Military Family Summer 2022

An advertising supplement to the Fort Carson Mountaineer and the Peterson & Schriever Space Orbital

THE

MILITARY Family SUMMER 2022

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CSMNG

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2B Military Family

May 20, 2022

CSMNG CSMNG (719) 634-5905

COLORADO SPRINGS MILITARY NEWSPAPER GROUP

235 South Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903-1246

COLORADO SPRINGS MILITARY NEWSPAPER GROUP

PUBLISHER AND EXECUTIVE EDITOR

CSMNG

COLORADO SPRINGS MILITARY NEWSPAPER GROUP

COLORADO SPRINGS MILITARY NEWSPAPER GROUP

EDITOR

Bryan.Grossman@csbj.com

EDITORIAL

Fiona Truant CSMNG CSMNG Kristian DePue

COLORADO SPRINGS MILITARY NEWSPAPER GROUP

COLORADO SPRINGS MILITARY NEWSPAPER GROUP

By Scott Prater

CSMNG CSMNG Scott Prater COLORADO SPRINGS MILITARY NEWSPAPER GROUP

Summer transforms ski slopes into bike slopes

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Amy Gillentine ................................. Amy.Gillentine@csbj.com Bryan Grossman

An advertising supplement to the Fort Carson Mountaineer and the Peterson & Schriever Space Orbital

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Colorado Springs is home to some of the best mountain bike trails the state has to offer.

That’s great for the mountain bike enthusiast who has been riding for more than a few years and has gained a bit of knowledge about where the best trails are and how to reach them. But, folks interested in taking up a new sport or cyclists new to Colorado Springs may have some have questions about where to start.

Thankfully, there are loads of resources in town for people who want to get started, find the right bike, equipment and, most of all, where to find the right trail.

Fernando Martinez Batiz, recreation assistant at Fort Carson’s Outdoor Recreation department, recommends that riders download the Colorado Trail Explorer app called COTREX, which is also available for desktop. The free app allows users to find trails, view maps and learn more about specific trails.

“The app is super useful and helpful,” Martinez Batiz said. “It includes hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, plus it includes mileage and elevation and frequently

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updates any relevant closures.”

People new to the Pikes Peak Region should also visit the www.mtbr.com website. There, riders will find maps for every

“Probably the most popular trail for avid mountain bikers can be found off of Gold Camp Road.”

— Fernando Martinez Batiz trail in every state and read reviews of the trails from people who’ve experienced them.

The site also hosts forums where people review bikes, parts, supplies and pretty much everything that involves mountain biking.

Interested riders can also gain a lot of valuable information at one of Colorado Springs’ many local bike shops. Staff at the local bike shops can steer people in the right

direction as far as the type of bike they’ll need given their skill level and the types of trails they can hope to ride, “The bike shops are great resources for anyone looking to get into mountain biking,” said Martinez Batiz. “From there it’s all about gaining experience and learning one’s skill level.”

Beginners should get a feel for their bikes on local hiking trails in the city. Most are relatively flat and don’t present much technical difficulty.

The U.S. Air Force Academy, offers trails for beginners and less experienced riders, specifically, the Falcon Trail, which loops around the Academy, though it may be a bit long for some beginners as it’s nearly 13 miles long. Cheyenne Mountain State Park just west of Fort Carson has many beginner trails as well and they’re well marked at each intersection, making it hard to get lost.

Palmer Park also may appeal to locals due to its central location and variety of difficulty.

Martinez Batiz recommends Red Rock Canyon Open Space, on the city’s west side, for beginners as its trail system offers a wide variety of skill-level trails and a skills park as well. The trails are well marked and navi-

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An advertising supplement to the Fort Carson Mountaineer and the Peterson & Schriever Space Orbital

gating the area is fairly simple.

Fort Carson’s Outdoor Recreation offers mountain biking classes for interested riders and even includes bike rentals.

Staff usually meet class attendees at local venues, where they teach skills and offer tips during a group ride. Outdoor Rec, as it’s known, is open to all DOD card holders and anyone else who has access to Fort Carson.

“Probably the most popular trail for avid mountain bikers can be found off of Gold Camp Road,” Martinez Batiz said. “Captain Jacks and the Shoots are well maintained trails and offer a flowy experience. The COTREX app and multiple websites will help direct riders to the trail head.”

A long-time rider, Martinez-Batiz said mountain biking is a lifelong sport, one that offers fun and excitement while challenging its participants.

“It’s challenging physically, but it also presents riders with a mental game,” he said. “I think it’s similar to climbing.

When you’re doing it, its just you and the trail. Everything else seems to melt away. It’s therapeutic, forces one to focus and it gives one a sense of exploring, especially if you’re on a new trail.”

Of course, anyone who has ridden a bike is aware of its dangers. Like any sport, if someone wants to improve it’s imperative that they push their limits.

That’s one reason it’s important to wear the proper protective equipment, including helmet, gloves and glasses.

Martinez Batiz advises riders to also bring tools, water, spare tubes and a pump on rides as a precaution, but insists they’ll most likely encounter other riders after a time if they stay on the trail.

“One great aspect to Red Rock Open space is it includes features that riders can choose to skip the first few times they ride a trail, but as they gain more skill and experience, they may feel more confident in attempting a jump or steeper section.”

Adventurous or more experienced riders can also check into one of Colorado’s many ski resorts that offer downhill experiences on their ski mountains.

Resorts in Summit County, Vail and Winter Park all host Mountain Bike Parks, where riders take the ski lift up (along

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May 20, 2022

3B

with their bikes) and ride the trails down. The Photo by Fernando Martinez Batiz resorts offer trail maps to riders that show the same difficulty ratings as ski runs – green for easiest, blue for intermediate and black for expert trails, so it’s easy to choose the trail that’s right for them, whichever resort they choose to visit.

At Breckenridge, riders can take the chair lift up at Peak 8 and choose between a variety of skill-level trails. At Vail Mountain, riders can take a gondola up the mountain and choose to cruise down easy routes along mountain prairies or opt for more technical trails in the trees.

Winter Park offers the Trestle Bike Park which is famous for the wooden trestles intermingled among its trails.

Those who prefer to get away from crowds can visit Mountain Bike Granby Ranch, west of Rocky Mountain National Park. While experienced riders can challenge themselves there the park also boasts several cross-country and family friendly trails.

If one doesn’t mind traveling a bit further, Crested Butte Mountain Resort hosts the Evolution Bike Park which touts more than There are world-class mountain biking trails for you and your friends in your backyard.

30 miles of multiple skill-level routes.

Keystone Ski Area’s Bike Park features jumps, rock gardens, free falls and wooden features as well There are lots of options out there and people tend to as berms, ramps and a skill park, while offering more than come away with a better fit than someone who just walks 100 miles of trails, many for beginner-level riders. into a store blind. Some shops and cycling organizations Mountain Bike enthusiasts can also fi nd mountain offer group rides, where more experienced riders can sort bike parks at Copper Mountain, Telluride Ski Resort and of mentor the newer folks.

Snowmass Village near Aspen.

The Women’s Mountain Biking Association of Colorado Those who would prefer to gain some experience before Springs, for instance, (http://wmbacos.org/group-rides/) heading off to the ski slopes have a few options. hosts group mountain bike rides for women in the area.

Martinez Batiz recommends people try renting a bike For more information about summer-time as well as from Outdoor Rec or a local bike shop before buying, and winter-time mountain biking adventure trips, instructional then searching out opportunities to take instructional classes classes and bike-rental information, contact Fort Carson and group rides.

Outdoor Rec at www.carson.armymwr.com.

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COURSES, EVENTS & SERVICES

WWW.CARSON.ARMY.MIL/ACS • (719) 526-4590

ACS programs offer a wide variety of classes, events and services. Each program is represented online. Find class times and further details of ACS classes and events at www.carson.armymwr.com/acs. To speak with a program specialist call (719) 526-4590.

