Read the stories from the latest issue:
Sophomores (left to right) Grant DeRose, Tanner Leonard, Maddy Merritt, Reese Titensor and Kayla Mash smiled after being inducted into the Science National Honors Society of Rock Canyon High School April 9. By Maddie Merritt, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Stephanie Leonard The first class of Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) sophomores for the…
Melissa Rufenacht shows her style and sass at A Line Boutique’s “inspiration wall” which features all the current styles for the season. Article and photos by Terri Wiebold Congratulations to Castle Pines resident and A Line Boutique co-owner Melissa Rufenacht for a successful first year of business in Castle Rock. A long-time customer turned owner,…
Photo and caption by Terri Wiebold Special thanks to Jack Yi, owner of Castle Pines North Cleaners, for helping with my “between meetings wardrobe malfunction.” I lost the closure button on my blazer and Jack not only replaced the button, he found a matching set of three buttons to change out the sleeves as well.…
Taking steps to walk in Maria Montessori’s shoes By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of Ryoko Fusatani After the Bomb Cyclone hit Colorado, DCS Montessori upper level teacher and Castle Pines resident Ryoko Fusatani was relieved to learn that her scheduled flight to her dream destination of Rome, Italy would be a “go.” Fustani’s excitement mounted…
By Terri Wiebold; photos by Lynn Zahorik With the most perfect weather imaginable, hundreds of Castle Pines families gathered at The Ridge last month to participate in the City of Castle Pines Egg Scramble. In three separate waves according to age, the air horn sounded and children flooded the driving range to collect eggs stuffed…
This RCHS SNHS student helped a BRE science club member build a bridge. By Celeste McNeil; photo courtesy of Delaney Y. Rock Canyon high school (RCHS) student Delaney Y. has a passion for science. She and her fellow Science National Honor Society (SNHS) members are sharing their love of science with younger students through an…
By Susan Helton Filling in for Amanda Merriman, Connection writer Susan Helton is also a lifelong, avid reader. This month, she shares a delightful cozy mystery novel. Shannon Hammer specializes in renovating and repairing Victorian homes in the small town of Lighthouse Cove. In A Wrench in the Works, by Kate Carlisle, Shannon’s younger sister…
By Patte Smith; courtesy photo Memorial Day is an important time for all Americans to remember the sacrifices that veterans have made to ensure our freedom. Whether attending a Memorial Day remembrance event, or sending a note to a veteran, take a few minutes to bring to mind these brave men and women. Really stop…
By Elise Brassell; photo courtesy of Megan Liestman Megan Liestman of Castle Rock has a busy summer break from school ahead. She’s a sophomore studying political science at the University of Colorado at Boulder who is taking her summer break to run her own business as part of a unique opportunity from Young Entrepreneurs Across…
By Lisa Nicklanovich I recently took a free photography lesson from the Apple Store at Park Meadows Retail Resort. Our class learned about using a few of the features on our camera phones, and something the instructor said after the class surprised me. The instructor, who is a professional photographer, said that he thought most,…
Finding family, loving orthodontics and golf By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of the Dunbar family Dr. Andrew Dunbar – owner of Castle Pines Orthodontics and Castle Rock Orthodontics – and Jen, his wife of 28 years, love living in Castle Pines. “Such a great community! We’ve lived here almost 17 years and we’ve developed an…
Information and photo provided by the Van Vechten family There wasn’t a mountain Jacob “Jake” Peter Van Vechten didn’t want to climb or a puzzle he couldn’t solve. He was surrounded by friends and lived with a sincere concern for others. He loved with a tender heart. Jake competed on every field and every court…
By Stacie Chadwick I’ve always been a glass half full kind of person with a world view that skews toward the brighter side of life. Now, thanks to the northern light-like glow of filters, editing, and effects, that perspective is exponentially enhanced. Sort of. Too often, we present our perfectly angled poses to the world…
Toby, his brother Evan and their parents stand at the bottom of the main stairs of RCHS with the lacrosse team and their coaches. Toby and Evan were adopted by the team through the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation. By Jana Seal, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of John Gallant For the Rock Canyon High School…
Surrey Ridge kids gathered at the neighborhood park for the annual search for Easter eggs on Saturday, April 20. After an adventurous hunt, the kids visited with the Easter bunny, who shared more treats with the kids. Photos courtesy of Josh Gonzalez
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Chelsey Nielson In which book? was the question asked by librarians to Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) Battle of the Books (BOTB) participants during one of many book battles. This year, TTE participated in BOTB through Douglas County Libraries as an after school club for third through fifth grade students.…
Pictured right: Students created posters to promote the Rebel Service Club backpack drive By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of American Academy The American Academy (AA) Rebel Service Club (RSC) has a simple mission, but one that carries a lot of weight. Their mission is to be educated on the value of serving others while providing…
