Read the stories from the latest issue:
By Patte Smith The Village Idiots Cycling Club is holding their Annual Membership Meeting, Tuesday, February 27 at 7:00 p.m. For current members and anyone who is interested in learning about the club, meet at MIYO Café at the Village Shops, 858 West Happy Canyon Road. The cycling club organized by John Rehl, president of…
Information provided by the Colorado Press Association Inspiring creativity and a passion for writing is at the heart of journalism. Programs at the elementary, middle and high school levels of education in Douglas County allow students to explore journalism as a career choice for the future. Our very own intern writers at The Connection come…
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in old town Tallinn, Estonia. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner While Europe struggles with politics and copes with a mass influx of not-always-welcomed migrants, three small Baltic States offer fresh adventures: well-preserved cities, idyllic lakes, sand dunes and enchanted forests – what travel guide “Lonely Planet” calls the super-nature experience. Many…
Information provided by the USPS; photo courtesy of Terri Wiebold The U.S. Postal Service implemented new postage rates on January 21. Listed below are the highlights of the 2018 USPS rate increase for customers buying postage: First Class Mail Letters The rate for a first class mail letter (1 oz.) for postage purchased at the…
Information provided by Douglas County Government Taxpayers 65 years and older as of January 1, who have owned and occupied their property as their primary residence for at least 10 consecutive years, may qualify for the Senior Property Tax Exemption. The exemption reduces the actual taxable value of a qualified residential property by 50 percent…
For 15 years, Felicity Thompson of Forest Park has been traveling to Guatemala as a volunteer with Faith in Practice. Pictured with her husband Richard, who has volunteered for the last 11 years, Thompson and a team of medical personnel, including volunteers from the United States and many Guatemalans, work together to provide cancer screenings,…
RCHS’s 2018 Women in Sports honorees are pictured left to right: Keeley Kenton Davis – volleyball, attending Creighton University; NE, Carmen Martinez – poms, CSCA All Colorado spirit team; Makenna Mathieson – swimming, attending San Jose State University, CA; Julia Skibness – cheer, CSCA All Colorado spirit team; and Emily Sloan – cross country and…
By Lisa Crockett Protein is an important part of a healthy diet and is often the centerpiece of plans for losing weight or gaining strength. This is great news for diners looking to amp up the health quotient in their diet because most high protein foods are delicious and satisfying. What’s better than a steak…
BRE’s spirit week was a good time for students who went all out for holiday movie character day. Pictured left to right: Jonas T. (Santa Claus), Sydney A. (Cindy Lou Who from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”), Chase C. (Ralphie from “A Christmas Story”), Lauryn W. (“Elf”), Simon H. (“Napoleon Dynamite”), Brandon W. (Uncle Eddie…
Jack Golden has been a registered therapy dog since 2016. Jack participates in the Bark for Books program at Douglas County Libraries – Castle Pines where children have an opportunity to read to Jack (left), as well as at Castle Rock Adventist Hospital with Angel Paws (above). Congratulations to the duo on being chosen Denver…
By Susan Helton; map courtesy of Rueter-Hess Recreation Authority, photo courtesy of Melissa Coudeyras Now that the recreation master plan for Rueter-Hess Reservoir has been approved, the Rueter-Hess Recreation Authority (RHRA) has planned regular meetings throughout 2018 to work on developing recreational amenities for the reservoir. The Authority is taking a phased approach to the…
Rock art rock stars Flannery C., Aubrey D. and Harper F. displayed their fancy painted rock creations to raise money for Children’s Hospital. Jordan G, Ellie K. and Caleb Y. focused on their culinary skills and made fruity rolls and banana chips to sell at the showcase. Article by Kathy Fallert with photos courtesy of…
By Amanda Merriman Over the past few months, if you have been at a large gathering you might have noticed the party coming to a standstill with people suddenly glued to their phones; more so than usual, that is. I recently observed it at my sister’s wedding rehearsal dinner party. It is no coincidence that…
New mayor Tera Radloff accepted flowers while mingling with friends, family and residents during the reception. Article and photos by Liz Rector On Monday, January 8, at the Douglas County Libraries – Castle Pines, approximately 120 people gathered to witness the swearing in of the newly-elected mayor and city council members. At 6 p.m., everyone…
Community service for children By Lynne Marsala Basche In 1915, Kiwanis International was founded by a group of businessmen in Detroit, Michigan with a mission to “empower communities to improve the world by making lasting differences in the lives of children.” The local Kiwanis Club of Castle Rock takes that statement to heart as the…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett My relationship with Valentines Day is complicated. I am always ambivalent about this “Hallmark holiday,” waffling between protesting the naked commercialism it’s based on and embracing an opportunity to treat the people I love with a little something special. Valentine’s Day also lands firmly in my New Year’s “get…
Pictured above standing left to right: Coach Richard Diehl, Aron Bukary, Drew Bright, Kevin Gusdorf, Isaac Abramovitz (CP), Colton Brown (CP), Keaton Carnes, Turner Evans and Coach Reid Heller. Kneeling left to right: Jack Zilligan, Mike Pinkerton, Carson Carnes, Jack Basche (CP), Porter Welch and Bret Mobly. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Richard…
