Westside Briefs:
RMFI begins spring work at Garden

       The Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI) is welcoming volunteers for workdays at the Garden of the Gods this spring.
       Under a continuing agreement with the city, the non-profit organization's work this year will focus on the central Garden area, rebuilding damaged trail, closing and restoring unwanted social trails, and designating and improve other social trails, a press release states.
       In addition this year, RMFI is seeking volunteers to be “Garden greeters” during workdays - sitting at a table “close to the restoration work we'll be doing,” according to RMFI outreach coordinator Liz Nichol. “The idea is to have someone posted to explain the work that is being done and give visitors an idea of who we are and the restoration needs in the park.”
       A training/informational meeting for greeters will be Thursday, May 5 at the Garden of the Gods Visitors Center at 4:30 pm.
       All but one of the workdays (the first one, May 7) still have openings for volunteers. The dates are May 8, 21, 22, 28 and 29.
       Note: Except for May 21 - which is meant for middle and high school students (although parents are also welcome), the workdays are geared for adults (minimum age 16, or 13 if with a parent).
       Workdays are from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
       Pre-registration is necessary. For more information, call 471-7736 or e-mail rmfi@rmfi.org.
      
       Touching trucks at N-P
       Children will get a chance to play on big vehicles at the Touch-a-Truck event Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Norris-Penrose Event Center's Indoor Arena, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road.
       Admission is $5 a person (with discounts for a family of six or a military family).
       The event is sponsored by the Junior League of Colorado Springs, with proceeds going to the league's community programs.
       Marne O'Brien-Hillis of the Junior League said that among the “dozens of vehicles” on hand, there will be a fire truck, an ambulance and a cement mixer and “all those trucks kids love.”
      
       Art Walk May 6
       Old Colorado City's second First Friday Art Walk of the season will be May 6 from 5 to 8 p.m.
       Twelve businesses, with help from sponsors, combine to cover the costs of the free monthly event, in which the public is welcome to drop by and view art on display. Some participating shops or galleries also provide opportunities to meet artists, see demonstrations and/or hear live music.
       Arati Artists Gallery, 2425 W. Colorado Ave., has announced special plans for May 6: an exhibit featuring Marian Busey's prints and Magdalina's acrylic and mixed media paintings.
      
       PV Association active
       The Pleasant Valley Neighborhood Association is active this spring.
       A volunteer effort to clean up after dogs in Westmoor Park was April 16.
       Coming up is an open board meeting May 4 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, or to join the association, e-mail President Ryan Tefertiller at teferti@yahoo.com or call the Hansen residence at 488-3333.

Westside Pioneer/press releases