COS Town Tidings Issue #24-057

🤣 Today’s Chuckle
🌬 COS Weather - Warm with high winds - Red Flag Warning

📰 Firefighting Efforts Ramp Up Near AFA & Ft Carson 🔥
📰 COS Mourns Loss of Auto Legend Jay Cimino 💔 
📰 Snowy Trails Pose Risks Despite Sun ☀️

📅 Save the Date & 📆 Local Events

Wellness: 🔄 Combat Negative Thoughts: The 3-Step Method

I have a jar where I put 50 cents in for every time I have a negative thought

👉 It’s half empty 🤣

🔥 Firefighting Efforts Ramp Up Near AFA & Ft Carson

At time of this publication here is the latest information. On a red-flag Sunday characterized by warm temperatures and high winds, two Colorado Springs-area military installations faced wildfires.

A 150-acre blaze erupted on the Air Force Academy grounds, now named the West Monument Creek Fire, west of the Pine Valley family housing area, prompting a collaborative effort by Colorado Springs, Air Force Academy, and U.S. Forest Service fire crews. While no evacuation orders were issued, guests and residents were advised to steer clear of the affected area.

In response to the wildfire activity, some Academy District 20 schools adjusted their schedules. Douglass Valley Elementary School will be closed today (Monday), and Air Academy High School students and staff will engage in synchronous eLearning.

Additionally, Air Force Academy operations will proceed as scheduled today but will be closed to the general public. The Visitor Center will also be inaccessible. Crews are working into the overnight hours, containment estimate has not been determined yet.

Meanwhile, at Fort Carson, emergency services battled a 2,000-acre fire in a training area located in the southeast part of the installation on Sunday.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and structures remained unharmed.

The causes of both fires are under investigation.

💔 Colorado Springs Mourns Loss of Auto Legend Jay Cimino 🚗

Gerald "Jay" Cimino, Chairman of the Phil Long Dealerships Board of Trustees, passed away peacefully at his Colorado Springs home, surrounded by family on Saturday evening. At 87, Cimino leaves behind a legacy as a pioneering force in the automotive industry, notably remembered for his ubiquitous commercials featuring the slogan "Colorado Drives Phil Long."

Cimino, who recently retired after 49 years at the helm of Phil Long Dealerships, transformed the business from a single Ford dealership into Colorado's largest privately owned automotive group.

Beyond his business acumen, Cimino was a dedicated philanthropist, leaving a lasting impact through initiatives such as the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center and the Phil Long Community Fund, which partnered with Denver Broncos Charities to build recreational spaces across Colorado. A celebration of his life will be arranged for the community to pay their respects.

☀️ Snowy Trails Pose Risks Despite Sun

Colorado Springs firefighters caution hikers and park-goers as snowy, icy trails persist despite sunny weather. A recent hiker rescue in North Cheyenne Canon highlights the slippery conditions, emphasizing the need for caution and appropriate gear.

🤝 Maximize Your Reach, Be Seen 40,163 Times Monthly! Partner with us through affordable advertising options that benefits both our valued subscribers and cherished local businesses. 💖

📚 Explore Careers: D49 Hiring Fair!

District 49 is hosting a Hiring Fair on March 9 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at The Campus in Colorado Springs (6113 Constitution Ave), offering over 150 job openings including positions like teachers, bus drivers, and custodians. Attendees can meet with representatives, have same-day interviews, and enjoy child care services and food trucks. Click for details and registration link.

COOKIE DECORATING: Mar 11th, 5:30-7 PM: Confections by Charlee-Jumpin' Into Easter cookie decorating class @Library 21c CREATE SPACE, 1175 Chapel Hills Dr $60 (ONLY 4 SPOTS REMAINING)

TAX RETURN HELP: Get help in preparing and filing your tax returns! AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers no-cost tax preparation services (by appointment only) to anyone, especially those 50 years and older or those who cannot afford paid tax preparation services, thanks to a team of IRS-certified volunteers.

Every Tues, Wed, Thurs until April 11th: AARP Foundation Tax Aide (in partnership with PPLD)

👉 Submit Your Event Here

📆 Local Events

• Feb 26th, 3:30-4:30 PM: Beginning & Intermediate Yoga @Rockrimmon Library, 832 Village Center Dr FREE

• Feb 26th, 6-8 PM (Every Mon): Big Lebowski Themed Trivia Night @Lebowski’s Taproom, 3240 Centennial Blvd FREE

• Feb 27th, 10-11:30 AM: Power of Posture Mobility Yoga Flow @Westside Community Center, 1628 W. Bijou St (719-385-7920) FREE (Limited to first 15 to arrive)

• Feb 27th-Mar 3rd, 2-5 PM: 3-Hour Original Colorado Springs Food Tour @1 Tejon St $69-$87

• Feb 27th, 3-4:30 PM: Southeast Community Outreach @ Sand Creek Library 1821 S Academy Blvd FREE

• Feb 28th-Mar 2nd: Ice Castle @Cripple Creek $21-$27

• Feb 28th, 10-11 AM (Every Wed): Beginner Yoga @Yoga Studio Satya 1581 York Rd $15

  • SPOTLIGHT: 🧘A Sanctuary of Healing: Yoga Studio Satya's Story

• Feb 29th, 4:30-7 PM: D49 Health and Wellness Expo @Sand Creek High School

• Feb 29th, 6:30-8:30 PM: BOGO for Leap Year | Sunflower Screen Art Workshop @Painting With a Twist, Downtown $45

• Mar 1st-2nd (every Fri & Sat), 3:30 PM: 2.5-Hour Cocktails & Canapés Walking Tour @1 N Tejon St. $79 per person Must be 21+

• Mar 1st-3rd, 2:30 PM: She Loves Me, by First Company Theatre @First United Methodist Church - 420 North Nevada $15-$18

• Mar 2nd, 10 AM-4PM: March Makers Market on Main @ Rusty Treasures N Worn Threads, 709 Main St COS

• Mar 2nd, 11 AM-1 PM: Spring Porch Leaner Workshop | 4 Feet Tall! @Painting With A Twist, Powers Blvd $60 (ONLY 5 SEATS LEFT)

🔄 Combat Negative Thoughts: The 3-Step Method

Negative thoughts often cling to our minds like velcro, while positive ones slip away like velvet. This tendency, known as "The Negativity Bias," stems from our evolutionary past, where vigilance against threats was paramount for survival.

To combat this cognitive bias, experts recommend the Recognize, Pause, and Replace technique (*Adapted from wellness guru Kathy Smith):

1. Recognize: negative cues and triggers in your environment. Awareness is key to breaking the cycle of negativity.

2. Pause: to understand the root of your negativity. Take a moment to breathe and release physical tension, creating space for positive thoughts.

3. Replace: negative patterns with healthier alternatives. Rather than mindlessly venting, practice mindful expression through journaling or reflection, fostering growth and healing.

By following these steps, you can shift towards a more positive mindset and break free from the grip of negative thoughts.

*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.

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