Fountain Valley News - Your Hometown Community Newspaper

Good day, I hope all are well and enjoyed the beautiful weather last week. I ask that residents take time to remember and thank veterans this week as we enjoy Veterans Day this Thursday. I too want to thank all those who have served and the families that support them, for their work on behalf of our great country. Also, I want to put out a reminder and details about upcoming deadlines for American Rescue Plan Act grants, and highlight a few of the upcoming Fountain Creek Nature Center events.

First, a reminder that El Paso County is accepting applications for its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to help the tourism and hospitality industry continue planned expansions and upgrades to their facilities, delayed due to the pandemic. The application process closes this week, Nov. 12, at 5 p.m.

ARPA Grant Organizational Eligibility: Facility must be located in El Paso County; For profit and nonprofit entities are both eligible. For profits may be capped at $50,000; Organizations that have already received support through the Regional Business Relief Fund are not eligible; Entity must be able to document that delays of the facility expansion or upgrade were due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligible Uses of Funding: Assist with increased constructions costs for planned expansions and upgrades to tourism and hospitality facilities delayed due to the pandemic; Implement COVID-19 mitigation and infection prevention measures to enable safe resumption of tourism, travel, and hospitality services, for example, improvements to ventilation, physical barriers or partitions, signage to facilitate social distancing, provision of masks or personal protective equipment, or consultation with infection prevention professionals to develop safe reopening plans; operations and programming costs are not eligible

For more information about the ARPA grant assistance and how to apply, please visit https://admin.elpasoco.com/arpa/. Also, remember that El Paso County is accepting applications for its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to help non-profit organizations assist individuals and households adversely impacted by the COVID-19. The deadline for that application is Nov. 19, at 5 p.m.

Also, don't forget to take advantage of our wonderful county asset, the Fountain Creek Nature Center. Here are a few of the upcoming events for you or kids to enjoy.

"Forest Therapy for the Immobile" will be held on Saturday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. This is a therapeutic experience where nature is brought to you with aromas, textures, sounds and flavors of the forest. All from the center's balcony overlooking the beautiful nature preserve. Hosted by Certified Forest Therapy Guide Summer Lajoie with Listening Pines. Cost is $30 per person, $20 per member. Call 719-520-6745 or go to http://www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com to register or for more information.

"2s & 3s Outdoors: Gobble Gobble!" will be held on Thursday, Nov. 18, and Friday, Nov. 19, from 9–10:15 a.m. Explore nature with your 2 or 3 year-old through interactive activities, a story, and a short hike. Cost is $3 per person including siblings 2 and over and adults. Prepaid registration is required. Call 719-520-6745 or go to http://www.elpasocountynaturecenters.com to register or for more information.

Finally, a "Holiday Craft Show" will be held on Saturday, Nov. 20, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at the nature center. Local artists and vendors will display and sell their unique creations. Enjoy the sights and smells of the season and support local community artists and the nature center through your purchases. The event is free to attend and shop! Contact [email protected] for an application to be a vendor.

Enjoy a wonderful week, a great Veterans Day, and God bless America!