The Castle Pines Connection

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…

Pictured left to right, front row: Allison Peery and Lisa Bartmann; middle row: Marylou Giampietro, Angel Resatar and Angela Williams; back row: Lauren Patterson, Michelle Yeagle, Susan McCauley, Alyda Macaluso, Lin Giampietro, Lisa Adams and Stacy Gaines. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Lin Giampietro The Bunco Babes of Castle Pines have been getting together…

Submitted by The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce The annual Holly Jolly Breakfast with Santa, now in its seventh year, was a special morning for all of the parents, grandparents and little ones who attended.   The event is hosted by The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce and once again took place at The Ridge…

By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of April McCaffrey Since 2010, the residents of Cerney Circle in the KnightsBridge neighborhood have been stringing lights from one house to the next, connecting lights in a symbol of unity during the holidays.  April McCaffrey, the resident who came up with the idea after seeing it done in a…

Information provided by the City of Castle Pines; photo by Kathy Fallert Beginning in February, the City of Castle Pines will begin extending the end of Monarch Boulevard east through the [currently under construction] Lagae Ranch development to a new roundabout at the intersection of Monarch and re-aligned Lagae Road.  The new roadway is designed…

A great time was had by all who came out to provide 120 foster kids in Colorado with gifts for the holidays. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Tom Vieregger Stonecroft resident Tom Vieregger and Hidden Pointe resident Kuntal Vora were having a drink in a bar one day when the idea came up to…

Article and photo by Terri Wiebold; photos courtesy of The Country Club at Castle Pines One of the great pleasures of the holiday season is all the shopping that is available at local crafts fairs.  Hand-made, one-of-a-kind creations are the best, and there were plenty of them to be found at The Country Club at…

This substitute teacher was very excited to be at BRE for the 9th annual cookie exchange day. Article and photos by Kathy Fallert It must have been the Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) staff’s favorite day of the year on December 15.  Yes, that is right.  It was the 9th annual cookie exchange held in the…

By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori DCS Montessori (DCSM) students were abuzz with the sole purpose of making the holiday season brighter for those less fortunate.  The entire school participated in different events and activities designed to spread good cheer. Denise Glenn’s primary class of pre-school and kindergartners collected Scholastic book points…

By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Lin Giampietro For the last six years, Team Stutler has been participating in the annual Jingle Bell 5K run/walk, which raises funds and awareness for arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability.  Friends and family from Castle Pines and the surrounding area joined in the fun on December 11…

The RHMS wrestling team puts on their game faces for the 2016 season. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Richard Diehl Wrestling at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) has ebbed and flowed over the years.  At one point, the school could not field a team due to the lack of a coach.  This year,…

By Elean Gersack There are many great fields and parks in Castle Pines available by reservation for sports practices, parties or gatherings.  The Castle Pines North Metropolitan District manages Coyote Ridge, Daniel’s Gate and The Retreat Parks while the City of Castle Pines manages Elk Ridge Park.  Here is how to make reservations: Coyote Ridge,…

TTE students were excited to help make the holidays bright for those less fortunate with various school drives this season. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Anna Mallinson Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students spent the holiday season thinking of others and providing for those less fortunate.  Every student was involved in some way and…

Denver Botanic Gardens 1007 York Street, Denver 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.www.botanicgardens.org Monday, January 16 Monday, February 20 Wednesday, March 22 Sunday, April 2 Wednesday, June 14 Monday, July 17 Tuesday, August 29 Friday, November 10 – Winter Gift Market Saturday, November 11 – Winter Gift Market Denver Botanic Gardens – Chatfield Farms 8500 Deer…

Roni and John Lambrecht held a book release party for Roni’s book “Parenting at Your Best” and were thrilled to share the evening with family and friends.  The couple lost their son three years ago, and the book has aided in the healing process. “It goes without saying that losing Dalton has been the most…

Pictured left to right: Brenden Bernsdorf, Griffin Rushall, Zach Neeb and Mila Penner will be competing in the Colorado Middle School All State Choir in February.  The RHMS students auditioned with 1,600 other seventh and eighth grade students across the state for the opportunity to compete. Submitted by RHMS student Zoe Bair; photo courtesy of…

