2022
Tri-Lakes Guide
MONUMENT BUSINESSES GROW DURING PANDEMIC
PALMER LAKE’S TIGHT-KNIT RESTAURANT SCENE
BLACK FOREST OLD LOG SCHOOL MARKS 100 YEARS
Tribune The
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
1
POWERED BY...
Exceptional Service, Extraordinary Results!
* Tri-Lakes Residents & Area Experts * New Construction & Resale * Luxury Home Specialists * Certified Negotiation Expert * Members of the Elite 25 Realtors & the Peak Producers * Corporate & Military Relocation * Free Market Analysis * Helping Heroes Program * Award Winning State of the Art Marketing & Website * Professional Photography & Staging Consult on All Listings * Homes Marketed in the Pikes Peak MLS & Denver Metrolist * Members of the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce * Listing, Transaction & Marketing Coordinators
What’s Your Home Worth?
Visit: TheWheatonTeam.SmartHomePrice.com
719.822.1444 Jean & John Wheaton Darrell Wass Kristin Dionne Cassidy Jones Kelly Gehrmann Frances Sikich Kaitlin Sears Thomas Hoang Tanya Bingham Lori Pitcher
info@TheWheatonTeam.com
Each Office Independently Owned & Operated.
TheWheatonTeam.com
2424 Garden of The Gods Rd. C-250 Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Greetings If you are new to the area, welcome! Or if you have been here a while, I know you will be discovering new aspects of our community. The Tri-Lakes area is truly a special place. We have experienced considerable growth over the past 10 years. However, that growth has only enhanced our sense of community because we are all still neighbors wanting the same thing: a safe, healthy, happy home for our families. This Northern El Paso County evolution is no Terri doubt because of our locaHayes tion right between the two largest cities in the state, Denver and Colorado Springs. In addition, the close proximity to I-25, our great school district and the sense of small town are all must haves that people relocating to our community are all looking for. Residential growth has spurred a momentum of commercial endeavors, from great
mom and pop businesses to a new UPS distribution center that will be bringing jobs to the community. Several hundred businesses serve our growing region, making us a consumer-based economy. We have business owners in the community who have been here for decades. We also have brand new business owners, with new, fresh ideas and energy. This guide is a wonderful piece to keep all year long, with its wealth of information. Please support the businesses featured here as well as all the Tri-Lakes area businesses. They need you as much as you need them. Let’s help them thrive! We are thankful to be able to be here to assist our businesses, nonprofit organizations and towns. In return, we have a sincere appreciation and gratitude for the continued support of the Chamber by the community. There is so much going on here. For a list of community events, visit TriLakesChamber.com. Or come by 166 Second St, Monument, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and pick up brochures on
businesses, local sites, social services and hiking trails. Need a recommendation? Feel free to give us a call at 719-481-3282; we love to help out our neighbors. If you own a business or work for one that you think would benefit from joining the Chamber, reach out. We would love to talk to you! A Chamber’s mission is creating an environment in which businesses can prosper. We are a wealth of information. We are here to help you stay in business. We help create a great working environment by sharing information, making introductions, working with the towns so that your experience as a business owner is a good one. Plus, we have a zest for problem solving not just for businesses, but for the community as a whole. We are looking forward to a great 2022! Terri Hayes President & CEO Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Corporation and Visitor Center Terri@TriLakesChamber.com
THE COOPERATIVE Advantage
Local. Trusted. Serving You. Mountain View Electric Association, Inc. is not like other companies. We’re an electric cooperative that was started by local people, coming together as a community, to create a better life. We are proud to operate under the principle that we belong to the communities we serve, because we were built by the communities we serve. Learn more at www.mvea.coop.
A Member-Owned Cooperative
www.mvea.coop • (800) 388-9881 • Falcon | Limon | Monument Stay Connected: Like. Follow. Share. TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
3
Tri-Lakes Guide an introduction There’s a word that’s featured prominently in each of the stories you’ll read in this magazine: community. The Tri-Lakes area isn’t just a geographic designation for a group of municipalities clustered around or near three lakes, it’s a tight-knit community of caring people that includes and supports a variety of businesses and nonprofit organizations. In this annual magazine, we take you on a trip through portions of three of the TriLakes area’s population centers: Black Forest, Monument and Palmer Lake. In Black Forest, a one-room schoolhouse that opened in 1922 to serve the needs of the growing community is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year. The Black Forest Old Log School, 100 years after being erected from the ponderosa pines that
are native to the area, still serves the community with tours and open houses. The community staple will soon be feted during an upcoming Backyard Market at Black Forest. See story beginning on Page 29. In Monument, we look at businesses that made the unlikely-seeming decision to open or expand during the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns. Turns out it was a wise gamble for the likes of A Better Hearing Center, Jarrito Loco, Lolley’s Ice Cream and Lori Lynn’s Cookies and Cream, all of which are running strong despite the uncertain times that surrounded their openings (or re-opening, in the case of Jarrito Loco). See story beginning on Page 9. And in Palmer Lake, we survey a number of restaurants and shops that have
TRI-L AKES GUIDE 2022 PRESIDENT/ PUBLISHER Chris Reen
WRITERS William J. Dagendesh Benn Farrell
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER Rich Williams
VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING Jim Broyles
EDITOR, THE GAZETTE Vince Bzdek EDITOR, PIKES PEAK NEWSPAPERS Michelle Karas EDITOR, TRI-LAKES GUIDE Michelle Karas GRAPHIC DESIGNER Michael Hayes
DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING OPERATIONS Karen Hogan DIRECTOR OF LOCAL MARKET DEVELOPMENT Traci Conrad ADVERTISING SALES Nikki Dirks Linda Famula Sue Williams
The 2022 Tri-Lakes Guide is a supplement to The Tribune, a publication of Pikes Peak Newspapers Inc. (pikespeaknewspapers.com).
4
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
found ways to stay alive and flourish, even in the most difficult and challenging times, due to their collective sense of community. Several business owners in this small town banded together during the challenges of the pandemic to help keep each other going and support each other. See story beginning on Page 17. We’ve also included a calendar of some of the bigger events in the region for the remainder of 2022, to help you plan out your next few months. The stories we showcase here highlight just some of the things that have happened in your community over the past year and into the future. We hope you enjoy this, our annual supplement to The Tribune. — Michelle Karas, Editor
ON THE COVER Photographer Jeff
Kearney took this photo of the colorful “Spikey Shovelus” steel sculpture by Pine, Colo. artist Michael Mladjan. It can be found in Santa Fe Trail Sculpture Park, between Second and Third streets, in Monument. The sculpture was installed as part of the Tri-Lakes Views ARTSites 2019 annual public art exhibition.
