Read the stories from the latest issue:
South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) was recently awarded the Ready Set Go! award for excellence in recognition of the fire mitigation program they established with the PineRidge community in the City of Castle Pines. Left to right are Life Safety Coordinator Einar Jensen, International Association of Fire Chief’s President, John Sinclair, and SMFR Fire Chief…
Be a hero to a hero By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Nick Lucey When the Douglas County Veterans Monument Foundation (DCVMF) began, the organization’s mission was to promote the creation, construction and maintenance of a monument to honor all Douglas County veterans, including past, present and future military personnel. After a six-year effort,…
Castle Pines Girl Scout Junior Troop 2687 delivered cookies to the Tennyson Center for Children. Pictured above left to right: Rachelle M., Caroline C., Rachael S., Claire Y. and Madeline L. Not pictured: Campbell D. and Jasmine T. Article and photos submitted by Juli Yeater Community service is important to Castle Pines Girl Scout Junior…
Information provided by the Douglas County School District A new Netflix series that debuted in March has become a popular topic of conversation in the hallways of several Douglas County schools, causing concern for some parents. Based on a 2011 New York Times best selling novel by Jay Asher, “13 Reasons Why” is a fictional…
By Elean Gersack Castle Pines Arts & Cultural Foundation will welcome Missoula Children’s Theatre to town this summer for the fourth straight year. This year’s play, “Jack and the Beanstalk,” will boast two performances on Saturday, July 22 at 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at Rocky Heights Middle School. As always, Castle Pines youngsters will…
Information provided by Douglas County On May 6, free guided tours offer area adventure seekers the opportunity to learn about some of Douglas County’s first inhabitants. The tours feature the Lamb Spring Archeological Preserve, as well as one of the oldest standing structures in the Chatfield region, the Miksch-Helmer cabin. Tours begin at 9:30 a.m.…
By Patte Smith Most of the Castle Pines community shops for groceries at King Soopers, and many residents use the new library. You have the chance to help support local schools and the library by shopping and fueling up your car at King Soopers using a “scrip” card. Buffalo Ridge Elementary, American Academy, DCS Montessori…
The Rosenlund family is a tight unit, as is evidenced in their home life and in their work at Nations Lending in Castle Pines. Pictured from left to right, back row: Pricilla Rosenlund, Pamela Zahner, Joe Zahner, Tammy Anderson and Thurston Rosenlund; front row: Savannah Rosenlund and Truett Rosenlund. Article and photos by Kathy Fallert…
Students enjoy some of the many game-related activities offered at Rock Canyon High School’s After Prom, held on April 8 to provide a safe environment after the prom. By Riley Busch, RCHS intern writer; courtesy photos This past month, many high school students within the Castle Pines community donned tuxedos and flowing dresses and embarked…
By Lisa Crockett It never fails. You have a late-night craving for brownies (or pancakes, or chicken á la King), so you whip out the whisk and mixing bowls and get to work . . . only to discover you’re missing a crucial ingredient. While a midnight King Soopers run isn’t out of the question,…
By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Candy Palazzo Thirteen-year-old Carly Palazzo, resident of Buffalo Ridge Estates, was diagnosed with epilepsy at the young age of 2 due to an unexplained gene mutation. Palazzo, along with 17-year-old Grace Garcia from Parker were chosen to represent Colorado at the annual Teens Speak Up! (TSU) conference in Washington,…
The RCHS basketball team after making the buzzer beater win against Grandview High School in the Great Eight competition, which took them to the Final Four for the first time in school history. The final moments of the game were played on ESPN’s SportsCenter. By Jack Hibbett, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com…
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’s Bibliophiliac’s selection, “Himself”, is a debut novel from author Jess…
Information provided by Douglas County Libraries Douglas County Libraries (DCL) presents an adventurous start to its Summer Reading Program with another season of Page to Stage children’s theater. This year’s entertaining production, presented in partnership with Front Range Theatre Company in Castle Rock, is an originally written adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland.” The traveling production…
