The Castle Pines Connection

By Daniel Williams Residents in the 80108 ZIP code are blessed to live in a beautiful natural surrounding, but a spree of recent incidents involving collisions between motorists and wildlife is a reminder of how close we live to many of our wilder, four-legged neighbors, including coyotes, deer, elk, bears and mountain lions. In light…

A beautiful hike up to Castle Rock on a sunny (albeit sometimes crisp) day is a great way to spend quality time with a loved one. Article and photo by Catalin Varela The leaves are turning, the snow is falling, and love is in the air. Don’t miss the opportunity to spend the most cozy…

Nine-year-old Nathan Fields (front row center), pictured alongside his friends Molly Terry (front row, left) and Jack Dodge (front row, right) and his family and support team at Timber Trail Elementary School, presented the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) with a giant check for $4,798.01 – the proceeds from The Castle Pines Connection’s Chalk It…

The yellow line above indicates the widening area of RidgeGate Parkway that is planned to begin in early 2019. The road will be widened from Havana to the east boundary of the City of Lone Tree (blue area). By Patte Smith; map courtesy of the City of Lone Tree Traffic under I-25 and RidgeGate Parkway…

After following the leader as they cross Daniels Park Road, camera-shy turkeys dash into the brush when passersby stop. Article and photograph by Barbara Neff On just about any given midday, lucky sightseers along Daniels Park Road or Happy Canyon Road in Castle Pines will be treated to the turkey trot. Flocks of wild turkeys…

Article and photo by Lisa Crockett It’s that time of year when I stock up on candy for little ghosts and goblins, where there is sugar in every nook and cranny of my life. It’s one of my favorite times of year, except that my initial supply of goodies for the trick-or-treaters has never actually…

Pino’s Italian Kitchen & Bar was overflowing with pride and patriotism as Castle Pines came out to support Pino’s Eat for a Cause 9/11. The fundraiser was a heartwarming occasion which benefited the families of fallen first responders. Lives were remembered and celebrated, while an abundance of personal stories and of memories from September 11,…

By Daniel Williams, photos courtesy of Jessica Lovitt At a recent event held at Cherokee Ranch & Castle, professional and amateur astronomers alike gathered to stare into the vast night sky. Looking through high-powered telescopes, they were able to see the four moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn and pick out vivid details…

Dorothy and Cully Dahlstrom just as in love after 70 years of marriage as on their wedding day. By Daniel Williams, photos courtesy of Diane Dahlstrom Johnson In 1962, Vail Ski Resort opened. A year later Cully and Dorothy Dahlstrom vacationed there from Chicago. They loved the area and began visiting annually, eventually buying a…

By Daniel Williams, photos courtesy of Kristen Narlinger On September 10, 144 golfers played a round at the Birdies for Butterflies Charity Golf Tournament held at the Blackstone Country Club in Aurora. As the golfers enjoyed a beautiful fall day filled with fun and laughter and the occasional amazing shot, they also had an opportunity…

Information provided by Laura Stadele and Julian Bouquet, RHMS teachers; courtesy photos The Castle Pines Connection is honored to have four Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) students working with us as interns for the 2018-19 school year. Our interns contribute stories and photos about happenings at their middle school. We would like to welcome our…

Caption and photos by Nancy Koontz The Village at Castle Pines celebrated the yearly Oktoberfest event on Saturday, September 15, from 3 pm to 6 pm at the Canyon Club pavilion. Residents enjoyed authentic German music, food and drink. They were encouraged to wear lederhosen and bring their favorite beer stein, and many obliged. Food…

Check out The Connection’s COMMUNITY Events tab on the home page of our website, www.castlepinesconnection.com, for a complete listing of upcoming events in and around the community. To request an event be added to the events page, email webmaster@castlepinesconnection.com. Additionally, each month’s E Guide insert includes a full pull-out calendar in the center. Check it…

RHMS cross-country runners were all smiles as they lined up at the starting line for the race to begin. By Lia Pirazzi, RHMS intern writer; photos courtesy of Julie Olsen On the morning of September 18 at 7:30 a.m., more than 50 people gathered on the Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) football field ready to…