ARMY FAMILY TEAM BUILDING (AFTB)

(719) 526-4590 FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAM

5 LOVE LANGUAGES This class will discuss your “Love Language” Level K provides the basic information and Level G focuses on personal growth and how to use it to strengthen your skills needed by all military Family through communication, exploring members. These include military terms, personality traits, creative problem solving and communication style. acronyms, customs and expectations, impact of many aspects of self improvement.

COOPERATIVE PARENTING & DIVORCE the mission on family life, and much more.

Understand your new roles in this important ACS INSTRUCTOR TRAINING COURSE relationship and how to best support LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT (LEVEL L) your kids during this transition. Meets the Students will learn the many skills and Level L will enhance an individual’s professional growth and techniques necessary to be a successful State of Colorado requirement for divorcing leadership skills. This training is for those facilitator. As well as how to prepare for and couples. who are or wish to be leaders, whether it is in present effective briefings, developing platform SAVING YOUR MARRIAGE BEFORE IT STARTS skills, teaching adult learners, and more. the unit or the community.

Ideally suited for Single individuals ARMY VOLUNTEER CORPS (AVC) (719) 526-1082 contemplating marriage as well as Couples that have been married up to five+ years. Teaches VOLUNTEER OF THE QUARTER ANNUAL AVC EVENTS participants how to safely address seven times a year AVC questions to ask about your relationship that Volunteer Recognition Ceremony, Four National Volunteer Week, National Night Out, organizes award ceremonies recognizing commonly cause stress and conflict in marriages.

Fort Carson Volunteers. and Make A Difference Day. RESILIENCE CLASSES NEW VOLUNTEER, Volunteer Management Information System (VMIS), & OPOC TRAINING Learn self-awareness, self-regulation, optimism, Provides information on registration of new volunteers, duties of the mental agility, strength of character, and OPOC (Organizational Point of Contact) and how to use the VMIS connection. Each class covers a different subject matter. Attendance of all classes encouraged.

(Volunteer Management Information System) to enter hours and earn awards.

MILITARY KNOWLEDGE (LEVEL K)

PERSONAL GROWTH (LEVEL G)

EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY MEMBER PROGRAM (EFMP) EFMP 101 Join us for EFMP 101, where program myths are busted and accurate information is explained in detail. We’ll help you understand the ins and outs of the program, how it affects you, and the services that are offered.

EFMP RESPITE CARE EFMP Respite Care is a temporary rest period for caregivers, providing them the opportunity to rest and rejuvenate with peace of mind, knowing their loved ones will be well cared for. Eligibility criteria apply.

EFMP SCHOOL SUPPORT If you have a child on an IEP or a 504 Plan, this service is for you! Clearly understanding the basics of the special education process, understanding your rights and responsibilities and those of the education system, and collaborating with educational professionals will help you feel like a true member of your child's IEP team. School support services are tailored to meet your child's individual needs.

(719) 526-0400

COMPASSIONATE ACTIONS ASSISTANCE Meet with an EFMP Systems Navigator to ensure individual circumstances meet criteria for requesting a compassionate reassignment, deletion, deferment or permissive attachment based on the individual Soldier's circumstances.

EFMP & ME This is a new digital tool to guide military families with special needs to the specific information and resources they need. Using the tool, you can learn about support services, preparing for a move or deployment, responding to changes in education or medical needs, and adjusting to new life situations. EFMP & Me gives families personalized assistance based on their specific circumstances.

SYSTEMS NAVIGATION SERVICES

(719) 526-0461 PARENTING WORKSHOP Learn to relate with your children by taking hold of your own emotional responses in this 4 week class. Helps parents to focus on their own behaviors.

PREP PREVENTION AND RELATIONSHIP EDUCATION PROGRAM The Prevention and Relationship Education Program will help you achieve your goals as a couple by building on your current strengths and learning new skills. All couples welcome.

SOLE PARENTING GROUP An opportunity for Soldiers to meet fellow single parents, attain resources and ask questions in a supportive environment.

EMPLOYMENT READINESS PROGRAM (ERP)

FEDERAL RESUMES AND USAJOBS.GOV

Searching and applying for federal jobs is different than the civilian job search process. ERP will go over the federal hiring process and how to navigate usajobs.gov. You will also learn tips and techniques on how to make the most of your job search and how to write and tailor your resume to a federal job announcement.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERIES

This series will include workshops with a different focus each month. Topics will include: LinkedIn Fundamentals & Personal Branding, Career Exploration, Business Etiquette, Interviewing, Credentialing and much more!

WRITE A WINNING RESUME This course will teach you how to develop a competitive private sector resume. Learn about the different resume formats, how to tailor your resume to fit a specific job posting and examine current resume trends.

VICTIM ADVOCACY PROGRAM

TEN GREAT DATES

One to Ten Seminar class is designed to help Couples focus on the positive experiences in their relationship and how to maintain healthy communication about their emotions, needs and intimacy and how to enhance those areas of their relationship.

(719) 526-0452 MILITARY SPOUSE PREFERENCE & FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT Are you a Military Spouse interested in federal employment? You may be eligible for Military Spouse Preference (MSP) when applying for Department of Defense (DoD) positions. Learn the requirements and documentation needed for MSP and other federal Military Spouse hiring authorities.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CAREER EXPLORATION FOR TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS This series will include workshops with a different focus each month. Topics will include: LinkedIn Fundamentals & Personal Branding, Career Exploration, Business Etiquette, Interviewing, Credentialing and much more!

(719) 526-0461

EFMP Systems Navigation is a Family support component of the EFMP that connects Families who have special needs with the systems of care they need, both on and off the installation. A standardized planning tool is used to help you identify

Non-clinical advocacy services and support to Soldiers and Family Members who are experiencing domestic violence.

ANNUAL TROOP TRAINING FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION Class includes: definition of domestic violence, types of domestic violence, reporting procedures and prevention. For upcoming dates or to schedule, call (719) 524-1899/0912.

WOMEN’S DOMESTIC VIOLENCE EMPOWERMENT SUPPORT GROUP your family’s needs and goals, which will be An 8 week Women’s support group for survivors of domestic violence. A group to support, organized and prioritized in a way that is easy encourage and empower women affected by domestic violence. to understand.

SOLDIER & FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER (SFAC) (719) 526-5807 LEADERSHIP RESPONSE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE This class is designed to help command teams understand their role in domestic violence TRANSITION AND MEDICAL RETIREMENT BRIEF MEDICAL SEPARATION ORIENTATION BRIEF Victim Advocacy This briefing is for SRU and IDES Soldiers Get orientated to the SFAC Program. Includes a response and to provide them with resources and information from the ACS Call 719-524-1899 for more Program, and information on the dynamics of domestic abuse. who have received their Army Disability facility tour and information on what services information or to schedule a class.

Rating and are transitioning out of the are provided through the SFAC. Open to all SRU, 24/7 VICTIM HOTLINE Call or Text (719) 243-7907 military. The brief covers all of the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) military benefits and services transitioning Army Community Service supports Commander’s readiness Soldiers and their Family Members.

Soldiers can utilize. goals with our portable class schedule.

ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT For Units & SFRGs. On your time at your place. To schedule go to Schedule your one-on-one support with the SFAC to support your transitions needs: financial counseling, education benefits, leave calculations, resume assistance, and recreation opportunities.

Class

www.carson.army.mil/acs and search 'Portable Class Delivery' .

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Military Family

An advertising supplement to the Fort Carson Mountaineer and the Peterson & Schriever Space Orbital

May 20, 2022

5B

COURSES, EVENTS & SERVICES

WWW.CARSON.ARMY.MIL/ACS • (719) 526-4590

ACS programs offer a wide variety of classes, events and services. Each program is represented online. Find class times and further details of ACS classes and events at www.carson.army.mil/acs.

RELOCATION READINESS PROGRAM (RELO) HOMEBUYER’S WORKSHOP Topics include: choosing a real estate agent, selecting the right house, obtaining the right mortgage, VA Loans, understanding the closing process and much more.

SPONSORSHIP TRAINING Required training for all Fort Carson sponsors.

Soldiers learn about sponsorship and resources available on Fort Carson.