2022
Tri-Lakes Guide
MONUMENT BUSINESSES GROW DURING PANDEMIC
Tribune The
PALMER LAKE’S TIGHT-KNIT RESTAURANT SCENE
BLACK FOREST OLD LOG SCHOOL MARKS 100 YEARS
Tribune The
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | WEDnESDAy,
PikesPeak
MARch 23, 2022
1
NEWSPAPERS
WILDFIRE MITIGATION DEFENSIBLE SPACE FOREST RESTORATION SCRUB OAK MOWING TREE REMOVAL Licensed and Insured
970-585-4398 acetreecareservices.com TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
5
2022 TRI-LAKES CALENDAR OF EVENTS APRIL 2 All Stars Annual Awards dinner — presented by Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, 6-9 p.m., The Antlers, A Wyndham Hotel, 4. S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs (80903). Tickets: $80/ chamber member; $95/nonmember. Info: trilakeschamber.org. Spaghetti Dinner — 4-8 p.m., Black Forest Community Center, 12530 Black Forest Road, Colorado Springs (80908). Dawn Sciarrotta from Louie’s Pizza is making authentic spaghetti sauce and providing pasta. Please bring a bread, salad, or dessert to share. Feel free to bring your own wine or beer. Suggested donation: $5 per person. Info: weareblackforest.com. • • • APRIL 9 3rd Annual Bryson’s Chase Casino Night — 5 p.m. to midnight, Cheyenne Mountain Resort, 3225 Broadmoor Valley Road, Colorado Springs (80906). Featuring cocktails, dinner, auction, gaming, DJ and dancing. Presented by Lisa Pflugh with Tava Homes Group at RE/Max Properties benefiting Children’s Hospital Colorado. Tickets: $200. Info: brysonschase.org. • • • APRIL 24 Keep America Beautiful Great American Cleanup — Beginning at 9 a.m., multiple sites, including New Santa Fe Regional Trail & 3rd Street Trailhead, Monument (80132), info: events@ tom.gov; Monument Cemetery, 800 Beacon Lite Road, Monument (80132); Monument Lake, Monument (80132), info: events@tom.gov; Palmer Divide Trail, Woodlake Road & Hodgen Road, Black Forest (80106), info: rvmock@gmail.com. Trash bags and safety vests will be provided. Participants under 16 must be supervised. Additional info: jennifercummings@elpaso.com. • • • APRIL 27-MAY 1 58th Annual Spring Show — Black Forest Arts and Crafts Guild of Colorado. Location: Black Forest Community Center, 12530 Black Forest Road, Colorado Springs (80908). Hours: 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 27; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 1. Info: bfacg.org. • • • MAY 7 Cinco de Mayo Celebration — 5-7 p.m., Black Forest Community Center, 12530 Black Forest Road, Colorado Springs (80908). A taco bar in honor of Cinco de Mayo! Please bring a bread, salad, or dessert to share. Feel free to bring your own wine or beer. Suggested donation: $5 per person. • • • MAY 18 Taste of Tri-Lakes Cares — 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (doors: 5:30 p.m.), Boot Barn Hall at Bourbon Brothers, 13071 Bass Pro Drive, Colorado Srpings (80921). The signature fundraising event for Tri-Lakes Cares combines food with interactive games designed to highlight the nonprofit’s programs and services. Chefs from area restaurants are invited to participate. Each receives a basket of food items and must use them to make a dish for sampling, a la the TV show “Chopped.” Tickets: $40 per person. No door sales. Info: tri-lakescares.org. • • • MAY 28-30 MeadowGrass Music Festival — lineup includes Ranky Tanky, Darlingside and Marc Broussard, La Foret Conference & Retreat Center, 6145 Shoup Road, Colorado Springs (80908). Admission: $118.99-$178 for adults, free for ages 12 and younger. rockymountainhighway.org. • • • MAY 30 Memorial Day Ceremony — 10 a.m., Monument Cemetery, 800 Eight St., Monument. Free and open to the public. Info: 6
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
JERILEE BENNETT, THE GAZETTE
The Tri-Lakes Kids Fishing Derby is set for June 4 at Palmer Lake. Kids ages 4-14 and their families are welcome to join.
townofmonument.org.
• • • JUNE 4 Kids Fishing Derby — 8-11 a.m., Palmer Lake. For ages 4-14 (must be accompanied by adult). Hosted by Tri-Lakes Lions Club. Entrance fee is a donation of non-perishable food items for Tri-Lakes Cares. Tournament prizes donated by Bass Pro. a limited number of poles and bait will be available for participants. Educational fishing safety tips will be included. Info: tri-lakescares.org. • • • JULY 4 4th of July Street Fair and Beer Garden — Washington and 2nd streets in downtown Monument. This rain-or-shine, all-day town-wide celebration attracts more than 10,000 participants. Info: trilakeschamber.com. Tri-Lakes 4th of July Celebration — 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Monument. Included: Annual parade through town. Info: townofmonument.org. • • • CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
2022 TRI-LAKES CALENDAR OF EVENTS AUG. 12-13 2022 Black Forest Festival Weekend — Black Forest Community Center, 12530 Black Forest Road, Colorado Springs (80908). Festival Biergarten will be from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12. All proceeds go toward the “Raise the Roof” campaign to help provide a new roof for the community center. A full day of events is planned on Saturday, Aug. 13, starting with the annual Pancake Breakfast, followed by the parade, Outhouse Race, live demonstrations, music, kids games, food, and an artisan and business booth fair. A Family Biergarten will feature non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. Admission: free; some events carry a nominal charge or donation. Info: weareblackforest.com/festival2022/. • • • SEPT. 10-11 Log Schoolhouse 100-year Celebration — Black Forest Old Log School, 6770 Shoup Road, Colorado Springs (80908). Info: bflogschool.com. • • • SEPT 24-OCT. 8 9th Annual Creek Week Clean Up — multiple sites. The largest watershed-wide cleanup in the state of Colorado! Creek Week volunteers pick up litter along a creek, trail, park or open space throughout the watershed. Info: fountaincreekweek.com • • • NOV. 2-6 Black Forest Arts & Crafts Fall Guild Show — Black Forest Arts and Crafts Guild of Colorado. Location: Black Forest Community Center, 12530 Black Forest Road, Colorado Springs (80908). Info: bfacg.org. • • •
DEC. 3-5 Trails End Christmas Market — Trails End Taproom Monument, 252 Front St., Monument (80904). Hours: Friday: 3-10 p.m; Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Info: facebook.com/TrailsEndTaproomMonument. • • • DEC. 4 16th Annual North Pole at Tri-Lakes Arts and Crafts Fair — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Info to come: monumenthillkiwanis.org Monument Tree Lighting Ceremony — Activities begin at 3 p.m. in Limbach Park, Monument. Bring a canned food item for Tri-Lakes Cares or a new, unwrapped toy for Santa on Patrol. Info: townofmonument.org. Small Town Christmas — Beginning at 10 a.m. in downtown Monument. Info: downtownmonument.org • • • SPRING AND SUMMER Downtown Art Hop — 5-8 p.m., Third Thursday of the month, May through September, multiple locations thorughout downtown Monument. Enjoy special events, book signings, live music, more during these special days dedicated to art. Info: downtownmonument.org • • • SUMMER/FALL Backyard Market at Black Forest — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, 12530 Black Forest Road, Colorado Springs (80908), adjacent to the Log School Park & Pavilion on the northwest side of the Black Forest Community Center Property. More than 50 vendors gather at this outdoor market to sell wares from produce to baked goods and craft items.
Livi and Lex Smith Homes Livia Smith, REALTOR
GRI, HSE, MRP, CLHMS, ABR, SRES, RESA Direct: 719-229-9296 | LiviaSmith@kw.com
Alexa Smith Strube, REALTOR
Direct: 719-216-3196 | alexasmithstrube@kw.com Listing agents provide professional photos and staging consultation on all listings
liviasmith.com TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
7
Dave Carpenter
Over 20 Years Experience Certified Arborist & Pine Beetle Specialist
TALL TIMBERS FIRE MITIGATION!
