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- Castle Rock Crew #037
Castle Rock Crew #037
Sunday Salmon, Battle of the Rock, Just Between Friends, and so much more!
In a week full of darkness, I’m grateful I got to experience a little light from my new friends at Sunday Salmon. Not only is their food delicious and healthy, but their hospitality and mission are on another level. In many charitable efforts there can still be a barrier between those being served and those serving, but Sunday Salmon brings everyone table to table, shoulder to shoulder, and face to face to truly connect and build community. Please see what this amazing organization is all about.
Nonprofit Spotlight: Sunday Salmon
What started nearly ten years ago as a weekly tradition, a home-cooked Sunday meal for Mary Grothe's family and friends, has now grown into one of Castle Rock’s most heartfelt community traditions. What began around one dining room table has multiplied into a movement: Sunday Salmon, a no-cost, organic community restaurant here in Castle Rock.
From the start, the vision has been simple but profound—invite people in, set the table, and feed them with love. Since opening publicly in January 2025, Sunday Salmon has served thousands of family-style meals, all free of charge. But it’s never just been about food. It’s about neighbors from all walks of life finding dignity, belonging, and hope around a family-style meal.
Our guests span the entire spectrum of Castle Rock: “bougie diners” who love organic, gluten- and seed-oil-free meals; families facing crisis; low-income seniors on fixed incomes; veterans struggling to reintegrate; adults with disabilities; and individuals quietly battling food insecurity while trying to make ends meet in one of Colorado’s most expensive counties. For many, Sunday Salmon is the one place where they know they’ll be nourished—physically and emotionally.
Every meal (in-restaurant, mobile, and school lunch) is donation-only and volunteer-run. We rely on neighbors from ALL walks of life to dine. Some donate; some don’t. A common misconception is we only serve those in need, but we really need those willing and able to donate to dine with us, to help offset our costs.
Food insecurity is not just a hunger issue; it’s deeply connected to mental health. Studies show that people experiencing food insecurity are more than twice as likely to suffer from depression or anxiety. At the same time, isolation—especially among seniors—has become one of the leading public health crises of our time. That’s why Sunday Salmon emphasizes not only healthy, organic meals but also community and connection. Every dinner is served with dignity, warmth, and an open invitation to stay, talk, and belong.
Going Mobile: The Food Trailer
What started as a public fundraiser to help us purchase a mobile food trailer—because the current restaurant building was slated for demolition—has become a community blessing. The trailer now allows Sunday Salmon to host mobile events in addition to in-restaurant dinners. It’s more than doubled the meals served each week and, most importantly, helps reach our most vulnerable neighbors, those who can’t make their way to us.
The trailer makes regular stops at Auburn Ridge and Meadowmark, serving low-income seniors and families in affordable housing communities. These gatherings are more than meals—they’re lifelines, offering social interaction, encouragement, and care. Another regular stop is at Unity on Park, where Sunday Salmon serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a partnership with Wellspring. For this community, Sunday Salmon offers not just nourishment but also affirmation and joyful connection.
The mobile trailer also pops up at community events, parks, and schools, meeting people exactly where they are. Whether it’s a single mom grabbing a meal after work or a group of seniors enjoying the company of friends, the trailer embodies the heart of the mission: everyone deserves a seat at the table.
What’s Next: A New Home in Downtown Castle Rock
Perhaps the most exciting development is Sunday Salmon’s latest chapter. The nonprofit recently secured a new brick-and-mortar restaurant space in downtown Castle Rock and plans to open in mid-November 2025. This new home will provide a permanent gathering place—a hub where the community can come together week after week, year after year.
The restaurant will continue to host free Sunday dinners at 5:00 and 6:00 pm, along with Thankful Thursday meals once a month. In addition, the space will serve as an event venue, with all rental fees going directly to fund the free-meal mission.
As Sunday Salmon looks ahead to its new downtown home, the mission remains the same: to serve with dignity, nourish with love, and remind every neighbor that they are seen, valued, and never alone.
How to Join the Table
There are several ways neighbors can connect with Sunday Salmon:
Reserve a Seat: Join us for dinner on Sundays at 5 or 6 pm, or once a month on Thankful Thursday. Reservations are encouraged and available online or by calling/texting 720-409-1950 with your name, time/date of reservation, and number of people in the party.
Extend a Hand: Be part of the team that makes every meal possible. Whether serving, setting up, cleaning, or cooking, your time and presence matter (and count for hours if you have a high schooler who needs them). Sign up here.
