Mayor's Message, June 2023

Greetings!

Summer is definitely my favorite season in Palmer Lake. The days are longer, people are smiling, and the poppies are beginning to sprout all over our little mountain. Palmer Lake poppies have been here for as long as anyone can remember. However, we credit the late longtime resident Judy Voelker for spreading the poppy seeds, yearly, for everyone to enjoy. She shared these seeds freely as a way of showing her love for this community. As the poppies flourish and we remember Judy’s gift, may it remind us to share the love of community and do something nice for our neighbors. See the picture below!

As a Board of Trustees, we have been spending a significant amount of time examining the recently completed water analysis and discussing water rate structure and future infrastructure needs for the water system. The Town water system is in dire need of improvement as well as another groundwater resource. As growth continues throughout Tri-Lakes and Palmer Lake, the water system will need considerable planning. Anticipate much more to come in the capacity of water.

June is filled with events! There is something for everyone! We are looking forward to the Kids Fishing Derby beginning at 8am on 6/3 at Palmer Lake. I look forward to seeing pictures of all your little ones with their catch!

The PPLD with the Palmer Lake library presents, Dogs in the Wild, on 6/8 at 10am in the Village Green.  Denise Gard will be bringing her famous Border Collies to assist in storytelling.

Grab your favorite cowboy boots and get ready to kick up your heels at The Red, Wine, and Blue BBQ and dance on 6/10. This event supports the fireworks and the Festival on the Fourth. There are still tickets available at https://awakepalmerlake.org.

The Historical Society will be hosting the annual Ice Cream Social on Father’s Day from 2-4pm (6/18) in the Village Green with music by Craig Walter. Is there any better way to celebrate Dad than with free pie and ice cream?

The Village Green will also be the setting for Shakespeare in the Park put on by the Palmer Lake Arts Council on 6/24. This event is free to the public. Bring your friends, a picnic, and a blanket or chairs to sit on. Performances are at 1:30pm and 6pm with a Pre-Show educational talk at 12:30pm. Information about all upcoming events can be found at - https://www.townofpalmerlake.com/community/page/special-events.

The Board of Trustees directed staff to begin working on a lease agreement with Andiamo Catering by Paravicini’s in the main building and parsonage at Elephant Rock property. More details to come as they become available.  Please refer to the Elephant Rock page on the Town website for updates and developments on the property, found at https://www.townofpalmerlake.com/community/page/elephant-rock-property. 

The workgroup tasked with creating a Master Plan for the Elephant Rock property will start with a kickoff meeting on 6/14 at 1pm at the Town Hall to begin planning. Please contact Trustee Jessica Farr at Jfarr@palmer-lake.org for additional information.

With better weather, summer roadway work and trail flagging are underway. Several areas are marked, and we want to remind citizens to use extra caution.

Finally, a huge congratulations to all our 2023 Graduates! We are so very proud of your accomplishments and can’t wait to see you head out into the world carrying a little bit of Palmer Lake in your heart. The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members. Together we can move mountains!

Glant Havenar