Rock Canyon Bands marched in the parade in the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida as part of a spring break trip. By Sarah Bermingham, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of Blake Unger This past spring break, the Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Bands spent five magical and educational days at Walt Disney World in Orlando,…
Map of the 1937 Chase Landholdings (in blue). I-25 is highlighted purple, Santa Fe (Hwy 85) is red, Happy Canyon Road is green and Daniels Park Road is yellow. By Joe Gschwendtner Picking up where we left off last month …While John Chase Jr. was clearly the shaker and mover among the three sons who…
Historic renovation in the heart of Denver Article and photos by Kathy Fallert Union Station has its fair share of history, as well as upscale restaurants and shopping to explore. Where can you go in Denver that offers Snooze restaurant, Acme Delicatessen, Stoic & Genuine restaurant, The Tattered Cover, Milkbox Ice Creamery, Next Door Eatery,…
By Lisa Crockett Spring is in the air, and farmers in the area are planning for the growing season ahead. For consumers looking for a way to support local growers and shrink their carbon footprint, there are a few options. Food co-ops allow consumers to buy a membership and then order their choice of produce,…
Rita Coltrane By Patte Smith, photos provided by Rita Coltrane and Orchestrated Light Photography Talent pours out of Rita Coltrane, an award-winning interior designer and an original homeowner in the Hidden Pointe neighborhood. Recently winning a Best of Houzz 2017 award for a unique and distinctive design, she humbly says that it was “completely unexpected.”…
Article and photo by Terri Wiebold The Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) held its second annual breakfast, “Focus Forward” at the Charles Schwab campus in Lone Tree last month. The foundation is doing amazing things to help Douglas County nonprofits, and The Connection’s Managing Editor Lynne Marsala Basche (second from right) was honored to be…
Union Station has its fair share of history, as well as upscale restaurants and shopping to explore. Article and photos by Kathy Fallert Where can you go in Denver that offers Snooze restaurant, Acme Delicatessen, Stoic & Genuine restaurant, The Tattered Cover, Milkbox Ice Creamery, Next Door Eatery, Cooper Lounge, the luxurious Crawford Hotel, artsy…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett I like to cook, I like to eat, and I like to feed the people that I love. So, you might think that dinner at my house is a consistently blissful affair. Alas, real life has a pesky way of interfering with what should otherwise be a pleasant…
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. “People say if you face your worst fear the rest is easy,…
Eye Level Optical celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony last month on Village Square Drive. By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of Paul Masovero Eye Level Optical is the new business in town. Located right next door to the Bundt Shoppe on Village Square Drive in Castle Pines, co-owners Eileen Barry and Angela Gosling…
Mead, pictured in the back row (center) with her yoga class that includes all ages. “Yoga creates freedom in the body and calm in the mind. I have yet to hear a student say at the end of class,‘Gee, I wish I hadn’t come to yoga today’!” she laughed. By Patte Smith, photo courtesy of…
By Patte Smith Thursday, April 6, networking at 8:45 a.m., meeting 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Presentation: Balance for Fall Prevention and Tai Chi for Arthritis, presented by Mary Thuente, who holds a master’s degree in physical therapy. Bonaventure Senior Living, located at 1855 Low Meadow Boulevard, Castle Rock. Thursday, May 4, networking at 8:45…
Article and photos by Terri Wiebold Last month, we shared with you insight into the creative team of writers who bring the pages of The Connection to life, but the true lifeblood of the paper is our team of account managers. The Connection is 100 percent funded through advertising dollars, and the relationships and partnerships…
By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Beverly Coggins The father daughter dance at The Country Club at Castle Pines is an annual event that has become a tradition for many of the club’s members. This year, the event took place on March 4 and was attended by more than 85 dads and their daughters. Castle…
