Crystal Hills Neighborhood Manitou

04/21/2025

FYI Neighbors!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1AGVPw5Uqm/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Manitou Springs Fire Department Seeks Public Feedback on Wildfire Protection Plan

The Manitou Springs Fire Department (MSFD) is inviting community members to review and comment on its draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), a strategic document that outlines steps to reduce wildfire risk and protect public safety.

A CWPP is a community-based plan authorized under the federal Healthy Forests Restoration Act that identifies local wildfire risks and sets forth prioritized strategies for mitigation. The CWPP helps guide wildfire preparedness efforts, supports funding opportunities, and improves coordination between local, state, and federal agencies.

The Manitou Springs CWPP addresses wildfire threats to neighborhoods, critical infrastructure, open spaces, and watersheds, while also outlining emergency response capacity and homeowner responsibilities.

Developed in collaboration with the Manitou Springs Fire Department, Colorado State Forest Service and other partners, the plan focuses on defensible space, structural hardening, post-fire flooding risks, public education, and long-term fire adaptation.

“The updated CWPP reflects years of collaborative effort and input from wildfire experts, city leaders, and emergency services,” said Lt. Mike Willie, wildfire mitigation coordinator for the Manitou Springs Fire Department. “We now ask the community to take part in this process by reviewing the plan and sharing feedback.”

Residents, business owners and stakeholders can access the draft plan and submit comments online at https://bit.ly/MSFDCWPPQuestionnaire The public comment period is open through May 2 at 5 p.m.

For more information, contact the Manitou Springs Fire Department at 719-685-1444 or visit https://bit.ly/MSFDWebpage

04/14/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/16JRCkHkZi/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Let's plan for the 2nd Annual Crystal Hills Neighborhood Potluck Gathering at Bill Bauer Park for SUNDAY AUGUST 31, 2025 from 11:00am-4:00pm

Who would like to help me plan this?

I can provide Tables, some chairs and papergoods and water. Last year we had corn hole games, we can add games to the event like giant connect four, and Janga.

I can use help with the food potluck so we have a balance of foods for everyone. Creating a spreadsheet for food groups and a way people can sign up for what they are bringing. Anyone able to help with this?

Feel free to reach out to connect and we can plan things. Laura Gallant (303) 956-1793 (live at 316 Sutherland Pl, Manitou Springs, CO 80829)

04/14/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16JrLVT1aq/?mibextid=wwXIfr

HI Neighbors! Lets plan our next Neighborhood Yard Sale. Choice of dates, Please Comment with your vote of which weekend we should host this event.

Weekend dates to vote on:
June 21-22
June 28-29
July 19-20
July 26-27

04/03/2025

Monday, April 7, 2025, fire mitigation work will begin in Deer Valley Nature Park over 2 to 3 days, weather permitting 7am-5pm daily

10/31/2024

A friend of mine is helping a previous Manitou Springs School art teacher sell her home and they are having an estate sale. Wanted to share with you all in case you wanted to take a look.
7 Escondido Valle, Manitou Springs, CO

Estate Sale this week! 10/31, 11/1 & 11/2. Love estate sales with tons of local Art, music, books and more? Then you don't want to miss this one. Many unique pieces ready for a new home, boxes of vinyl records, shelves of CDs, boxes of books and so much more. Come find a treasure and help us clear the house. So much to look at, so come see it in person. General area is very east edge of Manitou Springs.
Come preview the house too! It will be on the market shortly after the estate sale, so if you have a buyer that wants a sweat equity project and wants the west side this could be it!
Art, Music and Book Lovers Sale in Colorado Springs, CO starts on 10/31/2024 (estatesales.net)

10/12/2024

Thought I would share since our neighborhood has lots of furry friends

10/08/2024

Hello Neighbors! Every year I make Pumpkin Bread for my neighbors in close proximity to my home. This year I thought I would extend the gift to other neighbors in our Crystal Hills neighborhood. I simply need you to order using the QR code on the flyer below.
Please note I will be asking for your address and email in case anything has to adjust for pick up date. If you have ever had my pumpkin bread please chime in to tell them how good it is.
On pick up day I look forward to meeting you and connecting I will have a refreshment drink for everyone. DON'T BE SHY! I still believe the more we connect the safer and happier our neighborhood will be.

09/19/2024

Those this kids advice. Happy Thursday!

If you’re constantly beating yourself up, you NEED to listen to this advice… In today’s episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast, I sat down with 10-year-old Elton… | 110 comments on LinkedIn

09/12/2024

I struggled yesterday remembering the day, I did not lose anyone on this tragic day, I did hear of others who had. As a Nation we lost so much that day and in the years after as we went to war and lost more Americans in that fight as well as injured soldiers who came home.

When a good friend called and woke me to tell me what was happening and to turn on the TV, I was not quite awake and when she said "THEY'RE ATTACKING US" my first though was aliens, I know, interesting how our imagination works. As I turned on the TV the first tower collapsed and the second plane had just hit. I watched in Horror and it was hard to comprehend what was happening. That time in my life was also in turmoil and chaos and I was already scared of what choice I had made and what my future would be. This probably lead to my shock, fear and actions to simply freeze and not know what to do. Telling our stories of that day are a way of helping us remember and remind ourselves of what is and should be important.

Actions and choices have consequences, that day changed all our lives in this Nation and the world, whether we lost loved ones or not. Life is a journey of lessons, the most important part of this fact is that we work to grow, improve and not repeat the poor actions and choices allowing the lessons offered, to create opportunity and help us grow and improve. I am not sure I can ever understand a countries choice and a humans' choice to execute such a horrific action as the terrorists who hijacked the planes that day, they obviously believed in their cause to know they would die that day for it. That topic is a whole other discussion about religion I will not address in this post.

