Enjoy the Highs of Spring Fishing on the South Platte
~ by Bob Volpe ~
Now that the annual Rainbow Trout spawn has entered its final throws, it’s time to get the season going full tilt.
Springtime is an especially good time to fish the South Platte. The fish are coming out of their winter doldrums and are beginning to feed heavily. Bugs are hatching with the warming water and the fish are
moving into the riffles to take advantage of the spring hatches.
This time of year one of the most anticipated hatches is the Blue Winged Olive (BWOs) hatch. Blue Winged Olives are a dainty mayfly that has a short lifespan once they become airborne, but when the swarms of tiny bugs hit the air, trout feed on them heavily. It’s a great time to throw dry fly BWO imitations. The best conditions to find a strong BWO hatch is on cloudy, overcast days.
Aside from the BWO hatch, this time of year also finds Stone Flies beginning to leave their larval state and take to the shore and rocks to shed their outer husks and begin their search for mates. Unlike
Mayflies, Stone Flies don’t mate in the air, they prefer to find love on land. That doesn’t mean you won’t find them drifting on the water’s surface.
The Stone Fly is one of the larger insects trout will take on the South Platte. This is a welcome change from the normally small size flies anglers must rely on the rest of the year. South Platte Stone
Fly imitations can be as large as size 8.
The most common Stone Flies on the South Platte are Skwala’s, Golden Stones and Yellow Sallies.
Skwala’s are the first of the Stones you’ll find and from late March to the end of April is the best time to fish these imitations. Good Skwala nymph patterns are Pat’s Rubberlegs or a 20 incher. The best dry fly Skwala imitations are a size 8-10 Chubby Chernobyl, Stimulator, or Amy’s Ant. Trout will often lurk near the banks to wait for an errant Stone to slip into the drift. When a trout
takes a dry Stone Fly pattern it can be the most exciting thing an angler will ever see. They hammer those things hard.
As April slips into May and the river bank willows begin to leaf out, the avid angler’s love turns to the Caddis hatch. While some fishermen covet the famous Mother’s Day hatch on the Arkansas River, the South Platte is no slouch when the Caddis come out to play. Some of the best dry fly fishing takes place when the Caddis hatch gets going. From Strontia reservoir to the headwater of the Platte on Hosier Pass, fish love to take a Caddis imitation when the opportunity strikes.
The Caddis life cycle is a three stage process; larvae, pupa, and adult. The adult stage is when the bugs take to the sky to mate and the females then dip in and out of the river surface as they deposit
their eggs. This is when you’ll find hungry trout high in the water
column looking for an easy meal.
The best dry fly Caddis imitation is one that has been around for generations. The Elk Hair Caddis is a must have fly for any angler’s fly box and is still as effective as when it was first introduced.
South Platte Water Flows
This year the flows on the South Platte from above Spinney Reservoir on down to Strontia will not likely see an average runoff. Right now the snow pack on the South Platte drainage is at just above 60 percent of normal. While Spinney Reservoir and Elevenmile Reservoir are at near capacity, Cheesman Reservoir is pretty low. Therefore, the water boards responsible for releasing water through the dams is likely
going to be minimal until Cheesman is filled.
The slow/low runoff can make for good spring fishing conditions as long as it doesn’t get crazy low. On the plus side, wading will be easier, the river will be clearer, and the fish will be as hungry as
ever.
So, if you’ve been cooped up all winter and waiting for spring, now is the time to break out the waders and hit the river.
Tight lines.
Cripple Creek-Victor High School Senior wins Kiwanis Club Scholarships Worth $10,000
Cripple Creek May 25th, 2019 ~ The Pikes Peak Kiwanis Club has awarded two local students scholarships of $10,000 through the Jack Agee Memorial Scholarship fund.
Alycia Dennise Jensen of the Cripple Creek-Victor High School RE-1 District plans to earn a degree in Chemistry/ Pre-Med at Western State University.