DCSM student Dylan Tilton with 2017 Iditarod musher Aliy Zirkle at the musher’s banquet. Tilton’s passion for “The Last Great Race” came out of the classroom and into reality with a March trip to the iconic Alaskan dog sled race. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of DCS Montessori DCS Montessori (DCSM) student and Castle…
Information provided by the FAA Several public workshops will be held in April and May on the proposed airspace improvements in the Denver Metro area. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is holding the workshops in an open house format so people can attend any time during the publicized time range to learn about the proposed…
A fluffy four-legged airline traveler sniffs around one of the new indoor private pet restrooms. The Pet Relief areas are a welcome amenity where dogs can go on the fly before taking to the skies. Article and photo by Lynn Zahorik; photo courtesy of DIA Traveling with your trusted furry friends just got easier at…
Brigadier General John Chase, Jr. (left), whose family acquired more land in Douglas County than any other. Chase commanded troops under Governor Peabody. By Joe Gschwendtner; photo courtesy of Douglas County History Research Center As Douglas County development accelerated in the late 1800s, no family acquired more land through the Homestead Act in our area…
Matthew Reljanovic, Broady Bowers and Trevor Venable represent Chile at DCS Montessori’s fourth annual international tea. Presentations covered government, culture, population and climate, and, of course, tea. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of DCS Montessori DCS Montessori students had the opportunity to participate in a festive tea celebration when teacher (and Castle Pines resident)…
Construction on the 1,300-space parking garage south of RidgeGate on Havana and the bridge to the end-of-line station for RTD’s Southeast Rail Line has been underway for several months. The Southeast Rail Line Extension is scheduled to open in 2019. Article and photo by Patte Smith; map provided by RTD Motorists who travel north on…
“We thought our smoke alarms were keeping us safe …” – PineRidge resident Barb Saenger By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of Barb Saenger There are few things in life more annoying than the chirping of a smoke alarm in your home, especially when it continues after the batteries have been replaced. PineRidge resident Barb Saenger…
By Michelle Post “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” ~ Abraham Lincoln I love the above quote, for it reminds me that preparing to complete a task is more important than doing the job itself. In part one of this series we…
RJ McLennan won the giant slalom at the CHSAA state ski championships in Steamboat Springs by more than a second in 12 degree weather on February 23. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Tania Coffey and RJ McLennan RJ McLennan, a Castle Pines resident and senior at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS), won the giant…
Information provided by the City of Castle Pines To more accurately align with the communication efforts of Lennar Homes, information about the Lagae Ranch development on the City of Castle Pines website has been changed to Castle Pines Valley. The new development, currently under construction, will include 231 single-family homes, 400 multi-family residences, an elementary…
By Elean Gersack Join a host of Denver area running enthusiasts for the annual Cherry Creek Sneak in Cherry Creek North on Sunday, April 23 at 7:30 a.m. The Cherry Creek Sneak is the Denver must for families and elite runners alike. Runners and walkers participate in the10-mile, 5-mile, and 3.1-mile (5K) There’s even a…
The eight foundations of Sources of Strength. Submitted by RHMS student Isabel Kiefert Sources of Strength (SOS), a group at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) has a mission “To provide the highest quality evidence-based prevention for suicide, violence, bullying and substance abuse by training, supporting, and empowering both peer leaders and caring adults to impact…
RCHS National Merit finalist Megan Pitman (third from right) pictured here with fellow RCHS finalists Sydney Marchando (second from right) and Kate Schaffer (far right). The students are dressed for Hawaiian day in honor of their Wish Week kid, Faith (see related article on page 35). By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photo Nine students at Rock…
By Kathy Fallert with courtesy photos If you’re looking for an excellent steak in a somewhat casual environment, then LongHorn Steakhouse is a good place to check out. The food is reasonably priced, the atmosphere is a comfortable western ranch theme, and they know how to do steak. Founded in 1981 in Atlanta, Georgia, the…
