Read the stories from the latest issue:
By Lynne Marsala Basche The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and the Douglas County Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition have teamed up to ask for help preventing teen substance use and the potential for teen-related DUI crashes and deaths. The Party Patrol will be in force during breaks and holidays when the likelihood of kids…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Laurie Jacobs Fall could not be ushered in without football games, pumpkin-flavored everything, colorful trees and, of course, the annual Turweston Lane Chili Cook Off. The eighth annual event was held September 24, and despite cold, rainy weather that forced participants to relocate to the HOA2 clubhouse, the…
Information provided by the Douglas/Elbert Task Force and the Crisis Center Sponsorship for the Douglas/Elbert Task Force (Task Force) Santa’s Sharing holiday adopt-a-family program has declined over the past few years, and the Task Force is asking the community for much-needed help. “Our sponsor numbers have decreased every year for the last five years,” said…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Anna Mallinson Each year, Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) has a fundraising event, and this year, students and teachers participated in a move-a-thon in late September. Students spent time outside rotating through a series of stations, including jump ropes, step ups, tire rolling, as well as the much anticipated…
Almost 50 DCSM students spent five days at the YMCA of the Rockies and learned leadership and team building skills, as well as general outdoor education. Article and photo submitted by Jodi Anderson, DCS Montessori For more than a decade, sixth-graders at DCS Montessori (DCSM) have looked forward to this rite of passage. For five…
When you hold your local newspaper in your hands – whether in print or on a mobile device – you hold a powerful tool to inform and inspire. For centuries in towns and cities across North America, local newspapers have served as the voice for the public good and as a powerful connection between citizens…
Elly Harper, 80108 resident, is a volunteer at the Crisis Center and has volunteered for nonprofits for many years. Harper said, “There’s always a need for volunteers, and it can be whatever you have the time and commitment for. Why not now?” By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Elly Harper Elly Harper of Timber Canyon…
Cutline and photos by Kathy Fallert Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) fifth-graders learned some financial planning skills on Wednesday, September 6, as the students took on rolls from mayor to banker to operating their own businesses at Young AmeriTowne in Denver.
Information provided by Douglas County The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is asking drivers to ‘Mind the Gap’ as part of a new safety campaign. The Gap is an 18-mile stretch of I-25 between Monument and C-470 and is known for a higher than average number of accidents. There were 5,537 crashes between C-470 and…
By Michelle Post Performing research on Google used to suck hours out of my life, but that was before I learned about various Google search tricks (proper name is site operators), but tricks sounds easier. Using some or a combination of the below tricks will decrease research time and increase the richness of the information.…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of NASA Traditionally, the Angels Among Us segment features a different local nonprofit each month. With the many recent natural disasters, such as Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, as well as the wildfires in California, Montana and Oregon and the earthquakes in Mexico, The Connection is featuring national nonprofit…
The four DCSD principals who attended the Tointon Institute for Educational Change in Vail, left to right: Steve Getchell from Copper Mesa Elementary, Erin Carlson from South Ridge Elementary, Jennifer Malouff from Saddle Ranch Elementary and John Veit from Buffalo Ridge Elementary. By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of Janet Alcorn Principal John Veit of Buffalo…
By Amanda Merriman It has been a while since I downloaded a game app to my phone. Usually, I am reviewing requests to add games to my children’s devices. Yet, when I came across a game called Device 6, I had to get it. Device 6 is a unique and beautifully designed game. In overly…
By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of Brad Mahoney Dr. John Vickers cut the celebratory ribbon on September 14 for the Castle Pines Veterinary Hospital’s grand opening of its new location at 363 Village Square Lane, Suite 115 in Castle Pines. The (formerly named) Castle Pines Veterinary Clinic moved from its previous 2,000-square-foot space in Suite…
Sharon Lewis at an IFBB professional bodybuilding competition. By Daniel Williams; photo courtesy of Sharon Lewis In late 2012, Sharon Lewis found herself in a time of transition. She had quit a sales job to become a stay-at-home mom, and, along with her husband and two young sons, was planning a 2013 move from Chicago…
Team Pitch Perfect won the ninth annual TTE mother/son kickball tournament on September 8 at Coyote Ridge Park. By Lynne Marsala Basche; courtesy photos The ninth annual Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) mother/son kickball tournament took place on Friday, September 8 at Coyote Ridge Park and proved that the game is not just for kids at…
Air Force Academy visit provides soaring day trip options Article and photos by John Basche World-renowned Cadet Chapel is an example of the “brutalist” style of architecture. Less than 40 miles south of Castle Pines Parkway lies one of our nation’s most treasured learning institutions, the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). Steeped in…
