COS Town Tidings #25-274

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🤣 Today’s Chuckle

🌟Local Feature: 🏔️Crafting Colorado's Spirit: The Artistry of Bunkhouse Studio

📰 Furloughs Begin, Families on Edge⚠️

📰 PPLD Needs a New Voice📚

📰 New Utility Pricing Begins Today⚡

📆 Local Events + Concerts, Farmers Markets & Fall Fairs/Festivals

🌤 COS Weather - Mostly sunny and warm today

🌟 Let’s Feature YOUR business!

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On our anniversary, my wife smiled and said, ‘I wore this on our first date and it still fits!’

👉I said, ‘That’s because it’s a scarf, and you’re timeless.’ 🤣

🥰 Why We Spotlight Local Businesses

Every Wednesday, we shine a light on the local entrepreneurs who make Colorado Springs vibrant and unique. When you support these featured businesses, you're investing in our neighbors' dreams and helping build a stronger community by creating jobs and keeping our city thriving. 🤗

🏔️Crafting Colorado's Spirit: The Artistry of Bunkhouse Studio

🕰️Beyond the Ordinary: Where Art Becomes Heirloom

When Melissa Senter picks up a piece of wood, she doesn't just see material - she sees stories waiting to be told. As the creative force behind Bunkhouse Studio in Calhan, Melissa transforms maple and oak into intricate, three-dimensional artwork that captures the essence of Colorado living.

"Each piece starts as a vision," Melissa reflects thoughtfully, whose architectural background influences her unique approach to wooden décor. Her signature layered designs bring depth and dimension to wildlife scenes, ranch life moments, and custom commemorative pieces. "I can see the final artwork in my mind before I make the first cut," she reveals with quiet passion.

Growing up in rural Colorado shaped Melissa's connection to craftsmanship. Learning woodcarving from her grandfather and knitting from her grandmother, she developed an appreciation for handmade treasures that tell personal stories. Today, she sources wood thoughtfully, sometimes incorporating materials from properties devastated by wildfires, to preserve memories for homeowners.

From delicate 6-inch ornaments to commanding wall pieces, each Bunkhouse Studio creation showcases remarkable detail that mass production simply can't match. Melissa's work has found homes in lodges, ranch houses, and modern spaces alike.

"The name 'Bunkhouse' represents bringing people together under one roof," Melissa shares. "When I create custom pieces for 4-H youth or design awards for agricultural groups, I know I’m creating lasting memories for families, organizations, and our youth.”

Find Bunkhouse Studio's distinctive artwork at their booth located in the new Painted Tree Boutique at 5944 Barnes Rd (Open 10-8 daily - closed Thanksgiving), Etsy or visit Melissa’s website to commission a custom piece that tells your Colorado story. Call (303) 519-1976 with questions or email [email protected] 

We challenge you not to be mesmerized by the interplay of light and shadow, drawn into the depths of each intricate layer - these aren't just décor pieces, they're truly one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

🍞 Fresh Baked Sourdough breads, pastries 
📍3312 Austin Bluffs (Inside The Cupcake Doctor): 
M-Sat, 9am-6pm & Sun, 10am-2pm
(Seasonal Items Added)

⚠️ Furloughs Begin, Families on Edge

As the federal government officially shuts down starting today, Colorado Springs braces for real impacts—especially among our region’s large population of military families and federal workers. While some services will continue, nearly 750,000 government employees nationwide face furloughs and delays, including many in southern Colorado.

For our community, this isn’t just about political gridlock—it’s about local families wondering how to afford groceries, childcare, and rent. Though active-duty military members are expected to receive their Oct. 1 paycheck, uncertainty looms for future paychecks and essential services. Local organizations like Mt Carmel, Care and Share, Homefront Military Network, and Five and Thrive are ready to step up and support those affected.

National parks will remain open—but with limited staff, overflowing trash and safety risks could become concerns, just like during the 2018 shutdown. And some are sounding the alarm on partisan messaging coming from federal agencies, leaving many uneasy. More to come as more details are available.

🌡️ And This Is Why Your Neighbors Are Raving About This Local Company

📚 PPLD Needs a New Voice

If you’ve ever felt strongly about decisions made by the Pikes Peak Library District—whether about books, policies, or community priorities—here’s your chance to help shape the future. A seat is opening on the PPLD Board of Trustees starting Jan 2026, and City Council and County Commissioners are now accepting applications. The board plays a pivotal role in setting library policy, overseeing the budget, and hiring and evaluating the CEO.

If you’re passionate about protecting access to knowledge and ensuring our libraries serve everyone in El Paso County, this is your opportunity to step up and be a voice for your neighbors. The deadline to apply is Fri, Oct 24 at noon, and this position does require living within the PPLD service area.

🎯 The Secret to Financial Confidence You Deserve

⚡ New Utility Pricing Begins Today

The Colorado Springs Utilities' Energy Wise Metering system starts TODAY—a change we gave you a heads-up a few weeks ago. Like many of you, we’ve been adjusting our routines around this shift. It's not ideal to juggle peak-hour restrictions during dinner or post-work chores, but making small changes—like delaying the dishwasher or laundry—does make a difference on the bill. Inconvenient? Yes. But it's the trade-off in today’s world of rising costs and energy demands.

Peak hours—when electricity is more expensive—is weekdays 5-9pm. There’s also flexibility: you can stick with a flat seasonal rate or try the critical peak pricing plan if you’re open to optimizing around “event” alerts. Either way, tools like the Appliance Calculator can help you decide what works best for your home.

