Westside Briefs:
Springs invited back for 2014 cycle race

       After a year away from the event, Colorado Springs will be part of the fourth annual USA Pro Challenge bicycle race in 2014.
       According to an announcement by Pro Challenge officials this week, the Springs will host Stage 4 (Thursday, Aug. 21) of the seven-stage international competition. The stage is identified as a “circuit race,” meaning racers would follow a course laid out within the city. However, the streets to be used are undetermined.
       “We are very pleased to once again participate in the [event] but don't yet have any routes set,” said Meredith Vaughan of the local organizing committee. She added that “it looks like we are a few weeks out” from making those decisions.
       When the Springs was a host city in 2011 and 2012, parts of the race took in the Westside, including the Garden of the Gods and Old Colorado City. The finish line was downtown.
      
       Fire-victim aid was goal
       Young at Heart, a group of about 25 seniors at First Evangelical Free Church, set out last month to gather nonperishable-food donations to help people who had suffered losses in last summer's Black Forest Fire and local flooding.
       “It was around Thanksgiving, and we wanted to give them something to feel thankful for,” said Shirley Sampson of First Evangelical.
       They finished packing numerous boxes with the food this week and gave them to Care & Share.
       However, Sampson said a Care & Share representative was unable to guarantee that the food would go only to the fire and flood victims. “With less money for food stamps [based on the current federal funding status], Care & Share believes there is a need for more food” for needy people in general, Sampson explained.
       Care & Share runs a 50,000-square-foot warehouse for donated food off Constitution Avenue and Powers Boulevard; it accepts donations and has distribution arrangements with about 30 emergency food pantries in El Paso County, including two on the Westside.
      
       Eagle Scout earned
       Michael Swanson, a Coronado High sophomore in Boy Scout Troop 287, recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
       For his project, he raised $500 for materials to build 12 wooden archery target stands for the Glen Eyrie Navigators summer camp program, then organized their assembly and staining with help from 13 Scouts and adult leaders from his troop. “The targets were especially valuable for the Navigators as part of their shooting range in Woodland Park burned down in the Waldo Canyon Fire,” a press release states. “The target stands ensured kids attending summer camp this year had the opportunity to participate in shooting sports.”
       Michael will be recognized at an Eagle Court of Honor ceremony Nov. 24.
      
       Volunteer drivers sought
       Silver Key Senior Services is seeking volunteer drivers for its Transportation Department.
       “A shortage of volunteer drivers means fewer rides are available to be scheduled, resulting in seniors not being able to get to medical appointments or the grocery store when needed,” a press release states.
       For more information, contact Linda Arguello at 884-2319 or email her at larguello@silverkey.org.

Westside Pioneer/press releases