Read the stories from the latest issue:
Grab a really good burger at Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar By Kathy Fallert with courtesy photos Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar opened in The Landmark at Greenwood Village in October 2015. I’m not sure why it took me until now to check this place out. During the warmer months, the patio is always crowded, and good…
Joy Myers and E.J. Barklage are hosts for free movie and wine nights in Castle Pines. The events include a showing of a talk from Dr. Brené Brown as well as wine from OneHope. Myers and Barklage have their own careers helping others and they work together leading workshops. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of…
Information and illustration provided by DCSD Film of any sort is an enormous part of our lives. From advertising to sports and music videos to documentaries, sometimes it seems inconceivable how these works of art are created. The desire to make films usually starts at an early age and fortunately, for students attending school in…
Information submitted by the Federal Aviation Administration The airspace surrounding the Denver metropolitan area is among the most complex in the country. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is redesigning this airspace to address inefficiencies and improve how aircraft navigate the area. By introducing new procedures that use satellites and specific onboard equipment for navigation (referred…
The new Lagae Road detour opened last month and will be in effect until October of this year. The City of Castle Pines requests that drivers use extra caution when navigating the new roundabout at the intersection of Lagae Road and Mira Vista. By Kathy Fallert; illustrations courtesy of the City of Castle Pines Change…
Information provided by DCSD While other school districts in Metro Denver are facing massive budget cuts, Douglas County School District (DCSD) has been able to avoid a similar situation primarily through reductions in central administration. However, DCSD is facing challenges – albeit much smaller than neighboring districts – because of increasing costs, stagnant funding and…
This photo is taken from the east bank of the reservoir where there will be parking/access, looking west across the water to Castle Pines. By Kathy Fallert; photo by Terri Wiebold For years, the Rueter-Hess Reservoir (RHR) was nothing more than gorgeous scenery. However, this summer, residents will be able to do more than admire…
Fred and Yolanda Saltus pose in front of the sand sculpture of the Super Bowl XXXII logo at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego where the Denver Broncos beat the Green Bay Packers 31-24. By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of the Saltus family Forever partners through thick and thin, Yolanda (Yo) and Fred Saltus treat their…
“I was just like any 25-year-old girl who would go out and party with friends. I had a good job and never thought that I would be the one to get a DUI. It’s tragic, humiliating and embarrassing that it had to take consequences like this to teach me the dangers of drunk driving. I…
With a team of 50 (although not everyone participated in the actual plunge), Team DCSO BrrrITE Blue Line was ready to take the Polar Plunge in the Aurora Reservoir on February 11. By Lynne Marsala Basche; courtesy photos On February 11, members of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) took a chilly dip in the…
Riley, a fifth grader at Timber Trail Elementary school, plays her violin during the closing ensemble performance of “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin during the Save the Music student performance night on February 10 at the Castle Pines Community Center. Article and photos by Elean Gersack On Friday, February 10, musical talent was abound at the…
Submitted by Douglas County Libraries The Douglas County Libraries Adventure Pass program is expanding in 2017 with the addition of Denver’s Clyfford Still Museum as a partner. Through the Adventure Pass program, library patrons can reserve free passes to six local cultural institutions, including Clyfford Still Museum, using their library cards. Douglas County Libraries’ 2017…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Most of the time when I cook, I am either following someone else’s recipe or riffing on something someone else thought of. Every once in a while, though, I come up with something that is my own, unique creation. Don’t get me wrong, I am not inventing molecular gastronomy…
By Patte Smith The Castle Pines Library is offering two sessions of Yours, Colorado: Over the Mountain & Through the Woods. Experienced hikers will host the session and share their knowledge of hiking and climbing a 14er. Now is your chance to scale one of these beautiful mountains, and brag to your friends that you…