Information provided by Douglas County Libraries Share your passion of literacy and lifelong learning by becoming a tutor.  Douglas County Libraries (DCL) needs volunteer tutors for its English as a Second Language (ESL) program.  The majority of students are adults who are English-language learners with skill levels ranging from beginner to advanced. Tutors work with…

Judy Carlson is a joyful woman with a quick laugh and a genuine warm personality who has worked hard to overcome tremendous challenges during the past four years.  “We all go through such hard times, but if we stay faithful to what we are called to do, we survive,” she said.  Carlson loves living in…

The peer counseling group at Rock Canyon High School poses with the Rachel’s Challenge representative at the Kindness is Contagious campaign assembly in November. By Sarah Bermingham, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of Marlaine McMechen Rachel Joy Scott had a vision of a better world where people are kind to one another.  She was a…

The Castle Rock Adventist Hospital’s holiday festivities kicked off with a concert of Christmas classics by The Wellspring Wonders Choir and Chorale.  The 40-member strong choir made its third appearance at the hospital. Article and photos by Lynn Zahorik The jubilant voices of The Wellspring Wonders Choir and Chorale filled the lobby of the Castle…

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. …

By Nancy Koontz; photo courtesy of the Nathan Yip Foundation Twelve-year Castle Pines Village residents Gayle and Gary Ray will be honored by the Nathan Yip Foundation on January 28 at the newly-remodeled McNichols Civic Center Building in Denver.  The Rays are known for their volunteerism and generosity throughout the Colorado community. Gary and Gayle…

Jami Arthur shown working in her much-loved sculpture studio where she gets lost in the process of creating art.  She also has the advantage of taking a break to enjoy her picturesque property — a bit of inner meditation.  Article and photo by Patte Smith In 2009, Jami Arthur decided to take up sculpture, and…

By Patte SmithWednesday, January 18     Fundamentals of Estate Planning: Including Probate and What It Means for You Hendrick Office Building 62 Plaza Drive, Highlands Ranch     6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Attorney Brandon Campbell of Vaughn Law Offices reviews the basics related to estate planning, including paperwork needed to carry out your wishes.  Topics…

By Patte Smith Oh, please, you say, no more articles about “It’s January, I need to get in shape, I need to exercise, I need to take a class, I need to lose weight, I need a New Year’s resolution, I need to read more, I need to get organized.”  You need to STOP STRESSING…

Article and photos by Lynn Zahorik Bundled up in fur from his head to his toes, Santa delighted kids of all ages when he arrived at The Village at Castle Pines on December 3.  Festive holiday attire was abundant as friends and family welcomed in the season at the annual Santa in the Pines event…

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. “The Twilight Wife,” the second novel from best-selling author…

Castle Pines Village Garden Club board members enjoyed an afternoon of merriment and giving at Cherokee Ranch and Castle on December 2.  Pictured from left to right:  Janice Wright, Michele Volkl, Ginny Forstmann, Carol Kingsley, Liz Lively and Liz Clarke. Article and photo by Lynn Zahorik With magnificent boughs of evergreen draped throughout, Cherokee Ranch…

Now is the perfect time to plan for spring and summer landscape work.  You’ll be glad you did! By Elean Gersack; photo courtesy of Steve Belluscio, Pineco, LLC How many of us have tried to hire a landscaping company in May only to find out they are booked until August?  Well, it may sound crazy…

By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Elena Ronquillo A neighborhood 7th annual ornament exchange luncheon was held in the Forest Park home of Rina Castanon (pictured in center in red and black) on December 9.  The group included new and long-time Forest Park neighbors, local friends and family from Boulder.  Each guest brought a special…

Information provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) has received numerous reports of fraud schemes involving Green Dot MoneyPaks (reloadable debit cards).  These pre-paid cards have become the money-moving method of choice for scammers and are readily available at many retail outlets, including grocery and drug stores. The scammer convinces…

