Read the stories from the latest issue:
The MATHCOUNTS team from RHMS. Back Row (from left to right): Alan Wang, Shiv Mereddy, Ty Sloan, Lee Guiberson, Jessica Wang, Aditi Jegannath and coach Chris Gowing. Front Row (from left to right): Jamie Kim, Max Xu, Anthony Chui and Tintin Zhang. Submitted by Ayanna Cudennec, RHMS student On February 2, Rocky Heights Middle School…
The underpass rendering illustration (above) is a close up of the area on the map (left) with the thick red line. The dashed red line indicates the new eight-mile phase of the East/West Regional Trail that is under construction. Below highlighted light orange rectangle shows a view of the area under construction. By Patte Smith;…
By Lisa Crockett; courtesy photo In just a few weeks, the produce section of the grocery store will feature the goodies of early spring – tender young peas and pale red radishes, among other things. Soon thereafter, a parade of deliciousness will follow as the growing season heats up and the harvest begins. For now,…
The Canyons filed an application for the first amendment of its Planned Development for an additional 1,000 multifamily/attached units. By Elizabeth Wood West; map provided by the City of Castle Pines North Canyons LLLP manager Leland J. Alpert has filed an application (Project File #ZR18-002) for the first amendment to The Canyons Planned Development (The…
Help & Hope Center volunteers Peggy Haney and Pat Engfer joined Marion Dahlem, the center’s volunteer coordinator, and Maryann Streater for a break in the action. “Without volunteers, our mission of help and hope would not be possible,” stressed Dahlem. “We are incredibly grateful to them – we have the best volunteers in the entire…
Chelsey Nielson and her daughter Livia read a book together. Article and photos by Julie Matuszewski Proud of their accomplishments and school work, students escorted families and friends through the school halls of art, music and physical education. The Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) annual showcase event is one of many main events of the year.…
Pictured left to right, Emily Cottrell (CP), Mara Powner (CP), Victoria Kim, Loren Rylander and Laryssa Myers (CP). These Rock Canyon High School seniors were honored at the Women in Sports Luncheon January 18. By Maddie Merritt, RCHS intern writer; courtesy photo On January 18, the Douglas County School District (DCSD) held the annual Women…
With a flair for creating custom puzzles and games for special occasions, resident Andy Walls hosts Game Night at The Ridge on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. By Steve Whitlock; photo courtesy of Andy Walls There’s a new game in town, and you are invited. Hosted at The Ridge at Castle Pines…
Information provided by Aging In Place Older people have the highest risk of death or serious injury arising from a fall, and the risk increases with age. Whether a person lives in their home or in a care facility, there are safety precautions that can be taken to minimize falling. This information is important for…
By Joe Gschwendtner; photos courtesy of Kevin Grenier, Douglas County Historic Preservation In Douglas County’s early years, hillside lumber yielded logs which were the basic building blocks of construction. Whether log cabins or storefronts, wood carried the day. Rhyolite was used periodically, but for larger and commercial projects. It was also in limited supply, even…
Information provided by the Colorado Senior Lobby Join the Colorado Senior Lobby and meet state legislators and elected officials. Participants will learn about what is planned for older adults in Colorado and the impact of future legislation. Held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Denver, a continental breakfast will be offered before the program…
Proud Principal Michele Radke presented winning spelling bee awards to Martin Black (left) and Blake Miller (right). By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of Melanie Christensen Prickliness: n the quality of being covered with prickly thorns or spines. P.R.I.C.K.L.I.N.E.S.S. This was the winning word buzzing around Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) on January 16 as the school…
Rock Canyon’s three mock trial teams and their attorney coaches pose after completing their fourth and final round, February 9. The sophomore team placed first in the competition, the senior team placed fourth, and the freshman team placed eleventh. By Amanda Brauchler, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of RCHS After four months of preparation, nine…
Reading Between the Pines Connection writer Stacie Chadwick shares both joy and pain each month in Reading Between the Pines – a personal account of laughter, reflection, transitions and decisions. Some columns are reflective, representing a “true believer in all things good” perspective on life, while others are a little more shallow, because a small…
The “Rock the Night Away” committee, many of whom are members of the 80108 community, made the fundraiser for RCHS the success it was. By Jana Seal, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of RCHS and Jana Seal On February 9, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) held a parent and teacher date night fundraiser for teacher…
The Rock Canyon High School theatre program has grown from one National Qualifier in 2013 to a record 34 individual qualifications this year. 80108 thespians in the program include Lucy Meisel, Kaelyn New, Logan McDonnell, Briana Zappavigna, Brittlyn Stibley, Lily Schmoker, Valerie Thomas, Carson Carnes, Sophia Badia, Cameron Warlow, Tim Merkle and Olivia Critchley. By…
By Terri Wiebold Want a new adventure this spring break that doesn’t break the bank but allows for quality time (away from home) with the family? Here area few adventures to consider, all within an hour of home: Pack your suitcase and head to Denver International Airport, but instead of boarding a flight, drive past…
Third-grade students perform for fellow students, parents and friends on January 31. (Photo courtesy of BRE Yearbook Crew.) By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Valerie Miller and BRE Yearbook Crew Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) third-grade students demonstrated they are diversely talented and smart. These lively and active eight- and nine-year-old students have been honing songs,…
Lisza Gulyas and Glenn Pinto enjoyed a riverboat cruise on the Main River in Germany in the summer of 2018. The couple visited Prague before a family reunion in Hungary. Lisza is a first generation Hungarian/American. By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of Lisza Gulyas Lisza Gulyas has been my friend for many years. I was…
Special thanks to local photographer Julie Lamb for sharing these stunning pictures she captured at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo. The show continues to be a great way to kick off the new year every January. To see more of Lamb’s work, visit https://www.facebook.com/JulianneDeanLamb.
