COS Town Tidings #25-120

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🤣 Today’s Chuckle

🌟Local Feature: 🎨 Art That Sparks Joy: The Colorful World of Renee Darling

📰 Marksheffel Is Closing—Here’s When🚧

📰 El Paso County Scam Busted—Are You Safe?😱 

📰 The Real Reason You’re Sneezing More🤧

📆 Local Events

🌦 COS Weather - Warm with isolated PM T-storms

Why did the painting go to jail?

👉Because it was framed! 🤣

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🎨 Art That Sparks Joy: The Colorful World of Renee Darling

🖼 Discover What Happens When Passion Meets Paint

If you’ve ever walked into a local business and found your gaze lingering on a painting bursting with color and movement, there’s a good chance you’ve already met the work of Renee Darling. Her art is more than just paint on canvas—it’s an invitation to feel, to remember, and to celebrate the energy of life right here in our community.

Renee’s creative path began with a college degree in Photography, leading to work at a photo studio and several years of freelance projects that sharpened her eye for color and emotion. Eventually, she joined her family at Frankie’s, the Colorado Springs restaurant where she spent two decades growing from bussing tables to general manager.

One day Renee asked herself a life-changing question: Could she live without ever giving her artistic dreams a real chance? The answer was a heartfelt “no.” Drawing on the lessons learned from both art and business, she leapt into painting full time, carrying with her the spirit of connection that made Frankie’s a local favorite.

Her paintings are as lively as her personality—part realism, part playful abstraction, always full of color and texture. Renee draws inspiration from the animals she loves, the outdoors, and the country life she shares with her husband. Her pieces have a way of telling a story, sometimes bringing a smile, other times moving someone to tears.

Renee’s heart for community runs deep. Her art brightens the walls of local galleries like Bella Art and Frame, Everyday Girl Adventures and various other places. She often brings people together through welcoming, judgment-free art classes. Every painting, every shared moment, is meant to connect, uplift, and celebrate what makes each of us unique.

Curious? You can find Renee’s work locally and connect with her for commissions or classes. Visit ReneeDarling.com or Instagram and Facebook You might just find a piece that speaks straight to your heart.

🤫 Sneak Peek: May All Walks Of Life Art Event at Everyday Girl Adventures

Catch a glimpse of Renee’s latest creative adventure as the featured artist at Everyday Girl Adventures in Old Colorado City—watch the video below for a sneak peek!

Speaking of Sourdough…🍞 Fresh Baked Sourdough breads, pastries 
📍3312 Austin Bluffs (Inside The Cupcake Doctor): M-Sat, 9am-6pm

🚧 Marksheffel Is Closing—Here’s When

Drivers using Marksheffel should prepare for overnight closures on tonight and tomorrow, along with a full weekend closure from May 2–5, to allow crews to install large drainage pipes and apply a new traffic pattern.

The closed section runs from south of Stetson Hills Blvd to north of Barnes, with a detour via Peterson Road. Nearby Tamlin Road remains closed for reconstruction through June 2025. The schedule may shift due to weather, and real-time updates are available by text or phone.

😱 El Paso County Scam Busted—Are You Safe? 

After an elderly El Paso County resident was tricked into handing over money and gold during a threatening scam call, two suspects were tracked and arrested through cellphone data. Authorities believe these men are linked to similar scams across the US, and they’re urging the public—especially families with older loved ones—to watch for signs of fraud.

The Sheriff's Office emphasizes that no real government agency will ever ask for cryptocurrency, cash, or gold, and encourages anyone affected to report the scam to law enforcement. Full Story

🌡️ Why Your Neighbors Are Raving About This Local Company
Call before it becomes an emergency

🤧 The Real Reason You’re Sneezing More

If spring has felt especially sneezy this year, you’re not alone. Doctors in Colorado Springs say allergy season is getting longer and more intense, with symptoms peaking unpredictably due to changing weather.

The usual cycle of grass and weed allergies has turned into a rollercoaster, leaving many people with on-and-off misery. Experts recommend starting nasal sprays early and tracking pollen counts to manage symptoms more effectively through the warmer months. Full Story

🎯 The Secret to Financial Confidence You Deserve

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🎉 Events Calendar! (More events including FREE, click above)

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📆 Sample Local Events

• Apr 30-May 4, 1-4 PM: 3-Hour Original Colorado Springs Food Tour @1 Tejon St $69-$87

• May 1-25: Silent Sky - Theatreworks @Osborne Studio Theatre, 5225 N Nevada $21-$45

• Mondays, 10-11am: FREE music lessons with Troy @Silver Key Senior Activity Center, 1655 S Murray Blvd

• May 10, 2pm: Mother's Day Tea and Tour @McAllister House Museum $49.87

• May 10, 6-9pm: Murder Mystery, Dirty Money @Great Wolf Lodge, 9494 Federal Dr $74.95 (3 Tickets Available)

• May 17, 7-9pm: Still They Ride | Tribute to Journey @Phil Long Music Hall $29-$59 (age 14+)

• May 18, 11am-3:30pm: Beginner Stained Glass Class – Tulip @Meraki Springs Studio, 2708 W Colorado Ave $250 (4 Spots Available)

• Jun 6-28: Four Old Broads On The High Seas @Meanwhile Block, 124 W Cimarron $22-$28

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