Page 33 - DEC 2018 proof The Castle Pines Connection

Treats for veterans
Information and photo provided by Jennifer Calvanese
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Veterans Day. Those packages will be handed out by Girl Scouts during the upcoming months.
In lieu of a Halloween party, the Troop decided to celebrate the founder of Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low’s birthday (which happens to be October 31) with a gift of service and giving to others. The girls handed out small yers while they went trick-or-treating, giving them to neighbors and family.
Troop parent Jen Calvanese headed up the project. “The Scouts weren’t involved with a ‘switch witch’ or any other ‘get something for handing over the candy incentive’,” stated Calvanese. “They did it knowing that they were sacri cing the things that they could for someone who is or has given the ultimate sacri ce.”
The girls included a nice card for the overseas troops telling them about Castle Pines and where the treats came from that will be included in their packages.
Pictured left to right: Leyna, Charlotte, Franca, Madilyn, Kendall, Ellie, Siri, Flannery, Lili, Raegan, and Elle.
In a true collaboration with the community, the Brownies from Girl Scout Troop #65517, which includes girls from Timber Trail Elementary, Bu alo Ridge Elementary and Sky View Academy, collected and donated more than 1,000 pounds of candy after Halloween to be shipped to soldiers in state and overseas.
Operation Gratitude received 300 pounds of candy, Soldier’s Angels received 400 pounds of candy and the remainder of the items like granola bars were packaged along with toiletries for homeless veterans in honor of
Seussical the Musical
By Ava Dunn, RHMS student; photos courtesy of Thearin Pyeatte, RHMS student
Crowded together, the company holds their breath. Today is an important day. They shu e behind the curtain, keeping their voices hushed as they wait for their cue. They share an emotional moment before
they jump on stage, enthusiastic smiles covering their faces. Opening night of the Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) production of “Seussical,” a Dr. Seuss themed musical, took place October 25 and drew almost 300 people. This engrossing production told the tale
of Horton the Elephant embarking on a journey to save Whoville, a tiny town mounted on a speck of dust.
Collectively, 74 people helped with the musical: 47 cast members and 27 crew members. Laura Carter, an art teacher at RHMS, aided the crew in creating backdrops and props for the production. Deanna Kraft, the choir teacher at RHMS, instructed the cast. The work on choreography and songs were Kraft’s component of the show.
Kraft had speci c reasons for choosing this musical. Because Seussical was mainly music and therefore
had limited dialogue, she reasoned it was perfect for
her group of students. According to her, the students have very powerful voices and she was convinced they could take on the challenge. “This show also teaches some really great messages that we felt were very appropriate for middle schoolers,” Kraft said, and those who watched the production could not help but agree. Audience member Ameta Macaluso said, “I enjoyed
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the music and thought that the actors were very enthusiastic, and there was a lot of talent shown on stage. I also thought that the costumes were very well done.” The ensembles were provided by Disguises, a costume store in Lakewood.
The RHMS production of Seussical was impressive to say the least and it thrilled all who saw it. The actors themselves were saddened when it was over, but proud of the end product and relieved to return to a normal schedule afterward. Lasting memories were made, and the participants were shown how lucky they were to have such an amazing theater program.