Information and photo provided by Terri Sundermann Several ladies from the Village Castle Pines Garden Club visited the Colorado Home & Garden Show at the Colorado Convention Center in February, courtesy of The Castle Pines Connection. “We enjoyed the multiple garden displays, some with very large water features” stated club member Terri Sundermann. “The smell…
BRE PE teacher Ronda Gutierrez dressed up to encourage students to jump rope for heart on Valentine’s Day. Article and photos by Celeste McNeil Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) commemorated Valentine’s Day in the typical fashion with class parties, exchanging valentines and lots of red and pink. They also celebrated healthy hearts by participating in the…
Loving the restaurant business By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of the Minarick family Neal Minarick, Duke’s Steakhouse owner and general manager, grew up raising beef and dairy cattle in Nebraska. Neal worked in restaurants throughout high school and college and found he loved the restaurant business. “I was hooked at age 16,” Neal stated. During…
By Amanda Merriman Humans love tracking data. Data about our health is no exception. When it comes to health, sleep quality (or lack thereof) is an important topic of conversation. Roughly one-third of Americans report poor sleep quality, and as such, there are many devices aimed at tracking how well we sleep. Sleepzy is a…
Pam Randall and American Academy first-graders enjoy a sweet partnership, combining cooking and chemistry. Information and photos courtesy of American Academy American Academy (AA) first-graders completed an especially sweet science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) unit in partnership with Pam Randall, owner of The Bundt Shoppe in Castle Pines. STEM instructor Chris Todd searched for…
Classes for CPR/AED and first aid to help adults, children and infants in an emergency are offered by the South Metro Safety Foundation. By Patte Smith, photos courtesy of South Metro Safety Foundation Education is not all about reading, writing and math or studying hard to prepare for college or a career, although those are…
By Catalin Varela All the traditions we have come to love about St. Patrick’s Day (green beer, “Kiss Me I’m Irish” T-shirts, etc.) actually have very little resemblance to the holiday first celebrated in 1631. So what’s the real story behind the festivities of March 17? St. Patrick’s Day was established by the Catholic Church…
Glynis shows off the new packaging of her All Purpose Coating Mix and Waffle Mix which carries the “Glynis Kitchen” title. By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of Glynis Albright In the October 2018 issue of The Connection, we introduced readers to Glynis Albright and her love of cooking. On the below-zero snowy night of February…
Connecting mothers, daughters and community By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of National Charity League With a family calendar full of birthday parties, school events, holidays, graduations, practices and much more, it can be hard to find time to volunteer together. For mothers and their daughters in seventh to twelfth grade in Douglas County, knowing where…
Left to right. City Market in St. John, N.B. Great place to find most anything, including lunch. Roosevelt Cottage, Campobello Island, N.B. Middle Head Hike, Cape Breton National Park, N.S. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Part two features the large southern provinces, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Should you have more time, consider pastoral,…
Learn how to properly prune trees and shrubs and other gardening advice at the Thursday, March 7 program, My Yard! Lawn & Landscape Ideas and Tips presented by Craig Miller at the Douglas County Libraries – Castles Pines. By Patte Smith, courtesy photo Holding yourself back from cultivating your garden? Yearning for spring to plant…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos High school student-athletes all over the country signed letters of intent to play their sport at the collegiate level on Wednesday, February 6. While National Signing Day is full of anticipation and excitement for the future, it is also a celebration of all the hard work and dedication of these…
Biz Hansen, Account Manager By Terri Wiebold; photo courtesy of Biz Hansen Biz joins The Castle Pines Connection team as an advertising account manager. She is originally from Michigan and graduated from Arizona State with a Bachelor of Science in Purchasing Materials Management. She moved to Denver in 1991 and worked the next 10 years…
More than 100 guests gathered at Cielo at Castle Pines last month to become better educated and prepared in the event of unexpected independence. The panel of guest speakers included an estate planning attorney, an insurance planner and a private wealth advisor, each of whom shared their knowledge and expertise and provided tools for being…
By Michelle Post; courtesy photo I remember watching many moons ago the Iditarod race and thinking how awesome that would be to run a dog sled. Several decades later, I had the privilege of experiencing it firsthand. My husband and I moved here from Texas 18 years ago, so snow sports were a new adventure…
By Michelle Post Terms of Use: With any advice about your computer, software, hardware, and/or network, please use caution and read all the facts before installing, changing, and/or deleting any files on your computer. What you don’t know can hurt you! Running maintenance on your computer is just as important as running maintenance on your…
