COAL CREEK CANYON - The Coal Creek Canyon Improvement Association had a busy weekend on June 7 and 8, 2025, at the CCCIA Hall.

On Saturday, residents met for the Canyon Cleanup, and on Sunday they gathered to celebrate Father’s Day with a spaghetti dinner.

On Saturday, folks met at the Hall at 8 a.m. to pick up bags and a choose a favorite mile. Hawaiian-themed attire was encouraged in order to make picking up trash even more fun. Breakfast burritos were provided by the Premier Members Credit Union.

Kyle West organized the event again this year. Susy Schemel, CCCIA secretary and hall manager, said they had many volunteers to help. They cover the area from the Railroad Bridge on Highway 72 to Pinecliffe.

They picked up 85 bags of trash that day. Board Member Jeremy Turnmeyer said he found needles and hubcaps near Wondervu.

Schemel said they are the oldest continuous adopt-a-highway program for the state of Colorado and the Colorado Department of Transportation.

Then, on Sunday night, June 8, CCCIA celebrated Father’s Day with a Spaghetti Dinner. The charge for members was $11, $13 for nonmembers, and $6 for kiddos.

Turnmeyer wrote: “We had a wonderful time at our Father’s Day Spaghetti Dinner this past Sunday!

“With around 30 people in attendance, the evening was filled with great food, laughter and heartfelt appreciation for the fathers and father figures in our community. Guests enjoyed a delicious meal of spaghetti with red sauce (with both meat, veggie, and gluten-free options), garlic bread, meatballs, fresh salad and a variety of desserts.

“The atmosphere was relaxed and joyful, as families gathered to celebrate the dads who make a difference every day. A big thank you to United Power for being a continuous partner and sponsor for our local events.

“Also, an enormous thank you to all the volunteers who helped with cooking, serving, and cleanup. Your time and effort made the evening run smoothly and created a welcoming space for everyone.

“To all the dads who joined us, thank you for everything you do. We hope you felt celebrated and appreciated.”

Volunteers helping to cook and serve the dinner were Jeremy Turnmeyer, Janice Batt, Bruce Tansy, Treasurer Chuck Bergenc and Susy Schemel.

Upcoming events at CCCIA Hall include July 4 in the canyon from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a

Red, White & Blue celebration; and on July 19, the Vitalant Blood Drive is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Please contact us at cccia80403@gmail.com. For more information about Coal Creek, go to www.coalcreekcanyon.org, or facebook.com/CoalCreekCanyonImprovementAssociation.

The CCCIA Hall is located at 31528 Highway 72.