Let us know how you’re managing these changes—every little strategy counts when navigating new territory like this together. 💡

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

Have an event to share? Reply and let me know (include link)

📆 Sample Local Events

Weather permitting

• Oct 1-5, 1-4 PM: 3-Hour Original Colorado Springs Food Tour @1 Tejon St $69-$87

• Oct 3 (Noon-6pm), 4 (10am-5pm), 5 (11am-4pm): The Springs Home Show @Colorado Springs Event Center, 3960 Palmer Park Blvd FREE

• Oct 4, 6:30-8pm: Movies Under the Stars - Zombieland @Bristol Brewing FREE

• Oct 4, 7pm: Fashion With A Purpose @Phil Long Music Hall $78-$153

• Oct 5, 11am: The Local Motive - Leaf Peepin' Party @Kinship Landing $54.50

• Oct 5, 1-3:30pm: LiteraTEA party fundraiser for Harley’s Hope @Black Forest Community Center, 12530 Black Forest Rd $35

• Oct 8, 2-3:30pm: South/Southeast Colorado 50+ Workforce Listening Session (Virtual)

• Oct 10-12, 17-19, 24-26: First Company Theater Presents, Brigadoon @First United Methodist Church, 420 N Nevada $20

• Oct 10, 7:30pm: The MAT!ch Game @The MAT, 1626 S Tejon $17.50

• Oct 11, 9am-11am: Beginning Bridge Workshop @Bridge Center, 901 N 17th St $10

• Oct 11, 6-9pm: Murder Mystery, Game Over @Great Wolf Lodge, 9494 Federal Dr $74.95 (9 ticket left)

• Oct 11, 7pm: Oxymorons Comedy: Hocus Jokus @Peak Improv Theater, 3440 N Carefree $15 (family friendly)

• Oct 17, 6pm & 9pm: The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th anniversary @Ivywild School Gym Auditorium, 1604 S Cascade Ave $22

• Oct 29, 6pm: Secret of Black Forest Bistro Murder Mystery Dinner @6750 Shoup Rd $80

• Nov 8, 3-6pm: Senior Holiday Dinner Dance @COS City Hub, 4304 Austin Bluffs 65+ FREE (must register, tickets going fast)

👩‍🌾 Farmers Markets - Weather permitting

• Sept Oct 1 & 6, 10am-5pm (Mon & Wed’s thru Oct 15): Summer Farmers Market @ Western Museum of Mining & Industry, 225 N Gate Blvd

• Oct 1, 3-7pm (Wed’s thru Oct 15): Colorado Farm and Art Market (CFAM) @Pioneers Museum, 215 S Tejon

• Oct 3, Noon-4pm: UCCS Farmers Market @3942 Regent Circle (Last one for the season)

• Oct 4, 7am-1pm (Sat's thru Oct 11): OCC Farmers Market @2407 W Colorado Ave

• Oct 4, 8am-2pm: Monument Hill Farmers Market @66 Jefferson St, Monument (Last one for the season)

• Oct 4, 9am-1pm (Sat’s thru Oct 11): Backyard Market @Black Forest, 6845 Shoup Rd (Local produce advertised)

  • 🌟Stop by this booth…🧄 You HAVE to Taste What They're Growing at The Green Witch Homestead!

• Oct 4, 10am-2pm: CFAM: The Margarita at Pine Creek, 7350 Pine Creek Rd (Local produce advertised & Last one for the season)

• Oct 5 & 19, 11am-3pm: Southeast Farmer's Market (Food Coalition) @Stompin' Groundz, 2050 Jet Wing Dr

• Oct 12, 9am-2pm (Every other Sun, thru Oct 26): COS Sunday Market @Acacia Park, Downtown

🎶 Fall Concerts - Weather permitting

• Oct 2, 5-8pm: Jazz Thursdays w/ Wayne Wilkinson @Mining Exchange Hotel, 8 S Nevada FREE

🍂 Fall Festivals & Fairs - Weather permitting

• Oct 3-26, 10am-5pm (Every Fri, Sat & Sun): Long Neck Pumpkin Farm @ 7595 California Dr, COS $18

• Oct 4, 8am-2pm (Sat's thru Oct 11): OCC Craft Fair @Old Colorado City History Center, 1 S 24th St

• Oct 4, 9am-10pm: Oktoberfest @Pikes Peak Brewing, 1756 Lake Woodmoor Dr, Monument

• Oct 4-31 (Fri's 9:30am-2:30pm), (Sat/Sun 9:30-4pm): Pumpkin Fest @Gaither Mountain Blooms, 5210 S Hwy 85 $11.17

• Oct 4, Miner's Pumpkin Patch @ Western Museum of Mining & Industry, 225 North Gate $13

• Oct 4, 10am-4pm: Harvest Festival @Rock Ledge Ranch $8

• Oct 4 (10am-6pm) & 5 (10am-4pm): Market Days @Norris Penrose Event Center $7.23 (Early Bird, ends Oct 3)

  • —>🌿 Zenfullyme: Your Answer To Aches, Stress & Problem Skin

• Oct 4 & 5, 10am-6pm: Oktoberfest @ Gather Mountain Blooms, 5210 S Hwy 85 $18-$35

• Oct 4, Noon-4pm: Oktob"HER"fest @Everyday Girl Adventures, 2506 W Colorado Ave $0-$10

• Oct 4, 2-7pm: Oktoberfest @Whistle Pig Brewing , 2117 Templeton Gap $13-$45

• Oct 4, 5pm: Fall Fest with Chuckwagon Dinner Show @Flying W Ranch, 3330 Chuckwagon Rd

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