Seven eighth-grade girls were selected to represent RHMS at the National Girls & Women in Sports luncheon. Pictured from left to right, Gabby Clutter, Audrey Burt, Carley Watterson, Eryn Collins, Karlie Wight, Olivia Gibson and Emily Glynn. By RHMS student Ryan Fincher; photo courtesy of Katie Cranston We have all heard about Rocky Heights Middle…
By Michelle Post Who said asking for help is a sign of weakness? Oh right! My dad. One of my dad’s “life lessons” he taught my siblings and me was asking for help was a sign of weakness. I remember coming to my dad seeking help on a school project, life issue or a work…
Article and photos by Kathy Fallert “I was told by the business lender that most small restaurants don’t survive past the first year,” chuckled Lisa Storey (a.k.a. Mama Lisa) of Mama Lisa’s Little Italy restaurant in Castle Pines, as she addressed the standing room-only crowd at her restaurant’s 15-year anniversary celebration on February 1. Complimentary…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; courtesy photos On February 11, Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) daddies and daughters traveled under the sea to attend the much-loved annual Daddy Daughter Dance. More than 1,600 balloons and decorations, including styrofoam jellyfish and coral reef lamp shades helped bring the “Under the Sea” theme to life. Guests could dance, snack…
The 2017 Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, pictured left to right: Pamela Herrmann – CREATE Buzz, Stacie Chadwick – chamber marketing director, Wayne Ruegge – CPA, Carla Kenny – chamber events director, Joe Roos – Hide in Plain Sight, Terry Hostetler – Castle Rock Bank, Greg Segal – Stone Segal Wealth Management…
Information provided by the Douglas County Youth Initiative Please join in and nominate special teens in the Douglas County community between the ages 13 to 19 who have overcome adversity and created positive change in their lives, as well as the lives of others. The community’s participation is key in making sure these young adults…
Called to help – By Lynne Marsala Basche One of the many benefits of living in Douglas County is the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. The open space and trail systems are extensive, and when something unexpected occurs and help is needed, the Douglas County Search and Rescue (DCSAR) team is ready to respond. DCSAR…
Joe and Allison Sabia at their home in Castle Pines Village along with their two children Christina (8) and Joey (9), who attend Buffalo Ridge Elementary school. By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of the Sabia family Castle Pines Village resident Joe Sabia came out of retirement (although he was a stay-at-home dad for a while)…
Arapahoe Community College will construct a $40 million “Collaboration Campus” in Castle Rock. The project will consist of two 54,000-square-foot buildings on a 14-acre site in The Meadows, west of Highway 85 and northeast of Castle Rock Adventist Hospital. Joined by the Town of Castle Rock and educational partners Colorado State University and Douglas County…
The RMOTHG hiking at the Lair o’ the Bear Park in Idledale in January enjoying friends and braving the cold in Colorado at its wintry best. By Patte Smith; courtesy photo Yep, a gang of compadres can give you courage, promise you thrills and prepare you for situations you never thought you would be a…
Squirt – Dachshund/Rat Terrier mix, 12 weeks old, 3 pounds Information provided by the Dumb Friends League A puppy from the Dumb Friends League will be representing Denver during Puppy Bowl XIII on Sunday, February 5 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. as the world’s cutest sporting event returns to Animal Planet. The puppy from…
By Lisa Crockett Valentine’s Day is a great day to show your sweetheart how much you care, and sometimes the best way to show your love is by making a fabulous meal. Even a novice cook can create something fantastic to eat using a few tried-and-true tricks (and sometimes a little sleight of hand). So,…
By Elean Gersack It’s the biggest New Year’s resolution of all time … getting fit. Now that we are past the first month of 2017, it’s time to cement those fitness resolutions so they really stick! I talked with James Park, director of sports performance for University of Colorado Steadman Hawkins Clinic Denver and got…
Friends and community members joined the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce and Omega Learning Center’s owner Lori Peeples and her family at the center’s January 10 ribbon-cutting ceremony. Article and photo by Lynne Marsala Basche The level of excitement inside Omega Learning Center on January 10 rivaled the blustery weather outside as the Castle Pines…