Alycia served as a magazine editor and Varsity starting captain of Basketball, Volleyball and Cheer. She also served as the Vice President of the Key Club, a Kiwanis service based youth club. Alycia won the National Science Foundation recognition award as well.
Faith Jillian Roth of Coronado High School plans to earn a Business Management degree with a minor in Spanish at Colorado State University. Faith was very active in her high school and was a part of the – National Honors Society, Link, Yearbook, Photography, Art Club, National Awareness and the Legion Auxiliary Girls State. She was All-State First Team Track and Field and Cross Country and qualified for state all 4 years of high school. Faith volunteered with Pikes Peak Road Runner Series, Morning Star, as a track and cross country assistant coach and Pay it Forward. She lettered academically for 3 years and won a Jostens yearbook photo award
Since January of 2012 the Pikes Peak Kiwanis Scholarship Fund has awarded $145,250 to 22 students attending 12 different Colleges and Universities in Colorado.
The original foundation of the Jack Agee Memorial Scholarship was established in 1993 and initially funded from several community members and clients of Jack Agee as a legacy donation. The scholarship initially, being held at a private foundation, gave scholarships to high school seniors that participated in area Key Clubs. That requirement no longer exists, as the funds are now held in a public foundation and donor-advised fund. Scholarships were initially awarded in $1000, with $125 being awarded each semester, and have grown substantially over the years. The fund is still being contributed to today by members of our community, corporations, and various fundraising events. The value of the fund has endured for the last 26 years and is projected to last in perpetuity.
Scholarship Recipients are required to maintain a 3.0 grade point average and show continued support through community service.The scholarships are generally four-year awards that total $10,000 over eight semesters. The payout for each semester is $1,250.
Students from across the region are encouraged to apply for the program at pikespeakkiwanis.com or through a school counselor.Candidates for the scholarship will be considered that have a proven academic record throughout their high school careers and have been accepted and plan to attend a Colorado state-funded college or university.
Pikes Peak Kiwanis club is a community service organization focused on serving the needs of children right here in Colorado Springs, while supporting programs that positively impact children all over the world. The club members are active at the ground level; not only supporting but also participating in activities that improve the number of children’s organizations in our community. Pikes Peak Kiwanis club is constantly looking for partners to join with us in our efforts to support students of our community in their educational goals and efforts
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.
Pikes Peak Kiwanis | Pikespeakkiwanis.com | Info@PikesPeakKiwanis.com | (719) 338-5353
City Employee Salary Hike Sparks Marathon Discussion
Council votes to approve the measure as clock ticks away
~ by Bob Volpe ~
The Woodland Park City Council has unanimously agreed to up the pay for all employees, a raise that is retroactive at the beginning of this year.
This action followed a lengthy debate, capped by pleas from key city officials, at last week’s regular council meeting.
City Finance Director Mike Farina addressed the council on ordinance 1347, which would adjust expenditure appropriations to various funds for the 2019 budget year.
Among the items in Farina’s presentation were the results of the long-awaited city employee compensation study. This study was conducted to survey pay rates for city workers. The study compared pay rates of several other municipalities of similar size to Woodland Park and came up with a salary range from minimum, to maximum salaries for city workers.
Farina gave the council three scenarios for the council’s consideration. The first two scenarios would set workers’ pay raise at 93 percent of the range determined by the study. Both of these options would maintain the city’s budget reserve at 17 percent. The third option would set workers’ pay raise at 100 percent of the study’s minimum plus a 1.2 percent raise across the board for 2019-2020. But this option would lower the budget reserve to 16.4 percent, a scenario often viewed as a big “no-no” among the current group of leaders.
But discussions on money are never easy with the current city council members.
After Farina’s presentation, the council debated for over two hours on how to proceed. As the debate dragged on well into the night, Mayor Pro Tem Val Carr proposed a motion to postpone the vote until the final report of the compensation study could be looked at. Councilman Noel Sawyer seconded the motion.