In an effort to spread happiness and positivity, RHMS students Braden McCollam (left), Alivia Ball (center) and Raegan Synk (right) composed and sent weekly inspirational emails to teachers and staff to brighten their days. By RHMS student Zoe Bair; photo courtesy of Kayla Mash Every Friday, Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) students Braden McCollam, Alivia…
BRE students battle their way to branch championships By Kathy Fallert; courtesy photo The Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) third and fourth grade team battled their way to victory as the Lone Tree branch champions in this year’s Battle of the Books competition. The competition is similar to a game show format. The students all…
By Michelle Post I remember the moment clearly, as if it happened yesterday, but it was 15 years ago. I was sitting in professional development training with members of my team, and we were learning about the different generations in the workplace. As the instructor began to detail each generation and their characteristics, one of…
Actors in the RCHS production of “Peter Pan: The Musical,” rehearsed one of the final scenes in the show in preparation for opening night on March 1. Actors featured (from left to right): Alyssa Marino, Leah Doogan, Ben Watervoort, Molly Lane, Maddie Maynor, Lily Schmoker, Amanda Scholtz, Landon Hogue and Elysa Veta. By Riley Busch,…
Attention parents of children in Douglas County schools – take advantage of the 2nd Annual Learning Resource Fair that offers parents the opportunity to meet with local and national groups to learn about a variety of support services such as: special education, gifted education, twice exceptional, English language development, health and wellness, mental health,…
By Michelle Post Allow me to take you back into your memories, and I want you to think of the most beautiful place you have been. As you find your image, I want you to close your eyes and listen to the sounds, smell the aromas in the air, and feel the emotions as you…
By Elean Gersack It is time to roll up your sleeves and get checked at the 9Health Fair. For 36 years, this volunteer driven nonprofit has impacted more than two million lives with blood chemistry and other health screening programs. It is easy and convenient to take charge of your health by making plans to…
Kian Lame’s smile is as large as his zest for life as he visits his sister Yasmine at her college campus. Kian’s family is hoping to raise money to purchase an adaptive bike so that he can enjoy the feeling of independence and joy that all kids deserve. By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of Neda…
Castle Crocs have a lot of long-time returning swimmers, including these boys pictured last year (from left to right): Jack Nelson, Ryan Tierney, Ben Gardner, Caleb Jaramillo and Carter Brand. by Kathy Fallert; courtesy photos CASTLE CROCS Castle Crocs (Crocs) are gearing up for their 11th season. The overall mission for the Castle Crocs is…
In early May, residents will receive their Notice of Value for 2017, which will reflect the market value of a residence as of June 30, 2016. This year, while home values have increased, residents will not notice an equivalent change in their property taxes due next year. By Lynne Marsala Basche In early May, Douglas…
Revealing history and keeping it alive By Lynne Marsala Basche Imagine triggering the 1858 Colorado Gold Rush by finding gold flecks in Cherry Creek and the Platte River. Think about trekking up to the Devil’s Head summit in the late 1800s to what would become one of only four fire lookout stations along the Front…
The following test questions were sent in by one of our readers who claimed the hypothetical student got a zero on the test and should have received 100% – based on creativity alone! Each answer is absolutely correct, and funny too. The teacher clearly had no sense of humor. Questions: 1. In which battle did…
Location of proposed new development in Castle Rock to be built on previous landfill site. Submitted by the Town of Castle Rock A new development is proposed near the intersection of I-25 and Plum Creek Parkway. In March, Town Council postponed consideration on second reading of a finance agreement with the proposed developer, which would…
By Lynn Zahorik; photo courtesy of the Aston Martin Owners Club The mountain area Aston Martin Owners Club (AMOC) paid a visit to Castle Pines a few months ago. Looking for a unique restaurant where members could meet halfway between Denver and Colorado Springs, they were attracted by the Italian menu at Pino’s (formerly La…