(719) 526-4590 MOUNTAIN POST WELCOME FOR SPOUSES AND FAMILIES Meet other new spouses, get “insider tips” from spouses familiar with the area and have an opportunity to ask questions about your new home.

CULTURAL MEET-UPS Get acquainted with ACS offerings and find new friends in a community at Fort Carson that EVERYDAY ENGLISH includes people with similar backgrounds and Program for foreign born Spouses and experiences. Children welcome. Cultural group Soldiers. Participants develop basic English leaders needed. skills through conversation and activities.

PCS 101

WAITING FAMILIES PROGRAM Provides PCSing Soldiers with information on Open to any geographically separated planning and executing a successful move.

Families, to include TDY’s, unaccompanied Soldiers and Family Members can go online for assignments, and deployment. Stay up-to- this information or schedule a one-on-one date with what is going on at Fort Carson and appointment to cover all your questions. local communities.

DESTINATION OVERSEAS Learn about planning and executing a successful OCONUS PCS. Soldiers and Family Members can go online for this information or schedule a one-on-one appointment to cover all your questions.

IMMIGRATION / NATURALIZATION REFERRALS Free service open to all Soldiers, Spouses, and DA Civilians; Active Duty and retired. Representative works with the USCIS Denver Office representatives.

FINANCIAL READINESS PROGRAM (FRP)

(719) 526-4590

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CREDIT SCORE This class ensures Soldiers understand the importance of credit and why credit should be a part of their financial knowledge. If your credit score is less than 700, take this class to increase your financial knowledge and increase your purchasing power.

FINANCIAL COUNSELING Meet with one of our Financial Counselors and get a handle on your specific financial situation. This is one-to-one counseling for budgets, debt management, or retirement plans.

1st TERMERS TRAINING

ARMY EMERGENCY RELIEF (AER)

AER is a private non-profit organization whose mission is to provide financial assistance to Soldiers and Family Members, Retirees, Retiree Family members, and Medically Retired Wounded Warriors needing financial assistance in an unforeseen emergency situation. AER is dedicated to “Helping the Army Take Care Its Own.”

As a new Soldier, learn how to save and invest your valuable earnings, establish savings goals, debt elimination strategies, and create a savings plan for emergency situations. This class is open to all new Soldiers, their Family members and DoD ID card holders.

FINANCIAL STRENGTH BUDGETING 101

THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN CLASS

SMART MONEY TALKS

Learn about the TSP and the different options that are available to you within this program and the Retirement Plan and how this can or cannot fit in with your TSP. You will be able to understand how to build and secure your financial future as a single Soldier or married Soldier with or without children.

If you’ve never thought of having a budget, this class will help you learn how to create your own specific to your needs. Designed to ensure that each Soldier has a plan to better manage their money and create a sound financial plan. Family members are welcome to attend.

Soldiers and Family members who are wanting to improve their financial status and plan for the future are welcome.

Each month the subject of Smart Money Talks focuses on a different financial advice book, going into detail about how you can use these tools to improve your finances.

Along with this great information you will receive a copy of the book for free.

SURVIVOR OUTREACH SERVICES (SOS)

(719) 526-2069

HEARTBEAT Heartbeat Peer to Peer Support for Survivors of Military Suicide Loss. The Fort Carson Heartbeat group meets virtually and is open to anyone affected by a Military Suicide Loss. The group is facilitated by Survivors of Military Suicide Loss, and offers time to address suicide bereavement by offering comfort, encouragement and direction to those left to mourn.

Need to Talk?

To speak with a program specialist call (719) 526-4590.

NEW PARENT SUPPORT PROGRAM (NPSP) BRINGING UP YOUR BABY

(719) 526-0461

BOOT CAMP FOR NEW MOMS The NPSP will provide parents who have An education and discussion group for recently delivered, information on safety moms to share motherhood fears and challenges, practical activities, supporting and the services offered for new parents. dad and becoming a great mom.

NURTURING FAMILIES THROUGH PLAY BOOT CAMP FOR NEW DADS This 10-week class teaches parents how to An interactive and engaging class that use child play therapy skills to reduce focuses what it means to become a father, behavioral problems and enhance parent-child how to on care for baby, and how to care for relationships. mom.

HOME VISITS A voluntary home visitation program for Families expecting a child or with children from infant to 3 years of age.

Services are provided free of charge by NPSP staff.

INFANT MASSAGE & BABY NURTURING Increase the bond between you and your baby through various infant massage techniques. This class includes strokes to alleviate colic, creating strong bonds and increasing communication between NURTURING parent and baby.

These two 12-week classes teach parents how PLAY GROUP to be nurturing to their children as well as to themselves.

Touches on Fun filled, interactive meet-up for communication, building your child’s self- parents and children. Your child will esteem, behavior management techniques and improve their social, cognitive and motor much more. Classes are divided by child age: skills. For infants to 5 years of age. School Infant to 5 years of age and 5 to 12 years of age. age kids welcome in the summer.

TODDLER TIME CENTER ON FATHERING Focuses on gross motor enhancement This 15- week class will encourage through song and dance; sensory father-child relationships, cultivate enrichment through arts and crafts; as well bonding, attachment, communication and as nurturing the child and the parent. For ages build family resilience. Must sign up for the 18 months old and up. full 15 weeks. For more information please BABY SIGN LANGUAGE BASICS call 719-351-2997 or 719-524-1899.

Did you know that babies can TOUGH TOPICS actually understand spoken language before A group to help assist parents and caregivers with they are physically able to speak? You and your child can learn together. navigating difficult conversations.

MINDFUL MONDAYS PLAYGROUP Join us for a fun playgroup to enhance parent-child interactions and child growth and development while supporting mindfulness practices. This class is designed for ages 12-36 months.

MOBILIZATION & DEPLOYMENT CARE TEAM TRAINING

The Casualty Response (CARE) Team fills the gap between the notification team and personal support arriving. Training prepares volunteers to help during a time of tragedy or loss.

SFRG FUND CUSTODIAN TRAINING

Learn about the responsibilities of the fund custodian and the Army regulations for managing SFRG informal funds and fundraising. Suggested training for Commanders, SFRG informal fund custodians, and Command Family Readiness Representatives (CFRRs).

REAR DETACHMENT LEADERS COURSE

(719) 526-0458 SFRG RESOURCE OVERVIEW Review of available ACS, Installation, community, and national resources for Soldiers and their Families. This is an ideal course for anyone who takes an active role in helping Soldiers and Families.

FAMILY OPSEC Protect your Soldier by protecting the information you know. This is known as Operations Security (OPSEC). Class covers OPSEC for social media and personal security guidelines.

SFRG KEY CONTACT TRAINING

Soldier Family Readiness Group (SFRG) Key Provides an overview of the Rear Detachment Contact training covers the responsibilities and expectations of being a Key Contact. Learn how Leaders role and the many support programs and to handle crisis phone calls and other forms of services that are available both on and off the communication. installation. Rear Detachment leadership team, COMMAND FAMILY READINESS CFRRs, and support staff are welcome.

SFRG MANAGEMENT COURSE This course is ideal for anyone who plays an active role in the SFRG. Covers all aspects of SFRG Management.

REPRESENTATIVE (CFRR) ACADEMY

This course trains Soldiers selected to be unit Command Family Readiness Representative (CFRR) on how best to assist unit commanders with their SFRG.

Military & Family Life Counselors are available.

Call to schedule. (719) 526-4590

6B Military Family

May 20, 2022

An advertising supplement to the Fort Carson Mountaineer and the Peterson & Schriever Space Orbital

United States Air Force Academy Airman & Family Readiness Center

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MAY - AUGUST 2022 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Pre-registration required for all classes, Seating is limited, please register early! *Class times/dates subject to change or cancellation. www.USAFASupport.com/AFRC | Phone: 719-333-3444/3445 | Email: 10FSS.FSH.AFRC@us.af.mil | 6248 W. Pine Loop, USAF Academy, CO, 80840 Office Hours: Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. *2nd Wednesday of each Month Closed 2 - 4:30 p.m. Training

Bundles 4 Babies Workshop June 14, 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Great informative workshop open to all expectant and new parents. Learn budgeting, nutrition, basic parenting skills and more. Active Duty AF members or their spouse attendees are eligible to receive a $50 gift card courtesy of the Air Force Aid Society. Contact us directly to register.

