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Biz Buzz:
The promotional event, March 19, is titled Mad Hatter Saturday, and is sponsored by the Old Colorado City Associates (OCCA) business group from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. According to the OCCA's organizer, Pam Gressett, “Old Colorado City will be transformed into a 'Wonderland' full of free interactive kids events, street theater and dozens of costumed characters. Local merchants are joining in the fun with sales, treats and complimentary s'mores.” Also included will be ice sculptors at 26th and Colorado, a hat-making station in Old Town Square, tea parties in Bancroft Park and a book sale at the Old Colorado City Library, Gressett said. The fundraising event will be the fourth annual Taste of OCC Sunday, May 1 in Bancroft Park. Spon-sored by the Old Colorado City Foundation (OCCF) - a charitable nonprofit started on behalf of OCCA merchants - the continuing goal is to add to the amount previously raised (about $30,000 through ticket sales and donations, so as to help City Parks fund a handicapped-accessible restroom addition to be built at the back of the bandshell building. As in the past, the event will feature a live band (J. Miller) and samples of food and drink donated by area restaurants and liquor distributors. Tickets are $30 in advance at TasteofOCC.com and will be $35 at the gate, with about 600 tickets available in all, according to organizer Kim Peterson. New this year, she said, (in response to last year's being held under a downpour) is a fallback indoor site in case of bad weather - the Junior Achievement facility on the north side of the 2300 block. Event-planning business A business that plans weddings and other events opened recently on the Westside. Kinsley K. Event Planning and Design is owned and managed by Debbie Kliché. Along with event planning, “I also design and create wedding bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres and table décor for any event,” she said. Her experience in the field goes back 30 years, including managing various events as a public high school teacher and a volunteer for nonprofit organizations. Operated out of her Westside home, the business is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment. For more information, call 237-9000 or e-mail debbie@kinsleyk.com. The website is kinsleyk.com. New cafe/coffee bar Sun Mountain Café recently opened at 2428 W. Colorado Ave. Open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays to Sundays, the café/coffee bar offers a range of food items, including breakfast meals, sandwiches, salads, soups and desserts; plus coffee, tea, juice and other beverages. The owners/operators are Jake Reed and Elyse Smith, with experience.in the medical field and the military. This helps them “understand the importance of personal interaction and, in turn, we always provide excellent customer service,” states a Sun Mountain press release. Asked about their location, the duo wrote, “We chose the Westside because of the atmosphere, the people and the beauty of Old Colorado City. We hope to become an integral stop for all travelers and locals alike while capturing a historic look and presence.” For more information, call 433-9448. The business website, which has been under construction, is sunmountaincafe.com. CHS grad's painting biz A 2015 Coronado High graduate, now a freshman at Colorado State University, has a summer job already lined up: as a self-employed house painter in and around the Westside. Michael Hedemark just started his business, College Works Painting, through a California-based internship company by that name. He is coming down from CSU on weekends to do estimates (at no charge), “and during the summer is when we will paint the houses,” he said. Although he is new to the painting business, he has received training from College Works and previously worked for nearly three years at the Garden of the Gods Gourmet restaurant. For more information, call Michael directly at 650-3827 or the main office at 888-450-9675. Metaphysical return Before relocating to Garden of the Gods Road last year, the Celebration metaphysical store had operated for many years in a row of converted houses on the south side of the 2200 block of West Colorado Avenue. A business in a similar genre has recently opened in a portion of that space. Nature's Soul Purpose, 2209 W. Colorado Ave., is a “healing and education center” providing “integrative energy works” and reiki and psychic readings, as well as a metaphysical store with essential oils, crystals and local art work, according to owner StarHawk Medicine Woman. “Nature's Soul Purpose intends to build a supportive community with high values and integrity; providing a safe and sacred space for you to become whole in mind, body and spirit,” she said. StarHawk added that she chose the location as a “long-time Westside resident. I love the Westside.” And when the Celebration location became available, “I had to be in there.” Nature's Soul Purpose is open Mondays to Saturdays. For more information, call 634-6722 or go to naturessoulpurpose.com. Do you have any news about your business? Call the Westside Pioneer at 471-6776. |