The Connection

Axel Sammy Special thanks to the Isert family from BriarCliff for sending in this adorable picture of Axel (top) and the McCracken family from Pine Ridge for sending in this regal picture of Sammy to accompany our story. Both local pet owners will receive a $25 gift card for their participation. By Susan Helton; courtesy…

Two amazing canines have joined the force at South Metro Fire Rescue. Dedicated to supporting the first responders, Emergency Responder Service Dogs Molson and Champ bring positive energy into the daily lives of their firehouse family. Article and photos by Lynn Zahorik; photos courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue There is a new member of…

Advanced mixed doubles first and second place: Rich Nipert and Abeer Miller. Men’s advanced doubles first and second place: Josh Reel and Brent Miller. Beginner mixed doubles first and second place: Kirk Bergner and Dana Smith. By Celeste McNeil; Photos courtesy of Beverly Carr Recently, pickleball enthusiasts held a round-robin style tournament in The Village…

By Kathy Fallert It’s hard to believe it’s November already. But here we are, and Thanksgiving is coming up quick! Cooking holiday dinners usually falls on my plate every year, and this year is no exception. I was looking for an app that would help keep me organized this holiday season with grocery lists, recipes…

Excited to be SWAT operators for a day, Ms. Roda’s DCSM class received a hands-on lesson exploring the inside of the Lenco BearCat armored vehicle. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori What started off as a regular school morning turned into a morning of excitement as a FBI Denver Division Special Weapons and…

By Michelle Post In an article titled 17 Unusual Things to be Thankful for in Life, the author said this about failure: “Most of us are afraid to fail because we see it as a sign of weakness and worthlessness, but with the right mindset you can take failure and turn it into something for…

Shari Peck, coat coordinator By Terri Wiebold; photos courtesy of Shari Peck Local realtor and Hidden Pointe resident Shari Peck is once again collecting coats for a good cause. “It it is something I have done the last two years,” stated Peck. “I feel it is important to give back to the community, and it…

Every year, November 11, Veterans Day, serves as a day to honor those who have served us. In 2018, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Principal Andy Abner, math teacher Deb Seaquist, and former Assistant Principal Barb Cocetti created the Military Wall of Honor to recognize all the graduating students who will serve in the military.…

Program leaders Jane Lenz (end second row on left) and Kristen Ward Brown (middle top row) stand proud with the Timber Trail Elementary Red Shirt Rookies student athletes as they got ready to hit the field for their first soccer practice. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Timber Trail Elementary Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) has…

Ryan Kolb, Castle Pines American Academy campus Dean of Students, commemorates Constitution Day by reading about the signing of the Constitution to a fourth grade classroom By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of American Academy On Tuesday, September 17, all American Academy (AA) campuses held a day of celebration in honor of Constitution Day. Students and…

Laura Kirkland, RHMS art teacher Article by Andrew Kim, RHMS intern writer; photos by Karmel Bedhoodi, RHMS student American historian Henry Brooks Adams once said, “Teachers affect eternity; no one can tell where their influence stops.” Laura Kirkland, formerly known as Ms. Carter, is a teacher with a never-ending influence. She is an astounding art…

By Carin R. Kirkegaard After 35 years, the Castle Pines North Association (Master Association) board of directors will recommend that the community-wide homeowner association dissolve. The recommendation, explaining the reasons in favor of and against dissolution, will be made to each sub-association delegate at the annual delegate meeting held on November 14. The meeting will…

Castle Pines residents and juniors at Rock Canyon High School Izzy Holsman (driver) and Blake Burnham at Daniels Park. Research shows that teens understand they are vulnerable and are well aware of driving risks. So, focusing on positive actions that teens can take to be safe and to keep their friends safe, can be powerful…

Use carrots and celery to form the turkey’s outer “plumage” and then fill in with pickles, olives, tomatoes, bell pepper slices and cucumber slices as shown. Using one “section” of the bottom of a bell pepper and the chunk of cucumber, form the turkey’s head and neck; add a small olive slice for the eye.…

By Bryan Goodland; graphic by Tim Gamble On October 8, the Castle Pines City Council unanimously passed Ordinance No. 19-12 on first reading, which, if approved on second reading following public hearing, would allow single family attached and/or multifamily residential development to be added as allowable principle uses on the 15.86-acre parcel of land known…

