Read the stories from the latest issue:
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. When I searched for this month’s book to feature,…
By Lisa Crockett This time of year is a natural for gathering friends together to celebrate. Giving the gift of yourself and the gift of time together is often better than any other present you might be able to come up with. Sometimes though, the prospect of preparing the house, assembling the food and then…
By Patte Smith Now is the perfect time to offer struggling families and individuals a happy holiday season. The Crisis Center in Castle Rock is asking the community to support Operation Elf, a program that matches families with sponsors who help provide a Christmas to families who are financially and emotionally in need during the…
Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Thirty-six million years ago a massive volcanic eruption near Mt. Princeton hurled molten rock and gases into Douglas County. Traveling nearly 100 miles per hour and landing in parts of Park and Teller Counties as well, the quick cooling ash created 15-30 foot layers of “Wall Mountain Tuff” classified…
By Lynne Marsala Basche In 1999 Deputy Ronald King was killed by a drunk driver when he and his partner were returning from an assignment. At that time, Douglas County had no benevolence organization that could step in and help his family with expenses. With the notion that we are one incident away from becoming…
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…
Collectively, Castle Pines residents Andrew and Lori Peeples have proudly served for 32 years in the United States military. Andrew was a pilot in the United States Air Force, and Lori was a communications officer for the United States Army. We are honored to have such dedicated veterans as our neighbors. By Lynn Zahorik; courtesy…
Turn-of-the-century Douglas County pioneers were tough and uncomplicated. They lived in the moment. Dreams of their future were marred by hostile Indians, locusts, parched lands, dried-up streams and rattlesnakes. Long-term planning didn’t come naturally. Surprisingly, there were two remarkable people, mere miles apart, who envisioned the future of our county and acted in unique ways…
Rodney Graham, one the creators of the chicken coop and garden project along with Cameron Randolph, hope students become more aware of the work that goes into producing food. Submitted by RHMS student Zoe Bair; photos courtesy of Katie Cranston and Abby Schriefer Where can you usually find chickens? At the farm. In wildlife. Probably…
The 2016 Rock Canyon High School newspaper and yearbook staff celebrating their victory at a state-wide competition. The Rock newspaper was recently nominated for a Crown Award, presented by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association. By Riley Busch, RCHS intern writer The Castle Pines community has prided itself on its award-winning feeder schools and education programs,…
By Lynn Zahorik On November 11, we will once again honor our American veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. WWI Armistice was signed on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, thus the observation of Veterans Day on…
By Amy Shanahan All new residents of the City of Castle Pines are cordially invited to a welcome reception in your honor on November 3 at 6 p.m. at The Ridge at Castle Pines North golf club. Attendees will enjoy appetizers, drinks and mingling with neighbors. A short program will introduce new residents to…
Article and photos by Amy Shanahan The Village at Castle Pines was the setting for the eighth annual chili cook-off on a beautiful October day. Several hundred people came out to enjoy a day of delicious homemade chili, live music from local band Blue Zone and fun with friends and neighbors. Charmaine Calderon-Balcerzak from…
By Amanda Merriman Academic support is coming to Castle Pines with the opening of Omega Learning Center. The center is slated to open mid to late November and will be located at 7298 Lagae Road, Suite B, next to Dazbog Coffee. The hours of operation will be Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7…
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill By Patte Smith The holidays seem to bring out the best in most people. Hearts open wide not only for our own families, but extend to other individuals and families, the community and organizations…
A young buck peers through the oak brush before making his decision to cross the highway in southwest Colorado. Article and photos provided by the Colorado Department of Transportation Vehicle collisions with wildlife happen year round, but statistics indicate that the migration of animals to their wintering habitats can lead to more incidents of wildlife-vehicle…
Next summer, residents of all ages will be able to enjoy new outdoor basketball courts at Coyote Ridge Park. As shown in this rendering provided by the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District, the courts will be located just south of the skate park and will offer added fun for outdoor enthusiasts who call Castle Pines…