Carr’s motion met with a flurry of debate over how much longer city employees would have to wait to see their pay raise on their checks. If Carr’s motion was passed, employees would not see the raise on
their checks until no earlier than the June 6, 2019 pay period.
Opposition to Carr’s motion was voiced by several key members of city staff. They argued that city employees have been waiting for the council to act on their raise for over four months, and morale was suffering.
Public Works Director Kip Wiley told the council that he is having a hard time filling seasonal jobs because of the wage uncertainty. He said, “We have seven vacancies right now. We usually hire five seasonal workers. We got two applications. We can’t even fill that.”
Wiley also stated he is having to plead with some public works employees not to resign.
City Engineer Ben Schmitt echoed Wiley’s concerns. Schmitt said, “I think the main thing they (city workers) are looking for is leadership.” Schmitt too said he is having difficulty keeping workers
from quitting.
After hearing from staff, Carr’s motion was defeated when Sawyer withdrew his second.
As the meeting approached the 11 p.m. deadline (for council meetings to normally end), several police officers waited patiently to be heard by the council.
Mayor Neil Levy opened the floor for comment. The first officer to speak favored across the board
raise. She said, “We need to look out for everybody.” She stated several police officers are having to leave Woodland Park and go down to the Springs because they cannot afford to live in the city. She
said, “We need to get this passed and we need to get it passed now.”
Other officers spoke of low morale and trouble recruiting cadets due to the low wages offered by the city. One officer summed it up saying, “Leaders take care of their people.”
Ultimately, as the clock passed the 11:15 p.m. time, the elected leaders voted unanimously to appropriate funds for the 2019 budget to raise city employee salaries to 100 percent of the study’s range plus a 1.2 percent raise across the board.
Blue Lives Matter Tree Culminates Community Drive For Law Officer Safety
~ by Trevor Phipps ~
A group of Teller County residents have joined forces to show their support for the men and women in blue across the country.
The affection came in the form of donations for bulletproof vests and a special tree decorated in the “Blue Lives Matter” theme.
Last week, people from across the country celebrated national police week. In 1962 President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation and nominated May 15 as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and the week of the date as national police week.
Locally, a group of people, headed by Bob and Doloretta Barber, got together to show their support for the men and women who dedicate their lives to make the world a safer place. Every year, the Barbers spend their time raising money from around the community for a charitable cause.
This year, the family pounded the pavement and went out to collect donations from the community to give bulletproof vests to members of the Teller County Sheriff’s Office and the Cripple Creek Police Department. So far they have raised over $17,000 to pay for over ten vests that will be given to the agencies through the nonprofit organization Shields 616.
“We feel that police officers nationwide are under assault,” Doloretta Barber said. “They have been killed at alarming rates in the last couple of years. I think that it is important that they know that there are people in the community that support them.”
In addition to raising the money for the protective shields, the Barbers also got with a group of people to construct a special “Blue Lives Matter” tree. For the last few weeks, the group has met up and got to work making blue ribbons from materials donated by Andersen Pack and Ship.
The team used the elevation of Woodland Park to come up with the number 8,465 ribbons. After the ribbons were made, A-mark Budget Signs donated their time to place the ribbons on a tree located in Woodland Park’s Lions Park.
This Saturday, May 25 at 10 a.m. is the designated time and date to dedicate the tree to law enforcement agencies. During this event, the vests will also be given to the police officers.
Last week, the Ute Pass Kiwanis Club also celebrated police week by giving officer of the year awards to Deputy Garcia from the Teller County Sheriff’s Office, Officer Lucero from the Cripple Creek Police Department and Corporal Jardon from the Woodland Park Police Department.
Preparations Set For Cripple Creek Lodging Boom
Two major projects receive thumbs-up by city leaders
~ by Rick Langenberg ~
Cripple Creek city officials and business leaders are still hedging their bets on a new lodging boom, with the town wagering big odds on becoming a major destination area.