Sponsor a Meal: Cover the cost of one meal service (including food trailer events) with a gift of $500–$1,000. Contribute here.
Donate to the General Fund: Any amount makes a difference in sustaining the mission. Donate here.
Rent the Space: Book the new downtown restaurant for your next event. Every dollar goes directly back into feeding neighbors in need. Rent the space here.
Stop by the Trailer: Check the website for the mobile food trailer schedule and drop by—no reservation needed.
Because at Sunday Salmon, it’s never just dinner. It’s family. ❤️
Reach out if you’re interested in sponsoring the newsletter. [email protected]
Pet Adoptions
I know these two aren’t here locally at the Buddy Center and are all the way in Alamosa, but I think Mindy and Cindy would totally be worth the drive…
Reach out if you’re interested in sponsoring the newsletter. [email protected]
Sports
Broncos - Indiana Jones and his offense got away with one this past weekend, and it was a very different story for us from a week prior where the offense looked horrible and the defense looked impenetrable. Stupid mistakes at the very end led to zero points for the Broncos in the 4th quarter and a loss with no time left on the clock. Lutz banged one off the upright from just over 40 yards out to open the door for the Colts—whose kicker had been jinxed by the announcers who said 10 different times during the game that he had never missed a field goal since he joined the NFL. Well, he missed a 60-yard field goal but got a re-do thanks to a “leverage” penalty and knocked it home on the second attempt. It was nice to see Troy Franklin, Nix’s teammate at Oregon, have quite the day (8/9 rec, 100 yards, 1 TD). Anyways, we move on and we face our division rivals, the Chargers, this Sunday at 2:05pm.
Nuggets - In case you need a reminder, Jokić was the first player in NBA history to finish top 5 in points, rebounds, assists, and steals per game...still confused how he didn’t add another MVP this past season. Let’s see if he can do it again and not get robbed this year…we’ve got preseason coming at the beginning of October which is not that far away…check out the schedule here.
Avalanche - Avs had their Rookie Showcase this past weekend and went 1-1 beating the Utah Mammoth before falling to the Vegas Golden Knights. Check out the training camp schedule here and the regular season schedule here.
Rockies - Hunter Goodman is the First NL Catcher with 30 home runs since 2003 and recently claimed Blaine Crim’s first Major League hit was a three-run home run against the Padres…2-8 in the last 10 and are now 41-109 overall.
Rapids - the Rapids are finally moving back in the right direction after beating the Houston Dynamo FC 2-1 in the final minutes of Saturday’s match. They are now 11-13-6 with 39 points and are 8th in the Western conference.
Sabercat Football - the Sabercats are now 2-1 after a solid victory over Horizon (21-7). We’ve got the Battle of the Rock this Thursday, September 18th at 6:00pm (new time) at EchoPark Stadium. Check out their schedule here.
Huskies Football - the Huskies could not stop the Rock Canyon Jaguars this past week and lost 42-21. We’ve got the Battle of the Rock this Thursday, September 18th at 6:00pm (new time) at EchoPark Stadium. Check out their schedule here.
Which high school do you root for? |
The Bulletin
Want to spread the good word about your business, a project you’re working on, a hire you’re looking to make, or just want to say hi to 5,600 friends?
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Reach out for a spot on the bulletin!
Events:
FREE FORMAL ATTIRE FOR STUDENTS - Clover’s Closet is doing their 6th Annual Homecoming Pop-Up Shop again this coming weekend (19th-21st).
Hours: Fri - 3:30pm-6:00pm, Sat - 10:00am-6:00pm, and Sun - 11:00am-6:00pm
Also, in case you missed it, Wide Awake is now serving up dinner Wed-Sat from 4:00pm-10:00pm!
Fyzical Castle Rock opened up their expanded clinic this past week.