TTE’s fifth grade blue team waiting to start the obstacle course while cheering on fellow classmates at the move-a-thon. Article and photos submitted by Timber Trail Elementary Each year, Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) has a fundraising event, and this year students and teachers participated in a move-a-thon on September 22. Students spent an hour outside…
Smiles change lives By Lynne Marsala Basche Can a smile open doors, inspire self-confidence and create a ripple effect of goodwill in a community? The 501(c)(3) Smile for a Lifetime (S4L) of Greater Denver seeks to achieve all that and more. Drs. Kevin Theroux and Brooks Barefoot of Total Orthodontics in Lone Tree are dedicated…
Castle Pines resident Nicole Eubanks recently made a career change and became relationships manager at the nonprofit organization Friendship Bridge. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Nicole Eubanks Mother of two and Daniels Gate resident Nicole Eubanks, with a background in business management and merchandising, made a serious career change when she went to work…
Centennial Gun Club, located at 11800 E Peakview Avenue in Centennial, is locally owned and operated by Castle Pines Village residents Richard and Mary Abramson. By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Mary Abramson Richard and Mary Abramson are residents of Castle Pines Village who recognized a need and set out to fulfill it. In February…
Information provided by the Douglas/Elbert Task Force Please join the Douglas/Elbert Task Force for its inaugural Evening of Help & Hope on Friday, December 2 at Cielo at Castle Pines. The event will be from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will feature a silent and live auction, a wine wall, heads or tails game,…
Friends and family joined Leanna Whitcher at the Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk to raise funds in the quest to double lung cancer survival rates in the next six years. By Lynn Zahorik; photo courtesy of Noor Abadi A beautiful fall day welcomed participants of the 2016 Free to Breathe 5K Run/Walk at Washington Park…
by Patte Smith The Connection readers want to know about our vital over-fifty population who is diverse, knowledgeable, skilled, thoughtful and energetic. If you play pickleball, are an artist, volunteer your time, write, play bridge, bungee jump, sing in a choir, sit peacefully reading, have an experience to share, are a gourmet cook, meditate, attend…
Article and photos by Kathy Fallert The annual Rock Slide 5K and 1 mile fun run took place on Saturday, October 1. The race began and ended at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School (BRE) where roughly 250 runners and walkers, led by the school’s health team made their way through the streets of Castle Pines and…
The new project will include 228 apartment units, 30,000 square feet of office space, 10,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, and 328 street level/below street level parking spaces. By Elizabeth Wood West; renderings courtesy of Confluence Companies The Town of Castle Rock recently gave unanimous approval to a $60 million dollar mixed-use development…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Turkey roasting in the oven – is there any scent more evocative of the fall season, the bounty of the harvest, the abundance of autumn? Nothing makes me give thanks faster than a plateful of turkey, dressing and buttery mashed potatoes. Like most folks this time of year, I…
There are many “Share The Road” signs around the community. (Hess Road east at I-25) Article and photo by Kay Bryant As our community becomes more and more populated, The Connection reminds residents to be aware of the particular safety concerns and responsibilities that drivers have as we share the road with bicyclists. Hess Road,…
A new eight-mile segment of the East/West Regional Trail just north of Hess Road will connect the current trial (west of I-25, south of RidgeGate Pkwy) to the Cherry Creek Trail in Parker (west of Parker Road south of E. Mainstreet). Information and photo provided by Douglas County Hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers rejoice! Great…
By Lisa Crockett Big feasts can sometimes mean big trouble, especially when it’s a feast that involves cooking foods most people only attempt once a year. Add in concerns about food safety, and you and your dinner guests might simply be giving thanks for making it through the holiday unscathed rather than focusing on the…
It was a cold day, but BRE students bundled up and got it done as they rode their way to school on October 5. Article and photos by Kathy Fallert It was a cold and blustery day on Wednesday, October 5, but that didn’t stop Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) students from celebrating Walk/Bike to School…
The 23,000 square-foot soccer facility will accommodate three futsal fields (which are smaller turf fields) or one large field and is scheduled to open later this month. By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of Neil Alvarado Ten-year HOA1 resident Neil Alvarado is reaching a new milestone with Denver-based Skyline Soccer Association (SSA), a nonprofit soccer club…
