COAL CREEK CANYON — Frequently the Coal Creek Canyon Improvement Association (CCCIA) hosts pancake breakfasts for community members to share a meal, also usually as a benefit. Their latest one fell on the day of love.

From 7 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 14 (Valentine’s Day), 2026, the CCCIA hosted a pancake breakfast to raise money for their scholarship program. Along with pancakes, the menu included scrambled eggs, sausages, and waffles, with at-table toppings of syrup and candy hearts.

CCCIA volunteers prepare a pancake brunch.

Photo by Jamie Lammers

Also raising money for the scholarships, Certified Massage Therapist Shelly Peters-Shaller offered in-center massages for a dollar a minute for a minimum of 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, Marie Marschke and her two children, dubbing themselves the Marschke Cottage, sold Valentine’s candy boxes and caramels to raise money for TeenPact Leadership Schools. Their programs emphasize faith and leadership qualities by teaching the political process through Capitol visits and hands-on assignments.

Coal Creek locals gather at the CCCIA for a pancake breakfast.

Photo by Jamie Lammers

Community connection is just as important as individual connection, and on the annual day to celebrate connecting with others, the CCCIA’s events brought Coal Creek locals together to eat, drink, and be merrily generous.