festival. Scheduled at the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center, on May 15 at 8:30 a.m., Swifts, Falcons and Geology. Free and open to the public within Covid-19 guidelines.

Spring International Astronomy Day. Schedule at the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center, on May 15 beginning at 9 a.m. Free and open to the public. Start with a non-touch solar telescope viewing followed by a self-guided solar system tour and hike.

Upcoming

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.

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.

 Managed Parking in Green Mountain Falls Finale. The Green Mountain Falls Board of Trustees are scheduled to meet on May 18 at 7 p.m.  The GMF Board of Trustees are scheduled to finalize a detailed contract proposal from the Interstate Parking Company of Colorado, which does paid-parking 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.

Kiwanis Red, White and Blue Bingo. Help us celebrate our military and this great country they serve with an event sponsored by Ute Pass Kiwanis. Scheduled for May 19 at the Ute Pass Cultural Center from 6:30 to 9 p.m. For $20 you get to have some American fun and help support the children of Teller County! Show us your best Red, White & Blue and you could win a prize! Come early to get a good seat and purchase something to eat and drink before the games begin! 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.