Basic Résumé-Writing Workshop July 14, 10 a.m. - noon Learn to write an effective résumé that will open the door to your next career opportunity. Learn different résumé formats, how to best highlight your qualifications/ experience, how to prepare your résumé for specific jobs and more. Transitioning AF members have priority.

Federal Employment Class

July 26, 9 a.m. - noon Learn everything you need to know to apply for federal employment to include creating a résumé formatted to USAJOBS guidelines. Transitioning AF members have priority.

LinkedIn

July 7, 9 - 11 a.m.

Learn to use this social media to your advantage when networking and searching for your next job. Transitioning AF menbers have priority.

United through Reading Program Stay connected with your loved ones and share your love of reading with a child. Consider making a recording for a new baby, niece, nephew or grandchild.

Contact us today to learn more!

Personal Financial Readiness (PFR) Program

Helping Airmen, Guardians and family members improve their financial literacy through delivery of relatable fi nancial readiness education and counseling.

Contact the Personal Financial Counselor (PFC) to schedule your appointment today at PFC.USAFA.USAF@zeiders.com or 719-470-3911.

Financial Readiness Lunch-n-learn Sessions

Join us to explore a variety of financial topics that will help prepare you and your family financially for those big life events.

Open to all DoD cardholders.

June 16, 11 - 11:50 a.m. or noon - 12:50 p.m., Virtual via Zoom.

TOPIC: Stages of buying a home.

July 14, 11 - 11:50 a.m. or 12-12:50 p.m., Virtual via Zoom.

TOPIC: Investment Fraud/Scams.

Aug. 11, 11 - 11:50 a.m. or noon - 12:50 p.m., Virtual via Zoom.

TOPIC: Budgeting strategies/Debt reduction.

Exceptional Family Member Program Family Support (EFMP-FS) Events EFMP Family Support Group Offered every second Tuesday of the month. Hosted jointly by USAFA & Peterson SFB EFMP-FS. Contact us today to learn more!

EEMP Caregiver Events Tailored for USAFA & Peterson SFB EFMP adult family members. Contact us today to learn more!

EEMP Orientation Classes offered quarterly. Contact us today to learn more!

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The Vanguard School

is a tuition-free, K-12 public charter school serving students from across the Pikes Peak Region. Founded in 1995 by parents seeking a rigorous academic curriculum and strong character education for their children, Vanguard provides excellence in education in a safe, structured environment by adhering to our mission statement - “The mission of The Vanguard School is to help guide students in development of their character and academic potential through academically rigorous, content-rich educational programs.” Vanguard students develop lifelong habits of excellence in virtue and intellect, allowing them to prosper as classically educated individuals advancing a free society.

At The Vanguard School, education is not simply the means to the end of career fulfillment; it is the integral and challenging path to a life lived well. A classical education is about learning from the collective wisdom of our past. We treat history and literature as an ongoing story of which we are a part. This story reveals truth, beauty, and goodness in our world and how we can participate as human beings. Our school’s enduring, nationally acclaimed program prepares graduates for advanced education, meaningful contributions to society, and a life of purpose.

A Vanguard education is not easy. We often take our students to the “edge of struggle” because we know this is where the most growth happens, and the best work gets done. Vanguard students often go on to be immensely successful in higher education and beyond, but often, even more students go on to live life well, even when circumstances do not go according to plan. The skills they learn here equip them to maximize successes and to persevere through setbacks. Ultimately, Vanguard students are prepared to face each opportunity and obstacle as a learning experience.

To learn more about The Vanguard School, visit our website, www.TheVanguardSchool.com, email us at info@TheVanguardSchool. com, or call us at (719) 471-1999. To schedule a tour, please call Vanguard’s Enrollment Office at (719) 471-1999 x101. We accept applications on an ongoing basis and are currently enrolling students for the 2022-2023 school year.

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Schriever Airman & Family Readiness Center MAY - AUGUST 2022 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS The A&FRC strives to meet the needs of Airman and their families through a wide variety of avenues, to include unit briefings, classes, workshops, seminars and individual meetings.

Contact Shriever A&FRC at 719-567-3920 to sign up for programs or if you have questions or concerns.

Seating is limited, please register early! 01 Falcon Pkwy, Schriever AFB, CO 80912

Pre-Deployment Briefing

Key Spouse Initial Training

June 7, 14, 21, 28 / July 5, 12, 19, 26 / Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, noon - 1 p.m.

Provides information, education and assistance to the military members, their families, focusing on deployment and crisis response. These efforts aim at preparing military member and their families for all stages of deployment.

Needs to be completed 30-60 days prior to departure.

July 27, 9 - 3 p.m.

Post-Deployment Briefing June 7, 14, 21, 28 / July 5, 12, 19, 26 / Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 1 - 2 p.m.

Provide information and resources to returnees and their families. Must be completed within seven days of return and prior to rest and recuperation (postdeployment downtime and leave.)

Transition Initial Counseling Pre-Separation Counseling May 24 / June 7, 21 / July 19, 26 / Aug. 16, 23, 8:30 - 11 a.m.

Congressionally mandated for separating and retiring service members.

Member needs to complete pre-separation prior to being registered for TAP as this is a prerequisite.

Key Spouse Mentor Training May 31 / July 27, 9 - 11 a.m. June 22 / Aug. 17, 1 - 3 p.m.

Refresher training class for assigned Key Spouses and Key Spouse Mentors.

Train newly appointed Key Spouses in accordance to the IAW standard guidance.

FDS-Officer June 10 / July 8 / Aug. 19, 8- 11 a.m.

Mandatory Financial Brief for Officers arriving at first duty station. Budgeting, goal setting, car buying, credit, debt and local area issues are discussed.

BRS Continuation Pay Workshop June 1 / July 6 / Aug. 3, 9 - 10 a.m.

One-hour workshop to discuss BRS continuation pay midcareer bonus benefits and ensure understanding of eligibility requirements.

Smooth Move/Plan My Move June 6 / July 5 / Aug. 1, 1-3 p.m.

Offered to all military members and spouses. Find out as much as possible about your new location. Briefing with representatives from the finance office, the travel management office, TRICARE and other resourceful agencies in preparation for your upcoming relocation PCS.

Capstone May 26 / June 9, 23 / July 21, 28 / Aug. 18, 25, 9 - 11 a.m.

This is a congressionally mandated briefing for all those who are separating or retiring from the service. It provides information on benefits and entitlements

and must be taken NLT 90 days from the date of separation or retirement.

spouses to come together to resolve issues and share ideas.

Newcomers Orientation/ Right Start

Bundles for Babies

June 16 / July 21 / Aug. 18, 8-4:30 p.m., Bldg. 300 This briefing is for newly arrived personnel/family members on available Services and programs on base and in the community.

Tricare Transition Briefing May 25 / July 20, 9 - 11 a.m.

The overview of TRICARE for separating military members

Boots to Business Aug. 30, 31, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

An entrepreneurial education and training program offered by SBA as part of the Department of Defense’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP).

B2B provides participants with an overview of business ownership and is open to transitioning service members (including National Guard and Reserve) and their spouses. TAP 2 day Track.

July 22nd, 8-12 p.m.

For all Schriever military families who are expecting or have just given birth to a child (up to 3 months old). Learn about finances, stresses to couple hood, car seat safety, Tricare, CDC/FCC childcare & more. Open to Active Duty members, spouses of active duty, Guard/Reserve on active orders, and civilians.

Personal Branding for Your Next Career June 22 / Aug. 24, 9 - 11 a.m.

Writing a résumé, interviewing techniques, etc.

Sponsorhip Training June 1 / July 25 / Aug. 29, 1 - 3 p.m.

Learn what it takes to be an effective sponsor and what tools and resources are available to help with the process.*Please complete e-sponsorship training and bring certificate to class. Website for training: https://millifelearning.militaryonesource.mil/

Volunteer Training

TAP Workshop

July 25, 1 - 2 p.m.

