February 4, 2016 VOLUME 114 | ISSUE 14 | 75¢
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Event offers help amid struggle
The star atop the rock in Castle Rock shines blue and orange in support of the Denver Broncos. Photo courtesy of Nick Lucey
Castle Rock star shines for Broncos Lance Mettler, of Project ReCycle, hands out bikes to youths at the Strive to Thrive event hosted by Douglas County. Photos by Shanna Fortier
Community of Care Network holds event in Castle Rock By Shanna Fortier sfortier@coloradocommunitymedia.com Stacey Hudgens and her family have been living motel to motel for the past year. “It’s been pretty tedious,” she said, adding that they are currently living in a Super 8 in Douglas County. Her family was one of the many that attended Strive to Thrive, an event that brought together 35 agencies offering a variety of assistance to Douglas County families. “My husband and I are having some hard times right now, and this is just a great resource for our family,” Hudgens said. “To know that there’s food available at all times and you don’t have to go hungry is inspiring.” The eighth biannual Strive to Thrive Resource and Service Fair, hosted by Douglas County’s Community of Care Network, was Jan. 26 at Calvary Chapel in Castle Rock. The free event is designed to help teach attendees how to take advantage of free food and clothing, medical assistance and more, while giving them the opportunity to receive many of those benefits on site in a one-stop shop setting. Attendees were able to walk away with new warm clothes as well as food provided by food banks. They also learned about employment opportunities and how to apply for food
Laura Medina serves hot meals at the Strive to Thrive event hosted at Calvary Chapel Castle Rock. Charlene Hubbard, of Tiger Lily II Salon in Castle Rock, provides free haircuts and shaves at Strive to Thrive.
Staff report On Jan. 27, the star atop the iconic rock in Castle Rock started glowing with Denver Broncos pride. Castle Rock Fire and Rescue firefighters, who maintain the historic star, changed the 88 bulbs to blue and orange ahead of the Feb. 7 Super Bowl. “We know our community rallies around our signature rock, our star, and the Broncos,” said Castle Rock Fire Chief Art Morales. “This is one of those rare occasions when all three come together with the Broncos and the 50th Super Bowl. Go Broncos!” Traditionally, residents gather downtown for a Starlighting ceremony the Saturday before Thanksgiving, and the star remains lit until the last day of the National Western Stock Show. But this year it will be lit in Broncos colors each night until the Super Bowl. There have only been a few other times the star was lit outside of the holiday season. Following World War II, the star was illuminated with a “V” for victory. In 1998 and 2014, the star was blue and orange when the Broncos played in the Super Bowl.
INSIDE
The fans make their presence felt as Rock Canyon builds on strong season. PAGE 26
Thrive continues on Page 8
DOUGLAS COUNTY NEWS-PRESS (ISSN 1067-425X) (USPS 567-060) OFFICE: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 | PHONE: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Douglas County, Colorado, the News-Press is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT CASTLE ROCK, COLORADO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 DEADLINES: Display: Thurs. 5 p.m. | Classifieds: Tue. 8 a.m. | Obits: Mon. 4 p.m. | Legals: Thurs. 11 a.m.