The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Electric Safari

Electric Safari's 21st Anniversary

Lights, Animals, and Holiday Spirit!

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is excited to celebrate 21 years of holiday lights and winter family fun at Electric Safari! Over one million sparkling lights illuminate crisp winter nights, including over 40 animated light sculptures. Warming fires throughout the Zoo offer a reprieve from the chill, as do select indoor animal exhibits that remain open during the event. And if you haven't seen the city's lights from the Zoo at night, you're in for a double treat!

Dates

Electric Safari is open for 19 Nights!
December 9th - 11th
16th - January 1st
*Electric Safari is NOT open on Christmas Eve, 12/24

Times

5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, with the last admission sold at 7:30 pm.

Activities

Since it’s a season of giving, you can help make gifts for the animals in The Loft and learn more about your favorites during special zookeeper talks each night. Select animal exhibits are also open during the event, including the giraffe barn, Rocky Mountain Wild, Asian Highlands, Monkey Pavilion, Lion's Lair and Aquatics.

Be a Secret Santa to the Animals!

Bring a gift on their wish list and receive $2 off an adult admission or $1 off a child admission. Each item donated is valid for up to four admission discounts. Not valid with other discounts. We can only accept unopened cans/containers.

• cereal, sugar free (Kellogg's Raisin Bran, Cracklin' Oat Bran or Quaker Life cereals are preferred)
• peanut butter or jelly, sugar free or low sugar
• rawhides
• Kong or rope dog toys
• box of crayons or markers
• dried fruit (raisins, dates, figs, etc.)
• glue sticks for hot glue guns
• spices
• coconuts
• duct tape
• honey
• perfume

Special Signing Santa Night!

Tuesday, December 20
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm, with the last admission sold at 7:30 pm
Celebrate the spirit of Christmas with your family during a very special night of Electric Safari. Deaf and hard of hearing kids can share their wish list with Santa in American Sign Language, and volunteers from Access 2 Sign Language, a local interpreting agency, will be on hand to interpret zookeeper talks and animal demonstrations.

Santa Zone

You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout I’m telling you why….Santa Claus is coming to town!

WHEN: Nightly, December 9-11, 16-23, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Between Aquatics and Primate World
WHAT: Santa Zone features amazing lights, music and warming areas. Get in the holiday spirit and mingle in the Santa Zone while you wait your turn to meet Kris Kringle!

Special Electric Safari Pony Rides

Nightly pony rides Dec. 17 - Jan. 2, open 5:30pm - 8:00pm
Cost: $1/loop
Also - Discounted pony camp sessions are offerd during the month of December, please see Pony Camps for further Holiday Camp details!.

Have a party during Electric Safari!

Looking for a unique venue for your company holiday party this season? The Lodge at Moose Lake is available for private rental during Electric Safari! For details, please contact Kassy Boyd with Taste of the Wild, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s exclusive caterer, at 719-314-0970 or catering@cmzoo.org.

Tickets

Zoo Only (no Sky Ride):

Adult $8.25
Child $5.25 (Ages 3 to 11)
Children 2 and under are free.

Combo Tickets (including Sky Ride):

Adult Combo $11.25
Child Combo $8.25 (Ages 3 to 11)
Children 2 and under are free.

Sky Ride Only (no Zoo experience included):

Adult Sky Ride $5
Child Sky Ride $4 (Ages 3 to 11)
Children 2 and under are free.

CMZoo Members

Our Members receive FREE Electric Safari visits! Please visit the Member's Only page and click on 'Zoo Happenings' for more details. Thank you for your support!

Mountaineer Sky Ride for Members:

Adult $4
Child $3 (Ages 3 to 11)
Children 2 and under are free.
*Sorry, the Sky Ride Day Pass is not applicable to this event.

Military Personnel

All military personnel (active and retired) and their families presenting a valid Military ID receive $4.25 admission for any night of Electric Safari.