DCS Montessori ACE students tested their strengths with fellow students supporting every move. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy DCS Montessori If you have ever spent a day at Earth Treks Climbing Center, you will agree that a climbing gym is the perfect place to build a team and push yourself beyond your normal limits. Every…
By Terri Wiebold You don’t have to fall victim to this incredibly unpleasant flu season. The following are a few tips for staying healthy while the flu is upon us: Your gut is the first line of defense Probiotics are the “good” live micro-organisms (bacteria) that line your digestive system and ensure proper nutritional absorption…
At the Fencing Junior Olympics, Rachel Buhay (right, on the attack) faced the country’s number 19 ranked fencer in Cadet Women’s Saber (under 17). After the pool rounds, Rachel was at 36 out of 188 By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of the Buhay family A little scared but excited, Rachel Buhay (14), daughter of Rene…
By Celeste McNeil; courtesy photos Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) kicked off February with the annual daddy-daughter dance. The event was held on Friday February 8. Paul Brandt, Before, After School and Summer Enterprise (BASE) program director and his staff organized the event. All daughters attending BRE, from the smallest friends in preschool to the fifth-grade…
DCS Montessori riding to every beat during their PE cycle class at CycleBar Castle Pines. By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy DCS Montessori The DCS Montessori (DCSM) seventh- and eighth-grade students had a choice when it came to picking an activity for physical education (PE). Indoor cycling won fair and square over floor hockey. As part…
Information provided by CPNMD The Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) Board of Directors voted unanimously last month to engage in a collaborative study with Parker Water & Sanitation District to maximize efficiencies and economies of scale in all service areas. A wastewater service-consolidation study will allow CPNMD to “flesh out the terms and conditions…
Identifying that congestion, accidents and traffic delays along the I-25 corridor between Monument and C-470 are a source of frustration for many, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) initiated a planning and environmental linkages (PEL) study in 2016 to identify immediate and longer-term solutions to the stretch of I-25 that connects Colorado Springs and the…
The RCHS Chamber Orchestra excitedly arrived at The Broadmoor hotel prior to their performance at the Colorado Music Educators Association Conference and Clinic in January. By Sarah Bermingham, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of Mira Nigudkar and Tom Maynor In January, both the Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Women’s Select Choir and Chamber Orchestra were…
Article and photos by Terri Wiebold “…By any objective standard, the state of our city is magnificent,” were among City of Castle Pines Mayor Tera Radloff’s opening comments at the City’s first-ever State of the City address on February 19. Surrounded by friends, colleagues, city and county officials and regional partners, Radloff acknowledged those who…
Hit me baby one more time! By Elise Brassell; photo courtesy of Deanna Locke Ladies night out in Castle Pines is taking on a new meaning for a group of women who have found a fun way to get together to build friendships and try something different. It’s not a book club, bunko, dining out…
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. Luis Alberto Urrea’s novel The House of Broken Angels was February’s pick…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett I have a love hate relationship with bananas. Most of the time, I love them. They’re nutritious enough that I feel pretty virtuous when I eat them, but sweet enough that they almost seem like a treat (particularly if they are frozen or schmeared with a bit of peanut…
By Terri Wiebold; file photos The City of Castle Pines covers approximately 6,114 acres or 9.55 square miles. Since its incorporation more than a decade ago, many of the areas The Connection reported on as “future areas for potential growth” have since been developed or are underway in the development process. Three significant projects include…
On Tuesday, January 8, Douglas County officials took the oath of office at the Philip S. Miller building in Castle Rock. Witnessed by family, friends, supporters and County employees, newly sworn-in officials included (left to right): Robert Snodgrass, surveyor; Merlin Klotz, clerk and recorder; Lisa Frizell, assessor; David Gill, treasurer; Jill Romann, coroner; Tony Spurlock,…
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. Faithful Connection readers may recognize the author of this month’s book selection,…
Making a house home By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of Home Builders Foundation When people have accidents, illness or other events happen in their lives that suddenly leave them physically disabled, it can make the everyday task of moving throughout the home difficult. Imagine trying to use your kitchen from a wheelchair, or come into…
