COS Town Tidings Issue #24-026

🤣 Today’s Chuckle
🌤 COS Weather - Snow early then clearing up

📰 Cold Crisis Lessons: City's Review ❄️

📰 Funeral Home's Demise Delayed 🔨 

📰 Game-Changer for COS Parks Accessibility ♿

🤝 Partner with us - affordable advertising

📆 Local Events

Wellness: 🧭 Navigating Adrenal Fatigue

Recipe: 🍫 Healthy Raspberry Truffles

🛍 Local DEALS

Saw a sign in a restaurant restroom that said “Employees Must Wash Hands”
👉 I waited for an hour, and no employee came in to wash my hands. 🤣

❄️Cold Crisis Lessons: City's Review 

Mayor Mobolade reviews Colorado Springs' response to extreme cold, addressing successes and challenges in sheltering over 900 people. Miscommunication led to some being turned away, prompting plans for clearer communication in future emergencies. The cold snap emphasizes the need for additional behavioral health services, reflected in the augmented 2024 budget. While not a direct provider of homeless services, the city spent $27,000 in emergency response, acknowledging collaborative efforts across departments.

🔨Funeral Home's Demise Delayed

The Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose, initially slated for demolition in early January, will now undergo the process in late February. Shut down in October 2023 following the discovery of nearly 200 improperly stored bodies, the owners, Jon and Carie Hallford, are facing charges including Abuse of a Corpse, Forgery, and Money Laundering.

♿Game-Changer for Parks Accessibility 

Colorado Springs is enhancing park accessibility for all, focusing on inclusivity beyond ramps. Collaborative efforts by city departments have led to completed 2023 projects, like the Palmer Park playground transformation. In 2024, innovative improvements are planned, including at Rock Ledge Ranch and Westside Community Center. These projects aim to create an inclusive environment for all residents and visitors.

🤝 Maximize Your Reach, Be Seen 30,351 Times Monthly! Partner with us to connect with our caring community through affordable advertising options benefiting both our valued subscribers and cherished local businesses. 💖

📆Upcoming COS Area Events

• Jan 26th-27th 2-5 PM: 3-Hour Original Colorado Springs Food Tour @1 Tejon St $69-$87

• Jan 26th - Feb 25th (Weds-Sundays): Ice Castle @Cripple Creek $21-$27

• Jan 26th-27th (every Fri & Sat in Jan), 3:30 PM: 2.5-Hour Cocktails & Canapés Walking Tour @1 N Tejon St. $79 per person Must be 21+

• Jan 26th & 27th, 7:30 & 9:30 PM: Paul Hoope @Loonees Comedy Corner, 1305 N. Academy Blvd $12-$75 Age: 21+

• Jan 27th-28th, 9 AM-5PM (27th) & 10 AM-3 PM (28th): Train Expo Colorado @Colorado Springs Event Center, 3960 Palmer Park Blvd $11

• Jan 27th, 10 AM - 2 PM: Winter Bird Festival @North Cheyenne Cañon Park $5/family donation suggested 

• Jan 27th, 1-3 PM: Truffle Tasting @Cole Market, 7830 N Academy Blvd FREE

• Jan 27th, 2 PM: Paper Quilling Butterfly class @Mastiff Studios Makers Market - 2919 W. Colorado Ave $25

• Jan 27th, 7:30 PM: RIP Improv @Millibo Art Theater, 1626 S. Tejon St $15

• Jan 28th, 10 AM - 2 PM (every Sun): Backyard Market at Park Union @108 W Cimarron St FREE

• Jan 28th, 11 AM - 1 PM: Flower Truck | $10 Bottomless Mimosas @Painting With a Twist | Powers Blvd $39-$49

• Feb 3rd, 10:30 AM - Noon: Confections by Charlee Winter Warm Cookie Decorating Class @Library 21c CREATE SPACE, 1175 Chapel Hills Dr $60 (Few Tickets Left)

• Feb 10th, 10 AM - 2 PM: Winter Fun at Fox Run fundraiser @Fox Run Regional Park, 2110 Stella Dr $5

🧭 Navigating Adrenal Fatigue

As we conclude our series, it's important to acknowledge the nuanced landscape of adrenal fatigue, a condition not universally recognized within traditional medicine. If you find yourself in a space where the medical community's responses feel elusive, and your persistent fatigue remains unexplained, this message is for you.

🌿 Your Journey, Your Choices:

Explore holistic approaches, including stress management, balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep. Consider lifestyle adjustments, like incorporating adaptogenic herbs, to see if they resonate with your well-being.

👥 Collaborate with Professionals:

In this journey, your voice matters. Collaborate with healthcare professionals, discuss your symptoms openly, and empower yourself to make informed choices. Ensure any supplements align with your health goals, especially if you're on prescribed medications.

🌟 Alternative Paths, Your Decision:

Your health journey is unique. If your intuition leads you towards alternative medicine or holistic practitioners, trust that path. Seek personalized advice and explore options aligned with your individual needs.

This series shared practical tips throughout the week to empower you on your wellness journey. While conventional medical recognition may vary, remember that your health is a personal journey, and your well-being is a priority.

*Information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Please consult a health care professional, nothing above should be construed as medical advice.

🍫 Healthy Raspberry Truffles

These homemade truffles look and taste like gourmet ones you can buy at fancy chocolate shops, but they’re fairly simple and straightforward to make! The soft filling is full of fresh raspberry flavor, which pairs perfectly with the decadent chocolate coating. These truffles are perfect for Valentine’s Day — or just any ol’ day you’re craving something sweet! Leftover truffles will keep for at least four days (if not longer!) if stored in the refrigerator.

Yields: 24 truffles

INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup (13g) freeze dried raspberries (see Notes!)

• ½ cup (70g) fresh raspberries

• 1 tbsp (15mL) water

• ⅛ tsp salt

• 1 tsp liquid stevia (or adjusted to taste – see Notes!)

• ¾ cup (90g) oat flour (gluten-free if necessary and measured like this)

• ¼ cup (54g) roughly chopped dark chocolate (see Notes!)

• optional: flaky sea salt (for finishing – highly recommended!)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper on a baking tray.

2. Add the freeze dried raspberries to a blender, food processor, or coffee grinder. Pulse until they’re a fine powder. Transfer to a medium bowl.

3. Add the fresh raspberries and water to a blender or food processor.

4. Pulse until they form a smooth purée. Add them to the bowl with the freeze dried raspberries, and stir until they’re thoroughly combined.

5. Stir in the salt and liquid stevia until thoroughly combined. Add in the oat flour, stirring until just incorporated.

6. Working with a small amount of the mixture at a time, roll into a bite-sized sphere. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture. (Rub your fingers and palms with a little neutral-tasting oil first if it sticks to them! If the mixture is too dry to roll, then see the Notes section below.)

7. Place the dark chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds. Stir for 1 minute. Continue to heat for 10-second intervals, stirring for 1 minute between each, until the chocolate has completely melted. (I highly recommend keeping it warm while you assemble your truffles! See the Notes below!)

8. Working with one filling sphere at a time, carefully dip it in the melted chocolate using two forks, and let the excess drip off by rocking it between the two forks. Place back onto the wax paper. If using the flaky sea salt, sprinkle a small amount on the top of the dipped truffle (see Notes!). Repeat with the remaining chocolate and filling spheres.

9. Once all 24 truffles have been coated, place them in the freezer for 5-10 minutes (or the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes) or until the chocolate has hardened. Store in the refrigerator until ready to eat.

NOTES

Click to read Amy’s Healthy Baking notes and tips for this recipe.

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