Purple Heart Day

Two Purple Heart Day celebrations have been scheduled for this week around Teller County.

“All are welcome,” an event announcement says. “Honoring the courage, sacrifice and service of our nation’s heroes.”

Woodland Park will have its event on Aug. 8 from 9-11 a.m. at Tava House. A free breakfast will be provided. The Florissant Grange will host an event on Aug. 6 at 5:30 p.m.

The official holiday is the Aug. 7.

Summer festival

The City of Mines Summer Festival will be held Aug. 8-9 in Victor.

The event, sponsored by Flower & Mortar Herbal Co. and Threads and Treasures, LLC, will feature kids activities, local vendors, gold panning, music, food and the Cripple Creek donkeys.

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Celebration of life

A celebration of life for Toni Moore will be held on Aug. 5 at 5:30 p.m. at the Ute Pass Cultural Center.

“Toni’s passion for education, civic responsibility, community engagement and advocacy inspired countless people throughout Teller County,” an event announcement said. “Her kindness, leadership and unwavering commitment to serving others created a legacy that will continue to impact our community for years to come.”

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Youth basketball

Registration is now open for this season’s youth basketball program through Woodland Park Parks & Recreation.

Regular registration is open through Sept. 7. Late registration can be done through Sept. 14 (with a $5 late fee).

The season will begin Oct 12 for the following divisions: 3rd-4th grade coed, 5th-6th grade girls and 7th-8th grade girls.

First-2nd grade coed plus the boys divisions will begin in January.

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Touch a Truck

The annual Touch a truck event will be held on Aug. 12 at Meadow Wood Sports Complex.

The public can climb and crawl on vehicles big and small during this free event.

“Enjoy a hands-on day of exploring emergency vehicles, construction equipment, tractors, helicopters, school buses and more,” an event announcement says.

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Free lunch program

The Colorado Department of Education is providing Colorado schools with nearly $24 million in grant funding to implement a free lunch program.

Approved by voters in 2022, the Healthy School Meals for All provides free breakfast and lunch to all public school students in the state, as well as wage increases for cafeteria staff. The program is funded through a tax increase on households making more than $300,000 a year.

The state Education Department said the two new grants will support local food purchasing training, technical assistance for school districts and producers and pay increases for school nutrition professionals.

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Tire and TV recycling

The El Paso County Environmental Division will be recycling tires and large TVs on Aug. 14 at the El Paso County Household Hazardous Waste Facility located at 3255 Akers Drive in Colorado Springs.

Tires must be from passenger cars or light trucks and are limited to nine per household (no rims) and TVs are limited to two per household.

This event is free and open to all El Paso and Teller County households. Registration is required and can be done at https://cleansweepaugust2026.eventbrite.com.