Article and photos by John Basche; photos courtesy of Zoë Zizzo and Megan Hassler With Party in the Park providing the inspirational backdrop, 100 Castle Pines budding artists crafted their sidewalk chalk interpretations of “What I love about Castle Pines” as part of the Chalk It Up 4 Charity event and contest on Saturday, August…
The Three & Two Warriors, back row from left to right: Khaden Rullo, Kohl Rullo, Julian Terrazas, Dylan Goltl, Isaac Waschmann, Noah Scott and J.T. Shank. Front row from left to right: Chase Jaworsky, Dante Nori, Lathan Van Ausdal, Carson Tinney and Brayden Duman. By Liz Rector; photo courtesy of Jon Shank A group of…
Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Grill season is winding down. With cooler temperatures and shorter days, cooking tends to move back inside the house. After a summer of burgers, steaks and hot dogs, it’s likely your grill is buried in a heap of carbon that won’t benefit the flavor of your food, and may…
Amara Brueck (left) and Ava Ziehwein (right) are two of the culinary students working with guest Chef Chuck Stober from the Escoffier Culinary School in Boulder. Dishes will include all local and farm-fresh ingredients, and there will be vegetarian and gluten-free options available. Submitted by Kira Zizzo, RHMS student; photos courtesy of Kelsey Brown and…
By Michelle Post Generation Z was the youngest generation until recently when Generation Alpha was named. Generation Z represents 23 million Americans. There are several discussions about the birth years for this generation. Most studies agree this generation started in the late 90s, but disagree when the generation birth year ended. For our purposes, the…
Article and photo by Nancy Koontz From Seattle to Everett, Washington to Whitefish, Montana to Enumclaw, Washington to Castle Pines, to East Bay to Dublin, California to Portland, Oregon – and back to Castle Pines, life has been an exciting adventure for Todd and Debbie Broderick. Todd started as a courtesy clerk for Safeway when…
Douglas County School District Interim Superintendent Erin Kane spoke to residents at the Douglas County Libraries – Castle Pines about the school district, its challenges and solutions to these challenges. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Nate Jones On September 6, Douglas County Interim Superintendent Erin Kane shared her thoughts about the school district…
Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Joseph Kroll and John Schweiger Sr., likely met in the Leadville mines after emigrating from the Austrian Empire around 1870. With modest savings and presumed collaboration, they found their way to our Wildcat Mountains. Through Homestead Act acquisitions and the diligence of Max and John Schweiger Jr., the families…
By Patte Smith; courtesy photo On October 14 from 4:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., tour the historic grave sites in Cedar Hill Cemetery with members of the Castle Rock Historical Society (CRHS) who will portray some of the local people in our past history. Cedar Hill was founded in 1875 and contains the remains of…
Captions by Lynn Zahorik; photos courtesy of CSU Athletics and Castle Pines residents Many Castle Pines families traveled to Fort Collins this fall to enjoy the much anticipated new Colorado State University football stadium. Students, alumni and parents enjoyed watching the Rams in action at the state-of-the-art stadium on campus. The new $220 million stadium…
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. This month, I shifted gears and read an inspiring memoir, “A Dream…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett This is the time of year when all the good things happen: leaves turn, football is in full swing and Halloween is just around the corner. Food is particularly delicious now, too, with the abundance of the harvest gathered and a multitude of choices at every market and produce…
By Michelle Post When you shift your focus from selling to serving, both you and the customer win. ~ Zach Robbins Every day, I receive emails trying to sell me services and products. Do you receive the same emails? A business will not survive without selling; however, there is a shift happening from selling to…
Pino’s Italian Kitchen and Bar owner and September 11 first responder Joe Sabia (left) with Corbin Wagoner (right) at the “Eat for a Cause” fundraiser. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Joseph Sabia On September 11, 2001, current Castle Pines resident Joe Sabia was then a Commack Fire Department firefighter in New York. On…
Will Owen, graduate of Valor Christian High School, is in his fourth season of professional racing, now with United Autosports in Europe. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Will Owen Will Owen, former resident of Castle Pines Village, has been showing his speed in the Le Mans racing series (ELMS). Owen is a member of…
By Daniel Williams If you are currently receiving Social Security, you are about to get a raise. According to the Senior Citizens League, the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2018 is forecasted to be about 2 percent, the biggest increase since 2012. Unfortunately, for many seniors, a significant portion of that increase will be eaten up…
By Patte Smith; courtesy photos Trick or Treat Street(s) will be on October 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the shops and businesses along Castle Pines Parkway and also at The Village at Castle Pines shopping center, 858 West Happy Canyon Road. Kids dress in sassy, sporty or scary Halloween costumes and have…
Information provided by the City of Castle Pines The Castle Pines City Council has done extensive outreach to residents over the last several months on the subject of road maintenance and repair. At a special meeting held in early September, Council voted on whether or not to place a question on the November ballot, allowing…