Tuesday, 9/16:
Douglas County Libraries - Castle Rock or Pines - Coffee Chat Tuesday - 8:00am-11:00am
The Office Co. | Bar & Kitchen (every day) - Happy Hour - 2:00pm-7:00pm
Courtyard Social (every weekday) - Happy Hour - 2:30pm-5:00pm
The Whiskey Lodge - 50¢ Wings - 3:00pm-10:00pm
Bucketlist Tavern (every weekday) - Happy Hour - 3:00pm-6:00pm
Hideaway Bar & Grill (every day) - Happy Hour - 3:00pm-6:00pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Elk Bugling Sightings & Sounds! Bring Your Own Dinner - 5:00pm - deets & tickets
I.C. Brewhouse - Trivia - 6:30pm
Elizabeth Brews - Trivia Night - 7:00pm
Wednesday, 9/17:
Teaology Tea and Cafe - Coffee with a Cop - 9:30am-10:30am - deets
Festival Park - A Rally of Hope for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month - 5:30pm-7:30pm - deets
Douglas County Fairgrounds - Just Between Friends: Fall & Winter Event Early Presale Shopping - 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00pm, 4:00pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm - deets
Danielle’s Scratch Kitchen - Castle Pines Chamber Happy Hour - 4:00pm-6:00pm - deets
105 West Brewing - Trails N’ Ales (Mountain Bike) - 6:00pm-7:00pm
Alidade Brewing - Musical Bingo - 6:00pm-8:00pm
The Grange - Sound Bath Meditation - 6:30pm-8:00pm - deets & tickets
Honnibrook Craft Meadery - D&D Game Night - 7:00pm-9:00pm
Hideaway Bar & Grill - DJ Trivia - 7:00pm-9:00pm
Thursday, 9/18:
Douglas County Fairgrounds - Just Between Friends: Fall & Winter Event - 9:00am-7:00pm - deets
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Elk Bugling Sightings & Sounds! Bring Your Own Dinner - 5:00pm - deets & tickets
Crowfoot Valley Coffee - Trivia - 6:00pm
RNK Running - CHOG - 6:00pm
Wide Open Saloon - Country Dance Night with Dance Instructor Marla Gifford - 6:00pm-10:00pm
Amphitheater at Miller Park - Tunes for Trails/Perks for Parks Free Concert: DanceX - 6:30pm-9:00pm - deets
Hideaway Bar and Grill - Karaoke with Big E Entertainment - 8:00pm-12:00am
Friday, 9/19:
BoxDrop - Douglas County Veterans Monument Foundation Charity Sale - through Sunday
Douglas County Fairgrounds - Just Between Friends: Fall & Winter Event - 9:00am-7:00pm - deets
Lone Creek Farms (Franktown) - Opening Day: Fall Festival - 10:00am-5:00pm
Cantril School (TAP) - Author Showcase & Book Fair - 4:30pm-7:30pm
CALF’s Lowell Ranch - Legend of Agriculture Award Dinner - 5:00pm - deets & tickets
Honnibrook Craft Meadery - Live Music! Josh Blackburn - 6:00pm-9:00pm
Wide Awake Eatery - Live Music: Nic Hannan - 6:00pm
Wide Open Saloon - Live Music: The Country Music Project - 7:00pm-10:30pm
Sinners & Saints - Live at the Altar: Christopher Charles Romero - 8:00pm-10:00pm
Saturday, 9/20:
Douglas County Fairgrounds - Just Between Friends: Fall & Winter Event - 9:00am-3:00pm - deets
Wide Awake Eatery - Live Music: Nic Hannan - 10:00am
Outlets at Castle Rock - 10th Annual Colorado Car Addicts Charity Car Show - 10:00am-2:00pm - deets
Larkspur Community Park - Autumn Arts & Crafts Fest - 10:00am-5:00pm - deets
Wilcox Square - Oktoberfest - 1:00pm-9:00pm - deets
Metzler Ranch Community Park - Skate and Deploy Event - 5:00pm-7:00pm - deets
105 West Brewing - Live Music: Off Ramp - 6:30pm-9:30pm
Future Soaring Hawk Park - Drive-In Movie Night - 7:00pm-9:30pm - deets & tickets
Wide Open Saloon - Live Music: 9’s a Pair - 7:00pm-10:30pm
The Stagecoach Saloon (Franktown) - Live Music: Littleton Station Band - 7:30pm-11:30pm - deets
Sinners & Saints Cocktail Lounge - Live DJ in the Lounge with ‘DJ Max’ - 9:00pm-close
Sunday, 9/21:
Douglas County Fairgrounds - Just Between Friends: Fall & Winter Event 50% Off Sale - 9:00am-3:00pm - deets
Festival Park - Festival Park Farmers Market - 9:00am-2:00pm - deets
Larkspur Community Park - Autumn Arts & Crafts Fest - 10:00am-4:00pm - deets
105 West Brewing - Live Music: John Saunders Band - 1:00pm-3:00pm
105 West Brewing - Paul’s Mysteryship Walk to End ALS Event - 1:30pm - deets
Crowfoot Valley Coffee - Castle Rock Comedy Show: Alvin Kuai with Special Guests - 7:30pm-9:30pm - deets & tickets
Monday, 9/22:
105 West Brewing - Trails N’ Ales (Run Club) - 6:00pm-7:00pm
Heads up on events that are further out:
Castle Rock Middle School - Thrive: Let’s Talk (Annual Well-Being Events) - September 25th - 6:30pm-8:30pm
Sinners & Saints - Barrel Buddies: Sip Savor & Learn - September 24th - 7:00pm
Casey Jones Park (Elizabeth) - ElizaFEST: A Toast to Elizabeth (Featuring the Community Rodeo) - September 26th - 2:00pm-9:30pm - deets
Casey Jones Park (Elizabeth) - Elizabeth Stampede - September 26th/27th - 7:00pm and 10:00am - deets
CALF’S Lowell Ranch - Harvest Day - September 27th - 10:00am-2:00pm
Miller Park - Glow Dance Party: Benefiting the Therapeutic Recreation Program - September 27th - 6:30pm-9:00pm - details
Fairgrounds - A Creative Market & Holistic Expo - September 27th/28th - 10:00am-5:00pm & 10:00am-4:00pm
Alidade Brewing - Fall Festival - September 28th - 12:00pm-6:00pm - baby goats — need I say more?