Specializing in Full Service Spray Programs, Quality Pruning TREE & SHRUB SERVICE & Hazardous Removal
Quality • Dependability • Service
• DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT • CABLING & BRACING • LOT CLEARING • STUMP GRINDING • REMOVALS • ANNUAL & SEMI-ANNUAL SHEARING Over 20 Years• PRUNING Experience Certified & Pine Beetle Specialist • DEEP ROOT Arborist WATERING/FEEDING • ORNAMENTAL PRUNING (BONSAI) • FIREWOOD SALES
Dave Carpenter
FIRE MITIGATION! FREE ESTIMATES
24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE Specializing in Full Service Spray Programs, Quality Pruning LICENSED & INSURED PL & PD WORKMAN’S COMP. & Hazardous Removal • DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT • CABLING & BRACING • LOT CLEARING • STUMP GRINDING • REMOVALS • ANNUAL & SEMI-ANNUAL SHEARING • PRUNING • DEEP ROOT WATERING/FEEDING • ORNAMENTAL PRUNING (BONSAI) • FIREWOOD SALES
10% Discount With This Ad!
FREE ESTIMATES
Not good with any other offer. Minimum $250.
24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE
LICENSED & INSURED PL & PD WORKMAN’S COMP.
10% Discount With This Ad!
Not good with any other offer. Minimum $250.
719-528-8141 • www.TallTimbersTreeService.com 8
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Lolley’s Ice Cream, 175 Second St., Monument, is pictured Feb. 26. JEFF KEARNEY, THE TRIBUNE
THRIVING IN MONUMENT
Community support key for businesses through pandemic BY BENN FARRELL
MONUMENT • An argument can be made that opening or renovating a business during a global pandemic may not be the easiest or most lucrative business decision. However, when a local business continues to be supported by residents who bear a desire to patronize businesses in their own community, not only do local restaurants, retail and service industries continue to survive in pandemic times — they can also thrive. This was the case for several businesses in Monument. For example, A Better Hearing Center in Monument had a rib-
bon-cutting event with the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce last year during pandemic ups and downs. Owner Jim Strobaugh said the community rallied around the center through COVID-19 regulations. Many of the center’s patients say they are eager to support local businesses, Strobaugh said. “We pride ourselves on offering premier care and services,” he said. “Our patients have commented about how much this is appreciated and many have shown their appreciation by offering homemade breads and sweets.” Strobaugh said the center has made changes to its business plan since the advent of the pandemic as well. It has incorporated curbside appointments, telehealth appointments and appointment-only office visits for patients. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
9
THRIVING IN MONUMENT
“We are quite prepared to keep our patients safe and cared for should there be an additional pandemic in the future,” Strobaugh said. During the pandemic, Lolley’s Ice Cream in Downtown Monument started a massive renovation of its 130-year-old building, which gutted the interior down to the shell and included removing multiple layers of flooring and asbestos mitigation. Pandemic restrictions held up renovation efforts for about 12 weeks before they could be com-
pleted and the new creamery could open its doors in January 2021. “We’ve felt so much love and encouragement from the Town of Monument as we grappled with opening a brand new business in the midst of a global pandemic,” owner Shelley Sapp said. Lolley’s has gone from from having a single ice cream flavor to presently offering 12 core flavors, a rotating selection of 4-5 seasonal flavors, a bakery case full of delicious fresh baked cookies, bundt cakes, brownies
from Taste of Life, and a selection of espresso drinks and other hot beverages. An example of support from the community was the turnout for Lolley’s celebration of Ice Cream for Breakfast Day in February, which featured special made-from-scratch breakfast sundaes with Belgian waffles, French toast, mini donuts and crumbled bacon. “There was a line stretched around the CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
JEFF KEARNEY, THE TRIBUNE
ABOVE: During the pandemic, Lolley’s Ice Cream in Downtown Monument started a massive renovation of its 130-year-old building, which gutted the interior down to the shell and included removing multiple layers of flooring and asbestos mitigation. Pandemic restrictions held up renovation efforts for about 12 weeks before they could be completed and the new creamery could open its doors in January 2021. BENN FARRELL, THE TRIBUNE
RIGHT: Owner Shelly Sapp of Lolley’s Ice Cream poses in front of the shop in downtown Monument in March 2021. 10
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
THRIVING IN MONUMENT
11
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
11
THRIVING IN MONUMENT
The pedestrian bridge in Palmer Lake, pictured here Feb. 26, was installed in January 2021.
block and everyone was incredibly gracious,” Sapp said of the store’s opening. “I think ice cream puts a smile on their face and we are more than happy to help make those smiles a reality.” Sapp said changes to the business over the last year have been good ones, including having to hire more employees to keep up with the demand. Also in the putting-smiles-
JEFF KEARNEY, THE TRIBUNE
Jim Stobaugh, hearing specialist and owner of A Better Hearing Center.
on-faces business, Lori Lynn’s Cookies and Cream, a specialized mobile kitchen featuring ice cream sandwiches with homemade cookies, launched in May 2021 during the pandemic. However, owner Lori Morrissey said the first year since the truck’s rollout was fantastic and grossed over $80,000 in sales despite still being a fledgling CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
D I S C O V E R Year-Round Events • Safe Communities • Epic Scenery
Art & Shopping • History & Culture • Music & Dining
12
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
no
.or
g
t
ow
fm o n u ment
11145 East US Hwy 24 Falcon, CO 80831
719-425-2284 PARTS 719-425-8180
premierautoandrv.com State-of-the-Art Service & Repair Facility on-site Full Service Body Shop We can service all your RV, trailer and towing needs. From Nose to Tail we have you covered!
RV and Trailer Dealership Your Consignments are Welcomed! We Provide Year-Round RV Storage.
Come see us in the BIG RED Barn We offer a Fully Stocked RV Parts and Accessories Store with All Major RV Brands. We also have a variety of towing, hitch and trailer chassis parts available. Certified in: Cummins Onan Aqua Hot Spartan Chassis All major RV Appliances
We accept all Insurance & Extended Warranties.
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
13
THRIVING IN MONUMENT
Dine Locally in the Tri-Lakes The best darn donuts in Colorado! horsehoedonuts.com
481 W. Hwy 105, Suite 202, Monument, CO • 719.358.8329
Now Serving Imported Wine, Beer & Spirits 140 2nd St, Monument, CO 80132
(719) 203-4436 | bffdeli.com
175 2nd Street monument, co 80132 (719) 675-5005
Ice Cream made from scratch In
• Authentic Thai flavors with a modern twist • Gluten free and vegan options available • No MSG used
719-481-0855 14
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
small batches USING ONLY natural INGREDIENTS AND local MILK & CREAM 12229 Voyager Pkwy, Unit 16 Colorado Springs, CO 80921
lolleys.com follow us!
@lolleysIcecream
THRIVING IN MONUMENT LEFT: The owners of Jarrito Loco expanded during the pandemic into a building that previously housed a Village Inn in Monument. Renovations were completed Jan. 20, 2021.