Volunteer Training and requirements.

June 13- 17 / July 11 - 15 / Aug. 8 - 12, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

This five-day program is designed to prepare military members and families for their transition from military to civilian life. The workshop includes, VA Benefits and Services, DOD day, DOL day, and 2-day Employment Track.

Spouse Scoop May 23, 9-11 a.m. / June 29, 1 - 3 p.m.

Monthly workshop that offers military spouses an opportunity to enhance ones knowledge and capabilities and allows

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Shining a light on Springs links

By Kristian DePue

The Pikes Peak region is home to several great greens to putt upon, and Valley Hi Golf Course serves the southern part of city of Colorado Springs. “It’s a great place to play, especially if you’re just starting out,” says Patrick Gentile, golf division manager with the city of Colorado Springs.

“Valley Hi has a full restaurant and bar, that can host meetings and banquets.”

“We have great practice areas, and a four-hole short course. Valley Hi is partnered with First Tee of Southern Colorado. First Tee is a youth development organization that enables kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges by seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum. We create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that youth carry to everything they do. We’re truly building influential game changers through our junior golf programs.”

With the city, Patrick Gentile oversees both Valley Hi Golf Course and Patty Jewett Golf Course. Patty Jewett is more than just a golf course, it’s also a neighborhood hub

with the Patty Jewett Bar & Grill operating as a restaurant offering to the Old North End. The eatery is managed by restaurateur and hospitality consultant, Greg Howard of the Colorado Restaurant Association. “I like to refer to Patty Jewett as the ‘Cheers of golf,’ where everybody knows your name,” says Gentile.

Here are some golfing options in the light of the Centennial sun and under the shade of Pikes Peak.

Patty Jewett Golf Course Patty Jewett has a total of 27 greens. Their 18-hole course is a 72 par, with an additional nine-hole course available for play. pattyjewettgolfshop.com

Pine Creek Golf Club Open year-round since the spring of 1988, Pine Creek is a premier public golf course. This 18-hole is both physically and mentally demanding. pinecreekgc.com

Cherokee Ridge Golf Course A public 9-hole regulation course with a 9-hole Par 3 course with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. cherokeeridgegolfcourse.com

King’s Deer Golf Club On the outskirts of Monument, King’s Deer features an 18-hole championship public course. kingsdeergolfclub.com

Kissing Camels Golf Course Designed by renowned architect in 1961, this 27-hole course features immaculately groomed fairways. gardenofthegodsresort.com/things-to-do/golf/ courses/

For a full listing of golfing opportunities, visit Visit Colorado Springs’ website: visitcos.com, or jump straight to: visitcos. com/things-to-do/outdoors/golf/

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Frolf … Frisbee Golf … Disc Golf! … THE SUMMER OF GEORGE! In 1997, the character of George Constanza on the popular show Seinfeld just wanted a summer of pure freedom, a “Summer of George” — and it included both eating bricks of cheddar cheese and disc golf. You can have your own ’97 Summer of George in 2022 within the beautiful topography of Colorado Springs — just bring the cheese.

Disc golf is an accessible sport for anyone despite income or abilities. You can go out and enjoy nature and the sport alone — or with friends.

"Disc golf is the first thing that I engaged-in when I moved to Colorado Springs from Michigan because I didn’t know anybody. I met some really fun people on the Colorado courses." — Sebastian Andrigna, school teacher at Atlas Preparatory High School, District 2. Springs resident since 2015.

Andringa often plays at The Aviary.

The Springs is known for fabulous weather year-round, perfect for both golf and disc golf. Similar to regular golf, the goal is to have the fewest number of cumulative throws from the tee.

Disc Golf Courses in Colorful Colorado Springs:

The Aviary This course combines the use of Fountain Creek, open elevated shots and heavily wooded areas.

Cottonwood Creek This popular play is on the north side and has a great mix of wooded and open fairways with changes in elevation.

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

course provides challenges and requires maneuvering shots. The course is located on Fort Carson but is open to both military and non-military.

Holmes Middle School This smaller course is great for the beginner. Five baskets comprise this nine-hole mostly flat and lightly wooded course. *Available only when school is not in session.

Nick’s Soaring Eagle

Cumberland Green

Named after its 17-year-old creator who designed this course as his Eagle Scout service project, Nick’s is located on Woodland Park Middle School property.

This 18-hole course in Fountain is ready for your next game.

Rampart

Fort Carson

This challenging course contains a mix of long shots and elevation gains

Try out your throws on this short but challenging 9-hole disc course.

Established in 2015, this 9-hole

Rockin’ the Rails Located along Palmer Lake, this 18hole course offers players incredible views.

Sand Creek This wooded course offers nine holes to play.

Shining Mountain Golf Course Colorado’s first permanent Mountain Disc Golf course.

Widefield Park With a mix of technical and open shots, Widefield Park has a stream running through. 18 baskets are located throughout.

Woodmen Hills Parks and Rec Disc Golf Course Nine-hole beginners’ course. Each hole is a par three except the last.

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May 20, 2022

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Climbing: Like hiking straight up

By Tim Kranz

Climbing’s popularity has been growing at an incredible rate. Need evidence?

We present to you the 2021... er, 2020 Summer Olympics, which featured climbing events for the second Games in a row. (But don’t get us started on the Olympic format; we’ve got opinions!) That popularity is reflected locally as well, both in terms of the number of folks getting after it on the rocks, and the increasing number of climbing gyms along the Front Range (a Google search shows at least 10 in Denver alone).

If you’re looking to get into climbing, the gyms are a great place to start.

Colorado Springs has four as of this writing, with rumors of at least another on the way up north.

In the meantime, check out these tried and true local spots.

Springs Climbing Center Springs Climbing Center is the original gym in the Springs and wasn’t far behind some of the first centers in the country.

North of Downtown, they opened as the Sports Climbing Center in 1992! They’ve since renovated and shifted to being a bouldering-focused gym.

Springs Climbing Center | springsclimbingcenter.com

CityROCK Climbing Center CityROCK is in the middle of Downtown. Fun fact, their building was originally a theater. Conveniently, given their central location, there is a parking garage right across the street. They have both bouldering and roped climbing, and they have a bar!

CityROCK Climbing Center | climbcityrock.com

Pure Bouldering Gym The name says it all, Pure Bouldering Gym is just that. Southwest of Downtown, the gym is handily co-located with a used outdoor gear shop, Gearonimo (cute, right?), next door.

Pure Bouldering Gym | pureboulderinggym.com

Gripstone Gripstone is the new kid on the block here in the Springs but not new to the climbing gym biz, with operations in Florida and Arizona too. They are off Powers Boulevard in the northeast, and have both bouldering and roped climbing.

Gripstone Climbing & Fitness | gripstonecs.com

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We can also bring the party to you, with a number of options to meet your needs.

Farm parties include our petting zoo, 40’ x 60’ jump pillow, hay-ride, barrel train, yard games, fire truck, kid’s town, and El Paso county’s favorite camel, Boo. Mobile offerings can include: travelling petting zoo, pony party, unicorn party, barrel train, and much more.

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For information about graduation rates, the median load debt of students who completed the program and other important information visit tspacoloradosprings.com. All services performed by supervised students.

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Military Families Benefit Most from Fiber Internet

StratusIQ is a locally owned and operated company, founded in 2003 to build a better fiber network. We are dedicated to bringing high speed Internet to El Paso County. Through our secure network we bring phone, TV and Internet services to our customers.

Some of the larger neighborhoods we service include Banning Lewis Ranch, Gables at Falcon Highlands, Patriot Park, and Woodmen Hills, etc.

Our fiber network provides a fast, reliable, and secure transport of our customer’s data. Our local staff specializes in customer service and community involvement.

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Gyms offer classes, and if you’re serious about developing into a strong climber, they’re highly recommended.

Technique in climbing is very important and can take you a long way. But just going to the gym and getting your climb on is a great and fun workout, not to mention an introduction to an engaging community.

