Drought, fire, flood, and grasshoppers have always plagued the Pikes Peak region. Good things have happened, too. The first AdAmAn Club shot fireworks from Pikes Peak on New Year’s Day in 923. Winfield Scott Stratton staked his claim to the Independence Mine on Independence Day in 1891. Charles E. Perkins gave the Garden of the Gods to the city of Colorado Springs on Christmas Day in1909.Something of significance in our region’s history has occurred every day of the year. Learn some of the lesser-known historical facts, now highlighted with more than 50 historic photos, from “Reflections of the Pikes Peak Region,” a new book published by the Pikes Peak Library District. The perpetual calendar can be used to record important birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. It is available for $14.95 (plus tax) from the Friends’ Bookstore at Penrose Public Library, 20 N. Cascade Ave., and the East Library, 5550 N. Union Blvd.”Reflections” has been honored by the international MarCom Creative Awards 2004 competition — winning in both the calendar and book categories. Only 15 percent of the 3,344 entries received the prestigious Platinum Award in recognition of excellence in terms of quality, creativity and resourcefulness.Library exhibits and displays in DecemberWith subjects ranging from friendly frogs peering through willows toa snake slinking through fern fronds, watercolors by Michele Tate will catch your eye. [art available for publication]December: East Library, 5550 N. Union Blvd.For kidsColossal CookiesChildren of every age are invited to enjoy the simple pleasures of combining cookies with icing and sprinkles.Sun., Dec. 5 at 1:30 p.m. – Sand Creek Branch Library, 1821 S. Academy Blvd.Celebrate the Holidays with Paws to Read DogsGet in the holiday spirit with the dogs from the Library’s Paws To Read program. Listen to a story, play doggie games, create a doggie craft that can be a gift, and decorate some holiday cookies.Sun., Dec. 12 at 1:30 p.m. – East Library, 5550 N. Union Blvd.Paws to Read/Read with a DogMake a new friend, and have a pawsitively great time while reading with a trained dog.Mondays from 10 a.m.-noon – East LibraryTuesdays from 3-4:30 p.m. – East LibraryFor seniorsSenior Lunch & MovieBring a lunch and enjoy a free film, plus fellowship, coffee, lemonade, and popcorn. Call 531-6333, x2318 for more information.Thurs., Dec. 16 at noon: Hidalgo – Ruth Holley Branch Library, 685 N. MurrayWed., Dec. 29 at noon: Under the Tuscan Sun – East Library, 5550 N. Union Blvd.AARP Mature Safe Driving ProgramThe AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation’s first and largest classroom driver refresher course specially designed for motorists age 50 and older. Upon successfully completing the course, graduates may present their course completion certificate to their insurance agents for a discount. Registration is $10; call the individual branch to pre-register.Fri., Dec. 3 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (bring a lunch) – Ruth Holley Branch Library, 685 N. Murray Blvd. (597-5377)Sat., Dec. 11 from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. (bring a lunch) – Sand Creek Branch Library, 1821 S. Academy Blvd. (597-7070)COUNTY LIBRARY SCHEDULEMondayEllicott – Ellicott Elementary 9:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.;12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.Falcon – Falcon Retail Center 3:10 p.m. – 4 p.m.Tuesday(No stops on Oct. 26, Nov. 9)Calhan – Calhan School 10 a.m. – NoonPeyton – Peyton Elementary School 1:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.Wednesday(No stops on Oct. 27, Dec. 8)Rush – Miami Yoder School 10 a.m. – Noon; 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.Thursday(No stops on Nov. 25)Falcon – Falcon Retail Center 9:45 a.m. – 11 a.m.Black Forest – 12002 Vollmer Rd. 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.Black Forest – Black Forest and Shoup Rds. 1:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.Friday(No stops on Nov. 26, Dec. 24 and 31)Edison – Edison School 11 a.m. – NoonHanover – Hanover School 1:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.Saturday(No stops on Dec. 25)Calhan – Calhan Town Hall 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.Falcon – Falcon Retail Center 1:45 p.m. – 4 p.m.