Valley of the Moon, Atacama Desert; inset Perito Moreno Glacier, Los Glacieres National Park Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Mature Americans seldom consider South America for independent travel. Currency devaluations, revolutions and erratic creature comforts lead most travelers to tours and cruises. Chile is decidedly different. Discoverable along a 2,700-mile axis, she offers epic…
Residents can take steps to protect their homes and property against the threat of wildfires, including having a Douglas County fire mitigation expert assess specific property’s needs. Information provided by Douglas County Besides Broncos football and the start of a new school year, fall often means two things in Colorado – yard work and the…
Red Rocks Amphitheatre was the perfect backdrop for the Rock Canyon High School Fire Science class participation in the in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb on September 11. Article and photos by Lisa Nicklanovich The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Fire Science (FS) class does not just take place in a classroom; students learn about…
Andy Amick proudly displays his newly published memoir “A Dream Worth Living,” which is available on Amazon Prime and will be available shortly from the Douglas County Libraries. By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of Andy Amick In 2014, The Connection introduced readers to resident Andy Amick after he conquered the Tour Divide, an ultra-cycling challenge…
Adventure Club International members Shreya Sundaresh (left) and Shreya Naik (right) at the Forced From Home interactive exhibit in Boulder. By Sarah Bermingham, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of Maria Pangalos and Shreya Naik Students at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) are lucky to have hundreds of clubs available to join, and anyone can start…
Benefiting those who suffer from domestic abuse Information submitted by the Crisis Center Abigail G. Manning, Colorado resident and domestic violence survivor, will be the keynote speaker for Crisis Center’s 10th annual Future for Families Gala event. The gala will be held on Friday, November 10 from 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. at the Hilton…
Garrett Duman, the new head baseball coach at Rock Canyon High School. By Jack Hibbett, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Makenna Allen Moving from Cherry Creek High School (CCHS) to Rock Canyon High School (RCHS), Garrett Duman was not expecting a warm welcome when he entered his former rival school to start coaching baseball.…
With bagpipe music playing, participants of the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Red Rocks walked nine laps around the amphitheater which is the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers. Article and photos by Lisa Nicklanovich The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Red Rocks Amphitheatre brought approximately 2,000 firefighters and…
Information provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Each year, there are new health plans and prescription drug coverage choices. For individuals who currently have a Medicare plan, it is important to review your current health and prescription drug coverage each fall, and make sure that your plan is still right for you.…
By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of Stephen Bosco Oak Hills resident Stephen Bosco, owner and club director of Panther Volleyball Club, started the club five years ago when his stepdaughter was looking for an alternative to other club volleyball organizations. Panther practices are at American Academy in Castle Pines, and the organization supports multi-sport athletes,…
Cutline and photos by Kathy Fallert A great time was had by all at the annual Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) back-to-school carnival on Friday, August 25. A dessert walk, jumpy castles, food trucks, a dunk tank and more were on hand for everyone to enjoy.
A Community Cafe reaches out to help others Opened in May 2016, GraceFull Community Cafe is a very unique eatery located in a renovated 1900s house near the corner of South Curtice Street and Main Street in Historic Downtown Littleton. Co-owners Heather Greenwood and her husband Troy Greenwood have a passion to build community through…
Mark Edson, MD, Castle Pines resident and winner of this year’s nine-mile Run Wild race, donated his $500 proceeds to the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) to plant trees in Coyote Ridge Park. The race was part of the three-day Party in the Pines event in late August (see pages 14-15) that was hosted…
By Michelle Post The Pew Research Center (PRC) is a leading expert in the tracking, analyzing and reporting of data and how it affects an individual. The PRC has been tracking peoples’ internet use since the early 2000s and has reported a significant rise in its use. Every day at least 9-in-10 adults use…
On August 21, Douglas County students and residents flocked outdoors for the partial eclipse. Events were held at schools and the Castle Pines branch at Douglas County Libraries. With glasses in hand, for close to three hours, skywatchers saw a breathtaking sight of the moon slowly passing between the Earth and the sun, blocking approximately…
Carter Brand competed at the Youth Triathlon National Championships at the Ohio event in early August. Brand finished with an impressive eighth place in the competition, which showcases up-and-coming triathletes. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of William Oliva Castle Pines resident and Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) sophomore Carter Brand competed at the Youth…
“You’re talking about a younger generation, Generation Y, whose interpersonal communication skills are different from Generation X. The younger generation is more comfortable saying something through a digital mechanism than even face to face.” – Erik Qualman By Michelle Post Generation Y surpassed the baby boomers in 2016 as the largest living generation in America…
