Read the stories from the latest issue:
Get your snowmobile runnin’ By Michelle Post; photo by Terri Wiebold “Get your snowmobile runnin’” are not words I ever heard growing up in Crowley, Texas. I lived in a small rural city and remember only a few winters where we received enough snow to cancel school. We received more ice storms than snow storms.…
A step back in time Article and photos by Liz Jurkowski Many of us have been to Mesa Verde, where massive cliff depressions housed the buildings and homes of Native American groups who inhabited much of the southwest many centuries ago. While Mesa Verde National Park is well worth the drive to the southwestern corner…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Timber Trail Elementary The holiday season is such a joyous time of year spent with family, friends and loved ones. The Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) kindergarten class lesson on the family unit came just in time for the holidays. The My Family Name unit allows students to share with…
Reading Between the Pines: by Stacie Chadwick As parents, my husband and I expect our three teenage children to pull their relative weight in the family. Grades are important, chores mandatory, and the economics of a burgeoning life on their own are discussed and debated in a way that often puts five distinct personalities on…
Mike Boryla enjoying life back out of the shadows in Castle Rock. By Shaun Kernahan; photos courtesy of Mike Boryla With 65,000 screaming fans at the old Veterans Stadium, Mike Boryla took his place in the huddle as the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. In an odd way, it was those moments that perfectly prepared…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of American Academy The Osa Peninsula is home to 50% of all species found in Costa Rica and was noted by National Geographic as, “The most biologically intense place on Earth.” Its dense forest of mingled trees with roaming wildlife sent 16 eighth grade students from all three American Academy…
By Lisa Nicklanovich A little dose of kindness can go a long way, and sometimes it is nice to be reminded of all the good in the world. The Kind World podcasts tell stories of how acts of kindness can change lives. Kind World podcasts comes from Boston’s National Public Radio news station that produces…
Castle Pines residents Natalie Roesch (left) and Mimi Brosh (right) volunteer at La Cache, a high-end, vintage consignment store in Denver that helps support Children’s Hospital Colorado. In the background is a poster honoring the store’s total donations of $5 million to the hospital since La Cache was established in 1982. By Patte Smith, photo…
Information submitted by LEAP As Colorado’s winter snow rolls in, the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) kicked off the 2019-20 season with expanded eligibility criteria for individuals and families needing heating assistance. Enrollment for the 2019-2020 program started November 1 and will continue through April 30, 2020. “We are grateful that a larger number…
By Michelle Post Have you ever visited a mall, zoo, and/or theme park and needed to head straight for the huge map at the entrance? You want to know where you are and where you need to go. You look for the words, “You Are Here.” Then you look for where you want to go,…
First grade students from Mrs. Byrd’s class made stuffed teddy bears, friendship bracelets and tic-tac-toe games to sell at Market Day – the culmination of their economics unit. By Celeste McNeil; courtesy photos Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) first grade students culminated their economics unit with a profitable Market Day. Serving as the fall semester showcase,…
By Lisa Nicklanovich If you struggle with trying to find a just-right gift for everyone on your holiday list, give Giftster, a private web and mobile gift registry a try. The giftster app is free for iOS and Android devices and both the app and website are very easy to use. It makes sure the…
By Bryan Goodland; graphic courtesy of DAWG Nation In October 2020, the City of Castle Pines may potentially become home to a new multi rink ice arena. The facility is a partnership between the City and a local nonprofit called DAWG Nation Hockey Foundation (DAWG Nation). Martin Richardson, the CEO of DAWG Nation, met…
for Children and Operation Santa By Carin R. Kirkegaard The holiday season, for many, is met with joy and anticipation, and perhaps a dose of stress. Across the Denver metro area, there are many families that struggle through the holidays. Tennyson Center for Children (TCC), located in the Highlands neighborhood of Denver, is able to…
