Westside Briefs:
Nature Center training volunteers

       Training is being offered to be a volunteer at the Bear Creek Nature Center.
       A free orientation session will be Saturday, Jan. 28. The time frame is 9 to 11:30 a.m. Volunteer information receptionists are needed. Anyone 18 years of age and older is welcome.
       Starting Feb. 3 will be a Friday series of environmental education program leader training classes through March 2. The deadline for sign-ups is Jan. 28.
       The Nature Center, one of two operated through El Paso County Parks, is at 245 Bear Creek Road.
       Reservations are needed for both volunteer opportunities. For more information, call 520-6387.
      
       Volunteer drivers sought
       Silver Key Senior Services needs volunteer drivers.
       The Westside-based nonprofit agency will provide the vans or small buses, which are used to take Silver Key's senior clients to their desired destinations.
       Drivers generally work one four-hour shift a week.
       Typical client trips are to doctors, the grocery store, social outings and work, a Silver Key press release states.
       For more information, contact Lisa Waltman at 884-2319 or lwaltman@silverkey.org.
      
       County plan deadline
       El Paso County is taking public comments on its “Strategic Plan” which goes to the year 2016.
       The deadline for comments is Jan. 27.
       According to a press release, the plan “assesses the county's current efforts and charts a course to improve services for county citizens” through the year 2016.
       A draft of the Strategic Plan can be found on the El Paso County website at www.elpasoco.com.
       Printed copies are available at several county locations, including the Citizen Service Center (Clerk and Recorder Office), 1675 W. Garden of the Gods Road; and County Parks Headquarters, 2002 Creek Crossing.
       Mailed comments should go to Tim Wolken, Community Services Department, 2022 Creek Crossing, Colorado Springs, CO 80905. E-mailed comments should go to timwolken@elpasoco.com.
      
       Adventurer's presentation
       A climber, adventurer and published author whose story has been featured on the “I Shouldn't Be Alive” TV show will speak Wednesday, Feb. 15 at the Garden of the Gods Club, 3320 Mesa Road.
       Including lunch, the cost for Jim Davidson's presentation is $35 to non-members, $20 for students. The session will begin at 11:30 a.m.
       The event sponsor is Southern Colorado HSMAI (Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International).
       Registration is requested by Feb. 10 at 888-792-9770 .
       According to a press release, “From his many climbs around the world, Jim has distilled an Expedition Execution framework for anticipating, embracing and overcoming challenges in life, business or climbing. This upbeat process allows people to reach long-term goals, and to become more resilient along the way.”

Westside Pioneer/press releases