Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Colorado’s aviation community faces a busy summer with fly-ins and airshows, including Colorado250 Flyover on July 4 and Colorado 150 Centennial Flyover on Aug.

1. The Colorado Division of Aeronautics urges pilots to register (see the updated events calendar for details).

Residents in the Patty Jewett neighborhood teamed with Infinite Disposal (merged with Apex Waste) to consolidate trash pickup, reducing multiple truck visits and alley damage.

The program, serving over 700 homes at a discount, is expanding with help from an environmental task force to encourage similar efforts across the city.

Silver Key is hosting a pantry food drive for older adults Tuesday through Thursday at 10 a.m. Drop off nonperishables, toilet paper and pet food at King Soopers (9225 N.

Union Blvd.) and Safeway (1121 N. Circle Drive), Westside Community Center and Tri-Lakes Thrift Store in Monument.

Colorado Springs-based VENU joined the Russell 3000 Index after Friday’s market close, with its inclusion set to take effect Monday; company leaders say the milestone will boost local visibility and attract increased institutional investment.

Theatreworks marks 50 years this season with productions of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, Romeo and Juliet, and The Garbologist running this weekend.

Artistic Director Max Schulman said community support plus local talent drive the theater’s continued success and future growth.

The Pikes Peak Region has earned a Sentinel Landscape designation to protect lands around five military bases including Fort Carson and the Air Force Academy (this move is meant to reduce wildfire and flooding risks while supporting conservation projects).

Officials will soon hire a coordinator and seek grant funds to boost local resilience.

Local fire officials are urging residents to follow firework safety tips ahead of the July 4 celebration; guidance includes keeping a safe distance and handling devices properly to prevent injuries.

The tips are available through local fire departments.

Former Navy SEAL Aaron Smith is converting the historic Crawford House into eight affordable rental units downtown; he (inspired by his service in Afghanistan) says the project aims to address a significant local housing shortage.

Future Colorado College hockey players Zach Olsen, Will McLaughlin and Jake Gustafson were selected in the NHL Draft on Saturday, marking the 101st to 103rd picks in the program’s history; McLaughlin and Gustafson are set to join the team in the 2027-2028 season while Olsen’s college plans remain unconfirmed.

Aaron Jaquez was named Gazette Preps Baseball Peak Performer of the Year at Falcon High School on June 18 — he led his team with a .629 average and 45 RBIs to help secure a 22-6 record.

Summer Cosmic Adventures: Mission to Mars

9 a.m.-12 p.m. — Space Foundation Headquarters and Discovery Center — $180 per camper — embark on a hands-on adventure to tackle engineering challenges and explore Mars.

Reel Fun Craft Night

4:30-6 p.m. — Peterson Library — Free entry — Enjoy a family-friendly movie while indulging in crafts and artistic fun for all ages.

Poolside Pals Family Fun: Paint Your Favorite!

12:00-1:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $29 per person — Enjoy a fun art class suitable for ages 5 and up where families can create colorful memories together.

Shallow End Fitness

2-6 p.m. — Peterson SFB Aquatic Center — No cost listed — Enjoy independent workout time in a reserved area of the pool designed for adults.

Live Music: School of Rock Performance

5-8 p.m. — Red Leg Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy live music from School of Rock students at a local brewery this summer.

Rockledge Ranch 4th of July Celebration

10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with the Pikes Peak Brass Band playing patriotic favorites.

Glow Animals | Family Day

11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $25 per person — Enjoy a fun, guided painting experience perfect for families and beginners.

Aqua Zumba with Natilia

8:45-9:30 a.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — $15 for locals, free for overnight guests — Dive into a fun dance party that blends Zumba with water resistance for a low-impact workout.

OCC Summer Concert Series featuring John Long

6-8 p.m. — Bancroft Park — Free entry — Enjoy free live blues music by John Long in a charming park setting.

The Planets: Reimagined

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Bancroft Park — Free entry — Enjoy an all-star big band performance of The Planets arranged by Jeremy Levy in a tribute to Gordon Goodwin.