Blue Origin, an aerospace manufacturer and spaceflight services company set up by the founder of Amazon.com, has a passion for space exploration. DCSM students had the opportunity to participate in an upcoming rocket launch. “This has been an exciting journey for the students and we are looking forward to the launch!” said Nicole Gassman, DCSM…
Brian Young, fishing manager at Orvis, donated his time to help BRE fifth-grade students Genesis Torres (left) and Evan Scanlon (right) learn about the art of fly tying. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Lisa Recine The Buffalo Ridge Education Alliance (BREA), which is the school’s parent organization, asked each class at Buffalo Ridge Elementary…
Submitted by Melissa Anciaux, Douglas County Libraries The Philip S. Miller Library in Castle Rock is seeking volunteers age 50-plus who are willing to share their online dating experiences and advice by serving on an online dating panel. The panel is part of the library’s two-part program “Love Is in the Air: Looking for Love…
By Amanda Merriman Nothing can inspire you more than watching the next generation learn a valuable skill. After listening to my children talk about learning Spanish at school, I found myself wanting to improve my Spanish skills. After a quick search in the App store, I found what I was looking for in Duolingo. Duolingo…
By Michelle Post What did you learn today? What mistake did you make that taught you something? What did you try hard at today? ~ Carol S. Dweck A growth mindset is key to personal and professional success. This has been proven by Dr. Carol S. Dweck in her bestselling book, “Mindset: The New Psychology…
Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner; photo courtesy of Douglas County History Research Center Public education was so important that it was addressed in the Articles of Confederation by our Founding Fathers. The 1785 Ordinance for the Western Territory provided for schools by reserving sections NW16 and SE36 of every township open to homesteaders. Local…
The top 15 spellers at BRE, pictured left to right: Madi, Jade, Sophia, Milena, Riley, Mia, Karlie, Heath, Chance, Kyle, Jaidyn, Taylor, Shwithi, Yeats, and Jon Michael. Article and photos by Kathy Fallert Friday, January 20, had 15 Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) fourth- and fifth-grade students feeling the jitters as they participated in the school’s…
Preserving American history is a priority for Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). SAR held a Revolutionary period camp for two days at Cresthill Middle School in Highlands Ranch last fall (pictured above), and they joined DAR last month at the Douglas County Commissioners meeting where they presented…
Article and photo 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. Excellent writing is at times quite a difficult undertaking. …
Information and photo provided by the Colorado Department of Transportation The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is introducing a pilot program to bring Front Range skiers and snowboarders to and from the mountains this winter. SnowStang, part of the CDOT Bustang® interregional bus service, will offer express round-trip service to six resorts on two Saturdays…
By Patte Smith Each month I am amazed by the people and organizations that make a difference to individuals, families and the community where we live. Behind the scenes so to speak, these groups touch the lives of people who need a little kindness, a spark of caring. The Alzheimer’s Association’s SPARK! cultural programs (SPARK)…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Ah, love is in the air. It’s the time to grab the scissors and construction paper to make a homemade card for the one who’s stolen our heart, and it’s also the perfect time to think about how best to keep that heart healthy and strong. February is American…
Information provided by CDOT The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the High Performance Transportation Enterprise (HPTE) remind carpoolers that as of January 1, CDOT’s high occupancy vehicle (HOV) express lanes is now HOV 3+. The change means a vehicle must have a driver and at least two passengers in order to be in the…
Members of the Castle Pines Run Club rang in the New Year with a destination run at Waterton Canyon on January 1. The sun was out, and spirits were high as members of the group ran either 14, 10 or 6 miles. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Ashley Oxton While some spent New…
