The Pikes Peak Workforce Center plans to expand its services at the Aspen Mine Center to full-time hours this spring, adding new staff, more computers for job-seekers’ use and a new skills-assessment program.

High school students considering their future prospects can take advantage of the office that will fill much of the second floor at the Aspen Mine. So too can active job seekers, people in need of training to land a job, and people who need the equipment and resources to prepare a resumé or to fax or e-mail employers. Companies seeking the appropriate personnel for their openings also benefit from the Workforce Center’s industry consul-tants, business roundtables and “hiring events” like job fairs, said EhvaLynn Graham, who has staffed the local Workforce Center on a part-time basis since the Aspen Mine Center opened.

Community spirit on a roll during Aspen Mine Center winter events

Delighted children collected candy and waved at Victorian gentlefolk, elves, and their young antler-wearing friends as the annual Gold Camp Christmas Parade rolled, strolled and marched by under sunny skies this winter. Laura Jeffery, the Aspen Mine Senior Club and others arranged the festivities, including a crafts bazaar in the Aspen Mine Center. Trees from the annual decorating contest were decked in glimmering glory and there were booths where kids could make beaded necklaces and choose free coats and gloves. The Cresson Dance Company entertained, performing Stacy Smith’s cheery Home for the Holidays, the skating-inspired Winter Wonderland and dances from The Nutcracker Suite.     Cortney Cumley & Michael Peterson