The Connection

Information provided by Douglas County School District Are you watching your kids scroll through life with their rapid-fire thumbs and a six-second attention span?  Douglas County School District is hosting “SCREENAGERS: Growing Up in the Digital Age,” a documentary about the biggest parenting issue of our time. Physician and filmmaker Delaney Ruston witnessed this with…

By Elean Gersack Did you know that there is a simple, pain-free, low-cost screening that can help detect calcium buildup in the arteries?  Offered through the Medical Center of Aurora, Coronary Calcium Scan Testing can be a useful tool in understanding risk for heart disease. Anyone can schedule a screening, but it is especially recommended…

Brad Parks, senior director of guest experience at the Denver Zoological Foundation, joined some fifth-grade students in front of their “trash-to-treasure” project.  All the fifth-grade projects were auctioned off, and $753 was donated to the Washed Ashore and Stand for Trees organizations. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Anna Mallinson On January 9, Timber…

Linda Bulmer’s blend of entrepreneurial skills and her passion for fashion came together at Aspen Blu Boutique. By Kay Bryant; photos courtesy of Linda Bulmer Castle Pines resident Linda Bulmer has lived in 80108 since 2002.  As a wife and mother of four children (three are in college, the youngest at American Academy), Bulmer is…

By Patte Smith What great programs and activities the Douglas County Libraries (DCL) have created for our community in 2017.  Whether you are a romantic or a youngster, the month of February will find you “love” and a lot of laughs.   Love is in the air at the Castle Pines Library throughout the month…

By Elean Gersack February is heart month, so it is the perfect time to rethink recipes and activities to be sure yours is getting lots of love.  It becomes even more important as we age.   Diets should be infused with plenty of heart healthy ingredients.  According to the American Heart Association (AHA), there are…

By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of MorningStar Senior Living MorningStar at RidgeGate is a 265,000-square-foot facility with a 4.8-acre campus located in Lone Tree.  Residents can choose from independent living, assisted living, or memory care accommodations.  It is located at 10100 Commons Street in Lone Tree, near the Douglas County Library and the Lone…

Jerry Silverhart is new to town but not new to the insurance world where he has worked for the past 23 years. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Amy Franco The new year came in with a bang and so did the new Farmers Insurance office located at 7437 Village Square Drive, Suite 110, in…

Information provided by Douglas County Art Encounters There is still time for area sculptors to submit artwork to be considered for the 2017 Douglas County Art Encounters (DCAE) outdoor public art program.  All applications must be received online no later than February 11.  Selected work will be on display from May 2017 through June 2018.…

Information provided by Rich Nipert Orangetheory Fitness Castle Rock, which is located on Meadows Parkway in the AMC Movie Theatre complex, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony sponsored by the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce.  The VIP party and ribbon cutting ceremony drew more than 150 Castle Rock residents and excited new members. …

The 2017 Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, pictured left to right: Pamela Herrmann – CREATE Buzz, Stacie Chadwick – chamber marketing director,  Wayne Ruegge – CPA, Carla Kenny – chamber events director, Joe Roos – Hide in Plain Sight, Terry Hostetler – Castle Rock Bank, Greg Segal – Stone Segal Wealth Management…

Information provided by the Douglas County Youth Initiative Please join in and nominate special teens in the Douglas County community between the ages 13 to 19 who have overcome adversity and created positive change in their lives, as well as the lives of others.  The community’s participation is key in making sure these young adults…

Joe and Allison Sabia at their home in Castle Pines Village along with their two children Christina (8) and Joey (9), who attend Buffalo Ridge Elementary school. By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of the Sabia family Castle Pines Village resident Joe Sabia came out of retirement (although he was a stay-at-home dad for a while)…

Arapahoe Community College will construct a $40 million “Collaboration Campus” in Castle Rock.  The project will consist of two 54,000-square-foot buildings on a 14-acre site in The Meadows, west of Highway 85 and northeast of Castle Rock Adventist Hospital.  Joined by the Town of Castle Rock and educational partners Colorado State University and Douglas County…

The RMOTHG hiking at the Lair o’ the Bear Park in Idledale in January enjoying friends and braving the cold in Colorado at its wintry best. By Patte Smith; courtesy photo Yep, a gang of compadres can give you courage, promise you thrills and prepare you for situations you never thought you would be a…

