COS Town Tidings #26-084

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🤣 Today’s Chuckle

🌟Local Feature: 😱 The Real Reason Gen Z Won't Leave The House

📰 Apr 1 Property Tax Deferral Deadline ⏰

📰 Court Text Scam Spreading 📵

📰 Watching High-Risk Areas Closer 🔥

🛍 New: Bargain Box Weekly Sales, Mar 25-28!

📆 Local Events + Concerts & Activities

🌤 COS Weather - Mostly sunny, record breaking temps again today

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Sarah earned her diploma two years ago, but at 20, she's perfected the art of avoiding the real world from her childhood bedroom. She orders groceries online, turns down social invitations, and has mastered every excuse to avoid face-to-face interactions. Her parents see laziness, but Sarah knows the truth: somewhere between virtual learning and social distancing, she lost the confidence to function in a world that expects her to just... show up.

She's not alone. Kathleen Fast discovered this heartbreaking pattern after calling 160 Colorado Springs churches, asking one simple question: "What do you offer your 20-somethings to prepare for the real world?" The answer was mostly crickets. Once high school graduation hits, 20-somethings are expected to magically transform into functioning adults, but nobody teaches them how.

Kathleen, who spent 30 years in student ministry, partnered with 26-year-old IT director Ethan Swayne to bridge this gap. Together, they identified the perfect storm facing today's Gen Z young adults: the natural challenge of transitioning to independence, compounded by what they call the "COVID hangover." This is an entire generation that missed crucial years of developing basic communication skills like maintaining eye contact, confident interactions, and face-to-face conversations.

Their solution? The inaugural 3.2.1. Initiative Conference on Fri evening, April 24, and Sat, April 25. Kicking off with a relaxed evening of comedy, s'mores, and introductions, the event shifts into a full day of high-energy immersion on Sat designed to help attendees launch their lives with confidence. They will experience inspiring speakers, career-cluster lunches to meet local professionals, and practical workshops covering real-world topics from interview skills to AI leverage and even money habits.

This event offers real growth, welcoming all 20-somethings regardless of their background or current path. Whether they are currently in college, have some college experience, or stepped straight into the workforce, there is a place for them here.

Do you know a Gen Z, young adult who is stuck, overwhelmed, or just needs that next step? Remind them they are not behind. They are just beginning. Sponsor their ticket today or encourage them to grab a friend, sign up and attend together ($69 for the first person, $49 for a bestie).

Help them find the clarity and community they need to hear themselves say, "Okay... I can do this."

Register: 321initiative.square.site
Email: [email protected] | Facebook

*Side note…I will be leading the Irreplaceable: Designing Your Leverage in an AI World, workshop Sat morning Apr 25! 🤗

The El Paso County Treasurer’s Office is reminding homeowners that April 1 is the deadline to apply for Colorado’s Property Tax Deferral Program, which may offer some financial relief for qualifying residents. The program allows eligible homeowners, primarily certain seniors and active-duty service members, to defer part of their property tax payment rather than paying it all at once, though the deferred amount is later repaid and does not erase the tax itself.

To qualify, the home must be the owner’s primary residence, previous property taxes must be paid in full and other eligibility rules apply. For anyone feeling the squeeze of rising housing costs, it could be a helpful option worth looking into before the deadline passes.

A new week means new treasures! We're giving you a first look at the incredible finds and amazing sales hitting the floor for through March 28 (new deals - $2 items up to 75% OFF). Watch now to see what's waiting for you!

👉 Remember, you can donate items here too!

Location: 405 S Nevada Ave, Open Tues - Sat 10am-2pm. (719) 475-1029

Colorado law enforcement agencies are warning residents about a scam text making the rounds that claims you owe money to a court. The message is designed to look legitimate, using formal language, urgent threats and even what appears to be official Colorado court information.

But despite how convincing it may look, authorities say it’s not real. These messages are meant to create panic and pressure people into clicking links or sending money before they’ve had time to think.

The safest move? Don’t click, don’t reply and don’t send anything. If something feels off, take a moment to verify it directly through an official phone number, not the one provided in the text.

👵 From "Too Fragile" To Daily Adventures... with Kristen Nielsen

As Southern Colorado prepares for another dry, fire-prone season, the CSFD is planning to use drones as a new tool to help prevent and respond to wildfires more quickly. The department hopes to begin flying drones before summer to monitor hard-to-reach, vegetation-heavy areas around the city, including places where accidental fires can ignite.

In addition to checking smoke reports and tracking potential fire starts, the drones could help crews quickly assess what kind of response is needed …saving time, improving safety and helping reduce unnecessary wear on emergency equipment. The goal is to stay ahead of fire risks before they have a chance to grow. Full Story

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