The Coalition Against Abuse in Later Life is hosting a community event at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the El Pomar Foundation, Penrose House, 1661 Mesa Ave., to raise awareness and to recognize efforts to curb physical and financial exploitation of the growing elderly population.About 87,000 people over the age of 60 are in El Paso County. The Colorado Springs Police Department said about 2,500 reports of crimes against the elderly are filed annually.Colorado State Sen. John Morse will discuss the Legislature’s efforts to clarify and strengthen power of attorney and guardianship laws to curb financial exploitation, which is most often done by a family member or close friend, Morse said.“A lot of the bills are to make sure we guard against family members who are using estates before an estate is even in place,” Morse said.Other speakers include Police Chief Richard Myers, El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa, county Department of Human Services Director Rick Bengtsson and District Attorney Dan May.For more information, call Cari Karns at 884-2377

Jenny Alpeter, center, is the bird in the cage while members of the Cheyenne Mountain High School Heritage Dancers square dance with guests during the celebration of the Heritage Park and Legacy Pathway grand opening Saturday, June 12, 2010, at the Cheyenne Mountain Heritage Center. The Grass Hat Gals provided the live musics for the dance. Photo by The Gazette, Christian Murdock