FAR LEFT: Angel Jimenez, owner of Jarrito Loco, sits among the last of the renovations of the restaurant’s 315 Highway 105, Monument, location in January 2021. BENN FARRELL, THE TRIBUNE
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
15
THRIVING IN MONUMENT business. “This is a great start considering the pandemic and all that continues with it,” Morrissey said. Like other businesses, Lori Lynn’s Cookies and Cream saw a decline in sales with COVID’s omicron variant prevalent around the winter holidays, but Morrissey says perhaps the winter months will always be slow for the mobile business. She said that was anticipated. Given the truck can be booked for special events, the coming spring and summer seasons are already starting to look bright. Morrissey said she is already booking for weddings, birthday parties, teacher and employee appreciation events, and other special gathering around El Paso County. With the early success of the
Keeping You “On Trail” with Medicare Are You new to Medicare? Review your Medicare health and drug coverage Do You already have Medicare? Learn about your Medicare Coverage options and find out how and when you can sign up
Nick Palarino nicky.colorado@gmail.com (719) 301-9525
Learn More!
This number will connect you to a licensed Medicare Insurance Broker ready to help you with your Medicare needs at NO COST or obligation. Enrollment periods may apply. Not affiliated with the U.S. government or federal Medicare program.
Karen Butcher
Independent Insurance Agent
business, Morrissey is planning to leave her 20-year career in the communications industry to operate the mobile business full-time starting in April. “We can’t wait to be back full-time on the truck,” Morrissey said. For Monument restaurant Jarrito Loco, not only did initial pandemic regulations not affect the business’s sales, the restaurant was able to expand to its new location near the intersection of Highway 105 and I-25. However, when the omicron variant started to spread, Jarrito Loco sales fell about 20% and remained at that level through the winter months and inclement weather, owner Angel Jimenez said. Jimenez said the community’s love for the restaurant has kept it going strong, despite these recent challenges. In fact, last winter, when the new building, which was previously occupied by a Village Inn, was in need of a heating system overhaul, members of the community offered to loan the owners the money to fund it without interest. Jimenez said luckily they did not have to take anyone up on the offer, but that it was a good example of the love and support the community has shown Jarrito Loco. “We live in a wonderful community. They love us and we love them,” Jiminez said. He said the main adjustments the restaurant had to make to its business model over the past two years were probably the same as any restaurant business needs to do when sales are down: micromanaging costs and digging in heels. He said during those times, the owners will jump in and work side-by-side with staff to help keep costs down. He also said there is more focus on marketing. “The thing for us to do has been to focus on what we do best and try to do it better,” Jiminez said. “We try to get more people to know where we’re at, who we are and what we do.”
We’ll protect Generations of Smiles for a Lifetime.
2019/2021 Producer of the Year Advanced Dental Care for the Entire Family
Tony George, DDS
With over 22 years of experience here in Colorful Colorado, I would love to help you with all your insurance needs for Auto, Home, Umbrella, Life, RV’s, Motorcycles and more.
• Cosmetic • Implants
• Restorative • General Dentistry
Shopping several companies for you!
Call or Text 719.221.1339 karen@westcoins.com
Monday - Thursday - 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m.
New Patients: Schedule your FREE exam, consultation and x-rays - (719) 488-8880
1880 Willow Park Way, #101 • Monument, CO 80132 monumentdentalarts.com
What Makes Us Different is in the Details. 16
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
O’Malleys Steak Pub, 104 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, serves up steak and American pub fare for lunch, dinner and late-night dining as well as daily specials. JEFF KEARNEY, THE TRIBUNE
PALMER LAKE: A DINING DESTINATION Food and beverage businesses band together to survive BY BENN FARRELL
PALMER LAKE • As Palmer Lake continues to become a small-town destination for outdoor activities, community events and the arts, it has also become known as a hotspot for locally owned eateries for the region. While the amount of commercial real estate space is limited in Palmer Lake, the establishments that offer food and beverages that line Highway 105 through town make the roadway a high-profile stretch for dining out.
In just a short stretch of the highway, you’ll find 105 Social House, Bella Panini, La Rosa Southwestern Dining, O’Malley’s Steak Pub, Rock House Ice Cream, and Speedtrap, among other establishments. There’s quite a variety for this small town. However, what makes this community of restaurants unique is how the group of restaurateurs have banded together to help each other in not only marketing and operations, but also to support each other to get through the changes and challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the restaurants in Palmer Lake account for the bulk of the Town of Palmer Lake’s sales taxes, even though they may be operating with very limited financial CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
17
PALMER LAKE: A DINING DESTINATION
The Palmer Lake community supported 105 Social House, 75 Highway 105, through the pandemic and a fire at an attached residence that temporarily closed the business in 2021. JEFF KEARNEY, THE TRIBUNE
18
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
PALMER LAKE: A DINING DESTINATION
ABOVE: Bella Panini, 4 Highway 105 Palmer Lake, serves traditional Italian entrees, pizza and, of course, panini. LEFT: As you drive into Palmer Lake from Monument and round the bend on Highway 105, at least three dining establishments come into view. In the distance, see Bella Panini, left, Speedtrap, center, and La Rosa Southwestern Dining, right. JEFF KEARNEY, THE TRIBUNE
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
19
PALMER LAKE: A DINING DESTINATION resources. Jeff Hulsmann, owner of O’Malley’s Steak Pub, said attracting people to Palmer Lake is key for all the restaurants and businesses in the town. The town itself is too small to support the number of restaurants there, he said. “By banding together, we have created a restaurant destination,” Hulsmann said. “Each restaurant provides a unique food experience. We are proud of the numerous options and quality of our products. There is really something for everyone in Palmer Lake.” In fact, the collaboration among these establishments led to the formation of the Palmer Lake Restaurant Group about 11 years ago. The group currently has 9 members and works with other organizations in Palmer Lake to help attract visitors and create a spotlight for the culture, dining or otherwise, of the town. Fundraisers like the “Taste of Palmer Lake” raised money for Christmas lights to be put up throughout town; and the group has worked in conjunction with Awake Palmer Lake and the town parks committee on
JEFF KEARNEY, THE TRIBUNE
Rock House Ice Cream, 25 S. Highway 105, Palmer Lake, is open seasonally. During the warmer months, you’ll find over two dozen flavors of ice cream and other treats.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 25
Keeping Your Family Safe Since 2002 15 OFF $150 SERVICE
$
Limit One Coupon per visit. Must present print coupon or show on your phone at time of service. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 8/17/18.