Squirt – Dachshund/Rat Terrier mix, 12 weeks old, 3 pounds Information provided by the Dumb Friends League A puppy from the Dumb Friends League will be representing Denver during Puppy Bowl XIII on Sunday, February 5 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. as the world’s cutest sporting event returns to Animal Planet. The puppy from…

By Lisa Crockett Valentine’s Day is a great day to show your sweetheart how much you care, and sometimes the best way to show your love is by making a fabulous meal.  Even a novice cook can create something fantastic to eat using a few tried-and-true tricks (and sometimes a little sleight of hand).  So,…

By Elean Gersack It’s the biggest New Year’s resolution of all time … getting fit.  Now that we are past the first month of 2017, it’s time to cement those fitness resolutions so they really stick! I talked with James Park, director of sports performance for University of Colorado Steadman Hawkins Clinic Denver and got…

Friends and community members joined the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce and Omega Learning Center’s owner Lori Peeples and her family at the center’s January 10 ribbon-cutting ceremony. Article and photo by Lynne Marsala Basche The level of excitement inside Omega Learning Center on January 10 rivaled the blustery weather outside as the Castle Pines…

Blue Origin, an aerospace manufacturer and spaceflight services company set up by the founder of Amazon.com, has a passion for space exploration.  DCSM students had the opportunity to participate in an upcoming rocket launch.  “This has been an exciting journey for the students and we are looking forward to the launch!” said Nicole Gassman, DCSM…

Brian Young, fishing manager at Orvis, donated his time to help BRE fifth-grade students Genesis Torres (left) and Evan Scanlon (right) learn about the art of fly tying. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Lisa Recine The Buffalo Ridge Education Alliance (BREA), which is the school’s parent organization, asked each class at Buffalo Ridge Elementary…

Submitted by Melissa Anciaux, Douglas County Libraries The Philip S. Miller Library in Castle Rock is seeking volunteers age 50-plus who are willing to share their online dating experiences and advice by serving on an online dating panel.  The panel is part of the library’s two-part program “Love Is in the Air: Looking for Love…

By Amanda Merriman Nothing can inspire you more than watching the next generation learn a valuable skill.  After listening to my children talk about learning Spanish at school, I found myself wanting to improve my Spanish skills.  After a quick search in the App store, I found what I was looking for in Duolingo. Duolingo…

By Michelle Post What did you learn today? What mistake did you make that taught you something? What did you try hard at today? ~ Carol S. Dweck A growth mindset is key to personal and professional success.  This has been proven by Dr. Carol S. Dweck in her bestselling book, “Mindset: The New Psychology…

The top 15 spellers at BRE, pictured left to right: Madi, Jade, Sophia, Milena, Riley, Mia, Karlie, Heath, Chance, Kyle, Jaidyn, Taylor, Shwithi, Yeats, and Jon Michael. Article and photos by Kathy Fallert Friday, January 20, had 15 Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) fourth- and fifth-grade students feeling the jitters as they participated in the school’s…

Preserving American history is a priority for Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).  SAR held a Revolutionary period camp for two days at Cresthill Middle School in Highlands Ranch last fall (pictured above), and they joined DAR last month at the Douglas County Commissioners meeting where they presented…

Article and photo by Amanda Merriman Connection writer Amanda Merriman admits she is hopelessly addicted to books.  It has been this way nearly all her life.  Every month she shares what she has been reading with the hope that others will share in the obsession too. Excellent writing is at times quite a difficult undertaking. …

Information and photo provided by the Colorado Department of Transportation The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is introducing a pilot program to bring Front Range skiers and snowboarders to and from the mountains this winter. SnowStang, part of the CDOT Bustang® interregional bus service, will offer express round-trip service to six resorts on two Saturdays…

By Patte Smith Each month I am amazed by the people and organizations that make a difference to individuals, families and the community where we live.  Behind the scenes so to speak, these groups touch the lives of people who need a little kindness, a spark of caring. The Alzheimer’s Association’s SPARK! cultural programs (SPARK)…

Information provided by CDOT The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the High Performance Transportation Enterprise (HPTE) remind carpoolers that as of January 1, CDOT’s high occupancy vehicle (HOV) express lanes is now HOV 3+. The change means a vehicle must have a driver and at least two passengers in order to be in the…

Members of the Castle Pines Run Club rang in the New Year with a destination run at Waterton Canyon on January 1.  The sun was out, and spirits were high as members of the group ran either 14, 10 or 6 miles. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Ashley Oxton While some spent New…

