Inside COS Town Tidings Issue #071

🤣 Today’s Chuckle
🌤 COS Weather - Partly cloudy, unseasonably warm

📰 Fire Warning: Unwrapping Dangers in Holiday Tech Gifts 🔥

📰 Pikes Peak Prepares: New Online Safety Hub 📢 

📰 Election Twist: Trump's Colorado Clash 🗳️

• OPINION POLL - public choice or court decisions?

🤝 Partner with us - affordable advertising options

📆 Local Events - updated daily
🎄 Holiday Light Displays

Wellness: 🕯️ Guiding Light in the Darkness of Holiday Depression

🥣 Creamy Mushroom Asiago Soup - Local COS Chef’s recipe

💥 Who Should We Feature?

What do you call Santa’s little helpers?
👉 Subordinate Clauses 🎅🤣

Our hope is that we made you smile today…pass it on.

🔥 Fire Warning: Unwrapping Dangers in Holiday Tech Gifts

Colorado Springs Fire Department urges caution with lithium-ion batteries in holiday gifts, citing over a dozen lithium-related fires this year. These batteries, known for storing substantial energy in compact spaces, pose a risk of overheating, catching fire, and even exploding when used improperly or damaged. Avoid unattended charging, particularly for e-bikes and devices with lithium batteries.

📢 Pikes Peak Prepares: New Online Safety Hub

Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management (PPROEM) launches a new website aiming to boost community preparedness. It provides residents with essential information, resources, and guidance for effective emergency readiness. The site features Peak Alerts sign-up, detailed emergency preparation guidance, community engagement initiatives, an Emergency Preparedness Guide, volunteer opportunities, and CERT class details. Residents, partners, visitors, and the media are urged to explore the site for continuous updates and valuable information on emergency preparedness.

🗳️ Election Twist: Trump's Colorado Clash 

As you’re most likely already aware by now, the recent Colorado State Supreme Court ruling may prevent Donald Trump from appearing on the state's 2024 ballot, citing his engagement in an insurrection. (Click to read the entire Colorado State Supreme Court decision document.) 

The 4-3 decision could impact the presidential election's trajectory, prompting an anticipated appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. If upheld, the ruling may influence other states and jeopardize Trump's delegate count for the Republican nomination. However, the decision's application is limited to Colorado, with potential consequences contingent on subsequent legal developments.

🎤 Ok, let's do this! We're diving into the deep end of democracy. Who holds the reins on ballots—public choice or court decisions?

🗳️ Choose your stance: Public Voices, Court Decides, or ride the fence with Undecided. Share your thoughts—respectfully, please! Results drop in Saturday's issue.

🤝 Maximize Your Reach, Be Seen 17,321 Times Monthly! Partner with us to connect with our caring community through affordable advertising options that benefits both our valued subscribers and cherished local businesses. 💖

Upcoming COS Area Events

• Dec 21th - 31st: Elf The Musical @Fine Arts Center $26-$60.50

• Dec 21th-23rd, 5-7:30 PM: Electric Safari @Chyenne Mountain Zoo $24 non member

• Dec 21th-23rd, 2-5 PM: 3-Hour Original Colorado Springs Food Tour @1 Tejon St $69-$87

• Dec 21st, 5:30-9 PM: Santa Meet & Greet + Family Christmas Trivia @Lemon Lodge Ski Bar FREE

• Dec 21st, 6:30-8:30 PM: Celestial Moon Date Night! | Bottle Wine Included* @Painting With A Twist, Downtown $39-49

• Dec 22nd, (Every Friday) 9-10 AM: Senior Fitness @Westside Community Center $2

• Dec 22nd, 6:30-8 PM: Winter Solstice Soundbath and Cacao Ceremony @Soluna Mind and Body, 3945 North Academy Boulevard, Unit I, COS FREE

• Dec 22nd-24th, 7 PM: Broadmoor Holiday Dinner Show $80-$150

• Dec 23rd, 12:30-3 PM: Colorado Winterscape | $10 Bottomless Mimosas @Painting With A Twist, Downtown $45-49

• Dec 23rd, 3-5 PM: Magical Winter Deer | Upgrade with Candle Making @Painting With a Twist | Powers Blvd $35-$55

Have an upcoming event you want us to share?

