Inside COS Town Tidings Issue #016

🤣 Today’s Chuckle

📆 Upcoming Events - updated daily

🤶 Holiday Craft Fairs

🌤 COS Weather - Bundle up the chill has arrived!

🚔 CDOT's Halloween DUI Vigilance: El Paso County Urged Toward Responsible Choices!

🛏️ Beds of Kindness: Join the Mission to Shelter Colorado Springs' Homeless! 

🏔️ Bridging the Gap: Trackchairs Transform Red Rock Canyon's Trail Accessibility! 

💥 We Want To Feature Your Business!

🚶‍♀️ Step into Serenity: Discover the Joy of Mindful Walking!

🎙️ Tell us what you want - Survey

🥘 Caramel or Nut Butter Apple Monster Mouths - Updated 🍎

What do you get when you cross a vampire and a snowman?

Answer: Frostbite! 🤣

Our hope is that we made you smile today…pass it on.

Upcoming COS Area Events

Dive into spooky season at the Wrong Turn Haunted Maze in downtown Colorado Springs' CO.A.T.I. complex. Priced at $25, visitors can enjoy fall-themed drinks and explore a haunted farmhouse maze full of thrills. The maze runs from 6-11:30 p.m. until Nov. 4. Tickets available from Oct 27 - Nov 4 at wrongturncos.com. 

• Oct 27th, 10:30-11:30 AM: Beginning and Intermediate Yoga @Rockrimmon Library FREE (Must register)

• Oct 27th & 28th, 7-10 PM: Tunnel of Terror @Tommy's Express® Car Wash $25

• Oct 27-29, (every Fri-Sun in Oct); 10 AM - 3 PM: Venetucci Farm Pumpkin Fest

• Oct 27-29 and 31, 4-8:30 PM: Boo at the Zoo 

• Oct 27, 3:30 PM: Young Scholars Academy Food trucks, costume contest and more.

• Oct 27, 5-7 PM: Stetson Elementary School: Fall Festival with STEM activities, StarLab, hot cocoa buffet petting zoo, food trucks and more.

• Oct 27th, 7-10 PM: Air Force Academy Men's Ice Hockey vs Colorado College

• Oct 28th, 9 AM-4 PM: Miners' Pumpkin Patch. 225 North Gate Blvd, COS

• Oct 28th, 12-4 PM: St Jude's Fundraiser @Good Company Restaurant & Bar FREE

• Oct 28th, 1-4 PM: Bronco Trunk or Treat at Ford of Chapel Hills

• Oct 28th & 29th, 2-5 PM (every Tues - Sun ongoing): 3-Hour Original Colorado Springs Food Tour $69 - Family Friendly

• Oct 28th, 4-6:45 PM: The Little Gym of Colorado Springs Halloween Maze & Trunk or Treat for kids up to 12 yrs old

• Oct 29th, 11 AM-3 PM: Trunk or Treat @Red Leg Brewing Company

• Oct 30th, 5:30-7:30 PM: Halloween Scavenger Hunt, Acacia Park 

  • Free—Event is free, but registration is required

• Nov 7th, 4-6 PM: Children's Mindfulness, Bear Creek Nature Center ages 5-10 with parent. Registration required + fee

• Nov 18th, 6-9 PM: Murder Mystery Night: High Noon at Dead Mans Saloon @Goat Patch Brewing Company (ages 21+) $40 fee

🧵🍂 Upcoming Holiday Craft Fairs 🤶🧶

• Oct. 28-29: Front Range Maker's Market — 9 AM - 4 PM (Sat); 10 AM - 3 PM (Sun), Lewis-Palmer High School in Monument, $5 for ages 13 and older

• Oct 28-29: Coronado High School Annual Craft Bazaar — 9 AM-5 PM (Sat); 10 AM-4PM (Sun)

• Oct 29: Rocky Mountain Maker's Market @Jenkins Middle School — 11 AM-4 PM

• Nov. 1-5: Black Forest Arts and Crafts Guild Fall Show and Sale — 4-7 PM Nov. 1; 9 AM -7 PM Nov. 2-4; 10 AM -2 p.m. Nov. 5

• Nov. 4-5: Chipita Park Association's Arts & Crafts Fair — 9 AM - 4 PM Nov. 4; 10 AM - 3 PM Nov. 5

• Nov. 4: African Marketplace — Noon - 4 PM, Hillside Community Center, 925 S. Institute St.

• Nov. 10-12: Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show — 10 AM - 5 PM Nov. 10 and 12; 10 AM - 6 PM Nov. 11, Colorado Springs Event Center, $11.50, free for ages 13 and younger.

• Nov. 11: Antelope Ridge Holiday Bazaar and Craft Show — 9 AM - 2 PM, Antelope Ridge, 4001 Gray Fox Heights

• Nov. 18: Holiday Craft Show — 10 AM - 3 PM, Fountain Creek Nature Center, 320 Peppergrass Lane, Fountain

Have an upcoming event you want us to share?

👉 Click here to submit your event for consideration 👈

🚔 CDOT's Halloween DUI Vigilance: El Paso County Urged Toward Responsible Choices!  

In anticipation of Halloween celebrations, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has launched a DUI enforcement initiative involving 77 law enforcement agencies, including the Colorado State Patrol. This heightened enforcement aims to reduce impaired driving incidents, a prevalent concern during holiday periods. According to CDOT Colorado Springs Police Department had 43 arrests this fall during heightened enforcement.

El Paso County stands out as a concerning hotspot in this regard. Recent data revealed that as of October 4, the county reported the fourth-highest number of impaired driving-related fatalities in the state, with a total of 16 incidents.