By Michelle Post Is your business running you? Do you know what you have regarding your business? These are questions I often ask business owners when I begin working with them. We do not know when it happens, but there comes a time when our business is running us instead of us running our business.…
Article and photos by Julie Matuszewski Nerf junkies young and old took the field armed with their favorite Nerf guns, eye protection and unlimited foam darts for a night of Dads and Dudes Nerf Wars. In one afternoon, the Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) gym was transformed in to a Nerf warrior’s dream of obstacles, barricades…
Rock Canyon High School’s (RCHS) Black and Gold yearbook editorial staff spent their spring break learning about journalism in New York City. After a canceled flight lead to the group arriving a day late to the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s annual journalism convention, the yearbook staff had to branch out into the city to learn…
By Terri Wiebold; photo courtesy of the O’Melia family Drowning is preventable. Tragedies often lead to change, which is precisely what we hope will happen after reading this pool safety article. Every year as the weather warms and pool season begins, The Connection reminds readers about precautions to take in and around pools. Whether it…
Representatives from the Castle Pines Parks Authority, the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District, the City of Castle Pines, Douglas County Parks, Trails & Building Grounds and students and teachers from TTE all gathered to celebrate (and try out) the new inclusive playground equipment. By Terri Wiebold; photos by Julie Matuszewski Braving unexpected cold weather, third…
BRE fifth grade students celebrated their last year in elementary school with a show for fellow students and parents. By Celeste McNeil; courtesy photos BRE fifth graders recently showcased their talents, growth and love of “super cheese songs.” Students performed two shows, one morning performance for the school and another for parents in the evening.…
For the first time, the Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) mathletes took team first place at the State MATHCOUNTS Competition. The RHMS team members all performed well at the competition on March 23, and Max Xu and Anthony Chui placed in the top ten. “I really liked it because we got to go to the…
By Terri Wiebold; photos by Lynn Zahorik “It’s all been an incredible and sometimes wild ride,” stated Mike. “I am personally humbled and honored to have been able to serve this community for the past 20 years. The credit really needs to go to the people of Castle Rock, of Douglas County and of Colorado…
Left to right; Reese Pucciano, Julianna Perez, Bessie’s Hope Program Coordinator Darlene Stiny, Caitlin Taylor and Mo Grebe sharing a joyous moment after a fun-filled visit with Brookside Inn residents. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of American Academy Bessie’s Hope (BH) and American Academy (AA) are filling the gap between generations by spending time together.…
Bishop Castle, Rye Colorado By Michelle Post What exactly makes a castle a castle? Whether a structure qualifies for the title of ‘castle’ is not something set in stone and is a topic often debated by historians. According to the Free Dictionary, a castle is: “A) a large fortified building or group of buildings with…
Maycee Taylor is a very well-rounded 9-year-old. By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of Jennifer Taylor Buffalo Ridge Elementary student Maycee Taylor is only 9 years old, but she is quite remarkable. After being screened and tested in the first grade, it was determined she was a gifted child who possessed high intelligence, artistic creativity, leadership…
By Bryan Goodland; photo courtesy of Nick Lucey Castle Rock has grown significantly over the past few years. From the expansion of shops and anchor retail stores, to the introduction of new neighborhoods and living options. And now, once again the shape of Castle Rock is changing. Downtown Castle Rock has always offered a wide…
Eaten alone or paired with a delicious cheese and/or fruit combination, these tasty homemade crackers will not disappoint. Article and photos by Lisa Crockett I was recently gifted a beautiful block of artisanal cheddar cheese. I nibbled a corner and decided that what I really needed to complement this gift was a nice crunchy cracker…
Sarah Arnett and AJ Arnett are enthusiastic smart doorbell owners who enjoy being able to communicate with people at their door, even when they are not home. By Barbara Neff; photos courtesy of Sarah Arnett When asked, residents of Douglas County seem to agree unanimously that the prevalence of video cameras in our everyday lives…
By Julie Matuszewski; courtesy photos The Douglas County School District (DCSD) Visual Art and Kid’s Expo Art (KEA) shows returned again this year, displaying innovative artwork from local budding artists. The art shows also took place earlier this spring for all the community to enjoy. This year’s art events showcased imagination, creativity and innovation. Both…
Article and photos by Lynn Zahorik In the wee hours of the morning on the first day of spring, Chick-fil-A devotees anxiously stood in line outside of the fast food restaurant. They were hoping to have the chance to be a part of the “First 100 Road Trip.” In celebration of the opening of its…
A good start to the day often means a good finish later on. Taking time to make and eat a lovely breakfast is one of the best ways to give yourself a boost of energy for the day. Here are some ideas for ways to make the most important meal of the day delicious. If…