Information provided by Douglas County Commissioner Roger Partridge, who was re-elected to his second term as County Commissioner for District II in November 2016, took the oath of office from District Court Judge Paul King last month.  Partridge’s wife Nadine held the Holy Bible while their young grandchildren stood in witness.   Following the swearing-in…

By Michelle Post Graduation rates in the Douglas County School District continue to climb, making more and more students likely to head off to college.  Recent data released by the Colorado Department of Education shows the on-time, four-year graduation rate in Douglas County is now 90.1 percent. College is not cheap, and it does not…

Seven-year-old Connor Wolff stood proudly displaying the trophy he won last month for riding a sheep for 12 seconds at the National Western Stock Show. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Rachelle Wolff Seven-year-old Castle Pines resident Connor Wolff made his mutton busting debut at this year’s National Western Stock Show.  The Timber Trail…

By Elean Gersack It may be hard to believe, but in a few short months school will be out, and the kids will need something to do.  Sure, it seems great to have a lot of downtime, but after a week or two, the words “I’m bored” may be said too often.  Camps always fill…

By Elean Gersack There are many great fields and parks in Castle Pines available by reservation for sports practices, parties or gatherings.  The Castle Pines North Metropolitan District manages Coyote Ridge, Daniel’s Gate and The Retreat Parks while the City of Castle Pines manages Elk Ridge Park.  Here is how to make reservations: Coyote Ridge,…

TTE students were excited to help make the holidays bright for those less fortunate with various school drives this season. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Anna Mallinson Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students spent the holiday season thinking of others and providing for those less fortunate.  Every student was involved in some way and…

Denver Botanic Gardens 1007 York Street, Denver 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.www.botanicgardens.org Monday, January 16 Monday, February 20 Wednesday, March 22 Sunday, April 2 Wednesday, June 14 Monday, July 17 Tuesday, August 29 Friday, November 10 – Winter Gift Market Saturday, November 11 – Winter Gift Market Denver Botanic Gardens – Chatfield Farms 8500 Deer…

Roni and John Lambrecht held a book release party for Roni’s book “Parenting at Your Best” and were thrilled to share the evening with family and friends.  The couple lost their son three years ago, and the book has aided in the healing process. “It goes without saying that losing Dalton has been the most…

Pictured left to right: Brenden Bernsdorf, Griffin Rushall, Zach Neeb and Mila Penner will be competing in the Colorado Middle School All State Choir in February.  The RHMS students auditioned with 1,600 other seventh and eighth grade students across the state for the opportunity to compete. Submitted by RHMS student Zoe Bair; photo courtesy of…

Information provided by Douglas County Libraries Share your passion of literacy and lifelong learning by becoming a tutor.  Douglas County Libraries (DCL) needs volunteer tutors for its English as a Second Language (ESL) program.  The majority of students are adults who are English-language learners with skill levels ranging from beginner to advanced. Tutors work with…

Judy Carlson is a joyful woman with a quick laugh and a genuine warm personality who has worked hard to overcome tremendous challenges during the past four years.  “We all go through such hard times, but if we stay faithful to what we are called to do, we survive,” she said.  Carlson loves living in…

The peer counseling group at Rock Canyon High School poses with the Rachel’s Challenge representative at the Kindness is Contagious campaign assembly in November. By Sarah Bermingham, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of Marlaine McMechen Rachel Joy Scott had a vision of a better world where people are kind to one another.  She was a…

The Castle Rock Adventist Hospital’s holiday festivities kicked off with a concert of Christmas classics by The Wellspring Wonders Choir and Chorale.  The 40-member strong choir made its third appearance at the hospital. Article and photos by Lynn Zahorik The jubilant voices of The Wellspring Wonders Choir and Chorale filled the lobby of the Castle…

We meet the first Tuesday of each month from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., primarily at the Philip S. Miller Library in Castle Rock.   Meetings include speakers on a variety of horticulture topics for all levels of gardening interest and knowledge. Visitors are welcome!  For date and meeting location changes and/or additional club information,…

Eighth grade student Gatlin Zbylski was one of the actors in the RHMS fall play, “The Audition.”  The play depicted the lives of middle school students and teachers. Submitted by RHMS student Kyla Frazee; photos courtesy of Kylie Devin and Breck Dahlgren Lights, camera, action!  On November 3 and 4, Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS)…

