Randy Reed
Summer is gone, and it’s officially fall. But October is more
than leaves falling off the trees and our first snowfall for the
season. It’s also Make a Difference Month.
There are many ways you can make a difference in Castle Rock, in
October and throughout the year.
If you like being outdoors and protecting our natural resources,
a great option is the parks and recreation department’s POST
Partners. POST stands for Parks, Open Space and Trails. Whether you
want to participate in a one-time program or commit to clean up a
park for two years, there’s something in POST Partners to fit
you.
The vision of POST Partners is to provide opportunities for
organized groups and individuals to make specific volunteer
contributions for the purpose of enriching and improving the Town
of Castle Rock parks, open space and trails system.
And if you don’t have time for a project, you can donate your
dollars to fund programs and initiatives. For more information,
call 303-814-7444.
There are other options for you to volunteer your time and
expertise. Whether you are an adult or a teen, you might consider
getting involved in Teen Court. Adults can get involved by serving
as case managers, and those who are legal eagles can help with
teaching the Teen Court curriculum to the teens.
Teens can volunteer to serve as attorneys, bailiffs and jury
members. For more information, call 303-663-6133.
Through Teen Advisory Group, or TAG, teens can help guide parks
and recreation programming in town. This group of teens in seventh
through 12th grades assists with the general planning, preparation
and organizing of events and activities in the youth department and
the Town of Castle Rock.
TAG members are the “voice” for teens in the by expressing their
opinions and ideas as they relate to the youth department and the
Town of Castle Rock. For more information, call 720-733-2280.
If sports is more up your alley, the town is looking for
volunteer coaches and officials for the youth sports programs. We
provide the training. Castle Rock Parks and Recreation is
affiliated with the largest youth sports coaching association in
the country — the National Youth Sports Coaches Association. This
organization’s focus is on youth recreational sports and
activities, with a philosophy that emphasizes sportsmanship, team
play, learning and fun.
Each coach is certified through a two-step process that consists
of training in coaching philosophy and sport-specific training. For
more information, call 720-733-2299.
Volunteer opportunities through the town is just one of many
ways you can help enhance the community. A couple weeks ago, almost
two dozen nonprofits presented at a town council meeting to ask for
funds for 2009. As of press time, council was still weighing which
nonprofits to provide funding, but I think it is good to share
these organizations with you. They have opportunities for you to
donate time or money.
Advocates for Children, 303-328-2349
Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network, 303-793-9601
Castle Rock American Legion Post 1187, 303-281-9654
Castle Country Assisted Living, Inc., 303-688-5365
Castle Rock Band, 303-660-4662
Castle Rock Orchestra, 303-408-0980
Castle View High School, “The View” student newspaper,
303-387-9007
Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation, 303-688-5555
Co Agricultural Leadership Foundation, 303-241-2011
Developmental Pathways, 303-858-2390
Douglas County Partners/Metro Denver Partners, 720-733-1960
Douglas/Elbert Task Force, 303-688-1114
Douglas County Young Marines, 303-663-7988
Douglas Land Conservancy, 303-688-8025
Greater Castle Rock Art Guild, 303-688-7920
Horsepower, 303-906-8987
Kid’s Mobility Network, 303-242-8281
Parker Fire Safety Foundation, 303-805-0228
Radio Reading Service of the Rockies (RRSR) AIN Colorado,
303-786-7777
Sky Cliff Center, 303-814-2863
The Salvation Army, 303-761-6111
Women’s Crisis and Family Outreach Center, 303-688-1094
Still looking for other volunteer options? Visit the www.douglascountyvolunteers.org.
So when’s the last time you volunteered your time? Find
something that is meaningful to you and get involved. Be a part of
your community by helping your community.
Remember, Castle Rock is Your Town.
Randy Reed is mayor of Castle Rock.