Last month, if you read this column, you know that I talked about the frustration I feel when people do not return phone calls. We specifically mentioned our lack of communication with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. Well, the front page stories in this month’s issue indicate that we heard back from them! Yes, someone from the EPSO was reading this column or heard about it because more than one person called us. We got it all straightened out, and I think one of the most important results was that a deputy called our editor, Marylou Bride, and ensured her that Sheriff Joe Roybal is adamant about transparency and being available to the public. Things happen, and we understand that; we are confident we will have direct communication opportunities with the EPSO from this point on. If you are reading this, thank you for your responses!
A couple of things about the paper I want to bring up this month: There was no Falcon Fire Protection District board meeting this month so we don’t have a meeting wrap-up. I want to mention again that Colorado Parks and Wildlife discontinued their “Wildlife Matters” column in favor of community meetings. We’ve had a few people tell us they read the column religiously every month, so maybe we can entice them back at some point. We’ll see how the residents respond to public meetings. Terry Stokka, who writes our Land & Water column, veered off from his usual topics like development, septic tanks and wells, water, etc. to write a personal story about his experiences counseling married couples. And his experience officiating his nephew’s wedding.
Finally, we were not able to include corrections we need to make related to last month’s Yesteryear column on Corral Bluffs. We will get to it but it’s complicated so wait for next month. Also next month, we will publish answers to our questions from D 49 Board of Education candidates. Our paper is out Nov. 1 and we vote on Nov. 4 so you will have plenty of time to decide your vote.
We’ve had a bit of rain the last month, so the colors of fall aren’t quite at their best. Although colors on the Eastern Plains are not as vivid, we do get some reds and golds speckled across the prairie. We cited various spots in Colorado last month to see the changing Aspen trees. One trip to see the colors we didn’t mention, and it is close to home on Highway 24, heading west. As you drive west toward Green Mountain Falls, before the Manitou exit, look to your left and you will see a countryside of underbrush blanketed with gorgeous colors of red, orange and yellow. It’s worth the drive, and if you head up to Green Mountain Falls, stop for breakfast at the Pantry, just on the west shore of Gazebo Lake. It is worth the drive, believe me!
October is a great month. It’s so fresh and crisp, and maybe we’ll have our first snow. It’s Halloween — have fun and be careful if you are out and about — or driving. And it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you read the health department’s column, they are recognizing National Eat Better, Eat Together Month, a lofty idea, I say.
See you in November
Michelle