If your passion includes getting outside and climbing in some of the natural beauty Colorado offers, then we can’t overstate the importance of education. Gravity is a harsh mistress.

There are local guide services, as well as the gyms, that offer classes to transition you from indoor to outdoor climbing. Indoor climbing does have its risks, but it’s a much more controlled environment than anything you will encounter outside. Proper training is absolutely crucial to get outside and climb safely and responsibly. That said, you don’t have to go far to get out and climb.

Garden of the Gods has been enticing climbers with its sandstone spires and fins for decades. You might even find metal hardware that was hammered into the rock well before you

were born. Red Rock Canyon Open Space is a more recently developed area and also includes a lot of that iconic red sandstone. Crucially, sandstone gets soft and can be damaged if climbed when it’s wet. Make sure it’s had a chance to dry out before you go. Both locations require an online permit from the city prior to climbing.

To get on some of that Colorado granite, Cheyenne Canyon is a short drive away. Climber opinions on the granite in the canyon are mixed; some think it’s more like kitty litter and not worth the effort. Others appreciate a local crag you could bike to and a creek in which to soak your feet after a solid climbing session.

Short drives from the Springs open up a whole world of climbing opportunities in the South Platte and at a Colorado climbing mecca, Shelf Road.

Mountain Project (mountainproject. com) is a fantastic resource for finding information on climbing areas. Our local outdoor shops, like Mountain Chalet (mtnchalet.com), also carry lots of guide books and gear and have people who are fonts of knowledge.

Climb on!

Free Supports for Caregivers Are you a military spouse watching young children that aren’t your own? You may consider yourself a babysitter or nanny, but you are SO MUCH MORE! You are a Family, Friend + Neighbor caregiver.

Military spouses, neighbors and moms have been helping families by watching their young children for as long as the military has been around, and you play an important role – for parents and our community!

While watching children can be fun, it can also be tiring and sometimes lonesome. That’s why the Foundations program of Joint Initiatives offers free support to caregivers. We help you network with other caregivers, provide fun activities to keep children busy, and let you know about resources and events…. all for FREE. To learn more, please give Karla a call, text, or email.

She is our Family, Friend + Neighbor Specialist and ready to help.

Nosotras hablamos español.

ARE YOU WATCHING YOUNG CHILDREN FOR A FAMILY MEMBER, FRIEND, OR NEIGHBOR? Many in our community are caring for children under the age of five. Some are doing it as a favor for a family member, a friend, or a neighbor, and some are getting paid. Either way, we want to support you as you care for the youngest children in our community.

Please call or text Karla below about our new free program, which brings together caregivers for support, networking, and sharing of information and activities/recipes for children.

Karla Rivera Ramirez | 719.960.7336 KRiveraRamirez@jointinitiatives.org

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Meadowgrass becomes electric This year's festival will feature its most diverse lineup yet

By Loring Wirbel

This Memorial Day weekend, MeadowGrass will host what will feel like a first post-pandemic event, with festival headliners that reach well beyond five-member bluegrass ensemble stereotypes.

Friday night’s headlining act, for instance, is the Grammy Award-winning Ranky Tanky, who draw upon the Gullah musical tradition that originated among the descendants of enslaved Africans in the American Southeast.

The South Carolina band’s MeadowGrass performance will offer many their first opportunity to experience this soulful music in a live setting.

Darlingside, the festival’s second-night headliners, specialize in four-part harmonies and a folk-pop sound that NPR has likened to David Crosby and The Byrds. The Bostonbased group was originally scheduled to play the 2020 MeadowGrass Festival, which was canceled due to nationwide lockdowns.

The three-day festival will come to a close on Sunday evening with a Cajun-inspired set from blues-rock singer-songwriter Marc Broussard, a favorite in several Louisiana and deep South communities.

Headliners notwithstanding, this year’s Black Forest event will still have plenty of bluegrass music to go around, including two women’s supergroups from Colorado: Big Richard is a four-piece semi-acoustic act fronted by Bonnie Sims, while Longmont’s Sugar Moon is a traditional bluegrass ensemble who borrowed their name from a Bob Wills song.

Steve Harris, the festival’s long-time curator, says the goals for this year’s MeadowGrass were to bring in artists who had been unable to play previous festivals due to the pandemic, while continuing to offer a wide variety of genres and styles.

Nicole Nicoletta, executive director of sponsoring organization Rocky Mountain Highway, says the easing of the pandemic has lifted a number of the restrictions that were in place last year. Attendees and campers will once again be able to fill their own water bottles at stations throughout the festival site. Food availability will also be expanded, including a late-night food truck for campers at the nightly Inglis Hall jams.

The physical layout of the festival has changed little since the first event was held in 2009. MeadowGrass occupies the entire central meadow of the La Foret Conference Center, which is located just west of Black Forest Road on Shoup Road in Black Forest.

The stage area is still on the north end of the meadow, with food and merchandise vendors arrayed along the western edge. On the east side, the artists’ green room, music merchandise tent, handicapped restrooms, and a large

children’s activity area are aligned from north to south. Camping is in the wooded areas on the fringes of the meadow, primarily on the south side.

One change, Nicoletta says, may prove unpopular with some MeadowGrass regulars.

The familiar yellow and white circus tent, which had provided shade for bands and a surrounding dance area since the festival’s early days, was eliminated last year due to concerns that the tent could serve as a Covid super-spreader.

Last year, festival attendees were allowed to set up a limited number of 10’ x 10’ popup tents, but that will no longer be an option.

“For safety and space reasons, we are limiting meadow personal covers to five-foot sun shades. There was no room for 10’ x 10’ tents, and there were many logistics concerns behind not bringing back the big tent,” she says. “We realize some patrons really liked the big tent, and may be upset, but the openness created in the meadow will help us expand areas for activities for both teens and younger children.”

One of those new attractions comes courtesy of Boredomfighters, a music production nonprofit that aims to bring beat-box and multi-track sound production to underserved communities. The Boredomfighters bus with its mobile studio and instruments will give kids and teens the opportunity to make their own tracks for a recording that will be made available to participants after the festival.

Adults who are fans of on-site imbibing options will want to make a note that the beer-tasting fest, which shifted to Sunday for 2021, is back to its original Friday afternoon time frame. Breweries and distilleries will have adult beverages on sale throughout the festival, but the afternoon beer fest is a free tasting experience included in the price of the daily ticket.

Last year’s MeadowGrass Festival will of course hold a special place in the hearts of many, since it represented the first chance for people to come out to a large multi-day outdoor music event since the March 2020 lockdown. But 2022 represents a true return to form, Nicoletta says. Audiences were respectfully cautious on distancing a year ago. The intervening months of delta and omicron variants kept the caution in place, but Nicoletta says the eased on-site protocols will feel like a return to pre-pandemic days.

Meadowgrass performance curator Steve Harris and festival executive director Nicole Nicoletta help take us through the lineup of this year’s MeadowGrass Music Festival, which will be held at La Foret Conference & Retreat Center in Black Forest from May 27-29.

Each day begins with two local artists from the Colorado Springs area. Late-night shows at Inglis Hall are for campers only.

Meadowgrass 2022 Lineup FRIDAY, MAY 27

Spur: Local duo of Jerry Cordova and Travis Duncan. (1:30 p.m.)

Steve Harris Songwriter of the Year Announcement: Event will include performances by finalists.

(2:15 p.m.)

Jon E Boothe & The Nightwatch: Led by Nashville-born Boothe, this seven-piece country-rock band from Colorado Springs introduced its first single, “Don’t Do It to Me” in 2021. (2:45 p.m.)

Beer Festival: See main story (4 p.m.)

StillHouse Junkies: The band takes pride in being launched in a distillery in Durango. Consisting of vocalist and fiddle player Alissa Wolf, bassist and vocalist Cody Tinnin, and mandolin/guitar-

Meadowgrass 2022 Lineup ist and vocalist Fred Kosak, StillHouse brews a mix of roots, blues, funk and swing. They have a self-released full-length CD and EP. (4:30 p.m.)