A+ Business Rating
ENCE
719-488-6729
706 Westward Lane, Palmer Lake,Facility CO Highest Quality Repair in the Tri-Lakes facinellimotors.com
Subaru Honda Toyota
Mon. – Fri. 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
706 Westward Lane, Palmer Lake, CO facinellimotors.com Mon. – Fri. 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
719-488-6729 20
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
TriLakes
Local Vendors
Custom Ordering • Case Pricing • Events & Weddings
Making Every Event a
Celebration
Monument
351 Highway 105 Monument, CO 80132
CORK ‘N BOTTLE
719.488.3761
Liquors
Boggs Quality Painting
“Quote Today, Paint Tomorrow!” Painting & Pressure Washing | Interior/Exterior Licensed and Insured
Larry Boggs Since 2001
941.526.5446 | 719.216.3325 boggspaintinginc.com
QUALITY PRINTING • QUALITY SERVICE
WHEN QUALITY COUNTS. Phone 719.488.2544 | Fax 719.488.0756 trilakesprinting.com | info@trilakesprinting.com 15706 Jackson Creek Pkwy #120 | Monument, CO 80132
FULL COLOR PRINTING
GRAPHIC DESIGN STAFF
SIGNS AND BANNERS
FULL BINDERY SERVICES
MAILING SERVICES
NON-PROFIT PARTNER
COPIES, SCANS & FAXES
ECO-FRIENDLY PRINTING
COMPUTER REPAIR LOCAL VETERAN OWNED AND OPERATED
719 -247-8611 COMPUTERREPAIRSERVICEMONUMENT.COM Two comforters, any size
Serving the Community since 1981
Shower Doors • Glass Replacement Mirrors • Screens • Tabletops 719-
Black Forest
Saturdays: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. May 21 through October 29 12530 Black Forest Rd., CS 80908
Ridgeline
Sundays: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. June 12 - September 25 11631 Ridgeline Dr., CS 80921
Specials $ 60
10
%
Off
new customers, any drapes & active duty military only
through 8/31/22
through 8/31/22
Monument Cleaners Dry Cleaning Your personal quality cleaner
CDC advises that the dry cleaning process is effective on most viruses. (cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov)
Present or mention coupon at time of drop off. Cannot be combined with other offers.
15932 Jackson Creek Parkway • Monument Marketplace • (719) 481-4485
•Central Vacuums •Security Cameras •Security Systems Quality-Craftsmanship-Personal Service Family Owned Since 1977
(719) 495-2715 | www.BFHSS.com
Dave Easley, Owner
Black Forest Home Security Systems TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
21
PALMER LAKE: A DINING DESTINATION
JEFF KEARNEY, THE TRIBUNE
La Rosa Southwestern Dining, 25 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, offers New Mexico and Southwestern cuisine.
We take the Stress out of Selling Whatever your reason and whatever the item, we can help you sell it. Downsizing Relocation Senior Transition Commercial Liquidation Call us today for a no-cost consultation
(719) 667-1000 SchurSuccessGroup.com 22
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Tri-Lakes
Nonprofits
We are here to help. www.trilakeschamber.com (719) 481-3282
NEED HELP?
We're a safety net for those that find themselves struggling. We provide food, financial assistance, and so much more!
Concerts Featuring National Performers
Concerts Featuring National Performers Fine Art Exhibitions | Cultural Events Concerts Featuring National Performers Concerts Concerts Featuring Concerts Featuring National Featuring National Performers Performers National Performers | Cultural Fine Art Exhibitions Events Fine Art Exhibitions | Cultural Events 304 Hwy 105, Palmer Lake, CO 80133 Fine Art Fine Exhibitions Exhibitions Fine |Art Cultural Exhibitions | Cultural Events | Events Cultural 304Art Hwy 105, Palmer Lake, CO 80133 Events 719-481-0475 | www.TriLakesArts.org | TriLakesArts.org 304 Hwy 105, Palmer Lake, CO 80133 719-481-0475 304 Hwy304 105, Hwy Palmer 105, 304Lake, Palmer HwyCO 105, Lake, 80133 Palmer CO 80133 Lake, CO 80133 719-481-0475 | www.TriLakesArts.org your front destination for Fine Art & entertainment 719-481-0475 719-481-0475 |range www.TriLakesArts.org 719-481-0475 | www.TriLakesArts.org | www.TriLakesArts.org
Scan to get started!
Our Gallery
Local Artists
In Woodland Park
719-401-2301
400 W. Midland Suite 120
Join “Weekend in Woodland”
The Gallery is a proud sponsor of the Mountain Arts Festival in Woodland Park on August 6 - 7, 2022
A venue for activities
Call for details!
“Making a Difference for Youth and Our Community” We Meet Saturdays 8:00-9:30 am - D38 Administration Building, “Big Red” Jefferson & 2nd Streets in Monument
Join Us Today Membership open to all women residing in D-38 district. Chec
Over $1 million donated to our community since 1973
Amazingly Affordable Amazingly Fashions Affordable Shop, Save Fashions
DISCOVER
OG 19 Reserve
WE'RE HERE.
tri-lakescares.org 719-481-4864
y o u
your front range destination for Fine Art & entertainment your front your range front destination range your destination front for Fine range Art for destination &Fine entertainment Art &for entertainment Fine Art & entertainment
Sunshine Home Share Colorado is a nonprofit organization assisting people 55+ stay in their homes by safely matching them with someone seeking housing. Home-sharing benefits: • mutually beneficial relationship • exchange supportive services • companionship for affordable rent sunshinehomeshare.org | 719.744.3911
C F
宙宲宯宸宱宷宨宨宵季宒害害宲宵宷宸宱宬宷宬宨家季 完宱宷宨宵宨家宷季宊宵宲宸害家季孰季宖宲宦宬室宯季宒宸宷宬宱宪家季 宆宫室宵宬宷室宥宯宨季守容宨宱宷家季
宺 宺 宺 孱 宷 宯 宺 宦 孱宱 宨 宷 季
& Change Lives! Shop, Save & Change Lives!
15821 Jackson Creek Pkwy. Monument, CO DiscoverMyGoodwill.org 15821 Jackson Creek Pkwy. Monument, CO DiscoverMyGoodwill.org
Attend Our Sunday Worship 10:15 am
Visit Any Meeting As Our Guest — No Obligation — No Invitation Required
Do You Have a Heart for Service? Our Memberships are Open to the Public www.MHKiwanis.org monumenthillkiwanis@gmail.com
Like Us
A Contemporary Benedictine Monastic Presence 3190 Benet Lane, Colorado Springs, CO 80921 (719) 633-0655 | www.benethillmonastery.org TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
23
PALMER LAKE: A DINING DESTINATION
“By banding together, we have created a restaurant destination. Each restaurant provides a unique food experience. We are proud of the numerous options and quality of our products. There is really something for everyone in Palmer Lake.” Jeff Hulsmann, owner of O’Malley’s Steak Pub
Perfectly Elevated Cafe and Gallery, 11 Primrose St., Palmer Lake, is open daily (except for Wednesdays) for coffee drinks, fresh fruit infused teas and more. JEFF KEARNEY, THE TRIBUNE
of Excellence Traditional School ofSchool Excellence education for NOW ENROLLING NOW Pre-KENROLLING — Grade 11 modern times. Pre-K — Grade 11
NOW ENROLLING NEW FOR 2022-2023! School of Excellence Excellence Traditional NEW FOR 2022-2023! School of Traditional Pre-K Boys - Grade 11 High School Basketball,
24
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
High School Boys Basketball, education for NOW ENROLLING High School Girls Volleyball, education for NOW ENROLLING NEW FOR 2022-2023! High School Girls Volleyball, Basketball andBasketball, Cheer! Pre-K — Grade 11 High School Boys modern times. Pre-K — Grade 11 Basketball & Cheer! modern times. High School Girls Volleyball monumentacademy.net and Basketball NOW ENROLLING NEW FOR 2022-2023! NOW ENROLLING NEW FOR 2022-2023! Pre-K - Grade 11 High School Boys Basketball, School of Excellence Traditional Pre-K - Grade 11 High School Boys Basketball,
High School Girls Volleyball, FOR 2022-2023! HighNEW School Girls Volleyball,
PALMER LAKE: A DINING DESTINATION
Members of Palmer Lake Restaurant Association • 105 Social House • Bella Panini • Catering by Nikki • La Rosa Southwestern Dining • O’Malley’s Steak Pub • Perfectly Elevated Cafe & Gallery • Rock House Ice Cream • Sasquatch & Yeti Taqueria • Speedtrap