With this boom, which could net 500-plus more rooms and encompass more than $100 million in development costs, the stage could be set for other building activity, such as more workforce housing.
This scenario was unveiled last week by Planning and Community Development Director Bill Gray, who sees future lodging as the ace card that will propel the town into the next phase of growth. Gray is predicting that the town’s three main lodging projects, proposed by Triple Crown Casinos, Wildwood and Bronco Billy’s, will break ground this year.
“It is a tipping point,” said Gray, when addressing the council last week about the lodging plans for development. “That is what is going to change things.”
Gray was responding to concerns by Councilman Tom Litherland at last week’s regular meeting regarding the lack of progress with affordable housing projects, with several developers approaching the city and encountering what some perceive as roadblocks.
“It is kind of like the chicken and the egg. Some things may have to happen first,” replied Gray.
The planning director cited such factors as pricing, financing and qualifying restrictions for probable buyers as main hurdles right now. But if the lodging boom occurs, he sees this trend changing dramatically.
“Maybe, that is a good sign. Where do we house those folks (who work with these new projects)?”
Both Gray and City Administrator Mark Campbell also cited the current housing needs assessment study as a step in the right direction. This study, which deals with the Cripple Creek/Victor district, is slated for completion in September. Campbell stated that the city is making every effort possible to assure a good response from a questionnaire sent out to residents and employees regarding the community’s housing situation. He urged everyone to participate.
Two Major Lodging Projects Move Forward
Last week, the town’s lodging movement edged closer to reality, as officials heard more details regarding the $40 million, 140,000 square-foot Midnight Rose Hotel, proposed by Triple Crown Casinos. Larry Hill, the chief executive officer forTriple Crown, estimated that the highly touted project should break ground “before the first frost” in 2019.
He also emphasized Triple Crown’s focus on addressing the housing situation for current and future employees. According to Hill, Triple Crown has already finalized the purchase of the Gold Fever Inn, which sports about 50 units. This facility is being used to accommodate housing for some of their employees, noted Hill.
Both Hill and the architect for the project unveiled more details of the 150-room hotel, with plans for a large conference center, a fitness area and spa, a hospitality lounge, rooftop restaurant, an outdoor deck and much more. Its most noticeable feature could be a pedestrian bridge, located well above the entrance, connecting the hotel to the gaming area.
A representative of Oz Architecture noted, “We were inspired by the historic architecture of Bennett Avenue.”
Gray told the council that this project doesn’t have to leap through any more hurdles and obtain any variances or special approvals. The project actually got the thumbs-up by the historic preservation commission last January, with virtually no opposition and little discussion.
Gray, though, wanted the project applicants to appear before the council due to the size of the project and the impact for the town.
“This could change the face of Myers Avenue for the better,” said Gray. He also reminded the council that the project, while using some features from the classic gold rush period, is “not intended to look historic.”
He didn’t have to do much arm-twisting with the council, who enthusiastically endorsed the design and the project concept. They merely asked a few technical questions, such as the material to be used for the pedestrian bridge and parking details.
A Lodging Renaissance
The Midnight Rose Hotel is one of three major lodging bids expected to change the development landscape of Cripple Creek. In addition, the town’s development odds may get upped even further with the possible arrival of sports betting, if voters give the okay (see related story).
Another key lodging endeavor, a $14 million hotel planned by the Wildwood casino, also took another step forward towards becoming a reality last week. The council passed the second and final readings of resolutions that set the wheels in motion for a new four-story hotel, to be located next to the Wildwood on the site of their current outdoor parking area. This one required a few zoning and variance changes to allow the hotel to get constructed and allow the gaming group to relocate the current parking area. For example, the casino owners sought to have an extra story from what was permitted in the current regulations, and had to get a few land use changes.