The winning chefs pose for a photo during the seventh annual Turweston Lane chili cook-off on September 11. By Elean Gersack; photos courtesy of Laurie Jacobs Seven years and counting! The crew on Turweston Lane gathered on September 11 for another year of fun and some friendly cooking competition. This year’s event featured plenty of…
BRE hosted a fun-filled, Olympic-themed field day on September 22. Principal John Veit (left) and Assistant Principal Jen Murdock (right) welcomed BRE alumnus and Paralympian Brickelle Bro (middle), who opened the ceremonies with some words of inspiration for the students. Article and photos by Kathy Fallert Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) hosted an Olympic-themed field day…
The Rock Canyon High School volleyball program recently collected and donated many items, including food and toiletries, to the Douglas/Elbert Task Force. The team was given a tour of the Task Force and have a better understanding of the many needs in our community. By Sarah Bermingham, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of RCHS volleyball…
Information provided by the Parker Cultural and Scientific Commission Learn the facts about Alzheimer’s disease or dementia on Thursday, November 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue in Parker. A representative from The Alzheimer’s Association will provide information on detection, possible causes and risk factors, stages of the disease, treatment,…
By Lynn Zahorik; courtesy photos With the season of Thanksgiving upon us, we are reminded of those people for whom we are most grateful. The Castle Pines Connection salutes the American veterans who live in our communities for their selfless dedication and extraordinary service in the armed forces. Many of our neighbors are the men…
TTE students were excited to help promote the school’s September recycling event. Residents, large and small, contributed to making the recycling event a success. Article and photos submitted by Timber Trail Elementary Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) parent Eric Bowman, of Bowman Financial Services, organized a paint recycling event on September 17, which was held in…
This chart shows how the Winter Shelter Network will work to meet the needs of the homeless in Douglas County, from November through March 2017. By Elizabeth Wood West; illustration courtesy of Rand Clark Thanks to the compassion and vision of local faith-based nonprofit organizations, area churches and Douglas County government, a struggling and often…
Megan Pitman, senior at Rock Canyon High School and CPV resident was thrilled when administrators came into her classroom and announced that she is a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of RCHS Approximately 1.6 million students entered the National Merit Scholarship (NMS) competition, which awards more than $33 million. The names…
Information provided by Douglas County Douglas County reports that as of October 3, there were a total of 234,925 registered voters for the upcoming General Election on November 8. Of those, 47,551 were Democrats, 107,245 were Republicans, and 80,129 were listed as other. Make sure your vote counts and ensure that all mail-in ballots are…
By Patte Smith It is hard to believe that November is here, and soon we will be in full throttle with holiday fun and frenzy. It is a festive time of year, and many enjoyable events are offered by the Castle Rock Senior Activity Center (CRSAC) and South Suburban Parks and Recreation District (SSPRD). The…
By Lynne Marsala Basche Imagine coming home on a chilly evening, opening the door and being greeted by the aroma of dinner simmering in the slow cooker. It is so welcoming and inviting and especially convenient when you remember that while you put the ingredients together earlier in the day, there was no chopping…
By Amanda Merriman There are people who finish shopping for the holidays well before fall starts. And then there are the rest of us who do not even start thinking about gift shopping until well after pumpkin spice lattes start flying off the shelves. Not to mention the actual purchasing of gifts happens usually after…
CrossFit Loop Castle Rock teens pausing for a moment in their CrossFit class. From left to right: Riley James, Julia Terry, Gabe Ziegler (CP), Jack Terry, Crossfit Coach Courtney Grant, and Emma Ziegler (CP). By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Maddie Rudolph The CrossFit Loop Castle Rock (CFL) community recently rallied around Detective Dan Brite…
Article and photo by Amanda Merriman The 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 her obsession. Yaa Gyasi has educated this bibliophiliac with this month’s…
Building a basis for excellence By Lynne Marsala Basche Readers may not be aware of the DCEF, but chances are high they have taken advantage of their services. For the past 25 years, the DCEF has been a partner with all Douglas County schools to prepare students to become career, college and citizenship-ready and not…
Development is underway on a 177-unit senior living complex located at the northwest corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard. Completion is anticipated by year-end 2017. By Kathy Fallert; map by Tim Gamble Construction of the Legacy Village of Castle Pines development at the northwest corner of Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard in…
