BEACON BITS

Show you care—give a teddy bear!

Assisted living community The Bridge at Colorado Springs can bearly wait to hold their teddy bear drive benefiting Children’s Hospital Colorado. New stuffed bears may be dropped off at The Bridge during the week of September 2-9, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Additionally, an open house with refreshments will be held September 9, from 1-3 p.m. RSVP by calling 719-630-3330. The Bridge is located at 2494 International Circle. Please consider bringing a smile to a child’s face!

Mt. Carmel gives back on Patriot Day

On September 1, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center will host its 8th annual Patriot Day Give Back event. Mt. Carmel and their generous partners will provide free food, personal items and program information to the veteran community. An opening ceremony will welcome veterans, volunteers and the public. Continuing the tradition of honored members of the Colorado Springs community paying tribute to those who served, celebrity chef Robert Irvine and Mayor Yemi Mobolade will appear, as will the Honor Bell and the Patriot musket team. Food distribution will immediately follow at 9 a.m. across the street, led by the Pikes Peak Highlanders bagpipe and drum team. The Mt. Carmel Veterans Service center is located at 530 Communication Circle. For more information, contact Paul Price at pprice@mtcarmel center.org or 719-309-4717.

It’s your chance to interact at the 2023 Listening Tour

If you care about the issues surrounding aging, tell your local government. Age-friendly communities are only sustained through regular engagement between residents and government. Mayor Yemi Mobolade and Colorado Springs City Council are launching the 2023 Listening Tour and request your input. The feedback from this Listening Tour will guide the direction of our city over the next four years. The tour will run for six weeks, including stops in each of the city’s six City Council districts: Coronado High School, Pikes Peak State College, Hillside Community Center, Southeast YMCA, City Hub and Sand Creek High School. If you missed your session or had a conflict, a vir-

Labor Day Lift Off launches again

It’s up, up and away for Labor Day with early morning balloon launches and evening balloon glows at Memorial Park! In addition, there’s food, a beer garden, live music, a drone light show, USAFA skydivers, a 5K race and much more. Kids’ activities include the ZOOMobile, rodeo 101, face painting and Nerf Turf. This three-day, free event is September 2-4. Memorial Park is located at 1605 E. Pikes Peak Ave. For a complete schedule, visit coloradospringslabordayliftoff.com or call 719-219-3333 with questions.

AARP chapter lends a hand at the Black Forest Festival

Chapter 1100 of AARP in Black Forest participated in the 2023 Black Forest Festival, providing free literature applicable to today’s living as well as cold water, pastries and other items. Chapter members also volunteered at the breakfast prepared by the area’s Scouts, and one member provided free hayrides to young festivalgoers.

Membership in Chapter 1100 is open to all ages. To find out more, please contact Candace Lehmann, president, at 314330-0411 or visit aarpchapter1100blackforest.com/index.html.

tual session on Saturday, September 9, will allow for online interaction. For a complete schedule and to sign up, visit survey123.arcgis. com/share/a9457cbce65c4198a81faa529142033d.

Harvest Celebration benefits local food justice efforts

Don’t miss Food to Power’s annual fundraiser, the 9th Annual Harvest Celebration. It will be held at the Hillside Hub on September 23. It promises to be an evening of camaraderie, celebration and collective impact. October 2023 marks the 10-year anniversary of Food to Power. What began in 2013 as a food rescue operation has evolved into a multifaceted organization leading the movement for food justice in our region. General admission is $35. The event is from 5-8 p.m. at 1090 S. Institute St. For more info, visit foodtopowerco.org.

Folk ‘n Flannel Festival & Fundraiser

Join UpaDowna for the annual Folk ’n Flannel Festival & Fundraiser from September 28 to October 1 at Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort! This four-day celebration includes live music performances from local

Colorado bands, outdoor activities, crafts, food trucks, craft beer and spirits, local vendors, short films, giveaways and more. Stay overnight to camp, glamp in one of Buffalo Lodge’s newly updated and modernized accommodations or just come for the day. All proceeds benefit UpaDowna’s mission of providing inclusive access to outdoor adventures in El Paso County. Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort is located at 2 El Paso Blvd. For a complete schedule, tickets and more information, visit upadowna.org or call 719-429-9006.

Upcoming bazaar at First United Methodist Church

United Women in Faith is holding their annual bazaar at First United Methodist Church on October 14-15. Shop a wide assortment of handmade items: statement jewelry, unique crafts, cozy quilts, mouthwatering baked goods and frozen casseroles for delicious and speedy dinners. The bazaar is open 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sunday. The church is located at 420 N. Nevada Ave. For more information, call 719-471-8522. ■