American Academy student Ella Smith shines as bright and confident off stage as she does on stage. By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of American Academy American Academy Performing Arts (AAPA) eighth grade student Ella Smith has landed the title role of Matilda in the Parker Arts and Sasquatch Productions live performances of “Matilda, the Musical.”…
This mischievous photo of “Gus” was sent in for the Cutest Pet in the Pines contest in 2016. If Gus is your cat, email editor@castlepinesconnection to receive a $25 gift card. By Susan Helton; courtesy photo A few pet safety considerations can help keep the holiday season happy for the whole family. Holiday Plants: Many…
Left to right: Sydney Cohen, Kate Anderson, Pablo Stewart, Gabe Dozois, Christian Caron and Chloe Connell had an amazing experience getting into character for Mystery History. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori Fifteen years ago, DCS Montessori (DCSM) began the Mystery History celebration, the school’s much anticipated tradition celebrating Halloween. While many schools…
By Susan Helton Connection writer Susan Helton is an avid reader – more than 100 books so far this year. This month, she shares a collection of Christmas letters. Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien is a delightful collection of letters to the Tolkien children from Father Christmas, as Santa Claus is known in…
By Bryan Goodland Every two years, the Douglas County Assessor’s Office revalues all real estate in the county as of an appraisal date set by state law. According to Assessor Lisa Frizell, Douglas County homeowners will likely see an increase in their 2019 property tax bill, arriving in the mail in the next 6-8 weeks.…
Representing quilting squares, Mrs. Martin’s class hands came together and left behind the following message for us all – “Every act of kindness weaves together, and like a patchwork quilt brings comfort, warmth and beauty to those it touches.” By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of American Academy Kindness Week is an annual tradition celebrated by…
Natural beauty and nature By Susan Helton; photo courtesy of Stefanie Palko Stefanie Palko, owner and president of Copperfalls Aveda Spa and Salon, founded the company roughly 20 years ago. “Downtown Castle Rock was just starting to bloom, and the timing was perfect,” stated Stefanie. “Day spas were becoming a thing and I knew I…
After a long season, with most teams starting practice in the summer, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) fall sports are coming to an end. Juliett Abbott, Bailey Kracke, and Sofia Anderson supported Bella Albers while cheering on the varsity football team in their game against Cherokee Trail August 30. Photo courtesy of Amanda Brauchler. Cheer…
Timber Trail Elementary bingo winner Lenya Sanford graciously accepted her bingo award from student volunteer emcees Molly McCarthy (left) and Landyn Pettis (right). By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Timber Trail Elementary October is that favorite time of year for Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students, families and staff dressed in their favorite goblin, ghoul and…
Article and photos by Celeste McNeil Cub Scout Pack 856 gathered recently to honor veterans and learn about the American flag. American Legion Post 1187 joined the Cub Scouts for the evening, allowing the boys to meet and interact with local veterans. Together, the young boys learned how to properly fold an American flag. They…
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) canine Scooter spied a ball during RHMS career day presentation with his handler Deputy Brad Proulx. By Kaeli Nallathamby, RHMS intern writer; photos courtesy of RHMS The future often seems far off and distant, but eighth grade students at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) looked at what their future careers…
Submitted by Tony’s Meats & Market; photos courtesy of Steph Keliiholokai Tony’s Meats & Market in The Village at Castle Pines hosted more than 100 guests for Beef & Bourbon Night – celebrating the grand opening of Tony’s new Dry Aged Meat room. Samples of Tony’s new The Butcher’s Pantry sauces were paired with a…
Christy Smith has been a beloved part of the BRE community for 20 years and will be missed when she retires in May. Article and photo by Celeste McNeil Christy Smith has been greeting students, staff and families at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) for 20 years. As registrar, she meets new families, gives tours of…
Marching band members mingle on the stands at the Tri-Force State Marching Band Championship, November 2 at Echo Park. Band teacher Mr. Fruits organized the event following the cancellation of the state competition. By Jana Seal, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Emily Wilson To many, marching band sounds like a small commitment to play…