Cantril School - 2025 State of the Town - September 30th - 6:00pm
Castle Rock Museum - Ghostly Stories and Tragic Tales of Castle Rock - October 1st - 7:00pm-8:00pm
Castlewood Canyon - Free Hike (OTHER HIKE FILLED UP FAST) - October 1st - 9:30am-12:00pm
Spray Castle Rock - Spray Turns Two - October 3rd - 5:00pm
Happy Dog Ranch - Fall Festival - October 4th - 11:00am-3:00pm
Miller Park - Castle Rock Trail Festival - October 4th - 6:00am-3:30pm - details
Outlets at Castle Rock - Shopping Extravaganza - October 4th - 10:00am-6:00pm
Downtown - Restaurant Week - October 5th-11th - details
Fairgrounds - Castle Rock Homeshow - October 10th-12th - details
Cherokee Ranch & Castle - Sinatra Tribute Show LIVE! - October 17th - 6:00pm - deets & tickets (ALWAYS SELL OUT, SO BUY AHEAD OF TIME)
Miller Park - Spooktacular - October 18th - 1:00pm-4:00pm - details
Festival Park - Fall Festival Featuring Creepy Crawlies Around the Rock - October 19th - 10:00am-3:00pm
Festival Park - Fangtastic Festival - October 24th - 12:00pm-3:00pm - details
Village Square Shopping Center - Bonfire, BBQ, and Brews - October 24th - 5:00pm-7:00pm
Village Square Shopping Center - Fall Festival, Trick or Treat Street, and Pumpkin Race - October 25th - 10:00am-2:00pm
Main Street Elizabeth - Harvest Festival Chamber Boo Bash - October 25th - 10:00am-3:30pm - deets
Worth the drive: other Douglas County Events can be found in our sister newsletter, DougCo Drop - subscribe below
Denver (South Broadway) - High Plains Comedy Festival 2025 - September 18th-21st
Chatfield Farms (Littleton) - Corn Maze - September 19th - 9:00am-5:00pm
Chatfield Farms (Littleton) - Hop Festival - September 20th - 11:00am-3:00pm
Mint & Serif (Lakewood) - COFFEE RAVE - September 20th - 3:00pm-8:00pm
Highlands Ranch Mansion - Vine, Dine & Shine: A Western Rendezvous - September 21st - 4:00pm-9:00pm
Denver (Larimer & 21st) - Denver Oktoberfest - Weekend 1: September 19th-21st and Weekend 2: September 26th-28th
Buchanan Park Ball Fields, Evergreen - Evergreen Oktoberfest - September 20th - 12:00pm-4:00pm
Red Rocks - Bert Kreischer World Tour - October 1st - 7:30pm - tickets
Various Breweries (one in Parker) - Cult of Cthulhu - An Immersive Horror Comedy by the Colorado Theatre Guild - October 10th-November 1st - details
Red Rocks - Run the Rocks: Supporting the American Lung Association - October 12th - 7:30am - sponsorship opportunities are available
⚠️ Please verify event details and availability with the respective venues or organizers, as schedules may change.
Let us know of any events, locations, establishments, or businesses that you would like us to highlight in coming editions. [email protected]
If someone forwarded this to you, join the crew and subscribe here! And/or subscribe to our sister newsletter at the county level.
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