“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
Albert Camus
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“Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn.”
Elizabeth Lawrence
Autumn is in the air ? even if we aren?t ready for summer to slip away. Leaves are beginning to change colors, the days are shorter, and the nip of cool air is unmistakable. ?Kids are back in school, and football is in full swing. It is time to take advantage of what our Ranch of the Rockies and Park County communities have to offer during this time of the year.
The South Park Plein Air Arts Celebration begins September 3rd and runs through September 7th. This is an especially significant event for the artist in you. If oil painting, water color, sketching, etc. is your favorite method of expressing your inner Picasso, this event will definitely be of interest to you. You can find out more about the Plein Air Arts Celebration on the South Park heritage website, http://www.southparkheritage.org/events/south-park-plein-air-arts-celebration.
Perhaps discovering the history of South Park is an interest of yours. There are a couple of events coming up in September that you might enjoy. September 14th at the Alma Town Hall, there will be a presentation of the film ?Ghosts of the West? by E.S. Knightchilde. You will find out about the thousands of towns and mining camps that were in their heyday during the big boom days. You can order your tickets and find out a little more about this special showing at http://www.fairy-lamp.com/SPCMuseum/South_Park_City_Main.html.
On September 21st you can even volunteer to help preserve some of Park County?s history. The Paris Mill needs to be prepared for winter and the South Park National Heritage Area, the Park County Office of Historic Preservations and the Mosquito Range Heritage Initiative need help in planning future uses of the Mill and surrounding area. You can be a part of history yourself by helping to preserve this important artifact. Find out more about how you can help by calling 719-836-4273.
However you celebrate autumn, make a point to get out and take in the beauty that our Ranch has to offer. Perhaps just sitting on a hillside or ledge and looking out over the expanse and then closing your eyes for a moment to try and envision the previous tenants who lived here; e.g. the Ute Indians as well as other tribes, the buffalo herds, trains carrying livestock and people excited to find their fortunes. We have found our fortune just by having property and a home here and a community to be proud of. When you have discovered something you would like to share with the rest of us, let us know. We?d be very happy to have you write an article for the newsletter. Celebrate and enjoy autumn, neighbors!
Brenda J. Whelan