By Patte Smith Chanukah, the Jewish eight-day, wintertime festival of lights, will be celebrated beginning Sunday evening, December 22 and continuing through Monday evening, December 30. Christmas services and worship times vary throughout December and are celebrated at area churches. Here is a list of local services for Chanukah and Christmas: Chabad Jewish Center of…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of Sandra Fierro-Andrews Fresh off her performances at the 7th Denver Salsa & Bachata Congress, Sandra Fierro-Andrews, local Castle Pines resident, found her way to dance through fitness in her hometown of Cali, Colombia. The youngest of three girls, Fierro-Andrews remembers comparing her body image to her older sisters…
Castle Pines residents and seniors at RCHS Courtenay Krause (left), Lauren Karaba (center) and Alexa Narlinger (right) donated blood during the RCHS blood drive in November. By Maddy Merritt, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Hannah Olsen The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Key Club held its annual blood drive November 1 with help from…
The friendly front-office staff at Brandon Linn Orthodontics. Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard Brandon Linn Orthodontics, a local Castle Pines business, is partnering with the Salvation Army and the organization’s Angel Tree Program to help provide Christmas for those less fortunate this holiday season. The holidays can be economically challenging for many and…
DCSM sixth grade students Chloe Goodman-Scott, (left) Michelle Batson (middle) and teacher Diana Visser (right) learn that providing customers with exceptional service is a big part of the Starbucks experience. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori While it’s not uncommon to see the Castle Pines local Starbucks’ baristas multitasking behind the counter, it…
By Patte Smith Horse-drawn carriage rides will take families and friends on an old-fashioned jaunt around the Schweiger Ranch Austrian Christmas Festival & Christkindl Market on Saturday, December 7 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Kids get to visit with Santa and his reindeer, make crafts and have their faces painted, while adults can attend…
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. In a medium sized mixing bowl, whisk together oil, sugar, and cinnamon until the mixture is well incorporated. Spread pretzels in a large roasting pan (16x13x3 inches) and drizzle with oil mixture, tossing well to coat. Bake pretzels for 30 minutes, stirring mixture every 10 minutes to ensure pretzels…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; Photos courtesy of the City of Castle Pines Mayor Tera Radloff, members of the city council and residents of the City of Castle Pines cut the ribbon for the official opening of the new fitness court located at Elk Ridge Park. Attendees received a hands-on orientation of the seven-circuit training system…
By Celeste McNeil Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) fifth grade students are honing their writing skills by partnering with writing buddies from Rock Canyon High School (RCHS). The partnership, linking students from the college preparation American English class with 11-year-olds is new this year. According to fifth grade teacher Michelle Parker, each BRE student has a…
By Bryan Goodland Christmas is coming fast upon us. If you haven’t finished or even started shopping, it is time to roll up your sleeves and get to it – especially if there are kids on your list. What should you buy the kids in your life? Keeping up with the latest trends in toys…
The color contrasts at Binalong Bay detail the orange lichen, azure seas, white clouds and blue skies of the region. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner As noted in the October issue of The Connection, the Tasmania experience is a breed apart. It is refreshing and temperate, unlike the Australian mainland. Lightly populated, it’s a…
Allan Dyer, Castle Pines resident for 16 years, is the new baseball coach at Rock Canyon High School. Dyer has a big vision for long-needed improvements to the field and the facilities. He is excited for the community to see all the positive improvements which, he said, “are a testament to the great people who…
Pictured right: The only girls in the third/fourth grade age group, Jordan McCrary (left), Sophia Bonnstetter (center) and Winter Keough (right) helped bring the LA Rams team to victory. Information and photos submitted by Castle Pines Athletics While the NFL pro football season is still in full swing, youth flag football in Castle Pines culminated…