According to some preliminary reports, this hotel project could become the first one that is completed.. It is expected to open in the spring/summer of 2020. The hotel will offer 104 rooms and 10 “high roller suites.” It also will feature a 1,000 square-foot multi-purpose space that can be used for a meeting hub.
Both Mayor Pro Tem Chris Hazlett and Councilwoman Melissa Trenary abstained from voting on these Wildwood issues due to their involvement in the local casino and construction industries.
The other major lodging endeavor, Bronco Billy’s, has scaled all regulatory hurdles. The city is merely awaiting on a letter of credit or construction bond for the project, which calls for a mega parking garage and nearly 200 rooms, to move forward. The owners of Billy’s, the Las Vegas-based Full House Resorts, hope to start work on their parking garage facility this year.
Another possible project down the road could include the revival of the Palace Hotel, owned by Century casinos. This is one of the town’s most revered historic gems. Plans were previously approved for this development, but then put on hold. As a result of not taking any action on their previous proposal for more than a year, the casino owners much resubmit their plans.
Almanac Week of 05.21.2019
Tuesday, May 21
The Green Mountain Falls Board of Trustees will meet on May 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the GMF Town Hall.
After Hours. The Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce will sponsor their monthly business After Hours gathering on May 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. This month’s festivities will be hosted by the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, located at 4729 Twin Rocks Road. The food will be provided by the Wolf staff and the desert will be furnished by My Sweet Escape and Cafe and the drinks will be handled by Bristol Brewing. The festivities will also include a special pianist, Steven Keyer. For more information, call 719-687-9885.
Wednesday, May 22
The Ute Pass-Woodland Park Kiwanis Club will meet on Wednesdays at 6:45 a.m. in the Crystola Roadhouse in Crystola.
TSC (Teller Senior Coalition) Transit is excited to announce our bus service on Wednesdays and Fridays in Woodland Park and the lower Ute Pass area. TSC also offers a joint venture with Cripple Creek Transit on Wednesdays to provide much needed transportation service between Cripple Creek and Woodland Park. TSC Transit will be picking up from the Senior Center and will be making stops at Pikes Peak Family Medicine, Pikes Peak Regional Hospital, City Market, Safeway, Walgreens, Walmart and the Department of Social Services upon request. In addition, new ride services are available on a limited basis to Green Mountain Falls, Cascade and Manitou Springs. Call 719-687-0256 for more details or visit the TSC website at www.tellerseniorcoalition.org. for a full schedule of pick up and drop off time .
Thursday, May 23
The Teller County Commissioners will meet on May 23 at 9:15 a.m. at the Centennial Building in Cripple Creek.
Tops, Take Off Pounds Sensibly. The original nonprofit weight-loss group is an educational support group providing weekly weigh-ins and programs to help members to make positive changes in the role food plays in their lives. The local chapter meets every Thursday at 9 a.m. in Green Mountain Falls at the Church in the Wildwood. Call Evelyn at 719-748-8383 for more information.
Teller County Assessor Listens TCAL. On a monthly basis, Teller County Assessor Colt Simmons breaks bread with Teller County folks to listen to county issues and concerns. The Teller County Assessor’s Office is teaming up with the Rampart Library District, led by Rampart Library Director Michelle Petrazzoulo, to hold meetings focusing on the Teller County Reevaluation Program and to highlight the Rampart Library District. Our next TCAL meeting is at 5pm, Thursday, May 23 at the Woodland Park Library, 218 E. Midland Ave., Woodland Park.