Information provided by Douglas County Commissioner Roger Partridge, who was re-elected to his second term as County Commissioner for District II in November 2016, took the oath of office from District Court Judge Paul King last month. Partridge’s wife Nadine held the Holy Bible while their young grandchildren stood in witness. Following the swearing-in…
By Michelle Post Graduation rates in the Douglas County School District continue to climb, making more and more students likely to head off to college. Recent data released by the Colorado Department of Education shows the on-time, four-year graduation rate in Douglas County is now 90.1 percent. College is not cheap, and it does not…
Seven-year-old Connor Wolff stood proudly displaying the trophy he won last month for riding a sheep for 12 seconds at the National Western Stock Show. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Rachelle Wolff Seven-year-old Castle Pines resident Connor Wolff made his mutton busting debut at this year’s National Western Stock Show. The Timber Trail…
By Elean Gersack It may be hard to believe, but in a few short months school will be out, and the kids will need something to do. Sure, it seems great to have a lot of downtime, but after a week or two, the words “I’m bored” may be said too often. Camps always fill…
Information provided by Douglas County School District Are you watching your kids scroll through life with their rapid-fire thumbs and a six-second attention span? Douglas County School District is hosting “SCREENAGERS: Growing Up in the Digital Age,” a documentary about the biggest parenting issue of our time. Physician and filmmaker Delaney Ruston witnessed this with…
By Elean Gersack Did you know that there is a simple, pain-free, low-cost screening that can help detect calcium buildup in the arteries? Offered through the Medical Center of Aurora, Coronary Calcium Scan Testing can be a useful tool in understanding risk for heart disease. Anyone can schedule a screening, but it is especially recommended…
Brad Parks, senior director of guest experience at the Denver Zoological Foundation, joined some fifth-grade students in front of their “trash-to-treasure” project. All the fifth-grade projects were auctioned off, and $753 was donated to the Washed Ashore and Stand for Trees organizations. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Anna Mallinson On January 9, Timber…
Linda Bulmer’s blend of entrepreneurial skills and her passion for fashion came together at Aspen Blu Boutique. By Kay Bryant; photos courtesy of Linda Bulmer Castle Pines resident Linda Bulmer has lived in 80108 since 2002. As a wife and mother of four children (three are in college, the youngest at American Academy), Bulmer is…
By Patte Smith What great programs and activities the Douglas County Libraries (DCL) have created for our community in 2017. Whether you are a romantic or a youngster, the month of February will find you “love” and a lot of laughs. Love is in the air at the Castle Pines Library throughout the month…
By Elean Gersack February is heart month, so it is the perfect time to rethink recipes and activities to be sure yours is getting lots of love. It becomes even more important as we age. Diets should be infused with plenty of heart healthy ingredients. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), there are…
A Venetian Valentine’s date night – Yes please! Venice Ristorante Italiano. Need I say more? I love this place. The atmosphere is elegant and vibrant. The service is excellent. The food is wonderful. By the name, you can tell this is of Italian origin, as is the owner and chef, Alessandro Carollo, who began his…
By Elizabeth Wood West; photo courtesy of MorningStar Senior Living MorningStar at RidgeGate is a 265,000-square-foot facility with a 4.8-acre campus located in Lone Tree. Residents can choose from independent living, assisted living, or memory care accommodations. It is located at 10100 Commons Street in Lone Tree, near the Douglas County Library and the Lone…
Jerry Silverhart is new to town but not new to the insurance world where he has worked for the past 23 years. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Amy Franco The new year came in with a bang and so did the new Farmers Insurance office located at 7437 Village Square Drive, Suite 110, in…
Information provided by Douglas County Art Encounters There is still time for area sculptors to submit artwork to be considered for the 2017 Douglas County Art Encounters (DCAE) outdoor public art program. All applications must be received online no later than February 11. Selected work will be on display from May 2017 through June 2018.…
Information provided by Rich Nipert Orangetheory Fitness Castle Rock, which is located on Meadows Parkway in the AMC Movie Theatre complex, celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony sponsored by the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce. The VIP party and ribbon cutting ceremony drew more than 150 Castle Rock residents and excited new members. …