many events. The group of restaurateurs are all active in supporting local schools as well, Hulsmann said. All the restaurants in Palmer Lake are independently owned and operated. Most of them are located in historic buildings that have been updated, which enhances the charm of the dining experiences in Palmer Lake, said Rock House Ice Cream owner Jeannine Engel. The original Rock House building was built in 1903 and added onto in the following years. In 1927, more additions were built and the business became the White Kitchen Cafe and Truck Stop. “History has played an important part in Palmer Lake,” Engel said. “Newcomers to the area are drawn to Palmer Lake because of its uniqueness and to experience something different from chain restaurants. Palmer Lake has a wide variety of concepts from fine dining to our local pub to the little CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
Speedtrap, 84-2 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, offers cuisine with a French flair for breakfast, lunch and dinner. JEFF KEARNEY, THE TRIBUNE
areare committed to providing AtAtABetter BetterHearing HearingCenter, Center,wewe committed to providing Our Services: advanced care care for adults and children advanced childrenwith withhearing hearingloss. loss. • Hearing Evaluations • Hearing Evaluations Weunderstand understand that every individual We individualhas hasunique uniquechallenges challenges • Hearing Aids • Hearing Aids andour ourpatients patients will receive specialized and specializedtreatment treatmenttotohelp help • Custom Swim Plugs • Custom swim Plugs themhear hear again. them • Custom Hearing Protection At Better Hearing Center, we are committed to providing • Custom Hearing Protection At Better Hearing Center, we are committed to providing WeServices: recommend that everyone, especially those consider We recommend everyone,Our especially those55+, 55+,toconsider Services: Our advanced care for adults and children with hearing loss. • Aural Rehabilitation • Aural RehabilitationPrograms Programs advanced care for adults and children with hearing loss. gettingan an annual annual hearing test overall getting test as as partofoftheir their overallwellness wellness • part Hearing Evaluations • Hearing Evaluations We understand that every individual has unique challenges • Auditory Training We understand that every individual has unique challenges 574 W. Hwy 105 • Auditory Training program. If you or your loved one is experiencing hearing loss, 574 W.hearing Hwy 105loss, program. loved one is experiencing • Hearing Aids • Hearing AidsIf to help and our patients will receive specialized treatment At patients Better Hearing Center, we are committed totoproviding and our will receive specialized treatment help • Assistive Listening Our Services: call us today! • Assistive Listening Devices Monument, CO Devices 80132 call us today! • Custom swim Plugs Monument, CO 80132 • Custom swim Plugs themwith hearhearing again. loss. advanced care for adults and children
them hear again. • those Hearing Evaluations • Custom Hearing Protection Wethose recommend that everyone, especially 55+, to consider • Custom Hearing Protection We understand that everyespecially individual has unique We recommend that everyone, 55+, tochallenges consider W. Hwy 316 W. Midland Ave. roviding 316 W. 574 Midland Ave.105 • Hearing Aids • Aural Rehabilitation Programs getting an annual hearing of their overall wellness our patients will test receive specialized to help test as part • Aural Rehabilitation Programs gettingand anBetter annual hearing as part of their treatment overall wellness Monument, CO 80132 Woodland Park, CO 80863 At Hearing Center, we are committed to providing ng loss. • Custom swim Plugs Woodland • Auditory TrainingPark, CO 80863 program. Ifhearing you or your hearing loss, Services: themIfhear again. • experiencing Auditory Training program. you care or your loved one is experiencing loss,loved one isOur • Hearing Evaluations advanced for adults and children with hearing loss. • Custom Hearing challenges call us today! • Assistive Listening Devices recommend that everyone, especially those 55+, to consider • •Assistive Hearing Evaluations call usWe today! Listening Devices 574 W.Protection Hwy 105 316Hwy W. 105 Midland Ave. We understand that •every individual has unique challenges Hearing Aids 574 W. • Aural Rehabilitation Programs getting an annual hearing test as part of their overall wellness • Hearing Aids nt to helpand our patients will receive specialized treatment to help Woodland Park, CO 80863 Monument, TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022 25 CO 80132 • Auditory Training CO 80132 Monument, program. you or your loved oneswim is experiencing • Custom Plugs hearing loss, • Custom swim Plugs them hearIfagain.
Our Services:
PALMER LAKE: A DINING DESTINATION ice cream shop.” The summer months typically bring a high volume of out-of-towners to enjoy lake activities and local trails, and this influx of visitors patronizes the local food and beverage establishments. However, it’s the yearround community that remains in support of the businesses throughout the year. “The locals are my most faithful customers,” Engel said. Engel said what helps the food and beverage businesses in Palmer Lake is the available parking. With a large public parking area along Highway 105 near the railroad track pedestrian bridge, as well as public parking near the baseball fields within walking distance of downtown area, it is important for visitors to know parking is plentiful and free, she said. Restaurant owners in Palmer Lake see themselves as compatriots as opposed to competitors, sharing advice and information about repairs, servicepeople, purveyors, professionals and more with each other, Hulsmann said. The Palmer Lake Restaurant Group serves as a support group for owners/proprietors who are in need of a particular product or need to borrow a particular piece of kitchen equipment until deliveries can be received or repairs can be made.
JEFF KEARNEY, THE TRIBUNE
Wilson’s Corner, with Speedtrap on the far right corner, is pictured Feb. 26. “We all do our best to help the others succeed,” Hulsmann said. “We believe as a group that joint success is in our own self interest.
99
$
“Owners have their own particular challenges. No matter what type of restaurant CONTINUED ON • PAGE 28
Walk in the forest Visit Prayer Sites Attend Sunday Worship 10:15 am
Oil Change for All New Customers
Call for Appointment
Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 6/30/22.
579 County Line Rd., Unit B, Palmer Lake, CO 80133
bigmissionautomotive.com 26
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
A Contemporary Benedictine Monastic Presence 3190 Benet Lane, Colorado Springs, CO 80921 (719) 633-0655 | www.benethillmonastery.org
EXPERIENCE SMALL TOWN CHARM
Shop - Dine - Arts - Events downtownmonument.org
The Roost & The Coop Tea Room A collection of the old and the new that reminds us of great friends, life’s memories, and the everlasting feeling of home!
• Custom Picture Framing • Fine Art Gallery • Custom PictureFraming Framing • Custom Picture • Original Art by Colorado Artists • FineArt ArtGallery Gallery • Custom Picture Framing • Fine • Original Artby byColorado Colorado Artists • Fine Art Gallery • Original Artists 719.487.7691 •Art bellaartandframe.com • Original Art byStreet Colorado Artists 183 Washington
719.487.7691 • bellaartandframe.com Monument, CO 80132 719.487.7691 • bellaartandframe.com 183 Washington Street 719.487.7691 • bellaartandframe.com 183 Washington Monument, CO Street 80132 183 Washington Street Monument, CO 80132 m Monument, CO 80132
THE PLACE FOR GREAT BIRTHDAY GIFTS FREE GIFT WRAPPING
135 2nd St., Monument, CO 80132 Statues by Donna Arndt
(719) 481-5688
MONUMENT’S ONLY TOY STORE! Both stores conveniently located at
274 Washington Street • Historic Monument Wed.,Thurs., Fri., Sat. Call for hours
719-481-1361
2018 Primary Business of the Year!
• Celebrating 29 years in business! • New and used books for children and adults. • Books, greeting cards, maps and so much more. Great Customer Service
105 Second St. Monument, CO 80132
719.481.2665
coveredtreasures.com
Mobile Screen Repair We Come to You!