The Woodland Park Planning Commission will meet on May 23 at 7 p.m. in the WP city council chambers, next to city hall
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Friday, May 24 Shining Mountain Opening. The Shining Mountain Golf Course and Bella Vista Bar and Grill is now open for the 2019 season. Happy hours at the bar will usually occur from 3 to 6 p.m. with drink specials. Live music occurs on most Friday evenings. The course is open for play and is in great condition for this time of year. For more information, call 719-687-7587. Deathtrap. The Butte Theater in Cripple Creek will kick off their professional season on the evening of May 24, with a performance of Deathtrap, a thrilling and hysterical murder mystery. This will start the beginning of an active season of seven shows, showcasing a variety of genres. Deathtrap will play at the Butte from May 24 to June 16. For more information and for reservations, visit www.buttetheater.com. |
Saturday, May 25
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. There also are a number of special programs, guided hikes and educational opportunities. Some of the remaining highlights for May include: *Memorial Day Weekend, May 25 – 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Throughout the day, a variety of ranger-guided activities will be offered including interpretive talks, ranger-guided talks, tours of the Hornbek Homestead, and Fossil Learning lab. Please call (719) 748-3253 ext. 202 for times.
Mueller Hikes. Join in a tradition of Colorado State Parks by partaking in hikes at Mueller State Park in Divide, off Hwy. 67. Enjoy the peaceful silence in the snowy woods, watch for signs of wildlife and learn their different tracks, and see the hardiest of birds searching for food in the trees. It’s great to explore Mueller this time of year with a naturalist, or on your own, during this beautiful time. Don’t forget to dress for the weather! Hiking at Mueller in winter can bring a wide range of temperatures. Check our website cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Mueller or call ahead for conditions (719) 687-2366. The majority of these guided hikes occur during the weekend.
Upcoming
Assessor Office Update. The Teller County Assessor’s website has been updated to assist citizens and property owners with ease of access. Please go to http://www.co.teller.co.us/Assessor/default.aspx The website consists of updated links, videos, and appeal process information. If you have questions / comments, please call 719-689-2941 or visit the office at 101 W. Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek, CO 80813.”
Senior Center Pancake Breakfast. This is a Memorial Day celebration honoring our Veterans – join us for a Pancake Breakfast at the Woodland Park Senior Center, SE corner of Pine Street and Lake Avenue, on Saturday, May 25, from 8 am to 11 am. Start off your weekend with a hot, home cooked breakfast! Join us for a fresh, all you can eat, breakfast of fluffy pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, the best biscuits and gravy around, and a seasonal treat. Your home town seniors will be flipping the pancakes and serving them up with juice and coffee or hot tea for only $8. Kids 6 and under eat for $2. Vets eat free. Everyone is welcomed to enjoy great food and friendly conversation. This is open to the public fundraising event helps to support the programs and activities of the Woodland Park Senior Center. We appreciated the support of each one of you!
Memorial Day Celebration. The American Legion Post 1980 and the VFW ost 6051 of Woodland Park invites all residents to their annual Memorial Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. in the Woodland Park Cemetery. The ceremony incudes a few speeches and special tributes, and has attracted a growing crowd in recent years. Flags will placed on veterans’ graves on Saturday, May 25.
Memorial Day Ceremonies Outside of Woodland Park. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #11411 of Florissant and Lake George will conduct its Honor Guard Ceremony in memory of veterans that are buried in local cemeteries on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27 at the following times and locations: *10:00 a.m. at the 4-Mile Cemetery; 11:00 a.m.at the Florissant Cemetery; (noon) at the Lake George Cemetery.The public is invited to attend these ceremonies. To learn more about membership in the Florissant-Lake George VFW Post #11411 or it Auxiliary, contact Post Commander Randy Ford at 748-5344 or Auxiliary President Janiece Tyler at 748-1335.
Ute Pass-Woodland Park Kiwanis Bingo. Join the fun at the Crystola Roadhouse during the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Twenty dollars buys a packet for 10 games, 6 cards for each game It’s a great opportunity to have fun and socialize with your friends and neighbors. Come early and have dinner! Food and drinks will be available for purchase during the games! This event is sponsored by the Ute Pass-Woodland Park Kiwanis club. The proceeds benefit the children of Teller County.