Armchair Boogie: A “jamgrass” foursome from Madison, WI with two full-length albums and an EP under their belt, Harris describes them as having the high-energy flavor of Leftover Salmon or Yonder Mountain String Band. (6:15 p.m.)

Ranky Tanky: This South Carolina band won a Grammy for Best Regional Roots Music in 2019 for its second album “Good Time.” Harris says he had been only vaguely aware of Gullah as a distinct music style, but was hooked from the moment he heard Ranky Tanky. The six-member group from Charleston is centered around the vocals of Quiana Parker. (8:15 p.m.)

Red Mountain Boys: This popular Colorado Springs “high country” band includes Alan Thomas Begley on guitar, Jeff Daugherty on mandolin, Lewis Mock on banjo, and Jon Murphy on bass. (10:30)

SATURDAY, MAY 28

Curtis Boucher: A popular Manitou Springs singer-songwriter with new work on Bandcamp. (11 a.m.)

Big Richard: Harris says Bonnie Sims, a popular mandolinist, helped create the group in 2021, consisting of herself and Joy Adams (cello), Emma Rose (bass and guitar), and Eve Panning (fiddle).

They just released a cover of “Walls of Time” at the end of March. (12:15 p.m.)

The River Arkansas: Rain-related technical problems in 2021 shortened the set of this band founded

by Mike Clark of Haunted Windchimes and Sugar Sounds fame. Band members hail from Pueblo, Trinidad, Boulder, and the San Luis Valley. They were invited back this year for an encore full set. (1:30 p.m.)

Dori Freeman: This resident of rural Galax, Virginia has released five albums, and won the production support of Teddy Thompson (son of guitarist Richard Thompson) early in her career. Harris says Freeman’s 2016 eponymous album produced by Thompson was in his Top 25 that year, and he’s been trying to get her to MeadowGrass ever since. She’ll be playing as a duo with a percussionist. (3 p.m.)

Emily Scott Robinson: Robinson released two stripped-down acoustic albums while traveling between Alamosa and Nashville. Since resettling in Telluride, she has signed with John Prine’s Oh Boy Records, and recorded the 2021 album “American Siren” with a full band. Harris says he had heard from Alamosa friends that he must hear her album, and once he picked it up, he wondered why he waited so long. (4:45 p.m.)

Laura Cortese & The Dance Cards: Bostonian Laura Cortese was supposed to bring her three fellow Dance Cards (Valerie Thompson on cello, Jenna Moynihan on fiddle, and Natalie Bohrn on bass) to MeadowGrass in 2020. Harris had hoped to bring her back last year, but Cortese’s temporary residency in Belgium and a newborn baby interfered. She did play Colorado Springs in mid-summer 2021, opening for The Mountain Goats at The Black Sheep. She’ll make her MeadowGrass debut on the heels of her second studio album on Compass with the Dance Cards, following five solo albums prior to 2015. (6:30 p.m.)

Darlingside: This Boston-area harmony vocal quartet was another act Harris hoped to bring in 2020, following raves from a Folks Fest appearance. The band summons comparisons from Fleet Foxes to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Its members (Don Mitchell on guitar and banjo, Auyon Mukharji on mandolin and violin, Harris Paseltiner on guitar and cello, and David Senft on bass and kick drum), write about eclectic subjects ranging from Harrison Ford to the end of the world.

Harris said Darlingside are selective at accepting live appearances, so he feels privileged to bring them to MeadowGrass. (8:30 p.m.)

Barefoot Family Caravan: Armadillo Ranch held a battle of the bands in the spring to choose a band to send to the Saturday late-night Inglis Hall show. Manitou Springs’ own Barefoot Family Caravan won the slot by popular acclaim. (10:30 p.m.)

SUNDAY, MAY 29

School of Rock House Band: Yes, Colorado Springs has its own School of Rock franchise on N. Academy, and if you’ve never heard a high school SoR class belt out favorites, you have no idea how well prepared the next generation is. (10:30 a.m.)

Craig Walter: Walter has been a favorite singer-songwriter in Colorado Springs for many years, appearing at venues from Stargazers to Red Gravy. He has released several albums, the most recent of which is “Driftwood Memories.” (11:45 a.m.)

Sugar Moon: Sugar Moon is the Longmont trio of Kyra Holt on banjo, Elli Varas on guitar, and Christie Schneider on fiddle. Their debut album *Special Shade of Blue came out in 2020, and this is one of the trio’s rare visits to Southern Colorado. (1:15 p.m.)

Raye Zaragoza: Nicoletta is especially excited to welcome this artist of Japanese, Native American, Mexican, and Tawianese ancestry, who is now based in Los Angeles. She has four albums to her credit, and Paste magazine calls her “one of the most politically relevant artists in her genre” – which Nicoletta said is an indicator she can speak for many of the underrepresented in the world. (2:45 p.m.)

Tow’rs: Flagstaff-based Tow’rs was assembled by Kyle and Gretta Miller, who met at Northern Arizona University while performing worship music. In the four more secularly-oriented albums they’ve released since then, the band has won a wide following in indie folk. (4:30 p.m.)

Cordovas: This Nashville band consists of bassist/vocalist Joe Firstman, keyboardist Jon Loyd, guitarist Lucca Soria, and drummer Graham Spillman. Critics often pigeonhole them as “new country,” but the band emphasizes rock roots, with three albums suggestive of Lucero. (6:15 p.m.)

Marc Broussard: Nicoletta said she discovered Broussard as a fortuitous accident while vacationing in Charleston. She immediately realized how ideal his Louisiana-tinged blues rock would be for MeadowGrass, and a deal was sealed within a few hours’ time. In addition to eight studio albums, Broussard has a live album and several live quasi-bootlegs under his belt. Be ready to appreciate his funk as much as his Cajun rock. (8:15 p.m.)

Hickabee: This local trio first met at a Palmer Lake coffee house, and has a debut album out which fits solidly in the “Y’Alternative” genre. (10:30 p.m.)

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May 20, 2022

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Supporting trans members of the military community

Inside Out Youth Services courtesy photo An estimated 1.4 million Americans identify with a gender or genders different from the one they were assigned at birth based on apparent sex, and Department of Defense supports their right to serve as their genuine selves.

By Fiona Truant

Some people are transgender, and according to U.S. Department of Defense policy, that’s OK. An estimated 1.4 million Americans, or 0.4% of the population, identify with a gender or genders different from the one they were assigned at birth based on apparent sex, according to the Williams Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles. In 2021, President Joe Biden’s administration rescinded a ban on transgender people joining the military, also creating a process by which transgender service members may transition gender to serve as their genuine selves.

This policy lines up with active duty service members’ real attitudes. A 2020 DOD-funded study in the journal Sexuality Research and Social Policy showed that 66 percent of active duty soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines support transgender people being able to serve, with each surveyed branch showing at least majority support.

This does not, however, mean that coming out is easy.

“Coming out to [my coworkers] is one of the scariest things I’ve done in my life, and I say that with the background that I’ve been in combat,” said Amanda Pose, who works for U.S. Northern Command. “I’ve led Marines in combat. I’ve been shot at and shot back. That’s easy compared to this whole process.”

Pose, who served in the Marine Corps for 26 years, socially transitioned — that is, she began publicly presenting herself as a woman — in 2021. Despite her fears, she said her supervisors and coworkers have shown incredible support, which made everything easier. In March 2022, she was asked to be part of a panel on transgender issues and experiences for a women’s leadership summit on Peterson Space Force Base. The panel consisted of Pose and army veteran Yeva Felhare, who also came out while in a postservice career. She, too, found support in her coworkers, as well as her friends and family outside of the military.

“My commander, along with the rest of my leadership team, went through everything — security forces, claims processing services, everything — to make sure that somebody coming out in my situation is protected,” said Felhare.

The panel was introduced by Peterson diversity and inclusion coordinator Hugo Escobar. As with the summit itself, the panel was part of efforts to be proactive with education and awareness about diversity and inclusion-related issues, fostering diverse and effective military communities. Escobar and his Schriever SFB counterpart, Tephanie Hopper, are working on a website that will act as a hub for diversity and inclusion information. They also oversee a diversity and inclusion committee, which was planning festivities and educational content to mark Pride month in June.