Dan Casper shared some of his beautiful artwork, which is not for sale, at the Autumn Wine Walk in The Village at Castle Pines last month. He creates the pieces in his home studio and shares them with anyone interested in viewing them. Article and photos by Nancy Koontz There is an artist living in…
Legacy Village of Castle Pines residents enjoyed handing out candy while the ghosts and ghouls practiced their trick-or-treat manners. By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of Timber Trail Elementary Bundled up in their favorite Halloween costumes Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) preschool students and first graders enjoyed a walking field trip to Legacy Village of Castle Pines.…
By Joe Gschwendtner: photos courtesy of Denver Public Library The Roaring ‘20s in the Wildcat Mountains did not lack excitement. Bootlegging and gambling were rampant, especially in Larkspur, where the Feds found and busted the two largest moonshine stills in the county. Their proprietors would do 3-5 years in the pen. Perhaps the headline event…
A cup of Christmas comfort By Michelle Post; courtesy photo According to Ancestry.com, 77% of my ethnicity is located in England, Wales and Northwestern Europe. Perhaps this is one of the reasons I love tea. My mother, Annie, was a proud Newfoundlander who was born and raised on tea. In my book, Heaven Has Tea…
By Terri Wiebold A vibrant sense of community is one of the characteristics that sets Castle Pines – the 80108 ZIP code more specifically – apart from other Colorado communities. Neighbors know each other, they spend time together and they support each other. If you are a new resident, you have likely already experienced this…
By Kathy Fallert It’s hard to believe it’s November already. But here we are, and Thanksgiving is coming up quick! Cooking holiday dinners usually falls on my plate every year, and this year is no exception. I was looking for an app that would help keep me organized this holiday season with grocery lists, recipes…
OPENED IN OCTOBER Arapahoe Basin: OPEN Keystone: OPEN Loveland: OPEN Wolf Creek: OPEN NOVEMBER Eldora: Nov. 1 Breckenridge: Nov. 8 Copper Mountain: Nov. 8 Winter Park: Nov. 13 Vail: Nov. 15 Monarch: Nov. 22 Purgatory: Nov. 23 Steamboat: Nov. 23 Beaver Creek: Nov. 27 Crested Butte: Nov. 27 Aspen Mountain: Nov. 28 Snowmass: Nov. 28…
Excited to be SWAT operators for a day, Ms. Roda’s DCSM class received a hands-on lesson exploring the inside of the Lenco BearCat armored vehicle. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori What started off as a regular school morning turned into a morning of excitement as a FBI Denver Division Special Weapons and…
By Michelle Post In an article titled 17 Unusual Things to be Thankful for in Life, the author said this about failure: “Most of us are afraid to fail because we see it as a sign of weakness and worthlessness, but with the right mindset you can take failure and turn it into something for…
Shari Peck, coat coordinator By Terri Wiebold; photos courtesy of Shari Peck Local realtor and Hidden Pointe resident Shari Peck is once again collecting coats for a good cause. “It it is something I have done the last two years,” stated Peck. “I feel it is important to give back to the community, and it…
At Rock Canyon High School, graduates who serve in the military are honored with a plaque, made in the RCHS ACE print shop, on the Military Wall of Honor, which was created this past February. Article and photo by Amanda Brauchler and Maddy Merritt, RCHS intern writers Every year, November 11, Veterans Day, serves as…
Program leaders Jane Lenz (end second row on left) and Kristen Ward Brown (middle top row) stand proud with the Timber Trail Elementary Red Shirt Rookies student athletes as they got ready to hit the field for their first soccer practice. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Timber Trail Elementary Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) has…
Ryan Kolb, Castle Pines American Academy campus Dean of Students, commemorates Constitution Day by reading about the signing of the Constitution to a fourth grade classroom By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of American Academy On Tuesday, September 17, all American Academy (AA) campuses held a day of celebration in honor of Constitution Day. Students and…
Laura Kirkland, RHMS art teacher Article by Andrew Kim, RHMS intern writer; photos by Karmel Bedhoodi, RHMS student American historian Henry Brooks Adams once said, “Teachers affect eternity; no one can tell where their influence stops.” Laura Kirkland, formerly known as Ms. Carter, is a teacher with a never-ending influence. She is an astounding art…