Group Tickets

Group tickets (minimum 15 people per group) for qualifying organizations are $2 off per person for admission into the Zoo only (no discounts apply for combo tickets or sky ride only tickets). Please call 719-633-9925 ext 111 for more information.

Survivor Benefit Plan

 SURVIVOR BENEFIT PLAN (SBP): Retiring! Hard to believe, isn't it? After all these years you and your family are about to leave active duty to enjoy a well-earned life in the civilian world. Right now your mind is filled with thoughts of the many things you must do to prepare for this major change. The move to and setting up of a new home; new neighbors and schools; a new job -- all these things demand time and attention. But before they get you too wrapped up, there's ONE decision you must make before you retire that will last for the rest of your life -- and beyond! Prior to retiring, you will have a chance to enroll in the SBP.

For more information, please contact Mr. Kevin Mitchel (SBP Counselor) of 50 FSS/FSFR at 567-4037 or at Kevin.Mitchell@schriever.af.mil.

Expectant Mother's Program

Any woman who is in her third trimester of pregnancy is entitled to park in designated parking spaces at Schriever AFB (located outside of buildings 210, 200 and 120) if she has a voucher to display on the dashboard of her car. She may receive a voucher by bringing a note from her doctor verifying that she is in her third trimester to the Schriever Airman and Family Readiness Center.

For more information, please contact Heidi Tintle of 50 FSS/FSFR at 567-3920 or at geydy.tintle.ctr@schriever.af.mil.

Youth Creative Cooking Class! July 18th-July 22nd

The Youth Sports Office is planning a Creative Cooking class for youth aged 9-18 of active duty and retired military, NAF and DoD civilians and contractors. The class runs from 18-22 July.

Cost is free and will be from 0900-1300 every day. Cooking sessions will be held at the Tierra Vista Community Center.

 Email korey.kuykendall@schriever.af.mil or call Korey Kuykendall at 567-2850 to register or for more information.

Loan Closet Available to Schriever Community

 Did you know the Schriever Airman & Family Readiness Center Loan Closet is available to anyone working on Schriever? The loan closet is a free service providing common household items for use during PSC moves to or from Schriever AFB. Now there is no need to go without before your household goods arrive, or when your household items are packed and shipped.

 For more information, please contact Heidi Tintle of 50 FSS/FSFR at 567-3920 or at geydy.tintle.ctr@schriever.af.mil.

Need a Listening Ear?

The Military and Family Life Consultant (MFLC) is here to listen and address marriage and relationship issues, parenting, sibling and family issues, communication challenges, stress and anxiety, grief and loss, and daily life issues. The MFLC is available every day, 0830-1630, at the Airman & Family Readiness Center, Bldg. T-65. Drop-in appointments are available or you can schedule a time by calling the MLFC directly at 651-3379.

 For more information, please contact Heidi Tintle of 50 FSS/FSFR at 567-3920 or at geydy.tintle.ctr@schriever.af.mil

Youth Hiking Camp August 1st-5th

 The Youth Sports Office is planning a hiking camp to take place 1-5 August. The camp is open to kids aged 10-18 of active duty and retired military, NAF and DoD civilians and contractors; parents are invited.

 The camp will leave Schriever AFB every morning at 0900 and hike a different, local trail every day. Hikes will range in length from 4 miles to 7 miles, some will be strenuous. Cost is $50 per person.

For more information, please contact Mr. Korey Kuykendall of 50 FSS/FSVS at 567-2850 or at Korey.kuykendall@schriever.af.mil.

Air Force Aid

 Individuals interested in applying for Air Force Aid emergency assistance, to include Falcon loans, should now apply online at https://my.afas.org/memberportal/Login/Login.aspx. After completing the application they should call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 567-3920 to make an appointment. Also a copy of the current LES is needed to complete the process.

For more information, please contact Heidi Tintle of 50 FSS/FSFR at 567-3920 or at geydy.tintle.ctr@schriever.af.mil.