Woodland Park Community Singers. Come Sing With Us!! Rehearsals are every Monday from 6:30-8:30 pm at 1310 Evergreen Heights Dr., WP (Faith Lutheran Church). No auditions, no age limit, over 18 anyhow!! All you need is a love of singing and music! WPCSingers is a non-profit group composed of various ages of folks who LOVE to sing! We perform all around Teller, Park and El Paso Counties. For more information, call Melissa Mellen at 620-482-2017.
Registration for MADD (Music, Art, Drama and Dance) will occur from April 28 through June 2. The actual camp dates are June 10-14, 9 a.m. to noon; Mondays through Thursdays 9-4 and after services on Sundays at the Impact Christian Church, 27400 N. Hwy. 67. For questions and more information, call 719-235-7144.
Summer Camp. May is the last month of school, and has a full week of the Cripple Creek Parks and Recreation’s KRU Summer Camp! Our trip this month, first trip of summer will be on THURSDAY May 30th, to the Cripple Creek & Victor train, and then down to Woodland Park to swim! Activity fee $5, plus the daily fee of $15 for the first child, and $12 each for additional siblings. Please note: Summer continues our full day sign up sheets, where we need at least 10 kids to open, but can take no more than 30 kids. If you sign up, we are saving your child’s spot, and if they are a no call/no show, you will still be charged a daily fee. If you’ve signed your child up for a day they will no longer be attending, please call us as soon as possible so we can open up the spot. For more information, call 719-689-3514.
Golden Meadows Dog Park Grand Opening. Woodland Park’s first dog park will officially open on June 1 at the Meadow Wood Sports Complex, 200 Evergreen Heights Drive in Woodland Park (just past the fire station). A ribbon cutting will occur at 9 a.m. with a “Ninja” themed casual dog walk from 9 to 11 a.m. In addition, a variety of festivities, with food, fun and live music will take place throughout the day. For more information, call 719-687-5225.
Golfing for a good cause. A Spring Break-out Golf Tournament will be held at the Shining Mountain Golf Course on Monday, June 3, starting at 9 a.m. The fourth annual tournament will benefit the Little Chapel Food Pantry, which provides over 600,000 pounds of food to needy families on an annual basis. The Food Pantry is operated by many volunteers in the area. The popular tourney will feature a 4-person scramble format, and will include a golf cart and lunch. In addition, a silent auction will occur and door prizes will be given away. Get “teed off” for a good cause. For more information and to register, call Joe Joe Baumgardner at 405-488-5954.
Manitou Springs Wine Festival. Scheduled for June 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Spend your day in Manitou Springs enjoying generous tastings from 30 Colorado wineries. Stroll through Memoria Park in historic Manitou Springs listening to live music, while enjoying food and gift vendors. Gates close at 4 p.m. Ticket price includes admission to wine tasting and a Manitou Springs Wine Festival glass. For more information, contact the Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce/Visitors Bureau & Office of Economic Development, or call 719-685-5089 or visitwww.manitousprings.org.
Gem and Mineral Show. The annual Gem & Mineral Show sponsored by the Southern Teller County Focus Group (STCFG) in Victor, Colorado will be held June 14-16. The event will be held in downtown historic Victor and is open and free to the public.The show will include vendors from across the state selling Colorado dug minerals. Items for sale will include polished gems, hand-crafted jewelry, rough slabs, specimens, cabochons, geode breaking, Cripple Creek & Victor Mining District gold ore specimens, Cripple Creek turquoise, and more. There will also be gold and gem panning at the Victor Lowell Thomas Museum. Show hours are from 9 to 5 each day. This year a geologist from Newmont Mining Corporation will make a presentation on the geology of the gold mining district. This free presentation will be held Saturday, June 15 at 1 p.m. at the Victor Elks Lodge. For more information on the STCFG or this event, visit VictorColorado.com, email info@stcfg.com, or call 719-689-2675.