Call or Text for a phone quote or to get on our schedule
We repair window screens and door screens... on site... We serve the same day. Castle Rock
to Fountain! Since 2002! 719-465-7867 screenrepaircolorado.com TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
27
PALMER LAKE: A DINING DESTINATION
Experience world-
class museum
exhibitions, award-winning
professional theatre and outstanding education for all ages and skill levels.
arts
JEFF KEARNEY, THE TRIBUNE
Crossing the Palmer Lake pedestrian bridge on Feb. 26.
fac.coloradocollege.edu · (719) 634-5581 30 W. Dale St., Colorado Springs, CO
28
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
you operate, the issues that owners face are often very similar.” In addition, the restaurant group will occasionally lobby the Town of Palmer Lake to encourage the adoption of both business and consumer friendly attitudes and policies, Hulsmann said. While all restaurants struggled to maintain sales through pandemic restrictions, there wasn’t much the group could do about the effects except commiserate together, he said. For example, O’Malley’s provided an outside picnic area on the east side of Highway 105 for all of the restaurants in town to utilize when takeout was the only option allowed. While some restaurants in Palmer Lake have closed over the past year, other food and beverage businesses have taken the opportunity to become a part of the small town’s dining hotspot. While The Depot has closed, a new coffee shop, Perfectly Elevated, has opened in its location. Soon it will be the site of a new restaurant. And the building where Charritos House 2 was located is now home to Sasquatch & Yeti Taqueria. This illustrates the desirability of Palmer Lake as a destination for food, drinks and a dining experience unique to the Tri-Lakes area, thanks to the group of dedicated restaurateurs who work together to make it so.
A LESSON IN HISTORY Black Forest Old Log School celebrates centennial BY WILLIAM J. DAGENDESH
Nestled in the hills of Black Forest is a one-room log school where a U.S.
flag sporting 48 stars once snapped in the warm breeze as children gathered inside to study reading and writing.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 30
Do you, your parents, your children or your pets have
problems taking medications?
It all starts with a problem: the cat who won’t swallow pills, the patient with a gluten allergy, the much-needed drug that’s in short supply. For whatever reason, many people aren’t served by mass-produced medications. A compounding pharmacy can provide a solution.
» » » » » » » »
Trouble Swallowing Capsules or Tablets Bad Tasting Medicine (add flavor) Need an Individual Strength or Dose Allergies/Sensitivities/Vegetarian/Gluten-Free Drug Shortages Medication Management (combine meds) Compliance (change the delivery method) Nausea that prevents Individuals from taking Oral Medications
Call or stop by today to see how Monument Pharmacy may be able to help! (719) 481-2209
Proudly Serving the Community for 28 Years
monumentpharmacy.com TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
29
BLACK FOREST OLD LOG SCHOOL
MARGARETTA M. BOAS PHOTOGRAPH COLLECTION, COURTESY OF PIKES PEAK LIBRARY DISTRICT, 001-2207
Cars park on a snowy road in front of a log building. The photo is identified on back as “Black Forest School — 6770 Shoup Road. Sunday School Meeting — 1928, 1929.”
ON PAGE 30: The interior of Black Forest Old Log School is pictured Aug. 14, 2020, in a photo posted on the Friends of the Black Forest Log School Facebook page. FACEBOOK.COM/FRIENDS-OFTHE-BLACK-FOREST-LOG-SCHOOL205220116207917/?FREF=TS
That same flag will fly again this summer when the Black Forest Old Log School celebrates its centennial of community service during an event scheduled to be held Sept. 10 at the Backyard Market, 12530 Black Forest Road. As part of the celebration, a quilt show fundraiser will be held Sept. 11 at Black Forest Community Club. Dates and times for both events will be announced at a later date. Located at 6770 Shoup Road, the 32-foot by
the living room
22-foot log building was built in 1920-21 out of an educational need in the area, as the closest school at that time was located four miles away. “Black Forest was part of the original District 38. The only school was in the south, about four miles south of the center of Black Forest,” said former Black Forest resident Carrie Robertson. According to “History of the Black Forest CONTINUED ON PAGE 31
Surround yourself with the beauty of living plants!
bring life to your home Tuesday through Saturday: 10 to 6 Sunday: 11 to 4
• Tropical, green and blooming plants • Seasonal/holiday plants and weekly varieties
thelivingroomplants.com
@the_living_room_plants
12229 Voyager Parkway, Suite 100, 719.203.6189 • 22 East Rio Grande Street, 719.465.1470 30
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
be combined with other offers. Exp. 12/31/19
BLACK FOREST OLD LOG SCHOOL Family owned to serve you since 2001
JEFF KEARNEY, THE TRIBUNE
The Black Forest Old Log School this year will celebrate its centennial anniversary. A U.S. flag sporting 48 stars will hang on the flagpole out front to honor the time period in which the school was constructed.
Y SE A D T X E N
BLE A L I A V A RVICE
!
8 Convenient Locations! Super Quality
ROCKRIMMON/CENTENNIAL 6884 the mid-Centennial Blvd.
WOODMEN 3560 E. Woodmen Rd. #110
278-2643
488-9525
C593-1133 LEANERS
Community Club” on bfcommunityclub.org/history, in Since 2001 1920s, there were about 30 families living in a roughly 420-squaremile area “bounded in the west by foothills, on the north by DougWe clean and disinfect all clothes, las County line, on the east by Elbert County, across the south by a bedding & household items. line from Falcon to Rattlesnake hill, and then west to the foothills.” GARDEN RANCH VOYAGER The children of those families needed a school. 2340 Montebello Sq. Dr. 12225 Voyager Pkwy. To help rectify the situation, a lumber company donated land and residents provided ponderosa pine logs ubiquitous to the area and helped to build the school, which also served as a church and pub-
268-0540
Alterations
CONTINUED ON PAGE 32
PINE CREEK/BRIARGATE 9475 Briar Village Pt., #160
History of the Black Forest Old Log School
522-1508
Dry Cleaning
Formal &
High End Dresses FALCON/PEYTON 7659 McLaughlin Rd.