Catalin Varela pictured in front of the school’s library. Article and photos by Catalin Varela I am going to school, but I very rarely GO to school. I mean, it is 2018! Education, just like everything else, is rapidly evolving as our society changes. In the past, it has always been assumed that one would…

Caption and photos provided by BRE The fifth-grade class of Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) took a student-wide favorite field trip to Young AmeriTowne. Before the trip, students learned about economics and the ins and outs of running a business. They all had a chosen “occupation” before arriving, and the students were in charge of running…

By Amanda Merriman Young adults everywhere are just starting their first semester at college, away from home. Umergency is an app that aims to ease the transition for students and their families. This app links students to critical resources as well as family and friends in the event of a medical or safety emergency. Umergency…

By Elise Brassell; map courtesy of Douglas County The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners (Board) is keeping busy evaluating proposals to continue growth within our county. In late September alone, the Board considered project plans for Sterling Ranch, Dransfeldt Road, The Pinery, Devil’s Head Metropolitan District, Rock Canyon, The Village at Castle Pines and…

Blind and adorable, this little black puppy (that does not look like it will be little when grown) went home with two loving older adults and their other dog, Frank Sinatra (pictured above left). Article and photos by Patte Smith In the July 2018 issue of The Connection, the article “Starting over with pets means…

By Lynn Zahorik The beautiful Charles Schwab conference center in Lone Tree was host to the second annual Senior Law and Safety Summit on September 15. Presented by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office the event was designed to help older people and those who care for them be proactive in protecting themselves against those…

Caption by Lynn Zahorik; photo courtesy of Allen Chapman The Rock Canyon High School Fire Science program participated once again in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on September 11. The event served as an inspirational opportunity for the class to learn about the culture of the fire and emergency services and…

By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of Julie Matuszewski With blankets and folding chairs ready, new and returning Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) families gathered for TTE’s first family outdoor movie night Friday, August 17. The Timber Trail Education Alliance (TTEA) hosted this free event to thank and give back to the families of TTE who volunteer…

Caption and photos courtesy of Katie Abner Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) hosted its annual Back-to-School Carnival on Friday, August 24. Bounce houses, dessert walk, K9 demonstration, tattoo artists, dessert trucks and lots of fun for our BRE community.

By Lisa Crockett A big part of eating healthy is thinking ahead. A long day combined with a fridge full of ingredients that need to be prepped and cooked, generally ends with a visit from the pizza delivery driver. Stock your fridge with good-for-you meal options (like the roasted sweet potatoes on previous page). Believe…

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. Shifting away from World War II and Paris, this month I bring…

Information provided by the Douglas County Kinship Navigator Program Are you caring for your grandchild, niece or nephew, cousin or other relative children in your home? The Douglas County Kinship Navigator Program works to support families who have taken in and are caring for a relative’s child. This collaborative program between Douglas County Department of…

Easy to whip up gluten-free/paleo sweet potato pancakes. Article and photo by Catalin Varela Gluten-free baking is both an art and a science, but definitely not impossible to master. With the chillier months upon us, don’t be afraid to experiment with the gluten-free world. If you aren’t gluten-free yourself, I’m sure your gluten-free friends/family/neighbors would…

Jaylyn (left) and Jolene (right) performing together in their team routine during national competition. By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of Gina Luber In these days of gamified everything, it’s refreshing to hear about kids having fun and working hard away from screens and electronics. Jaylyn Luber (9) and Jolene Luber (6) of Castle Pines do…

Once weathered, buck and rail fencing blends nicely with its natural surroundings. Article and photos by Barbara Neff After more than two decades of planning, community input and phased improvement projects, it is the latest renovation to Daniels Park – the fencing – that seems to have residents talking the most. While some are relieved…

Information provided by the National Safety Council From ninjas to princesses, cheerleaders to football players, children love Halloween. Goblins, ghosts, Star Wars characters and Wonder Woman race up and down streets at night with family and friends gathering yummy treats. Remember, kids are excited and not paying attention, so you need to be their eyes…

TTE thanks the volunteer team who put it all together (from left to right): Lisa Massey, Jolene Richardson, Kristi Tomlinson, Kym Hay, Erika Greene (committee co-chair), Page Warnke (committee co-chair), Whitney Shank, Amanda Quam and Val McPheeter. By Susan Helton; courtesy photos 2018 marks the 10th anniversary of the TTE Mother and Son Kickball Tournament.…