From his early beginnings as a deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, to sheriff, to county commissioner, to Colorado U.S. Marshal, David Weaver has spent his career in public service. By Catalin Varela; photo by Terri Wiebold In the inaugural issue of The Castle Pines Connection published in February 2009, David Weaver (then Douglas…
By Michelle Post The Golden Rule states, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” And this rule not only works for life and business, but for the internet too. One question I often get from business owners is, “How do I get more reviews?” There are two answers to this question:…
Regis Jesuit High School senior Lauren Winston beamed with joy while volunteering in a classroom of students at Eastridge Community Elementary School. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Lauren Winston Lauren Winston is not your ordinary teenager. She is kind, dedicated and personable with a passion to help those in need of a little lift.…
Many events are sponsored by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce, among them Food Truck Frenzy, Run Wild, Vino in the Village and the Holly Jolly Brunch with Santa at The Ridge at Castle Pines North. By Patte Smith; photos by Lynn Zahorik “The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce (CPCC), established in 2008, has changed…
By Terri Wiebold; file photos In February 2009, a new neighbor moved into the Castle Pines community. Long-time residents hoped that this new tenant would be friendly, honest and trustworthy; someone who honored their history, respected their privacy, and at the same time, showed interest in their families and their businesses. Someone who celebrated their…
The Village Idiots Cycling Club has grown to more than 75 riders since 2007. By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of Village Idiots Cycling Club In the April/May 2009 issue of The Connection, we introduced readers to the Village Idiots Cycling Club (VICC), a group of neighbors from The Village at Castle Pines who started a…
Team captain Matthew Reljanovic (black jersey), along with coach Mike Catalano (top right) and the DCS Montessori Cougars proudly wear their school colors of green and gold when competing in the sport of futsal. By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of DCS Montessori Are you ready for some futsal?! Yes, futsal, not to be confused with…
Article and photo by Joe Gschwendtner Back in 2010, I stumbled onto Ken Hamblin, iconic former Denver radio personality, lightning rod and self-styled “Black Avenger” – at MiYO Cafe, of course. Seems like he is still living large and for those who know him, with panache. For starters, he looked as if he had not…
Executive Director of Schools Erin Kane and excited AA students presented Douglas County Deputy Sheriff Steve Johnson (left) and Parker Police Chief David King (right) with a donation in honor of the Douglas County Fallen Officer Fund. Information and photos provided by American Academy American Academy (AA) students and staff celebrated National Law Enforcement Appreciation…
By Joe Gschwendtner; photo courtesy of Heritage Collection “History of City and Arapahoe County,” 1880 Major D.C. Oakes struck pay dirt in the California Gold Rush. Returning to Iowa in 1853 to marry, he invested his $6,000 profit in a contracting business. When the business faltered and money dwindled, he chased rumors of gold in…
Pictured left to right: Kate Koury, president of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS), Megan Hassler and Faith Kolberg spoke to future freshman at the NAHS booth on January 16 for Future Jags Night, where they gave out information on arts classes. Article and photos by Amanda Brauchler, RCHS intern writer With overwhelming possibilities for…
Seascape looking out from the Ferryland Lighthouse in Newfoundland. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Canada is vast, a travel jigsaw. Where to begin? How about in the east since the eastern provinces are more compact? Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland-Labrador have much in common. Shaped by the Atlantic with a…
At top, girls will be girls! Castle Pines Storm swimmers and long-time swimming buddies Shayne Polk and Sophia Lush (pictured with Gabi Dyer) in 2015, circled back in 2018, pictured with Maya Amerlan and Kassidy Harris. Bottom photos, Sam and Claire Isert pictured above in 2010 and again in 2016 (right) are long-time Storm competitors.…
Pictured above, left to right: Joe Roos – Hide In Plain Sight, Greg Anderson – Minuteman Press, Tammy Lopez – Allstate Insurance, Steve and Andrea Peterson – Christian Brothers Automotive Castle Rock, Woody Howarth – Sterling Custom Homes, Inc., Melissa Coudeyras – City of Castle Pines, and Brad Mahoney – Douglas County Living. Article and…
Submitted by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce Most of us find comfort in the fact that unexpected hardships probably won’t happen to us or our families. Those things happen to others, right? After all, what good comes from worrying about what might or could happen? As an organization, the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce…
Information provided by the CPNMD The Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) recently announced a vacancy on its board of directors, following the resignation of Director Norman Froman. Residents and/or property owners who wish to be considered for an appointment to the five-member board can email a letter of interest and bio/resume to CPNMD Manager…