495-5975
Household Items Military Uniforms
Smoke & Water
1922 — The Black Forest School opened for grades 1 through 8. MONUMENT Damage FOUNTAIN The school was built with community donated logs. 1769 Lake Woodmoor Dr. to Serve 6910 You MesainRidge Parkway Two Locations the Tri-Lakes 1925 — The foundation, cloak room and coal bin were added. VOYAGER MONUMENT 1936 — Mrs. Edith Wolford came to teach. 12225 Voyager Pkwy. 1769 Lake Woodmoor Dr. 1945 — The Black Forest School closed after consolidation with Falcon District. 488-9525 487-8690 1947 — El Paso County converted the building to a home used by the employee who maintained the county roads. 1981 — The county road department vacated the property and local volunteers took up the cause of saving the building. 1992 — The Black Forest Log School was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. 1996 — The restoration began when the roof was replaced with the aid of a grant from the Colorado Historical Fund. “The School Brought Us Together” was published with grant support. Nine Locations throughout El Paso County 1997 — The foundation was replaced with another grant and CDC advises that the dry cleaning process is effective matching funds from members of the community. on most viruses, (cdc.gov/coronavirus2019-ncov) 1998-2000 — Restoration of the interior was completed, and local residents donated items to furnish the 1930s schoolroom. Visit our website for Summer 2022 — Centennial celebration plannecd downloadable savings’ coupons. Sept. 11, 2022 — Quilt Show Fundraiser planned
487-8690
392-0853
For All Your DRY CLEANING NEEDS!
SOURCE: BFLOGSCHOOL.COM
sqcleaners.com
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
31
BLACK FOREST OLD LOG SCHOOL
THE GAZETTE FILE
The Black Forest Log School was first built by volunteers in 1922 for the children of the then-small community of Black Forest. The building served as a school for the children of the area until the mid 1940’s. It was only appropriate that volunteers would also help in the constructing of a new foundation many decades later. These volunteers worked alongside with workers from Werner Co. in moving the house onto its new foundation on an October morning in 1997. First, a few logs needed to be replaced near the bottom of the schoolhouse. Because the Colorado Historic Fund was paying for most of the cost, they required that the work be done like it would be done when the schoolhouse was built originally so as not to compromise the historical integrity. Hand saws, chisels and hammers were used to make the hand hewn logs fit into place. Pictured above: In the foreground, Norm Robertson (left) helps Victor Freeman with Werner Co. put one of the logs into place.
lic meeting center. “It was the only public building and used for various events such as clubs, dances, church,” Robertson said. Children from first to eighth grades were taught in the one-room school beginning in
32
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
the fall of 1922. On Sundays, the building was used for church services and summer Bible school. However, in 1945 the school closed as a result of Colorado consolidating school districts.
Converted into a two-bedroom home, the building housed a county road maintenance employee and his family from 1948 to 1977. CONTINUED ON PAGE 34
BLACK FOREST OLD LOG SCHOOL
FACEBOOK.COM/FRIENDS-OF-THE-BLACK-FOREST-LOG-SCHOOL-205220116207917/?FREF=TS
Visiting the log school is like stepping inside a time capsule. The glass windows date to the schools’ inception, and a collection of period toys and school supplies, quilts and lanterns hanging from the wall and ceiling, and a pot-bellied stove also bring visitors back to the era when the school bustled with young students. Photo taken in August 2020.
$ 5ff of f 5 o
you r p urcha se o 15 oh ra ms ore pfu$rc e
ur $ 15 or m or e pr omo code: ls m22 8
1254 Pkwy. m o co d eInterquest : l s m228 Colorado Springs, CO
Not valid with any other offer. Redeemable in-store and online at zoup.com. Limit one coupon per customer during the promotion. One-time use. Reproduction is strictly prohibited. No cash value. Expires: 06/30/21 02/28/23
nterquest Pkwy. order CO online do Springs,
ZOUP.COM • Zoup! APP
with any other offer. Redeemable in-store and zoup.com. Limit one coupon per customer e promotion. One-time use. Reproduction is ohibited. No cash value. Expires: 06/30/20
online ZOUP.COM • Zoup! APP
Artistic Water Features for Every Lifestyle
Call now for your individual consultation:
719.896.0026
or email: chris@purelyponds.com
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
33
BLACK FOREST OLD LOG SCHOOL “My brother was born there in 1950, and I moved out after I got married in 1955. Dad died there two days before his retirement,” said Willis Roe, 87, whose family lived in the building more than 20 years. In 1981, the county abandoned the property and “local volunteers took up the cause of saving the building,” states bflogschool.com. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992, which qualified it to be eligible for a grant for restoration that started in 1996. By then, poor drainage had eaten away at the buildings’ structure, which required moving and constructing a new foundation, and removing multiple layers of roofing materials. Residents donated labor and funds, and Colorado Historical Fund grants paid for the more critical work. The Log School Committee restored the building, and volunteers saved most of the original floor and inside wall paneling. The project was completed in 2000. Since then, the school has been host to community events. A group called the Friends of The Black Forest Log School Inc. was formed in May 2009 to save and restore the building. Visiting the log school today is like stepping inside a time capsule. The glass windows date to the schools’ inception, and a collection of period toys and school supplies, quilts and lanterns hanging from the wall and ceiling, and a pot-bellied stove also bring visitors back to the era when the school bustled with young students. Even the old outhouse has been preserved. Tin pails take up permanent residence atop a cloak room shelf, and books, a black slate chalkboard, old-fashioned desks, an upright piano, U.S. map and painting of the nations’ first president, George Washington, also have a home here. The flag’s 48 stars pays homage to the period when the school was constructed. A modern addition to the school property is a Little Free Library on
$3400 Flat List Fee
“The School Brought Us Together,” written by Linda Cozart and Carrie Robertson, was published in 1996. The collection of information and stories about the Old Log School of Black Forest won the Colorado Historical Society’s Caroline Bancroft History Award in 1997. It’s one of two books published about the old log school available for purchase as blkfst.com. The other book is “Black Forest Opus” (2007), by David D. Hageman. FACEBOOK.COM/FRIENDS-OFTHE-BLACK-FOREST-LOG-SCHOOL205220116207917/?FREF=TS
the fenceline, encouraging passersby to take a book or leave a book. Free tours of the school house are planned starting in April and running through October. The building also will be open to visitors during the 2022 Black Forest Festival on Aug. 13. Follow The Tribune for updates on the centennial plans, or visit bflogschool.com.
SELLING YOUR HOME? Full Service Representation!
Seller pays a $3400 List Fee (any price home) plus the buyer’s agent commission. Buyer agent commission varies based on seller, most of our clients choose 2.5%
719-602-3100
Pete Hitchcock Broker/Owner REALTOR® pete@proflatfee.com
www.ProFlatFee.com Buying a home? Save up to $10,000 on any MLS listed home! See website for details. 34
TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Colorado’s only USDA Certified Organic Salon & Spa “Everything we put in and on our bodies must be nutritious and safe.” Horst Rechelbacher, founder of Aveda and INTELLIGENT NUTRIENTS
® – is an environmental and lifestyle beauty brand. Our products are USDA certified organic, non-toxic; plant/flower based that work for you and the planet. Products from INTELLIGENT NUTRIENTS use only MADE SAFE® ingredients. Fragrance comes from essential oils and many have been USDA certified organic by the US Department of Agriculture. ® – Ammonia- Free, Non-Toxic Hair Color • Salon Services Perms Cuts, Styling Gloss and Deep-Conditioning Treatments Weddings
• Spa Services Organic Facial Treatments Body Waxing Lash Extensions & Tinting Massage Services
Schedule Your Appointment Today: 719.481.3344 (call) 719.472.4727 (text) Monday – Thursday, 9am – 6pm • Friday – Saturday 9am – 4pm
1729 Lake Woodmoor Drive, Monument • ravissantesalon.com TRI-LAKES GUIDE | Wednesday, March 23, 2022
35
are
#D38Elevates