CDOT emphasizes the critical need for responsible choices, urging individuals to plan for a safe ride before engaging in any festivities. The campaign underscores the potential life-altering consequences of DUI incidents, both in terms of safety and financial burden, with first-time DUI offenders facing an average of $13,530 in associated fees and a minimum of 170 hours dealing with the aftermath of their actions.

🛏️ Beds of Kindness: Join the Mission to Shelter Colorado Springs' Homeless!

As winter descends, the Colorado Springs Rescue Mission stands at the frontline of compassion, aiding an escalating number of homeless individuals. During warmer seasons, they provide sanctuary for approximately 300 people nightly. However, the arrival of winter swells this figure, sometimes surpassing 450 on the coldest nights. Remarkably, community collaborations ensure no one is refused help, even when stretched to their limits.

Embarking on a transformative journey in 2016, the Springs Rescue Mission expanded its services significantly. Today, they encompass a shelter program, a resource center, a kitchen, and a welcoming hub, offering comprehensive support to those in need.

The community plays a pivotal role in fortifying this humanitarian cause. Donations of essential items such as socks, sweatpants, shirts, and hygiene products are a constant necessity, serving as lifelines for those seeking warmth and comfort.

Additionally, the Good Samaritan program stands as a beacon of hope. By contributing just $25 a month, individuals can sponsor a person, ensuring they have a bed, nourishing meals, and the warmth vital for survival during the unforgiving winter nights.

🏔️ Bridging the Gap: Trackchairs Transform Red Rock Canyon's Trail Accessibility!

Colorado Springs Parks unveiled all-terrain Trackchairs at Red Rock Canyon Open Space, offering mobility-challenged individuals unprecedented trail access. These specialized wheelchairs, likened to "mini tanks," enable users to explore rocky terrains and climb curbs, fostering a sense of freedom. Funded through city resources, the program plans online reservations for guided trail experiences starting next spring, promoting inclusivity in outdoor adventures.

We Want To Feature Your Business!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Colorado Springs Local area residents in an upcoming issue of the Colorado Springs Town Tidings?

We ❤️ Local Businesses!

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! Colorado Springs Town Tidings is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of the community together!

👇Click an option below:

✅ Own a local Business? Apply to be featured
💓 Love a Local Business? Nominate them

🧘Mindful Moments Series Part 5

Welcome back to our Mindful Moments Series! Today, we're excited to share the final tip: Mindful Walking. It's time to step into a world of peace, connection, and inspiration with this simple yet powerful practice.

🚶‍♀️ Step into Serenity: Discover the Joy of Mindful Walking!

In our fast-paced lives, we often rush from one task to another, missing out on the beauty and serenity that surrounds us. Mindful walking is an invitation to slow down, tune in, and truly experience the present moment.

So, let's get started on this journey:

1. Find a comfortable place to walk: It can be a park, a quiet street, or even your own backyard. Choose a location that resonates with you and allows you to feel at ease.

2. Begin with a few deep breaths: Take a moment to center yourself. Inhale deeply, feeling the air fill your lungs, and exhale, releasing any tension or distractions.

3. Tune in to your body: As you start walking, bring your attention to the sensation of your feet touching the ground. Feel the gentle rhythm of your steps and the connection between your body and the earth beneath you.

4. Engage your senses: Notice the sights, sounds, and smells around you. Observe the vibrant colors of nature, the rustling leaves, or the chirping birds. Let the beauty of your surroundings captivate your senses.

5. Bring your focus to the present moment: If your mind starts to wander, gently guide your attention back to the present. Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, the breeze brushing against your face, or the gentle sway of your body with each step.

Mindful walking is not about reaching a destination; it's about embracing the journey. Allow yourself to fully immerse in the experience, free from worries or distractions.

As we conclude our Mindful Moments Series, we hope these practices have brought moments of peace, self-awareness, and joy to your life. Remember, mindfulness is a lifelong journey, and every step counts.

So, put on your walking shoes (and bundle up as it’s chilly today), step outside, and embark on this adventure of mindful walking. Discover the beauty that surrounds you, find peace in each step, and let the world inspire you.

Thank you for joining us on this mindful journey. Stay tuned for more content focused on health and wellness in our upcoming issues.

Wishing you a day filled with mindful moments and joyful walks! 

_{**Information in this newsletter is NOT meant to diagnose or treat any condition nor is it medical advise. Please consult your physician before making any changes to your current lifestyle.} 

🍎 Caramel or Nut butter Apple Monster Mouths - Updated

In the spirit of Halloween almost here, we wanted to share a festive, fun, healthy and easy recipe. We hope you enjoy!

Instructions:

A frightfully fun twist on the classic candy apple, cut an apple into three or four wedges. Carve out a wedge-shaped slice in the center of each apple chunk (ensuring you don’t cut all the way through) and fill the cavity with Raw Chocolate Caramel Dip (or nut butter of choice - i.e. Peanut or Almond butter.) Place peanuts, pumpkin or sunflower seeds around the edges for teeth and a sliced strawberry or sliced cheddar or Colby jack cheese, for the tongue. Complete your munchy monsters with candy eyes or dairy-free chocolate chips (you can use more of the caramel dip as glue).

Raw Chocolate Caramel Dip

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups dates, pitted

• 2/3 cup raw cashews

• 2 tablespoons cacao powder

• 1 teaspoon carob powder

• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed

• 1 pinch salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3-4 cups fresh fruit, for dipping

Instructions

• Soak the dates in 1/4 cup water for 5 minutes

• In a blender, combine the cashews and 1 1/4 cups water to create cashew cream.

• Add the drained dates, cacao powder, carob powder, ground flaxseed, vanilla, and salt to the blender; blend into a smooth paste.

• Serve on a platter with fresh fruit.

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