Summer Swimming Hours

 Lifeguards are on duty at the Tierra Vista Pool this summer during the following hours:

•   0600-1000 Tue, Thur, Fri for Adult Lap Swim
•   1000-1200 Tue, Thur, Fri for Open Swim Tue
•   1200-1400 Tues, Fri for CDC Summer Camp Program
•   1400-1600 Tue, Thur, Fri for Open Swim
•   1600-1800 Tue, Thur for Adult Lap Swim

All ID cardholders are eligible.

 For more information, please contact Mr. Seth Cannello of 50 FSS/FSVS at 567-6658 or at Seth.Cannello@schriever.af.mil.



Volunteer Ops at the Schriever Base Picnic July 14th-15th

The Base Picnic is scheduled for 15 July 2011 and there will be plenty of volunteer opportunities and fun for the whole family. If you are interested in volunteering, contact 50 FSS soon in order to request your job of choice. Areas include event set-up and tear-down, food service, activity monitor, area and program coordinators and more!

 For more information, please contact Mr. Kingsbury of 50 FSS/FSM at 567-2240 or at Wayne.Kingsbury@schriever.af.mil.

Cook it Up! Online Recipe Contest

USAF FitFamily, in conjunction with My Air Force Life has launched the Cook It Up Healthy Recipe contest! Participants can create and submit new healthy recipes or take old favorites and add a nutritious twist for a chance to win great prizes that include:

Exchange movie tickets, My Air Force Life t-shirts, iTunes gift cards, iPads and a chance to bring Celebrity Chef Herb Mesa to their base!

 The FitFamily Cook It Up Healthy Recipe contest runs through 30 June and the more recipes submitted the greater chance to win. If you are a FitFamily Goal Tracker member you will earn points just for submitting a recipe!

Visit www.usaffitfamily.com for all of the details and to enter the Cook it Up Healthy Recipe Contest.

 For more information, please contact David Brittain of AF/A1S1 at 703-604-6427 or at david.brittain@pentagon.af.mil.

Youth Flag Football Registration July 1st- July 29th

The Youth Sports Office is opening registration for flag football. All youth of Active Duty and retired military, NAF and DoD civilians and contractors aged 3-18 are eligible to play.

Registration is 1 July-29 July and the season will run 6 August-24 September.


Cost is $50 for youth aged 3-6 and $60 for youth aged 7-18. Cost includes a team and individual picture, trophy and end of season banquet.

 For more information, please contact Korey Kuykendall of 50 FSS/FSVS at 567-2850 or at korey.kuykendall@schriever.af.mil.

Main Fitness Center Basketball Court Closure June 30th

The gymnasium in the Main Fitness Center will be closed from 1200 until 1700 on 30 June in support of the 50 SW Promotion Party.

 For more information, please contact Mr. Seth Cannello of 50 FSS/FSVS at 567-6658 or at Seth.Cannello@schriever.af.mil.

Celebrate the Fourth of July at Falcon Stadium!

MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT WITH THE SKY SOX!

 Enjoy a free baseball game between the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Colorado
Rockies) and the Tacoma Rainiers (Seattle Mariners) on Wed., July 6, at
Security Service Field, off N. Powers and N. Carefree.

Gates open 6 p.m.;game time is 7:05 p.m.

All DoD ID cardholders are eligible to get up to 10
free vouchers. Vouchers are available at ITT, Bldg. 640, and must be
exchanged for actual game tickets at the Sky Sox ticket window, open 9
a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

We encourage you to do so before game day. For
ticket availability, call 591-SOXX. You can upgrade to a box seat for $4.
Parking is $5/vehicle. For more information, call ITT at 556-1760

Dog Parks Located in Colorado Springs

Hello Spouses!

I have listed a few dog parks that are located in Colorado Springs. Dog parks are a great way to socialize your beloved pet. Dog parks provide exercise and promote responsible pet ownership. Additional dog park benefits include:

1) Promoting responsible dog ownership

2) Socialization and exercise for dogs (which leads to a healthier dog in both mind and body)

3) Bringing dogs and owners together in neutral territory, which can reduce fear and aggression in dogs.