(Pictured left to right) The Laity family took first place in the Turweston Lane annual chili cook-off with their green chili recipe. The Geiser family took second place with their white chicken chili. The Johnson family took third with the their spicy white chili. By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photo courtesy of Sarah Allison The neighbors…

Lincoln Meadows school counselor Madura Deshmukh provided AA staff information and a lesson on emotional regulation. By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of American Academy American Academy (AA) is making mental health a priority at all three of its campuses. The AA mental health team was asked to provide mental health trainings for all staff on…

Second graders (left to right) Kensington Hulley, Taryn Pettis, Scarlett Borner, Jenna Prewett and Jolene Luber took their team off the field for a cool down session with popsicles. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Timber Trail Elementary Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students transformed into the Altitude Avengers for a fun day of outside activity…

Article and photo by Lisa Crockett I love cranberries, with their quintessentially American flavor and deep red color. To me, they just scream “holiday.” I love cranberry sauce, cranberry bars and cranberry bread. The tart flavor of the berries is such a nice contrast to the heavier offerings that abound this time of year, their…

Pictured above, Melissa and Andy McCune have happily called Castle Pines home since 2011. Pictured left, Melissa’s book provides inspiration for drawing pictures. By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Melissa McCune Castle Pines resident Melissa McCune strives to share her love of art with as many individuals as possible. As an educator, she can reach…

The Holcomb family has so much fun building a pyramid of Jack-o’-Lanterns each fall for their neighbors to enjoy. Article and photo by Lynn Zahorik; photo courtesy of Daryl Holcomb Each October, the residents on the cul-de-sac of Clare Court look forward to the festive Halloween display orchestrated by their neighbors Daryl and Dottie Holcomb.…

Castle Pines resident Ken Patrick (right) credits Black Diamond Eye Care optometrist Dr. Rachel Hasler (left) with saving his eyesight. Article and photo by Terri Wiebold Wellness is an important part of everyday life, as well as a critical component to a successful career. The Castle Pines Connection recently received this letter from a resident…

By Susan Helton Connection writer Susan Helton is an avid reader, once reading 64 books during the summer – just because. This month, she shares a new high-tech thriller. Kill Zone is a tense disaster thriller by bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson and Doug Beason, local author and resident of The Village. The book was…

Caption and photos by Terri Wiebold Residents ushered in fall last month at the Autumn Art Walk 2019, sponsored by LIV Sotheby’s International Realty in The Village at Castle Pines. Stunning works created by Colorado artists included bronze sculptures, photography, painting, ceramics and more. Guests were treated to live music, wine and hors d’oeuvres, and…

AA Castle Pines campus elementary Principal Tami Bostick (left back row) with NatureBridge educator Geode Sibbick (back row middle), prepped the Castle Pines campus students for their full-day hike up Mt. Storm King. Due to erosion, students found that the rocks were smoother at the base of the mountain. By Julie Matuszewski: photos courtesy of…

By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Sarah Neumann and Katie Abner Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) recently held its annual Rock Slide fun run event. Families gathered to walk and run the 1K or 5K courses through the neighborhoods around the school and to encourage physical and social health. School spirit was evident by the sea…

By Lisa Nicklanovich In the How I Built This podcast, which is produced by NPR and Guy Raz, listeners meet entrepreneurs, innovators and idealists whose companies you are probably familiar with. How did they create and build the world’s leading businesses? Scroll through all the podcast episodes to find one that interests you. I was…

TTE student and families make their way through the numerous tables and shelves of books, bookmarks, pencils, erasers and trinkets. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Timber Trail Elementary It was a great way to start the day for Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students and families. Krispy Kreme doughnuts, coffee and juice were served by…

Liz and Brian Van Vechten Article and photo by Terri Wiebold The Village at Castle Pines residents Liz and Brian Van Vechten opened their home last month to host a fundraiser for Happy Crew, an organization dedicated to destigmatizing mental health issues for teens by creating community and sharing the message: You matter. You belong.…

Jeremy Poincenot and Maureen Shul Article and photo by Nancy Koontz Maureen Shul, former and founding mayor of the City of Castle Pines, has much to be proud of. Her Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research nonprofit, which she founded in 2012 after losing both her brother, Victor, and mother, Blanche, to pancreatic cancer…