“We want to celebrate that decision, when people come

out and say ‘here’s who I am,’” said Escobar. “What we don’t want to go over and over is the challenging part of coming out to your friends or coming out to your family.”

As nice as it is to celebrate the bravery of coming out, it’s worth noting that trans people, as with all members of the larger LGBTQ+/queer community, are not always able to come out or transition. Pose, who realized she was trans at age 11, is an example of that.

“I was smart enough at the time to realize that trying to transition in the ’80s as a young kid was quite possibly a death sentence,” she said. “I don’t mean that figuratively. I mean that literally. Transgender [people] get killed pretty regularly.”

In 2021, at least 51 transgender Americans were murdered, up from 44 in 2020. In 35 states, it’s legal for a defendant in a criminal case to blame their assault or murder victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity for the crime to attempt to lighten charges or a sentence, according to the American Bar Association. GLAAD, an anti-defamation organization for queer people, reported that 64% of queer social media users had experienced online harassment and/ or hate speech as of 2021.

“...people are so afraid to say the wrong thing that they end up seeming like they’re really unsupportive...”

— Liss Smith “There’s so much hate out there right now, and it’s so loud and prevalent,” said Liss Smith, communications manager for Inside Out Youth Services. “In many cases, especially for young folks, these are the only messages that they hear about trans people, so it’s very easy for them to believe that they’re alone, or people are going to be against them when they come out.”

IOYS (insideoutys.org) is a Colorado Springs nonprofit support organization for queer youths aged 13 to 24. They provide after-school programs, community-building and resilience education, therapy, education for parents and policymakers, advocacy and more. “[Queer people] are primed from an early age to seek out red flags and assume people aren’t going to be accepting, because that’s how we stay safe,” Smith said, explaining that the absence of prejudice and bigotry is not a sign of safety. “We need someone to be loudly supportive so we know if we are going to be OK with them.”

For those who have a colleague, friend or loved one who might be trans — or gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual, or any queer identity — but isn’t out yet, there are many ways to show support. Learning and affirmatively talking about community issues that affect trans people is a great way to be supportive. Rainbow or pride stickers, pins and the like can also help.

“If you don’t mention queer people in your daily life, then they don’t have any reason to think you’re going to be accepting,” Smith said. “It may seem over the top or sudden if you’re only now starting to do it, but I guarantee that the queer person in your life is going to appreciate the effort, if nothing else.”

When a person does come out, the easiest response is to listen and respect what they say. If a person asks to use a new name or pronouns, make a sincere effort to use them.

“We know from research that using someone’s chosen name and pronouns can reduce the risk of suicide by 56 percent,” Smith said. “Anything you can do to take some pressure off of them to correct you is probably the most effective and least time consuming way that you can support a trans person. It’s the baseline.”

That said, Smith points out that it’s okay to make mistakes in good faith, and it takes time to adjust any time a family member or long-time friend makes a big change in their life. Practicing a person’s new name and pronouns in one’s head helps. It’s good to remember also that a person might go through more than one name, set of pronouns or identity as they learn more about themselves.

“Something we run into, especially with our training [work], is that people are so afraid to say the wrong thing that they end up seeming like they’re really unsupportive because they don’t know how to talk about these things,” Smith said.

Many resources exist to help people learn more about trans terminology and issues as Peterson and Schriever’s diversity and inclusion website approaches its launch.

The long-standing organization Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, PFLAG (pflag.org), has chapters across the country and offers digital and print resources on its website for all manner of queer identities. The National Center for Transgender Equality (transequality.org) regularly discusses or advocates on transgender issues across the country. SPARTA (spartapride.org) is a support and advocacy organization that specifically works with actively serving trans service members, though they offer smaller groups for families and allies.

Locally, the Transgender Center of the Rockies (transgendercenteroft herockies.org) and The Center on Colfax (lgbtqcolorado.org) both serve similar purposes to Inside Out, but accessible to people ages 25 and up. Both are located in Denver.

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Homeschooling options in Colorado

May 20, 2022

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Are you concerned about your child’s education? Whether it’s the public school class structure or educational material, or frequent moves causing learning gaps, we know the anxiety is real. You’re not alone. Over the last two years, the US Census Bureau has estimated that the number of homeschooling families has grown from 3% to 11% of US households with school-aged children.* Families aren’t turning to homeschooling just because they are running away from the public schools. Many are doing so because they are running towards something they see as valuable. Homeschooling has many unique advantages. A few of these benefits include: - Quality one-on-one instruction - it’s hard to beat that teacher student ratio!

- The ability to tailor the instruction to the student’s strengths, weaknesses, and learning gaps.

- And being able to build stronger parent/child relationships that will last for decades to come.

Are you considering homeschooling, but aren’t quite sure where to start? Well we’re here to help!

We are Christian Home Educators of Colorado (CHEC), and we have been around since 1990 with the purpose of providing resources and encouragement to homeschooling families (or families considering homeschooling) in the Rocky Mountain region.

CHEC’s mission is to defend your family’s freedom and help you homeschool with confidence.

So how do you get started homeschooling? First you need to decide which of the legal options for homeschooling is the best fit for your family. In the state of Colorado, there are three legal ways to homeschool: (1) File a Notice of Intent and follow the Home-Based Education law; OR (2) Enroll in an independent school and follow their policies; OR (3) Obtain a Colorado teacher’s license and homeschool your kids.

If you go to our website, CHEC.org, we have copious amounts of information on how to file a Notice of Intent and homeschool under the Home-Based Education law.

Additionally, we liked the second option so much, in 2001 we established the CHEC Independent School as a sub-ministry of CHEC to provide families the opportunity to enroll in a “umbrella” school that lets them teach their children at home.

The CHEC Independent School exists to help Colorado parents succeed in their God-given role of directing the education of their children. And with thousands of Colorado families enrolled, the CHEC Independent School is doing just that. When you enroll your students in the CHEC Independent School, you’ll enjoy: Security — Your legal responsibilities are satisfied when you homeschool under our private school umbrella. Our staff of homeschool parents and graduates receive phone calls 5 days a week, so answers to your homeschool questions are only a phone call away.

Privacy — Your records are kept private and confidential, and you are no longer required to file any records or notices with school districts. You can choose any curriculum that fulfills your needs, and our online enrollment and record management is simple and fast.

All-Access Benefits — With a desire to bring great encouragement to your family’s homeschooling journey throughout the year, we have put together an awesome package of All-Access Benefits that add up to a $500 value. Your benefits include: - Free admission to the Rocky Mountain Homeschool Conference, CHEC’s annual conference, for the whole family ($100 value) - Unlimited access to the Mentor Mom Program, where you can get encouragement and advice from real homeschooling moms ($100+ value) - Access to online resources through Homeschool Summits events ($100 value) - Free admission to the Homeschool Introductory Seminar ($40 value) - Free admission to the High School and Beyond Seminar ($69 value) - Downloadable planners and scheduling helps, transcript templates, and much more.

- Additionally, we are the only independent school that has a team down at the Capitol who is fighting daily for your parental rights, religious liberty, and homeschooling freedom.

If you’d like to learn more about the CHEC Independent School, visit CHECIS.org or feel free to shoot us an email at school@chec.org, or we’re available by phone Monday–Friday, 10am–5pm (720-842-4852).

And in appreciation of your family’s service to our country, we would like to extend a special offer to you. When you apply to the CHEC Independent School, use the coupon code MIL15 to activate your military family discount and get 15% off your enrollment fee. Visit CHECIS.org today to apply! This coupon expires October 1st, 2022. * Duvall, Steven. PhD. Home School Legal Defense. 2022. “Homeschool Surge Still Going Strong.” April 12, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2022. https://hslda.org/post/homeschool-surge-still-going-strong#_edn5

CHEC INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

A Colorado Umbrella School for Homeschool Families!

Sign up today

and receive your Military Family Discount of 15% off your enrollment fee!

Use code MIL15. Expires 10/1/22.

CHECIS.org

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*The person pictured is not an actual service member.