Rows left to right: Claire with her sweet Layla who happily managed the trails thanks to her innovative wheelchair. A beautiful September day welcomed dogs and their owners as they hit the trail to raise money for the Buddy Center. Proud owners with their super hero miniature dogs ready for Halloween – Batdog, Wonderdog and…
IT’S OPEN! In partnership with Douglas County and the Colorado Department of Transportation, Castle Rock’s largest ever roadway project is ready for vehicles. Drivers may have seen a new freeway exit sign off I-25 (pictured above right). Information and map provided by the Town of Castle Rock; photo courtesy of Lynn Zahorik We have all…
By Elean Gersack; courtesy photo After a several year hiatus, the Winter Park Ski Train is back in action. The scenic two-hour ride from Union Station in Denver to the base of Winter Park Ski Resort is a great way to enjoy the Colorado high country and avoid the hassles of driving. A bucket-list opportunity…
Team “Fresh Kicks of Ball Air” won this year’s mother and son kickball tournament. Pictured left to right: Brenda and Ethan Nohavec, Donna and Logan Mash, Stacy, Nicholas and Blake Stall, Jess and Wyatt Petau, Gidget and Andrew Long, Alicia and Logan Carpenter, Shanda and Colten Bravec, and Whitney and Thomas Shank. By Lynne Marsala…
Information provided by the City of Castle Pines Located just south of the Village Square commercial district, Lagae Ranch is a 249-acre planned development that includes Elk Ridge Park and three additional neighborhood parks, American Academy Charter School, up to 231 single-family homes, 400 multi-family residences, an additional elementary school, 76 acres of open space…
Information provided by Douglas County Douglas County recently announced a two-way data-sharing partnership with Waze, the free, real-time navigation app. This collaboration will assist those who live, work and play in Douglas County with important information about current road conditions and construction projects to assist their commute around the county. “We know that one of…
Information provided by the Douglas/Elbert Task Force. The Douglas/Elbert Task Force received $8,540 from the Food Bank of the Rockies for the purchase of a new walk-in cooler to support its food bank program. The new refrigerator will increase the Task Force’s capacity to store additional refrigerated items, such as dairy products and fresh produce…
By Patte Smith A free informational housing seminar for older adults is being presented on Saturday, October 15 at the Lone Tree Arts Center from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Open to the public, speakers will discuss topics on seniors interested in “aging in place” and remaining in their own home; an overview of the…
DCSM students, staff, friends and family enjoyed an afternoon catching up while hungry participants entered a pie eating contest and took a spin in the hamster balls. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori The DCS Montessori School (DCSM) fall festival is an annual tradition for more than 20 years. This year, students,…
Colleen and Judi at Castle Pines Dental Care love their jobs, having been around for 14 and 15 years, respectively. Always helpful Terri at Scheich Family Dentistry celebrates 13 years keeping everything in check. Alex at Castle Pines Orthodontics has been running the office since 2003. She loves watching their patients grow up. Article and…
By Lisa Crockett ‘Tis the season for all things pumpkin. Whether you are hankering for a luscious pie or a toothy jack-o’-lantern, here are tips for getting the very best this season: • Pumpkins for pie and pumpkins for carving are grown from different varieties, so make sure you’re getting the right one for the…
By Lynn Zahorik, photos courtesy of Peter Burke The star of every University of Colorado (CU) football game is without a doubt Ralphie the buffalo mascot. One of the most popular and recognized college mascots in the nation, Ralphie has been a part of CU game day lore for nearly half a century. Most fans…
By Amanda Merriman If you have teenage individuals living in your home, you have probably heard of musical.ly, a popular video-sharing app that has captured the attention of over 80 million users, or “musers” as they are called, worldwide. Musical.ly combines our innate love of music and the desire to connect with like-minded individuals…
Seventh grade social studies teacher and project advisor Laurie Williamson with students Chloe Voss and Amanda Gin. Submitted by RHMS eighth grade student Amanda Brauchler; photo courtesy of Izzy Holsman Nora Danzig is a Holocaust survivor. She was born in Germany in the 1930s, and she is 84 years old. Danzig was not only a…
By Kathy Fallert; courtesy photos Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) had a dual goal – wanting to give multiple new fourth and fifth grade families a chance to connect and meet other parents and kids and wanting to create a new special tradition for the “upper grades” to celebrate and look forward to each year. What…