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📚 Library Safety 👩‍🏫 Pre-K Teacher Grants 🍝 Asparagus Pasta

📚 Library Safety 👩‍🏫 Pre-K Teacher Grants 🍝 Asparagus Pasta

Issue #24-102 4/11/24

11 Apr • Reading Time: 10 minutes

COS Town Tidings #24-102

📰 Stricter Annexation Laws for Utilities 🔌
📰 Safety First: Penrose Library Reopened with Upgrades 📚
📰 Grants Support Pre-K Teachers 👩‍🏫

📆 Local Events

Recipe: 🍝 Asparagus Pasta with Lemon and Parmesan

🌤 COS Weather - Mostly sunny and warming up

Why did the pasta call up his friend?

👉 She was feeling canneloni 🤣

🔌 Stricter Annexation Laws for Utilities

Colorado Springs City Council approved amendments to annexation code, requiring surplus capacity across all utilities for new properties. This follows a controversial water rule enacted in 2023, mandating 128% water capacity before annexation. The changes broaden utility evaluation beyond water and wastewater, addressing electricity and gas scarcity. These updates aim to align annexation considerations with evolving utility demands and improve code organization. The amendments necessitate a second vote from the City Council in their meeting April 23.

📚 Safety First: Penrose Library Reopened with Upgrades

Penrose Library in Downtown Colorado Springs underwent closure in February 2024 due to safety concerns stemming from numerous incidents of trespassing, vandalism, and theft in the previous year. The library district responded by implementing upgrades aimed at enhancing safety and security measures, including the installation of panic alarms, security cameras, and rearranged bookshelves to improve visibility. Additionally, fencing and boulders have been added around the building for further protection. Despite the renovations, no further closures are anticipated.

Established in the 1960s, Penrose Library holds significant historical and community value, serving as a hub for residents and visitors alike. The reopening coincided with National Library Week, which welcomed patrons back yesterday, April 10th.

👩‍🏫 Grants Support Pre-K Teachers

Joint Initiatives For Youth + Families secured a $622,000 grant from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade to bolster the Advancing Early Childhood Educators Program in El Paso County. This initiative, in partnership with Pikes Peak State College, seeks to address the scarcity of early childhood educators by offering incentives and support to prospective teachers.

Challenges in the field include low compensation, exacerbated by the pandemic, and perceptions of the work's difficulty. The funding will provide financial aid for students pursuing early childhood education, covering expenses like transportation, childcare, and living costs. Experts emphasize the crucial role of quality pre-k education in children's development and the broader community's economic vitality.

🍝 Asparagus Pasta with Lemon and Parmesan

Recipe by The Kitchn

This simple, springy asparagus pasta combines crisp-tender spears with your favorite long noodle, be it spaghetti or linguine, along with lots of garlic, lemon, and grated Parmesan cheese. The whole thing comes together in 30 minutes and just 5 ingredients — it’s sure to become an instant favorite.

Access the complete recipe with tailored modifications to suit your dietary requirements, along with convenient print options.

👉 Submit Your Event Here - NEW FORM

📆 Local Events

Click above for a message from Shannon

Join Shannon’s FREE Outside The Frame Photography 15th Birthday Bash this Saturday, April 13th from 11 AM-3:30 PM at Library 21C, 1175 Chapel Hills Dr. Celebrate with family-friendly fun including "Everyone's a Model" contest, prizes, interactive play and more! Click to learn more.

This party promises fun for all ages. Come make memories at this can't-miss community event!

(We may stop in around noon. If you plan to attend email us at [email protected] and let us know, we’d love to meet you in person! 🤗)