By Patte Smith; courtesy photo If you are a history buff, be sure to join the free walking tours of Cedar Hill Cemetery and Bear Canyon Cemetery. Both historic cemeteries, located in Castle Rock and Sedalia, are the resting grounds for many of the past pioneers and founding forefathers of the county. No tickets or…

Information provided by IREA Businesses served by the Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA) have recently been the target of scammers. Many of these recent scam attempts ask business owners to pay up front for new meters as part of an upcoming advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) project. Owners and customers can avoid falling victim by remembering…

By Michelle Post; graphic by Krysta Parr Are there toxic people in your workplace? You know the type – the ones who never have a good thing to say, who complain about anything and everything, who love to be miserable? I am sure you do, for it has been my experience they are in every…

Article and photo by Patte Smith As part of its speaker series, the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce hosted new Douglas County School District Superintendent Thomas S. Tucker, Ph.D. to discuss the facts surrounding the funding issues and the ongoing needs of the school district. The presentation was an open dialogue with the audience, as…

It was a beautiful and clear night under the stars on September 22 when nearly 500 residents and neighbors from Castle Pines gathered to take part in Movie at The Ridge – the perfect way to wrap up summer and head into fall. Many movie goers dined at The Ridge’s Parkway Grill before heading out…

Grills were fired up at Tony’s Castle Pines Market this fall as they welcomed in the chile roasting season. The heat was on as customers were greeted with the smoky-sweet smell of Pueblo green chiles roasting over a hot gas flame. Tasty chile samples were enjoyed by shoppers who picked up freshly-roasted and unroasted chiles…

Article and photo by Patte Smith South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) personnel – including firefighters, administrative staff and family members – collected a whopping $100,154 (not counting the change) for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Fill the Boot campaign over Labor Day weekend. Pictured above, they are gathered in front of the Castle Pines King…

Article and photos by Patte Smith; Photos courtesy of Jan Comstock People from all over Colorado follow the Douglas County Canine Rescue (DCCR) organization that is made up of volunteer foster dog parents. It is an eye opener to chat with these individuals who are committed to animal welfare so much so that they are…

    By Joe Gschwendtner; photos courtesy of Jackie Brown-Griggs The leadership of Castle Pines Village publicly celebrated the rebranding of “The Village at Castle Pines” at a grand evening fete of residents at Sanctuary Golf Course last month. As a nearly two-decade Village resident myself, I welcomed the change. Having been built in the…

When a drilling site appeared on Monarch Boulevard just south of Rocky Heights Middle School, there was concern it might be an oil well. However, a project engineer confirmed it is a water well being drilled to connect to the Arapahoe Aquifer. Article and photo by Daniel Williams Our neighborhood celebrated its annual block party…

Glynis Albright featuring her first two retail products, Glynis’ Waffle Mix and Glynis’ Poultry Coating Mix. Coming soon will be a caramel spice syrup, French toast mix, seafood coating mix, sour cream biscuit mix, chicken batter, beignet mix … and much more. By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of Glynis Albright When 13-year Castle Pines Village…

Retired firefighter and Castle Pines resident Bill Schaefer believes in healthy nutrition as a way to prevent cancer and other health problems. Article and photograph by Barbara Neff For many, the chapters of life that include careers, the building of financial security and child rearing also include lack of time or energy to focus on…

Please help us congratulate the following National Merit commended scholars: National Merit commended scholars: Front Row, left to right: Avery Conte, Kezia Dick, Derek Chen, Matt Chen, Calvin Ewing, Dale Kim, Andrew Lee, Justin Olcott and Matt Carlson. Back Row: Jacob Carlson, Aubrey Stevens, Amber Liu, Sonia Chu, Anila Narayana, Gloria Lee, Alyssa Boback, Brittney…

Surrounded by family, Douglas County Commissioner Roger Partridge accepted the “Code of the West” award from the Northwest Douglas County Economic Development Corporation. The award was given for the first time and will be given annually to a Douglas County community leader who exemplifies the values at the heart of the “cowboy way.” Article and…