Stronger in numbers, seventh and eighth grade DCSM students rise above their fears as they learned to trust one another while building a team based on compassion and unity. Enjoying the sites from atop Tomahawk Ranch, this team is ready to lead its peers by example, display acts of kindness and empathy, while enjoying new…

Article and photos by Lisa Crockett October is the month of orange, one last burst of color as the season changes. It’s such a fallish hue, with the cozy connotation of the falling leaves and jack-o’-lanterns that are the hallmark of the season. I love all the orange foods: pumpkin, butternut squash, oranges (of course)…

The Rock Canyon High School football program spent a day working on neighborhood improvements as part of a community service project put together by the Touchdown Club, the program’s booster organization. By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of Extreme Community Makeover In late July, the Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) football program took more than…

Information provided by Douglas County Libraries Real people with real stories and issues, that is what the Human Library is about. Douglas County Libraries (DCL) is thrilled to bring the popular Human Library event back to its Castle Rock location in 2020 and is currently recruiting new “human books” for the event. DCL is seeking…

Rock Canyon High School biotechnology students Sabine Manske (left) and Berlin Barnett (right) wrap up their presentation and prepare to answer questions from potential investors. Article and photos by Jana Seal, RCHS intern writer In a classroom full of science teachers, parents and researchers, students prepare to present their PowerPoint presentations. These presentations were not…

By Lisa Nicklanovich The number of podcast listeners has more than doubled in the past five years, which is not surprising considering there are millions of podcasts to choose from, covering an almost unfathomable range of topics. Whether you are already a podcast listener or are new to the podcast world, we hope you will…

Students enjoy an evening snorkeling under the cool ocean water while experiencing bioluminescence. (Inset) Castle Pines campus student Zach Buchold found his school trip souvenir, a lobster, while swimming with the leopard and horn sharks. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of American Academy What an amazing experience American Academy (AA) seventh grade students had on…

By Carin R. Kirkegaard; Photo courtesy of the Amey family Madison Amey, senior and back-up kicker for the Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Jaguars, joined the team as the second female kicker last spring. Due to tendonitis in her hip flexor, she unfortunately has been on the sidelines. Amey’s road to becoming part of the…

By Michelle Post As business owners, we wear multiple hats: leader, manager, marketing, sales, accountant and many others. We do our best to run our business and not let our business run us, but that is not always the case. We complete daily, weekly, monthly and yearly tasks on autopilot, but do we really know…

By Carin R. Kirkegaard Josie Manning, sophomore, junior varsity starting kicker and varsity backup for the Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Jaguars has the fans out of their seats cheering. Although Manning is the first female kicker for the Jaguars it is her production on the field that is getting her noticed. Only three games…

Zoe (left) and Kira (right) Zizzo started the Jags Go Pink club at Rock Canyon High School to provide baskets full of comfort items to patients at the Sarah Cannon Breast Cancer Center at Sky Ridge Medical Center and to breast cancer survivors within the families of RCHS students. By Maddy Merritt, RCHS intern writer;…

Article and photos by Lisa Crockett 1. Pour chocolate sprinkles into a small bowl, then gently dip each cupcake into sprinkles to coat completely. 2. Place candy eyes and licorice legs into frosting. 3. Add additional frosting and sprinkles as needed. 4. Trim licorice legs to desired length. 5. Serve and enjoy!

Alexandra “Alex” Nardi with one of her students playing Jenga. Students enjoying a break in the action with new school counselor Jamie Shull. By Patte Smith; courtesy photos Welcome to Alexandra “Alex” Nardi, the new elementary school counselor at Buffalo Ridge Elementary and Jamie Shull, Timber Trail Elementary’s new school counselor. With the Douglas County…

By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos Four Castle Pines young men have earned the rank of Eagle Scout, boy scouting’s highest rank. Carter Burns (14) and Wyatt Burns (14), freshmen at Rock Canyon High School, received their Eagle Scout medal at a special court of honor ceremony September 8. Lance Christensen (14) and Matthew Hardin (14),…