As a Nation today we seem to be more divided 23 years later. On the days following this horrific event, as a Nation we pulled together, there was a deep sense of sadness, fear and shock at what occurred. Today we are deeply divided on so many issues as a Nation and "othering" mentality and division have filtered in as normal conversation.

This election is one of the most critical elections period for our Nation and its democracy and future is on the line. The beauty of this Nation vs the one who attacked us that day is we have a voice with our VOTE. Our voices can be clearly stated with our decisions on our vote. There is never a perfect HUMAN candidate in any election, history shows us this. Great presidents of our Nation still had imperfections and made hard decisions that not everyone agreed with. They had to make hard decisions and their values, character, life experiences, are what they utilized to make those decisions. For me I look to a candidates values, past experiences, actions and choices, past experience in being an elected official and how they speak to and treat others. VOTING IS A PRIVILEGE and hard fought for, especially for women and anyone of race, unfortunately. PLEASE VOTE and respect everyones right to vote as they choose. We may not agree on all things but we all are HUMAN.

I truly wish that one day we would become a strong species of HUMANS, with diverse talents, skills, passions focused on compassionate communications and improving our entire HUMAN species and stop working to divide humanity.

Sadly I know this will not occur in my lifetime at the age of 61, I have more years behind me than in front of me. For me I will continue to improve my communication and actions to be as inclusive and kind as possible. I am far from perfect and catch myself frustrated with peoples choices and actions and out of fear speak with "othering". I can improve, that is the beauty of life, everyday is a new day, a new opportunity to start again and change our actions and choices and move closer to our best HUMAN self.

I believe with 8.2 BILLION humans on this earth, we were meant to connect, and help each other learn and grow and become our best selves. Tragic events like this should never be forgotten but we MUST learn and grow from them, and not allow it to divide us as a HUMAN species. Our actions should be more focused on bringing us all together not divide us. We should never forget but we should also improve and grow and reach out to support, accept, and help others who may need support and assistance rather then using "othering" communication and segregating them for their choices and vision.

09/10/2024

https://nextdoor.com/p/Dz9DmzCmmp4f?utm_source=share&extras=OTE5ODQwODE%3D&utm_campaign=1725993037714

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) - On Wednesday, Hotel Polaris at the U.S. Air Force Academy plans to hold a job fair - ahead of its grand opening in Nov.

The job fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Bourbon Brothers’ Boot Barn Hall at 13071 Bass Pro Dr. The hotel said they plan to fill 100 full-time positions.

They said these positions would include multiple departments including front office, food and beverage, housekeeping, maintenance and security, banquets and spa.

The hotel said these benefits would be offered to those hired for the full-time positions:
Group medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits
Participation in a pre-tax flexible benefit plan for healthcare and dependent care reimbursement
employee assistance program
Paid time off/sick time
Participation in a 401(k) plan with a company match
Complimentary team member meals
Complimentary room nights at CoralTree Hospitality-managed properties.

“We are looking for more than 100 team members to help us make the vision of Hotel Polaris a reality,” said Curtis Bova, general manager of the new hotel. “It’s exciting to be a part of the opening team for a hotel. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about providing exceptional service and people who want to grow with us as we make history with the opening of this new hotel.”

The hotel said they will offer on-the-spot interviews, and they hope to fill some of these positions during the event.

09/10/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/2QoUwbhCyMDHCjJz/?mibextid=ox5AEW

The 1st Annual Manitou 5k has raised $3,258 so far! All proceeds from this community event will benefit MSSD schools. The race will be on Saturday, October 5th and registration is open through October 4th at https://runsignup.com/Race/CO/ManitouSprings/Manitou5K

09/01/2024

I follow this photographer he does amazing work. If you are a photographer or wanting to learn more he is hosting workshops in Sept and Oct.

https://colorfulcoloradocollective.com/workshops-and-lessons/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3Trdu1OnnawNuaWjOzPAIzQd-KxwKsvGEfNLuIzf1Gw9nFs5R4tc4_k0M_aem_MFqLwEFleYR4n19vMet5Mg

September 2024 Colorado Photography Workshops Salida & Buena Vista Friday When: Friday September 13 2024 1:00PM Where: Salida, Colorado Price: $325 Please click here for more detailed information. 2 in stock Salida & Buena Vista Saturday When: Saturday September 14 2024 1:00PM Where: Salida, Colorad...

08/25/2024

I hope all who participated and help had a great Yard Sale outcome. I heard a few of you did decent! Wish I could have been around but grateful to have time away with our family we don't get to see that often. Thank you to all of you for helping to make it happen. Thoughts on Bi-annual yard sale events? Helps us connect and keep our garages and sheds cleared up a bit. Let me know below.

08/07/2024

NEIGHBORS I NEED A HAND!
Since many of our neighbors are not in the digital world and may not be aware of our upcoming MEGA YARD SALE. I had 500 postcards created for neighbors who are not online to explain that anyone can participate in our neighborhood. They only have to have their items set out and be ready to bargain
HERE IS MY ASK......
I have punched a hole and placed a rubber band on each card already so they can be put on a door handle. My thought is if a few neighbors on each street can come by and get a bunch and place them on the doors of your neighbors on your street so they are aware of the event. I just need you to stop by and grab enough for the people on your street and get them on their doors I would be grateful. I want to be sure all neighbors are aware.
You may be asking why didn't mail them? It is because the cost was almost $500 to mail them. I'm happy to get the post cards out and about if you lend me a hand. Let me know if you can stop by and help get them onto our neighbors doors. My address is 316 Sutherland Pl.
THANK YOU!