Read the stories from the latest issue:
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…
Information provided by Douglas County Senior Resources When searching for information about resources but you don’t know who to ask or what number to call, the First Call Information Referral and Assistance program is your first stop. First Call has trained staff and volunteers to help you access resources throughout Douglas County. Start your search…
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.…
Visitors to the Blossoms of Light event at the Denver Botanic Gardens take in the wonder of the season. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens Coloradans are known for their love and celebration of winter. Check out some of the many festivals and events that remind us how great it is to…
Thanks to the Castle Rock Historical Society, people of all ages took in a bit of history recently at Cedar Hill Cemetery. The resting place for many old-time Douglas County families, the cemetery became a Douglas County Historical Landmark in 2005. Article and photos by Lynn Zahorik A spectacular fall day welcomed more than 80…
By Amanda Merriman The latest social media craze has thankfully moved on from the Water Bottle Challenge. Over the past month and a half, it has been all about the Mannequin Challenge. What is the Mannequin Challenge, you ask? It is believed to have been started by high school students in Florida who wanted to…
Tibbles 2011-2016 Article and photo by Terri Wiebold I would like to offer my most heartfelt appreciation to the entire staff at Castle Pines Veterinary Clinic for the care and compassion they showed my daughter’s pet guinea pig Tibbles, who died last month from pneumonia. Tibbles’ passing was a surprise to our entire family and…
The girls and boys varsity cross country teams at Rock Canyon High School before going to the state meet. By Sarah Bermingham, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Kira Hartz The Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) cross country team had an amazing season. “I feel like we pushed ourselves to the limit, and it paid…
By Kathy Fallert; background photo by Lynn Zahorik While we had an exceptionally warm autumn until November 17, snow is now in the Pines. The Douglas County School District (DCSD) has a website available that lists school closure status as well as delayed start information quickly and accurately. Delay and closure information is also available…
The RHMS yearbook staff responsible for creating the 2016 yearbook celebrate winning the Colorado Student Media Association All Colorado Award in Fort Collins, October. 20. Submitted by RHMS student Zoe Bair; photo courtesy of Tim Ryckman Click! Snap! Last year, Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) yearbook staff created a wonderful, interactive yearbook to highlight the…
Claire Preen Shipley has appeared on numerous TV shows and has written two books: “50 Shades of Chocolate!” and “Diva’s Guide to Dinner Parties” which can be purchased through Amazon. By Nancy Koontz; photo courtesy of Claire Preen Shipley Castle Pines Village resident Claire Preen Shipley leads a very active lifestyle. For the last year,…
St. Andrew volunteers handed out goods to the homeless in Civic Center Park last year. By Riley Busch, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Jennifer Kloeppel With the holidays in full swing, many organizations and communities are uniting to help those in need this holiday season. At St. Andrew United Methodist Church, several communities…
The Los Angeles Rams were the big winners of Super Bowl III in the 1st/2nd grade age group. The Seattle Seahawks were the big winners of Super Bowl III in the 3rd/4th grade age group. The Denver Broncos were the big winners of Super Bowl III in the 5th/6th grade age group. By Elean Gersack;…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of DCS Montessori The DCS Montessori Mystery History event is a much-loved tradition that now spans 16 years. Mystery History sparks interests in all things historical, and this year, 1900 to present day figures made an appearance. Fourth, fifth and sixth graders selected a character and researched their…
By Patte Smith Little did I know when I attended a meeting about Medicare that I would stumble on a very worthwhile organization – Seniors’ Council Douglas County (SCDC). The council was having its monthly meeting and had organized an educational Medicare meeting. The Medicare presentation was very thorough and the speakers were knowledgeable, but…
Kay Bryant, Staff Writer Paul Masovero, Advertising Account Manager By Elean Gersack; courtesy photos The Castle Pines Connection is excited to announce the addition of two new team members, a writer and an advertising account manager. Kay Bryant joins the staff as a writer. Her background includes a 25-year career in business communications, including…
By Patte Smith; courtesy photo The chill of winter is in the air and it is a wonderful time to bundle up and get outside with family and friends and breathe in the beauty of nature. Join bird enthusiasts for the annual Audubon Douglas County Christmas Bird Count at Roxborough State Park, 4751 Roxborough Drive. …
Performance driving instructor Ben Waddell gave tips on how to manage the slalom course to Alex Coudeyras. Article and photo by Lynn Zahorik Local used car dealership group EchoPark Automotive (EPA) recognized the challenges of driving in today’s society and wanted to do its part to help teens learn about the dangers of distracted…
Submitted by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce; photo by Lynn Zahorik Gangsters and flapper girls turned out in force on October 28 to raise money for Hide in Plain Sight (HIPS), a local nonprofit organization that awards scholarships to homeless high school seniors so that they may attend college or vocational school. The…
By Lynne Marsala Basche The idea is simple; give where you live, and for the past seven years, the Community First Foundation and FirstBank have teamed up to promote philanthropy in Colorado. Colorado Gives Day, which begins at 12 a.m. on December 6, is targeted to increase online giving to local nonprofit organizations. The Community…
It is time for tea at English Tealeaves By Lynne Marsala Basche Whether it is tucked behind baking supplies in a pantry or nestled next to mugs on a shelf, there is a strong possibility that every house has tea of some form in it. There is a tea to suit every mood and moment,…
By Amanda Merriman There is an app on my phone that is guaranteed to keep the whole family occupied during long car trips up to the mountains, while waiting to be seated at a restaurant or between games at my daughter’s volleyball tournaments. It is Mad Libs. Yes, just like the books we all used…
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…
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…
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…