SECOR ensures students have Food for Thought By Elise Brassell Remember during your school-age years, that feeling of excitement as the last few minutes of Friday afternoon ticked away before the bell rang to dismiss you for the weekend? Many students feel that excitement to get to the weekend and their plans with family and…
By Celeste McNeil; photo courtesy of Monica Harrmon Local children’s author, illustrator and artist Mark Ludy recently visited Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) school. Ludy captivated students and staff alike with his inspirational message, humor and artwork. With a passion for encouragement and out-of-the-box thinking, Ludy talked about his own journey as a struggling young student.…
Pictured left to right: Golden, Jayse and Hallie Rand with Jill Svenson By Terri Wiebold; photo by Lynn Zahorik In recognition of Earth Day, residents and local realtors Hallie Rand and Jill Svenson hosted a FREE community Shred-it event in Castle Pines. “We live, love and work here, so this was one way we decided…
By Terri Wiebold Great news for King Soopers shoppers and local organizations looking to participate in the King Soopers Community Rewards program for cash back to schools, community organizations and nonprofits. Gone are the days of carrying multiple cards and pre-loading a separate King Soopers card that is associated with a specific organization. Effective April…
Information provided by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office Spring and hailstorm damage go hand in hand in Colorado, making it “high season” for contractor complaints. According to Douglas County District Attorney George Brauchler, the greatest number of complaints are against door-to-door contractors, especially those who come knocking right after a hailstorm. The most common…
Hagia Sophia. Mosque built by Emperor Justinian designed to impress. It will, guaranteed. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner My rapture with Turkey began in 1987 while visiting Istanbul on my way around the world. Numerous visits would follow. In 2018, it was time again to swill that city’s “wine.” The political actors had changed,…
By Joe Gschwendtner; photos by Terri Wiebold In late March, the formerly bare-walled community room at the Castle Pines Homes Association building received a makeover. A once humdrum meeting space, it now includes a mini-museum focusing on the first 100 years of Wildcat Mountain history. No small project, the curation began from scratch. The process…
By Bryan Goodland As the south metro population continues to swell, transportation has become a more pressing issue, and Denver is the latest city to get on board with a public/private partnership to combat the problem. To that end, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) has expanded its partnership with on-demand transportation company Lyft. Lyft is…
By Amanda Merriman Author Jennifer McMahon’s newest novel, The Invited is expected to publish on April 30. I was lucky to score an advance copy from the publisher, Doubleday. I love a good New England-style ghost story, so I was happy to settle in with this book. McMahon has a proven track record as a…
Kelli Chastain’s students show off examples of symmetry in their mini quilts. Dana Sedersten’s churn dash class paper quilt creation. Article and photos by Celeste McNeil What do literature, geometry, fractions and advanced vocabulary words have in common? Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) second-grade students cozied up with all these topics and more while creating their…
By Amanda Merriman According to Common Sense Media, young people are spending an astonishing amount of time online. The average time spent using media nears nine hours daily for teens and almost six hours for tweens. While the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)has clear guidelines for children ages 2 to 5 years old (one hour…
Michelle Balch Lyng was honored to receive ColoradoBiz magazine’s “Top 5 Most Influential Young Professionals in Colorado” award. By Nancy Koontz; photo courtesy of Michelle Balch Lyng Congratulations to The Village at Castle Pines resident Michelle Balch Lyng, founder/CEO of Novitas Communications in Denver. Lyng has recently received three different awards, causing people to take…
Being his own boss By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of the Granados family Alberto Granados, owner of Las Fajitas Mexican Restaurant in Castle Pines, has worked in the restaurant business since he was a teen. After learning everything from dishwashing to managing, Alberto decided – along with his brother – it would be best to…
Snowmobiling is a terrific sport to enjoy the Colorado great outdoors. Travel with friends, dress appropriately, be prepared and ride responsibly. Be sure to capture the memories with lots of fun pictures. By Michelle Post; photo courtesy of Lori Gifford “Get your snowmobile runnin’” are not words I ever heard growing up in Crowley,…
By Lisa Crockett There are a lot of reasons to eat less meat. Vegetarian diets tend to be higher in nutrients and lower in calories than diets that include meat. In addition, vegetarian diets tend to have a lower carbon footprint than carnivorous ones, so going meatless is arguably better for the planet. Still, omitting…
Resources and education for older adults By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of Aging Resources of Douglas County Age is just a number, but as that number changes, the mental and physical needs of people change too. When older adults seek help to navigate the changing needs in their lives, a newly formed nonprofit, Aging Resources…