Focus on student success By Lynne Marsala Basche Arapahoe Community College (ACC) opened its doors in the mid-1960s, and by the early 1970s, a foundation was formed to host events and bring attention to the college. This foundation, the Arapahoe Community College Foundation (ACCF), transitioned to a fundraising organization when it became apparent that certain…
The RCHS mountain biking team became an official club sport last year, allowing players to earn a varsity letter. Along with neighboring high school teams, RCHS is part of the Highlands Ranch Cycling team, which creates a level of camaraderie often not seen in competitive sports. (Photo courtesy of Daniel Deschane) By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy…
We had no idea what awaited behind the mountains Article and photos by Michelle Post The panoramic view of the towering red rock structures at the Colorado National Monument are breathtaking. I have lived in Colorado for 16 years, and I am amazed every time I discover one of its many natural beauties. This…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Created in the 1980s, National Night Out (NNO) is an annual campaign designed to encourage and promote police and community partnerships. The event began as a way to bring neighbors together with each other, as well as with their local police departments. This…
Future Financial Planning for a child who has special needs A free educational presentation organized by the Douglas County Special Education Advisory Committee (DCSEAC) for families with children with special needs will be held on Thursday, September 7 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Rock Canyon High School. Two knowledgeable and professional women who…
The Dream Team at Buffalo Ridge Elementary raised $325 during their “Wear a Hat to School Day for a Dollar” program. The money went toward purchasing an adaptive bike for local resident Kian Lame. Article and photo by Nancy Koontz; photo courtesy of Valerie Miller In April, The Connection shared the story of a 16-year-old…
Church attendance for the grand opening was around 1,100 adults and kids. Going forward Journey Church will offer three Sunday services. By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Journey Church A joyful congregation celebrated Journey Church’s grand opening on Sunday, August 13 with bounce houses for the kids, a dunk tank and plenty of good eats.…
Alberta Development is requesting the Town of Castle Rock annex 21.7 acres of property on the east side of I-25 (across from its mixed-use development Promenade at Castle Rock) for Promenade Center East, a proposed new project that could include 475 multi-family units and/or 300,000 square feet of commercial development. By Terri Wiebold; photo courtesy…
A standing-room-only crowd turned out for the 15th annual Taste of Douglas County on August 17. Participants sampled food from more than 40 restaurants and enjoyed live cooking demonstrations. No one left hungry! By Kathy Fallert; photos provided by Ed Wilkes, GearsetMedia The Douglas County Events Center at the Douglas County Fairgrounds was a buzz…
Maddie’s Biergarten is the place to be Maddie’s Biergarten in Castle Rock. I’ve heard the name, I’ve walked by it during the Castle Rock Star Lighting, but I’ve never been in there. Well, I’m glad I finally stopped in. What a fun place! What’s not to like about a beer garden? I planned on going…
Dubbed the “Chalk Talk” event, roughly 35 fifth-grade BRE students came out on Wednesday, August 9 to chalk up the sidewalks with welcome messages and school spirit on the night before the school’s first day. Article and photos by Kathy Fallert Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) parent Katie Abner wanted to come up with a way…
By Lynne Marsala Basche When Dakota Wadsack, a sixth-grade student at Sage Canyon Elementary, noticed her 7-year-old brother Jordan choking on a piece of hard candy and he was unable to breathe, the young girl leaped into action and used the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training she learned while in third grade through an innovative program…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of the DDFL On Saturday, August 19, Castle Pines residents Jana and Fred Bartlit hosted the 16th Annual Lulu’s Barkin’ BBQ and welcomed 530 guests to their home for a good cause. Lulu’s BBQ benefits homeless pets and horses at the Denver Dumb Friends League (DDFL). The evening included…
DCSM students got to stand on and move around the National Geographic Traveling Colorado Map while learning mapping skills. The 20’ x 50’ map of Colorado travels the state and is a way to introduce geography and map reading skills to students in an entertaining way. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of DCS Montessori…
A bird’s-eye view of San Sebastian, Spain (Donostia, if you are Basque) on the southern coast of Bay of Biscay. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Harry is an old friend. I met him on a ferry in New Zealand in 1990. We got to talking about places and getting to the real marrow of…
Janna Robinett, a business teacher at RCHS, received the Junior Achievement Teacher award in June. By Maria Pangalos; RCHS intern writer;photo courtesy of Janna Robinett Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) business teacher Janna Robinett received the 2017 Junior Achievement (JA) Teacher award at the Denver Country Club on June 22. Stephanie Murphy, senior program manager…
By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Jeanne Gormley and JJ Rose Jeanne Gormley, a resident of Surrey Ridge, won first place for her photo in the senior division at the 2017 Douglas County Fair. The photo (pictured above) is of Gormley’s daughter Jeanna Ambrose and Cecilia Fries, Ambrose’s granddaughter. Photographed from behind a curtain, the…