The Castle Pines Connection staff annual holiday dinner celebration at Pegasus restaurant in downtown Castle Rock.  Pictured left to right, back row:  Lynne Marsala Basche, Cindy Kessinger, Paul Masovero, Laura Gooding, Joe Gschwendtner, Tim Gamble, Terri Wiebold and Cindy Cranstone; Front row:  Elizabeth Wood West, Amanda Merriman, Kathy Fallert, Heidi Lewellyn, Kay Bryant, Lisa Nicklanovich,…

Thank you to all of our readers who submitted pictures of their adorable pets for our 2016 “Cutest Pet in the Pines” holiday contest.  This year’s submissions were full of holiday spirit! After much deliberation, the staff of The Castle Pines Connection chose the winners and would like to congratulate Marley Thompson, whose playful selfie…

The Dizmang family holiday portrait last month was complete with the addition of soon-to-be-adopted Samuel. By Kay Bryant; photos courtesy of the Dizmang family The Dizmangs’ story began in 2008, when MeiLon and Michael Dizmang were married.  The Dizmangs have been 80108 residents for more than eight years.  This blended family of eight was already…

By Amanda Merriman This month’s APPtitude selection was easy to make.  When I discovered that Sponsored Publications (creators of Our Neighborhood Directory) designed an app for the Castle Pines community called “Our Hood Hub,” it made sense to try it out.  Our Hood Hub is free and launched in November.  Both Android and Apple users…

By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Ben Pric In November 2016, the Castle Pines City Council appointed Ben Price to fill the vacant Ward 2 position.  Price, along with his wife Heather and their three daughters – twins Lily and Claire (12) and Noelle (10), moved to Castle Pines two years ago from Highlands…

The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) cheer team in a pyramid at the end of their routine at the CHSAA Colorado State Spirit Championship in December.  By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Dawn Seymour Photography The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) cheer team won the All Girl 5A Cheer division for the third time in…

Fifth grade student Mia Kettler in front of her art show submission at the Highlands Ranch Library. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Wendy Wilson The month of November was very special for nine Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students.  The Highlands Ranch Library hosted the elementary art show, and while there was no particular…

Submitted by Jeff Stotler; photo courtesy of Mark Tepsic The 4th annual Castle Pines adult punt, pass and kick competition was held on Thanksgiving morning at Elk Ridge Park.  Unlike previous years that were dogged with controversy, this year’s competition went off without a hitch.  With a total of 27 men and 10 women, there…

By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of the Johnson family When a Castle Pines family on Turweston Lane moved away, little did they know that the Christmas decoration they left behind would be passed on from neighbor to neighbor, showing up in unlikely places!   A light-up reindeer, missing a leg, was originally left in the…

Information provided by South Metro Safety Foundation A four hour, hands-on adult/senior driving skills class is being offered through the South Metro Safety Foundation in January, February and March.  The class, for adults over the age of 21, teaches skid recovery and crash avoidance skills.  The course is held at the South Metro Training/Joint Service…

Some of the students in the RCHS School of Business program who have created a business, Canyon Containers, as their senior project.  They will be donating proceeds of their water bottle sales to Charity Water.  Pictured back row: Jesse Hernandez, Leighton Koldyke, Eric Young, Seth Lawson.  Middle: Hannah Philip, Sara Davis, Brian Dunn, Brayden Lambrecht. …

By Nancy Koontz; photo courtesy of the Nathan Yip Foundation Twelve-year Castle Pines Village residents Gayle and Gary Ray will be honored by the Nathan Yip Foundation on January 28 at the newly-remodeled McNichols Civic Center Building in Denver.  The Rays are known for their volunteerism and generosity throughout the Colorado community. Gary and Gayle…

Jami Arthur shown working in her much-loved sculpture studio where she gets lost in the process of creating art.  She also has the advantage of taking a break to enjoy her picturesque property — a bit of inner meditation.  Article and photo by Patte Smith In 2009, Jami Arthur decided to take up sculpture, and…

By Patte SmithWednesday, January 18     Fundamentals of Estate Planning: Including Probate and What It Means for You Hendrick Office Building 62 Plaza Drive, Highlands Ranch     6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Attorney Brandon Campbell of Vaughn Law Offices reviews the basics related to estate planning, including paperwork needed to carry out your wishes.  Topics…

By Patte Smith Oh, please, you say, no more articles about “It’s January, I need to get in shape, I need to exercise, I need to take a class, I need to lose weight, I need a New Year’s resolution, I need to read more, I need to get organized.”  You need to STOP STRESSING…