Focused and determined WOLF pack kindergartners keep their cool and balance. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Timber Trail Elementary Tuesdays and Thursdays are greeted with Timber, the enthusiastic Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) mascot who helps facilitate 75 minutes of We Own Learning and Fun (WOLF) time for entire grade levels. During WOLF sessions, team…
Hello there! A friendly deer greets a neighbor’s car in Douglas County By Barbara Neff; photo courtesy of Timothy Corey Mountain lions, coyotes, bears, elk, deer and a host of smaller game are our neighbors here in Douglas County, but they are not necessarily our friends nor should they be our dinner guests. Though the…
At top, Balinese jukung, traditional wooden fishing boats with bamboo outriggers. Candidasa sunset, partial jukung view. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner We finally got around to it. Bali. Countless Australians had been telling us for years it was a world-class paradise. Barb and I investigated personally in February. To control expenses and minimize…
By Elise Brassell Calling all kids 11 years old and younger and their families! The City of Castle Pines and The Castle Pines Connection are again partnering to bring a new community event to Castle Pines – a spring egg hunt at The Ridge at Castle Pines North golf course. Join in the fun on…
By Barbara Neff Airline pilots file a flight plan with the FAA before taking to the skies. In similar fashion, we need to file our travel plans with loved ones before embarking on a long road trip alone. Solo road trips can be the essence of pure freedom, but the wise plan carefully. Simple precautions…
Business owners joined together on a chilly March morning for the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce second annual Birdies, Bogies and Business event at Topgolf. Prizes were awarded for the top three teams, and players had the opportunity to win $10,000 at the hole-in-one contest bay. Information and photos provided by the Castle Pines Chamber…
Article by Celeste McNeil; courtesy photos Nearly 60 moms and 75 sons took the opportunity to test their ninja prowess at Buffalo Ridge Elementary school’s (BRE) mother-son ninja night. Ninja Nation, sponsored by BRE’s before and after school (BASE) program, brought in the equipment including scaffolding, trusses, ropes and other custom challenges. Paul Brandt, BASE…
By Michelle Post Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction. ~ John F. Kennedy I am reading The Practicing Mind by Thomas M. Sterner and he relates a story about a swimmer trying to reach the other shore. For the swimmer to stay on course, he must find a point of reference…
Madeleine Perry (13) was awarded the Rising Star Award from the Stars of Tomorrow By Steve Whitlock; photos courtesy of the Perry family Madeleine Perry (13) was awarded the Rising Star Award from the Stars of Tomorrow Talent Show hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Castle Rock last month. The show was held March 8…
Ready for donation drop off, Andrea Lamb and Anna Spitzer (far left) gather clothing donations while youth volunteers sort and hang clothing with CTKD volunteer coordinator Eileen Robinson (far right). Article and photos by Julie Matuszewski Helping those is need is not seasonal or yearly, but an ongoing mission for Timber Trail Elementary (TTE). TTE…
By Steve Whitlock; photo courtesy of the Werner family Two Castle Pines boys, Colin Venable (15) and Jonathan Werner (17), recently achieved the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout from the Boy Scouts of America. Former Boy Scout and retired four-star general in the United States Army, Colin Powell, famously said, “A dream doesn’t become reality…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori Spring has sprung which means our April showers will bring not only May flowers but also fresh grown vegetables from the DCS Montessori (DCSM) greenhouse students. Sleeves rolled up, these garden students played in the dirt and soil while learning a fun lesson on sustainable soil. Soils…
RCHS student council members revealed the total amount RCHS raised to donate to Make-A-Wish Colorado during the closing assembly March 8. Along with granting wish kid Michael’s wish, RCHS granted seven other Colorado wish kids’ wishes as well. Article and photos by Maddy Merritt, RCHS intern writer; courtesy photo March 1 through March 8 marked…
Jenny Welden with a six-panel set she created titled Interior Landscapes, which recently sold. Welden started with white cotton and hand dyed the fabric which was stretched over frames. Welden used free-motion quilting to embroider her designs which also added color and texture to the pieces. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Jenny Welden When…
Arjun Avinash (far right) competing with robotics Team Komodo at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City last month. The team accomplished an inspiring fifth-place finish. By Steve Whitlock, photo courtesy of the Avinash family Arjun Avinash (15) will be studying cyber security at Duke University this summer. A sophomore at Rock Canyon High School…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett One of the reasons I like to cook is that I can do something a little out of the ordinary without too much risk, fuss or expense. A beautiful bowl of home-cooked Italian pasta, for instance, is much cheaper than a plane ticket to Rome. Producing a bowl of…
Article and photos by Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Amy Ball The greatest dance this year took place February 23 at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE). Daddies and daughters put on their best dresses, tuxes and top hats for the greatest dance, “Under the Big Top.” A favorite event of the year, dads proudly escorted their…