Author: Pam Bales

Give! has channeled nearly $20 million to nonprofits in El Paso and Teller counties since 2009. Image courtesy of Give Pikes Peak. Each fall, hundreds of donors across El Paso and Teller counties log on to one website and make donations to multiple nonprofit organizations. The nonprofits include 11 categories covering youth programs, animal shelters, veterans’ services and arts organizations that rarely make headlines but help many across the region. The platform, Give!, has channeled nearly $20 million into the community since it began in 2009. “Give! was created to do two things,” explains Executive Director Victoria Norton. “It offers…

A still from “A Fox Under a Pink Moon,” one of the selections at this year’s Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival. This year marks 39 years in Colorado Springs for the longest-running women’s film festival in North America, the Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival on Oct. 16–18. If you’ve had it on your to-do list, do it this year! The festival’s roots began in 1987, when friends Donna Guthrie and Jere Martin were driving home from the Telluride Film Festival and hatched the idea. Nearly four decades later, it has grown into a fixture on the city’s cultural calendar, drawing…

Recently named the No. 2 zoo in the U.S., Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is marking its Centennial Celebration with a new giraffe exhibit, an entry refresh, a new gift shop and café and improved accessibility for more visitors. “We are truly excited to offer more accessible paths throughout the zoo,” says Dave Ruhl, the zoo’s executive vice president and incoming CEO. “As a mountain zoo with varied terrain, this is an important milestone. Our wider paths and gentler grades mean more visitors can experience this iconic place. And the paths mimic Colorado’s canyons, but not as steep.” Even the windows in…

Southern Colorado is one of the most pet-friendly regions in the country. In Colorado Springs and surrounding communities, dogs are not just pets, they are hiking buddies and patio partners. For pet owners who like to stay ahead of the curve, the region offers a growing list of dog-focused activities and services that go far beyond the traditional dog park. The region’s dog parks, including Bear Creek Park, offer some of the most unique terrain in the state. Colorado’s dog-friendly patio culture is well known, but a few businesses have elevated the concept. Dog-Friendly Patios Pub Dog Colorado One of…

Think about a gift that brings people together — cooking experiences. From mastering sauces to baking pastries, Colorado Springs has a vibrant culinary scene that’s perfect for gifting. Wrap up something delicious that offers creativity, connection and the joy of food. Cooking Classes & Culinary Experiences The French Kitchen The French Kitchen offers a full European-style culinary space that includes a French Bakery, Cooking School, Café and Market. Their gift certificates work for any class or café experience, making them an extremely flexible gift. Most classes fall in the $90–$150 range. 4771 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80918 tfkcc.com…

Holiday Shopping Guide – SoCo Insider Bring the magic home this season with permanent lighting, full-service displays, and outdoor ambiance designed to shine long past the holidays. Holiday Lighting & Outdoor Ambiance Lights Year Round Wish the holidays could last all year? Gemstone Lights makes that dream shine. These permanent, app-controlled LED systems are installed along rooflines and architectural details, creating a clean look that’s practically invisible by day. With more than 16 million colors to select, and rated to last 50,000 hours, these lights celebrate every season – from holiday reds and greens to Bronco’s orange and blue. Spend…

Not every great gift has to sparkle under the tree — sometimes the most appreciated presents are the ones that make life easier and more comfortable. This season, consider giving the gift of home care and convenience with these practical ideas found right here in Colorado Springs. Practical Gifts for Home Smart home thermostat or smart plug bundle Start with a smart home thermostat or smart plug bundle, perfect for saving on winter energy bills while adding modern comfort. You’ll find a variety of these items at Best Buy (multiple locations, check bestbuy.com) and Home Depot (homedepot.com). bestbuy.com · homedepot.com…

Give loved ones hosting help or hours of creative time with gourmet food. Classes and personal chef services let them spend more time with friends and family and less in the kitchen. Private Dining at Home Two Southern Colorado chefs offer private dinners in their clients’ homes, providing a memorable experience for couples, small gatherings or dinner parties. They customize menus for diets, restrictions and tastes. Chef Steven Anthony chefstevenanthony.square.site Chef Jess chefjesscolorado.wixsite.com/chefjess Healthy Living & Meal Support For family members who need help with meals, or people wanting to improve health goals, meal services can be a great way…