Aron Bukary, RCHS student, running the ball during a rugby match for the Ranch Rugby program. By Alec Sutula, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of Aron Bukary Rugby can arguably be described as one of the most violent sports besides hockey or football. Hockey and football players, however, wear protective gear – from shoulder pads…

Information and graphic provided by the Tri-County Health Department Unwanted or expired medications are often a common sight in the medicine cabinet.  Storing unwanted medications – prescription or over the counter – in the household can pose the risk of accidental ingestion, especially for children and the elderly. Traditionally, unused medications have been disposed of…

Article and photo by Lisa Crockett I recently returned from a trip to Quebec, Canada. In addition to visiting beautiful churches, lovely gardens and quaint village streets, I spent a fair amount of time discovering the unique food of Quebec. Poutine – a satisfying pile of fresh French fries topped with gravy and cheese curds…

By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Isabella Schneider and Greg Smith Surrey Ridge neighbors gathered at the community park to meet Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies, including SWAT team members and emergency responders at the 2018 National Night Out event. “We were able to chat and have fun with these individuals who are citizens like…

By Barbara Neff Many middle-aged people across the nation and in our community have adult children living with them. Some adult children have continuously lived with parents through childhood into adulthood. Most, however, left for work or school and eventually returned to the homes of their parents, usually for economic reasons. According to a 2016…

Members of the CPV Green team, pictured from left to right:  Josh Reel, Brad Smith, Mike Hance, Michael Shorts, Alec Wynne, Kevin Manion (Captain), Seshu Velpuri and Chad Williams.  Not pictured:  Dave Markowski, Darius Kerman, Matt Carlson, Carsten Hannen and Pete Rather. By Elise Brassell; photo courtesy of Kevin Manion Congratulations to the Mens CPV…

By Patte Smith with information courtesy of the Suicide Prevention Lifeline Volumes of information have been published about suicide, suicide prevention and the people who have lost someone to suicide. This information is vital and not to be ignored. We need to educate ourselves, our children, families and friends about the risk factors and warning…

Jana (second from left) and Fred (far right) Bartlit paused for a photo opportunity with Alabama members Teddy Gentry (left) and Randy Owen (third from left). Information provided by Maia Brusseau; Photos courtesy of the Dumb Friends League On Saturday, August 18, Castle Pines Village residents Jana and Fred Bartlit hosted the 17th annual Lulu’s…

By Lynn Zahorik; photo courtesy of Dave Celecki Members of the Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) soccer team took on Grays Peak this summer as a team building exercise. The prominent 14,278 foot fourteener is the tenth highest summit of the Rocky Mountains and is situated on the Continental Divide. Fourteen soccer players were guided…

By Catalin Varela It can be quite the challenging balance to support and guide your student through academic success while trying not to seem “over protective” or a “helicopter parent.” But you have gotten them this far, so take a second and appreciate yourself for that! No matter the age of your student, there are…

BRE fifth-graders drew on the sidewalks leading up to the school on Tuesday, August 7 at the annual “Chalk Talk.”  The messages welcomed BRE students back to school on Wednesday afternoon for a meet-and-greet event.  At the meet-and-greet, several students helped distribute grade level T-shirts.

By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of Jan Comstock Dog lovers unite! Drop into the new LIV Sotheby’s International Realty home at 482 West Happy Canyon Road on September 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and visit some adorable dogs that you can fall in love with and give them a new home. The annual…

Linda Sovich of Castle Pines says she loves her job of helping others get their lives in order through her company, Clutter Control. “Everyone wants an organized life, but when you’re busy living life, you don’t have time. I’ve seen the transformation of clients from being depressed to feeling great and living the life they…

By Catalin Varela Before your backpack turns into a black hole of despair and causes you a lot of pain, try a few of our tips to keep your load light and tidy. 1). Always pack heavy items closest to your body That way your backpack isn’t dragging you across the hallway floor.  Pack your…

By Joe Gschwendtner; photos courtesy of J. Schmidt For many in Castle Pines Village, the large gated driveway below the I-25 intersection with Happy Canyon Road is a curiosity. From Country Club Parkway, one sees, well, maybe a mansion. I visited with John Schmidt, the owner, last month to get the whole story. His family…