Debbie Kelley

2 weeks ago | gazette.com | Debbie Kelley

Initial reaction after finding out that Colorado Springs-based Focus on the Family made the Southern Poverty Law Center’s list of “hate and anti-government extremist” groups for the first time was a tongue-in-cheek, “What took them so long?” “Since Focus’ inception 48 years ago in 1977, we’ve had the same six guiding principles that adhere to the teachings of the Bible, three of which are what the Southern Poverty Law Center says is ‘hate,’” said Nicole Hunt, an employment law attorney who...

2 weeks ago | gazette.com | Debbie Kelley

Initial reaction after finding out that Colorado Springs-based Focus on the Family made the Southern Poverty Law Center’s list of “hate and anti-government extremist” groups for the first time was a tongue-in-cheek, “What took them so long?” “Since Focus’ inception 48 years ago in 1977, we’ve had the same six guiding principles that adhere to the teachings of the Bible, three of which are what the Southern Poverty Law Center says is ‘hate,’” said Nicole Hunt, an employment law attorney who...

3 weeks ago | gazette.com | Debbie Kelley

Clearing household clutter from the inside out is taking a turn toward compassion with a fundraiser for Hope COS, a nonprofit organization in Colorado Springs that provides services to benefit homeless people. Under “Clearing for a Cause,” A&M Trees LLC is donating proceeds from this summer’s junk removal and pruning or removal tree services — minus the cost of dump fees — to Hope COS to support its temporary emergency shelters on cold nights, recovery housing and sober living vouchers.

3 weeks ago | gazette.com | Debbie Kelley

How are people at the Chabad of Colorado Springs Jewish Community feeling after Sunday’s anti-Semitic terrorist attack at an outdoor mall in Boulder? Rabbi Boaz Vituk, who heads the synagogue, nudges aside his jacket before entering the holy building on Monday to lead a service for Shavuot. The high holiday marks God giving the Ten Commandments and other parts of the first five books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah, to Moses and Israelites on Mount Sinai around 1312 BCE.

4 weeks ago | gazette.com | Debbie Kelley

Members of the new Root for Justice ministry at First Congregational United Church of Christ want all Colorado Springs residents to be able to enjoy a picnic or other outdoor diversion under the serenity and natural air conditioning of shade trees. “Trees are incredible powerhouses in terms of their benefits to both people and animals. They nourish our spirits and the Earth,” said Siri Everett, who’s leading the eco-justice initiative that started last October at her church.