By Lynne Marsala Basche Starting in January, The Castle Pines Connection will begin sending out an email at the beginning of every month to our electronic subscribers with a link to the online edition of the newspaper.  The email may also highlight a few stories and/or events in an effort to keep readers informed about…

Chas and Mary Recine helped collect a whopping 245 pounds of candy for the troops. By Kathy Fallert; courtesy photo Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) students Mary and Chas Recine and their family decided to collect Halloween candy for the troops.  BRE assisted by sending out communication and collecting the candy at the front office.  It…

Information provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office provides the following suggestions to protect residents from porch piracy this holiday season: – Enlist the help of your neighbors.  If you have a stay-at-home neighbor or friend, ask them to pick up packages you are expecting. – Consider an alternate shipping…

Lorrie Ball, volunteer grant writer for LifeSpark, was joined by Castle Pines friends and family at their “Touching Tomorrow” fundraiser luncheon.  Pictured from left to right, front row: Helen Ball, Amy Ball, Donna Riley, and Ellen O’Connor; back row: Susan McPherson, Donna Galloway, Lorrie Ball and Marcia Pinkstaff.    Article and photo by Lynn Zahorik…

BRE celebrated its second annual box top competition with a championship kickball game between the two highest collecting teams who were the Front Office Misfits and Jenna DiLoreto’s third grade class. By Kathy Fallert; courtesy photos The Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) front office staff aka the Front Office Misfits (FOM) were back at it again…

Ansay, #29, takes a shot on goal during the 2016 Rocky Mountain Center Ice Showdown. Article and photos by Elean Gersack  On Friday, November 4, Rock Canyon High School alum and current Colorado State University junior Austin Ansay hit the ice at the Pepsi Center for the 2016 Rocky Mountain Center Ice Showdown against The…

Cherokee Ranch & Castle Executive Director James Holmes is joined by Douglas County Detective Dan Brite’s wife Christine and daughters as the detective’s brother Steve Brite provides an update on the officer’s injuries.  Detective Dan Brite Article and photo by Elizabeth Wood West There was a special gathering at Cherokee Ranch & Castle (CRC) in…

Kraig and Suzanna Smiegowski launched their small business CanineKids Outfitters in hopes of making a difference toward canine cancer research and treatment. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Suzanna Smiegowski Castle Pines Village residents Suzanna and Kraig Smiegowski love their dogs.  In fact, since the Smiegowskis do not have young humans in their household, their…

Pictured right:  The RCHS varsity volleyball team presents its first place regionals plaque to the camera after advancing to state competitions.  (Photo courtesy of Chris Zadra.) By Riley Busch, RCHS intern writer; courtesy photos Last month, the Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) girls varsity volleyball team closed its season with a successful and record-setting journey…

By Lynne Marsala Basche During the 2016 holiday season, the U.S. Postal Service will deliver billions of cards and packages.  While it may seem like shipping is the hard part, consider these suggestions to make the process hassle-free. Shipping early is key to making sure packages arrive at their destination by Christmas.  Not only is…

From left to right: Jacob Messenger, Jake Roblyer, Christian Butler, Eric Young, Leighton Koldyke, and Nick Caldwell earned a first place finish in the afternoon session of the Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of RCHS The Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge took place on November 3 at the University of…

Article and photos by Kathy Fallert Mother Nature provided July-like weather on Wednesday, October 26 as the new Legacy Village of Castle Pines project broke ground at the northwest corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard. Community leaders from the city and the chamber joined the developers for the groundbreaking ceremony.  Pictured from left…

Phase 1 of construction for the Lagae Ranch 249-acre development is well underway. Information provided by the City of Castle Pines; photo courtesy of Bob Wiebold Phase 1 of construction for the new Lagae Ranch development is now underway.  Current work includes grading activity, clearing and grubbing existing vegetation, the first phase of realigning Lagae…

By Kathy Fallert Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) and Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) will both be registering incoming kindergarteners who have siblings already enrolled at one of the schools on Wednesday, January 4.  New family kindie registration will be held at both schools on Thursday, January 5. Registration hours at BRE will be from 9 a.m.…