The loss of life while serving one’s country, either in a military capacity or as a first responder, is something worthy of paying tribute. Throughout Douglas County, uniformed personnel are proud to participate in rendering honors at various locations as dignified honors motorcades pass through, taking these heroes to their final resting place. Article and…
By Amanda Merriman On a recent Monday afternoon, I scoured through the pantry for something that would inspire that night’s dinner recipe. Feeling frustrated, I decided it was time once again to get better organized with my meal planning. I found my solution in a free app called Mealime. I have used other recipe apps…
By Tim Gamble; photos by Lynne Zahorik Each year the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce and the community celebrate by saying hello to old friends and by welcoming new ones. We raise a glass or two to recognize and honor achievements of our peers. We enjoy a nosh, buy stuff, and dance to the music. …
Mallory Happ, a Forest Park resident and student at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), shared the lessons she learned after her first semester in college. By Sarah Bermingham, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Kelly Happ College is an exciting new experience for students to grow, but this change can also be surprising…
As part of Girl Scout Brownie Troop 844’s “It’s Your World, Change It” Quest Journey, the girls delivered supplies and toys to the Buddy Center. They are pictured here with leaders Amy Ball (left) and Kristie Peters (right). By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Amy Ball Thanks to Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) Girl Scout…
By Kathy Fallert; courtesy photos Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) parents reminisced their way Back to Prom at the school’s annual fundraising gala held on Friday, February 24 at Cielo at Castle Pines. There were 175 people in attendance, many dressed to the nines in tuxedos and gowns in all sorts of fun styles and colors.…
The Rock Canyon High School student council introduced Faith to the entire student body at the opening assembly of Wish Week. By Sarah Bermingham, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of Julia Bartmann Wish Week at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) is an event everyone looks forward to. “Wish Week is the most magical time of…
By Kay Bryant Canyons Community Church Meets at 4825 N. Crowfoot Valley Road, Castle Rockwww.canyonscc.org Easter Sunday service: April 16 at 10:30 a.m. Chabad Jewish Center Meets at 9950 Lone Tree Parkway, Lone Treewww.denverjewishcenter.com Passover: Community Seder on April 10 at 7 p.m. Cherry Hills Community Church Meets at 3900 Grace Boulevard, Highlands Ranch www.chcc.org…
Parenting Ph.D. By Lynne Marsala Basche Raising a child is difficult. While challenges may change with the times, if you are a parent, grandparent or a caregiver to a preschool-aged child through high school-aged student, the need for education and guidance is always necessary. The Douglas County Parenting Coalition (DCPC) is waiting to support…
Yummy, simple frittata By Lisa Crockett Leftovers are not exactly the stuff of legend. What was fantastic last night for dinner, is often just sort of “meh” the next day for lunch. And more than one encore – that pan of lasagna that was so amazing? By day four, it’s enough to make you want…
By Terri Wiebold; photo by Paul Masovero The Connection received an inquiry about the large pile of dirt and equipment that is currently located on the northeast corner of N. Daniels Park Road and Santa Fe Drive (see inset). According to Castle Pines Metropolitan District Manager Jeff Coufal, the equipment and dirt are part of…
By Lynn Zahorik As the last few weeks of winter drift away, many people are starting to plan their summer calendars. Local swim families are gearing up to register for their summer swim teams. Castle Crocs, the recreational swim team program within the Castle Pines North community, opens up their online registration for returning…
Information provided by the DCPC One in three girls and one in five boys will face the potential of sexual abuse before they are old enough to vote. Very young children are at the highest risk. For parents of children up to 7 years old, the Douglas County Parenting Coalition (DCPC) is offering a My…
Student Timothy Merkle, a Castle Pines resident, trying out the AT&T driving simulator at Rock Canyon High School on February 2 which is designed to show the dangers of distracted driving. By Jack Hibbett, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Suzanne Trantow A virtual reality simulator from AT&T recently came to Rock Canyon High School…