4) And many more benefits!

Remember to never substitute dog parks for your dog’s daily walks. It is very important that your dog get an adequate amount of daily exercise.

I hope this list is helpful!

Jessica Lewis

2d Sops Key Spouse

Jesslewis2sopskeyspouse@live.com

Dog Parks in Colorado Springs

Bear Creek Park

Fenced- A short trail set aside from the rest of Bear Creek as an off leash dog park. A small area is also fenced off as a small dog's only area.

Location: 21^st Street. Go east on 21^st Street and drive up the large hill-at the light at the bottom, turn right into the parking lot.

Cheyenne Meadows Park (South Portion)

Fenced-This simple, no-frills off-leash park is loved by locals. The park is fully fenced and known for being clean and well maintained.

Location: Native grass area off Charmwood Drive and Canoe Creek Drive.

Garden of the Gods Dog Park

Unfenced- Location: Area east of the Rock Ledge Ranch and South of Gateway Road.

Rampart Dog Park

Fenced- Benches, trees, parking, disposal bags, water, and trashcans. Access for the disable is available. Hours: Daily 5am-11pm, May thru Oct. and 5am-9pm the rest of the year.

Location: 8270 Lexington Drive- at the intersection of Lexington and N. Union Blvd- go north on Lexington-then turn left into the park entrance.

Palmer Park Dog Park

**Note** Palmer park has the highest occurrences of dog fights-best time to visit is in the morning when there are fewer dogs. Fenced in softball field with a special entrance. Fenced, benches, parking, disposal bags, dog water fountain. Anywhere from 10-5- dogs running and playing together at one time.

Location: Academy and Maizeland- Go west on Maizeland 1 block and turn right into Palmer Park. Go one more block and the dog park is on the right.

Red Rock Canyon

Unfenced- Location: area southeast and up the hill from the parking lot. Be sure to bring water to drink and a baggy to clean up after your dog. Unfenced- the off leash area is southeast and up the hill from the parking lot

Peterson AFB Dog Park

Fenced- This dog park is located on Peterson AFB in the housing area.

Location: New base housing near the turn circle.

Great News!

  Dog Park Coming Soon to Shriever AFB!

Greetings Spouses and Loved Ones!

Your Key Spouses are here to help you stay in-touch with unit, base, and community happenings, along with assisting our 2d SOPS families. We are a source of information, so please do not hesitate to utilize your new resources!

Hello fellow 2d SOPS Loved Ones!

My name is Jessica Lewis and I am delighted to be one of your Key Spouses! I am the spouse of Staff Sergeant Jovahn Lewis. We have been residents of the Colorado Springs area about a year and I have to say that we are very pleased to be here. We have only been a part of the Air Force for 4 years and so far, we have had a wonderful experience. We have lived and traveled in Europe and met many great people during our 4 years. My husband and I have a 4-year-old son and a chocolate Standard Poodle. I am looking forward to meeting each one of you! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me at: Jesslewis2sopskeyspouse@live.com

Hello fellow 2d SOPS Loved Ones!

 My name is Angela Yorkston I am excited to be one of your new Key Spouses! My wonderful hubby, SSgt. Scott Yorkston, and I will have been married for 9 years. We have two great boys (5yrs. and 3yrs.) I have a fantastic stepdaughter (12yrs.).We also have a beautiful Chocolate Lab. We have lived overseas and stateside. We have had some good experiences and some “needs improvement” situations, but we try to remain flexible and go-with-the-flow.  Scott has been in the Air Force for almost 9 years, but I have been a member since I was just a twinkle, my father is a retired Colonel. Therefore, I have experience as a dependent as well as a spouse.  We are new to the Space Operations field. Scott is prior Ammo and he just recently cross-trained. So far, we love it! I cannot wait to get to know you all! Please e-mail me at : ay2sopskeyspouse@aol.com