By Susan Helton Connection writer Susan Helton is an avid reader, once reading 64 books during the summer – just because. This month, she shares a local history book. Images of America: Douglas County by the Castle Rock Writers is an appealing compilation of historical photos and stories about life and people in Douglas County…

Spooktacular costumes during last year’s Spooktacular event. By Patte Smith; courtesy photo Fun and not at all frightening, the annual Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce Trick or Treat Street in Castle Pines is a kid favorite every year. In its 13th year, little ghosts and goblins in Castle Pines get to trick or treat for…

Nico Wood (center) passed other runners, completing the race in just over 10 minutes. Submitted by Sophia Bobier; photos courtesy of Gail Swiryn If you live in Castle Pines, you may have likely heard about the annual Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) Cross Country Fun Run and Breakfast. Although a relatively new tradition, word spread…

Timber Trail Elementary students and families settled in to Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax” with their cozy blankets and Popcorn Bliss favorites. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Paige Sanford A cool summer evening and bright stars made the perfect back drop for Timber Trail Elementary outdoor movie event. Students and families enjoyed Dr. Seuss’ “The…

Article and photo by Steve Whitlock You probably already know video games are a big deal. But did you know some people don’t just play video games, they watch other people play video games? It’s true. One of the platforms for viewing gaming is Twitch. Twitch is a popular online service for streaming digital video…

  Information provided by DAR The Castle Rock Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) invites members and the public to its October 26 meeting at New Hope Presbyterian Church. Douglas County Deputy Sheriff Brian McKnight will present a program on current trends and prevention in the areas of personal safety, self defense,…

Article and photo by Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of American Academy American Academy (AA) opened its doors to 800 students for a fresh new year of fun and academics. The back to school welcome has become a tradition that AA has implemented to help students and families of all grade levels feel welcome and excited…

Timber Trail’s spirit rock came to life with Rob Hay’s recent illustration of Toy Story 4. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Rob Hay Have you ever wondered what those big bright colored rocks sitting outside school entrances represent? Those rocks are spirit rocks which have been painted by school communities to recognize a student’s…

The committee of fabulous parent volunteers that organized the event, pictured left to right: Erika Greene, Kym Hay, Chelsey Nielson, Kristi Tomlinson, Page Warnke, Whitney Shank, Kimberly McCarthy and Val McPheeters. Article and photos by Julie Matuszewski; courtesy photo TTE September 13 marked the 11th annual Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) Mother & Son Kickball Tournament.…

April McCaffrey, unofficial party planner for Cerney Circle. Dressed for the night children from Cerney Circle meet at the end of the cul-de-sac for a group photo before heading out for tricks or treats. By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of April McCaffrey Neighbors who call the houses home on Cerney Circle, located in the…

The Village Homes Association presented Lisa Goodwin (right) with a commemorative plaque and gift in appreciation for her 13 years of dedicated service to the community By Nancy Koontz; courtesy photo “Your charm and quick wit will be sorely missed” were the words written on the plaque of appreciation given to community management senior administrator…

Passionate about flavorful, low-sodium foods, McKenzie Ellis created Low Salt Kitchen food blog to help others lower their sodium intake. By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of McKenzie Ellis The Village at Castle Pines resident McKenzie Ellis set out to change the world, one meal at a time. Her passion was ignited by her love for…

The three kickers of the Rock Canyon High School football program left to right: Josie Manning, Sawyer Zook and Madison Amey. Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard The Rock Canyon High School special teams added two new kickers to join varsity senior and The Village at Castle Pines resident Sawyer Zook on the field.…

Cutline and photo by Susan Helton Author Doug Beason and his wife Cindy, residents of The Village at Castle Pines, hosted an open house August 27 at Sudden Fiction bookstore in Castle Rock to celebrate the release of Kill Zone, Doug’s 17th book. He collaborated with bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson on the novel, which…

By Bryan Goodland; courtesy photo Everyone knows that staying active is one of the keys to aging gracefully. But what does that look like amidst our everyday busy lives? How can we possibly squeeze fitness into everything else going on? To start with, focus on four key areas and your fitness level will increase each…

By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of Dave Tweed Sawyer Zook, senior and starting varsity kicker for the Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Jaguars, continues to significantly contribute to the Jaguar score. Zook scored more than half of the team’s total points in the season opener against Cherokee Trail High School. He had two field…