👉 Click here to submit your event for consideration 👈

🎄 Holiday Light Displays

1. The Broadmoor:

   • Open to locals until Dec 21st, the resort transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a delightful drive through the festively lit neighborhood.

   • Find more information at broadmoor.com/holiday-faq.

2. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Electric Safari:

   • Get advanced tickets online starting at $20.

3. Magic of Lights at Pikes Peak International Raceway:

   • Tickets for this mesmerizing event are $22.

4. MICHAEL'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH - 7400 TUDOR ROAD:

   • Dec 22nd-23rd, 6-8 PM $5

   • In addition to the $5 entry fee per family, please help respond to the needs in our community by bringing one of the following donations:

     • One canned good item per person to support local food banks

     • One new toy for a child in our community

5. City Streets Stroll:

   • Explore the festive atmosphere along Tejon Street with glowing trees and garland-wrapped light posts.

   • Acacia Park hosts downtown's proudest tree and offers ice skating

   • Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs boast charming scenes with carolers.

🕯️ Guiding Light in the Darkness of Holiday Depression

As we approach the heart of the holiday season, let’s address the importance of supporting loved ones who may be battling with holiday depression.

Supporting Loved Ones with Holiday Depression

Recognizing the signs in others involves paying attention to subtle changes in behavior, expressions of sadness, or withdrawal from social interactions. Approach these conversations with empathy, offering a listening ear without judgment.

Being a source of support involves understanding that holiday depression can manifest differently for each person. Offer practical assistance, such as helping with tasks or accompanying them to social events.

Sometimes, a caring presence can make a world of difference. Remember that your role is one of support, not a substitute for professional help. Encourage and assist in seeking therapy or counseling, reinforcing that seeking help is a sign of strength.

🥣 Creamy Mushroom Asiago Soup

Author: Colorado Springs’ local chef, Jason Miller. Full recipe with hints, substitutions and variations click here. 

Great holiday first course or just a cozy cold winter day with this mushroom and cheesy goodness galore in this simple and versatile recipe.

PREP: 15 mins | COOK TIME: 25 mins | TOTAL: 40 mins

INGREDIENTS 

• 8 ounce mushrooms washed and sliced

• 2 Tbsp. oil light veg. oil, or olive oil blend

• ½ Tbsp. butter unsalted

• 2 ounce shallot peeled and sliced

• 2 Tbsp. garlic peeled and sliced

• 1 tsp. rosemary fresh, picked and finely chopped

• ½ cup white wine dry

• 2 tsp. chicken bouillon paste

• 2 Tbsp. corn starch mixed with ¼ cup of cold water, (slurry)

• 1½ cup half and half

• 2 ounce cheese asiago, grated or shredded

• ½ cup water

• 1 pinch salt

• 1 pinch black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat the saucepan over medium high.

2. Add 1 Tbsp. of oil and the butter to the pan.

3. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the shallot and garlic,.

4. Cook until shallots are starting to caramelize while stirring, about 4 minutes.

5. Add all but 2 ounces of mushrooms and the salt to the pan, and stir to combine.

6. Sauté until mushrooms have released excess moisture and brown, about 7 minutes.

7. Add rosemary and stir to combine.

8. Add white wine, stir and scrape the pan surface to deglaze the browned bits.

9. Add water and chicken bouillon, stir to dissolve.

10. Add half and half and black pepper.

11. Bring up to a boil and remove from heat.

12. Pour into blender and carefully blend until smooth and pureed.

13. Return to saucepan and bring to a boil on high heat.

14. While stirring rapidly, drizzle in corn starch slurry to thicken.

15. Turn heat to low.

16. While the soup simmers, heat small skillet over high heat.

17. Add remaining oil to skillet, once heated through, add remaining mushrooms.

18. Sauté mushrooms until tender, about 3 minutes.

19. Remove small skillet from heat.

20. Add asiago cheese to the soup, stir until mixed in.

21. Remove soup from heat and portion into bowls.

22. Garnish each bowl with sautéed mushrooms.

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