A blast of a journey By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of Jimmy Dozer and Tim Clark As vice president and managing broker of LIV Sotheby’s International Realty (LIVSIR), Tim Clark manages all three of the Douglas County offices. “My awesome wife, Maureen, who goes by ‘Mo’, is also my business partner,” Tim stated. Having recently…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard After 35 years, the Castle Pines North Association (Master Association) board of directors will recommend that the community-wide homeowner association dissolve. The recommendation, explaining the reasons in favor of and against dissolution, will be made to each sub-association delegate at the annual delegate meeting held on November 14. The meeting will…
Castle Pines residents and juniors at Rock Canyon High School Izzy Holsman (driver) and Blake Burnham at Daniels Park. Research shows that teens understand they are vulnerable and are well aware of driving risks. So, focusing on positive actions that teens can take to be safe and to keep their friends safe, can be powerful…
Use carrots and celery to form the turkey’s outer “plumage” and then fill in with pickles, olives, tomatoes, bell pepper slices and cucumber slices as shown. Using one “section” of the bottom of a bell pepper and the chunk of cucumber, form the turkey’s head and neck; add a small olive slice for the eye.…
By Bryan Goodland; graphic by Tim Gamble On October 8, the Castle Pines City Council unanimously passed Ordinance No. 19-12 on first reading, which, if approved on second reading following public hearing, would allow single family attached and/or multifamily residential development to be added as allowable principle uses on the 15.86-acre parcel of land known…
(Pictured left to right) The Laity family took first place in the Turweston Lane annual chili cook-off with their green chili recipe. The Geiser family took second place with their white chicken chili. The Johnson family took third with the their spicy white chili. By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photo courtesy of Sarah Allison The neighbors…
Lincoln Meadows school counselor Madura Deshmukh provided AA staff information and a lesson on emotional regulation. By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of American Academy American Academy (AA) is making mental health a priority at all three of its campuses. The AA mental health team was asked to provide mental health trainings for all staff on…
Second graders (left to right) Kensington Hulley, Taryn Pettis, Scarlett Borner, Jenna Prewett and Jolene Luber took their team off the field for a cool down session with popsicles. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Timber Trail Elementary Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students transformed into the Altitude Avengers for a fun day of outside activity…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett I love cranberries, with their quintessentially American flavor and deep red color. To me, they just scream “holiday.” I love cranberry sauce, cranberry bars and cranberry bread. The tart flavor of the berries is such a nice contrast to the heavier offerings that abound this time of year, their…
Pictured above, Melissa and Andy McCune have happily called Castle Pines home since 2011. Pictured left, Melissa’s book provides inspiration for drawing pictures. By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Melissa McCune Castle Pines resident Melissa McCune strives to share her love of art with as many individuals as possible. As an educator, she can reach…
The Holcomb family has so much fun building a pyramid of Jack-o’-Lanterns each fall for their neighbors to enjoy. Article and photo by Lynn Zahorik; photo courtesy of Daryl Holcomb Each October, the residents on the cul-de-sac of Clare Court look forward to the festive Halloween display orchestrated by their neighbors Daryl and Dottie Holcomb.…
Castle Pines resident Ken Patrick (right) credits Black Diamond Eye Care optometrist Dr. Rachel Hasler (left) with saving his eyesight. Article and photo by Terri Wiebold Wellness is an important part of everyday life, as well as a critical component to a successful career. The Castle Pines Connection recently received this letter from a resident…
By Susan Helton Connection writer Susan Helton is an avid reader, once reading 64 books during the summer – just because. This month, she shares a new high-tech thriller. Kill Zone is a tense disaster thriller by bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson and Doug Beason, local author and resident of The Village. The book was…
Caption and photos by Terri Wiebold Residents ushered in fall last month at the Autumn Art Walk 2019, sponsored by LIV Sotheby’s International Realty in The Village at Castle Pines. Stunning works created by Colorado artists included bronze sculptures, photography, painting, ceramics and more. Guests were treated to live music, wine and hors d’oeuvres, and…