Page 12 - October 2020 proof - The Castle Pines Connection

12 CastlePinesConnection.com
When pigs fly; a creative solution to slowing traffic
By Terri Wiebold; photos courtesy of Ron Di Donato
Copies of previous issues of The Connection newspaper have been recycled in many ways, but this papier-mâché ying pig as a means to slowing traf c is a rst.
While in self-quarantine, some have
been busy doing home renovation and organization projects, gardening or binge- watching shows on Net ix. Others have taken on new hobbies, like papier-mâché.
The Castle Pines Connection received a phone call from Ron Di Donato, a 72-year- old retired excavation company owner who was in search of newspapers for a craft project to do with his grandkids. Di Donato lives roughly 35 miles northwest of Castle Pines in a small town called Indian Hills, population 1,280. He has lived in Colorado all his life, with the exception of two years he spent in the military.
Having recently done some “pandemic purging” ourselves, The Castle Pines Connection had set aside some archived papers to recycle, and we were happy to oblige Di Donato’s request.
“This project has been fun and has kept me at home where I should be,” stated Di Donato. “I had never worked with papier-mâché before, but it just looked like fun to try.”
Di Donato went on YouTube and watched videos about how to make paper mache. “I have no background in any type of artwork, but I have a lot of time on my hands with this pandemic,” he stated.
The pig went from paper mache to getting a coat of berglass to a nal paint job. The wings ap with a motor Di Donato put
in its body. Di Donato placed the pig on
a high pole in a pasture across the street from where he lives with the hopes it might slow the traf c down. “It seems to do the job pretty well; everyone slows to see the ying pink pig! My neighbors like it a lot and hope no one will harm it,” he said.
Although Di Donato’s granddaughter didn’t really “get” the pig thing, he joked, “The way I see it, we will all be back to our normal lives when pigs y.”
Chamber coworking event at The Exchange
Article and photo by Terri Wiebold
Whether you are new to working remotely or you have been teleworking for years,
the need for in-person social interaction remains important. The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce has partnered with RFPrepared owner Kirsten Sandlin to host a monthly coworking event for all current and prospective chamber members.
“The Chamber has been making efforts and feels it is important for business owners and employees to meet with others in a safe and responsible manner to collaborate, swap skills
and learn from each other while also having the opportunity to work independently,” said Chamber Executive Director Tina Hansen.
To learn more, visit https://www. castlepineschamber.com/.
Chamber members practice social distancing while coworking at The Exchange Coffee House.
October 2020