We meet the first Tuesday of each month from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., primarily at the Philip S. Miller Library in Castle Rock. Meetings include speakers on a variety of horticulture topics for all levels of gardening interest and knowledge. Visitors are welcome! For date and meeting location changes and/or additional club information,…
Eighth grade student Gatlin Zbylski was one of the actors in the RHMS fall play, “The Audition.” The play depicted the lives of middle school students and teachers. Submitted by RHMS student Kyla Frazee; photos courtesy of Kylie Devin and Breck Dahlgren Lights, camera, action! On November 3 and 4, Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS)…
The Castle Pines Connection staff annual holiday dinner celebration at Pegasus restaurant in downtown Castle Rock. Pictured left to right, back row: Lynne Marsala Basche, Cindy Kessinger, Paul Masovero, Laura Gooding, Joe Gschwendtner, Tim Gamble, Terri Wiebold and Cindy Cranstone; Front row: Elizabeth Wood West, Amanda Merriman, Kathy Fallert, Heidi Lewellyn, Kay Bryant, Lisa Nicklanovich,…
Thank you to all of our readers who submitted pictures of their adorable pets for our 2016 “Cutest Pet in the Pines” holiday contest. This year’s submissions were full of holiday spirit! After much deliberation, the staff of The Castle Pines Connection chose the winners and would like to congratulate Marley Thompson, whose playful selfie…
The Dizmang family holiday portrait last month was complete with the addition of soon-to-be-adopted Samuel. By Kay Bryant; photos courtesy of the Dizmang family The Dizmangs’ story began in 2008, when MeiLon and Michael Dizmang were married. The Dizmangs have been 80108 residents for more than eight years. This blended family of eight was already…
By Amanda Merriman This month’s APPtitude selection was easy to make. When I discovered that Sponsored Publications (creators of Our Neighborhood Directory) designed an app for the Castle Pines community called “Our Hood Hub,” it made sense to try it out. Our Hood Hub is free and launched in November. Both Android and Apple users…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Ben Pric In November 2016, the Castle Pines City Council appointed Ben Price to fill the vacant Ward 2 position. Price, along with his wife Heather and their three daughters – twins Lily and Claire (12) and Noelle (10), moved to Castle Pines two years ago from Highlands…
The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) cheer team in a pyramid at the end of their routine at the CHSAA Colorado State Spirit Championship in December. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Dawn Seymour Photography The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) cheer team won the All Girl 5A Cheer division for the third time in…
Fifth grade student Mia Kettler in front of her art show submission at the Highlands Ranch Library. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Wendy Wilson The month of November was very special for nine Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students. The Highlands Ranch Library hosted the elementary art show, and while there was no particular…
Submitted by Jeff Stotler; photo courtesy of Mark Tepsic The 4th annual Castle Pines adult punt, pass and kick competition was held on Thanksgiving morning at Elk Ridge Park. Unlike previous years that were dogged with controversy, this year’s competition went off without a hitch. With a total of 27 men and 10 women, there…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of the Johnson family When a Castle Pines family on Turweston Lane moved away, little did they know that the Christmas decoration they left behind would be passed on from neighbor to neighbor, showing up in unlikely places! A light-up reindeer, missing a leg, was originally left in the…
Information provided by South Metro Safety Foundation A four hour, hands-on adult/senior driving skills class is being offered through the South Metro Safety Foundation in January, February and March. The class, for adults over the age of 21, teaches skid recovery and crash avoidance skills. The course is held at the South Metro Training/Joint Service…
Some of the students in the RCHS School of Business program who have created a business, Canyon Containers, as their senior project. They will be donating proceeds of their water bottle sales to Charity Water. Pictured back row: Jesse Hernandez, Leighton Koldyke, Eric Young, Seth Lawson. Middle: Hannah Philip, Sara Davis, Brian Dunn, Brayden Lambrecht. …