Business Person of the Year recipient Lisa Storey of Mama Lisa’s Little Italy shared the spotlight with Community Member of the Year Joe Sabia of Pino’s Italian Kitchen. Both were recognized for their contributions to the Castle Pines community. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo by Terri Wiebold On January 18, the Castle Pines Chamber of…
By Lynne Marsala Basche There is nothing wrong with running on a treadmill, but when cabin fever sets in, feet may twitch thinking about getting outside, despite the falling temperatures. Winter is no reason to stop an outside running routine; it just needs to be tweaked a bit. Here are a few tips: Dress in…
RCHS student and Castle Pines resident Kira Deal setting up for the movie night for students with disabilities. The event was a senior studies project designed to make a difference in the community. By Jack Hibbett, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Kira Deal In the unique class of senior studies at Rock Canyon High…
Get lost in and urban hike Article and photos by Daniel Williams For many in the 80108 ZIP code, hiking means getting in a car and hopping on I-70 or I-25 and driving an hour or more to a rugged trailhead for a day of gut-busting, adrenaline-pumping exercise. But most people do not have the…
Information provided by the Douglas County Youth Initiative Nominations for the 2018 Douglas County Outstanding Youth Awards are now being accepted. This one-of-a-kind award encompasses all youth: youth who have not finished their K-12 education, youth in traditional classroom settings, youth in group homes, youth in alternative schools, and youth in foster homes. Ten award…
By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of Denver Museum of Nature and Science Have a passion for nature, culture and science? Indulge that passion with a visit to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS). Whether for just a couple of hours, or for the whole day, the museum is an excellent place to explore,…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Julie Dean Lamb On Tuesday, November 28, 2017, the Douglas County School District (DCSD) officially welcomed its newly-elected school board members as they were sworn into office at the Board of Education meeting. Pictured left to right are Anthony Graziano, Kevin Leung, Christina Ciancio-Schor, Krista Holtzmann, David Ray,…
Aven A. and Kate H. sold vanilla steamers with the support of big brother Matt H. to earn money for their adopted family’s gifts. Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) second graders took a field trip in December. It was not your typical field trip; the students went to Target to shop for the families their classes…
By Daniel Williams; photo by Terri Wiebold By now you have probably heard that In-N-Out Burger, the California burger joint with the cult following, is expanding to Colorado. But if your mouth begins to water upon hearing that news, you might want to temper your enthusiasm. According to Denny Warnick, vice president of operations for…
By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of DMNS Have a passion for nature, culture and science? Indulge that passion with a visit to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS). Whether for just a couple of hours, or for the whole day, the museum is an excellent place to explore, especially when the weather…
Castle Pines Boy Scout Troop 316 recently honored three new Eagle Scouts at a Court of Honor ceremony held at Kirk Hall at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. The honorees were Dylan Armstrong of Castle Pines, Joshua Bullock of Castle Pines Village, and William Gray of Highlands Ranch, and they join an elite club. By Daniel…
Photos courtesy of Sierra The Connection staff was thrilled to join Sierra in Lone Tree for its ribbon cutting ceremony and soft opening on December 14. The upscale wood fired kitchen served up amazing cuisine in addition to some stunning views. The interior decor was as beautiful as the exterior architecture, and the much-anticipated opening…
By Patte Smith The holiday festivities are officially over, and now the clean up begins. Whether putting your tree curbside or taking it to recycle, here are some tips to follow: Remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, garland, plastic wrap, tree stands, wire, rope, nails, etc. before disposing of trees. Live trees with artificial snow sprayed…
By Lynn Zahorik; photos courtesy of Katie Abner and Lindsay Matthews Who would have thought entering a pet photo contest could lead to adding a new member to the family? Last December, the Abner family’s 10-year-old son, Andrew, entered his guinea pig Cosmo into The Connection’s Cutest Pet in the Pines photo contest. To their…
CPVGC members Renee Newfield, Beth Hernandez, Liz Lively and Linda Preston. A view of Cherokee Ranch & Castle’s festive dining room from loft during the annual CPVGC’s annual holiday party. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Elizabeth Lively On Friday, December 1, the Castle Pines Village Garden Club (CPVGC) held its annual holiday party…
Information provided by the City of Castle Pines The City of Castle Pines cordially invites you to attend the final City Council meeting for outgoing members, and the inauguration of new members, on Monday, January 8, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. at 360 Village Square Lane. Immediately following the 6:00 p.m. meeting, stick around for a…
By Lisa Crockett It is the time of year when a lot of us are thinking about ways to improve our health, save money and decrease the amount of waste we contribute to the world. Planning meals ahead of time is a great way to accomplish all three of these goals. As an added bonus,…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Karin Miller and Whitney Shank Santa may not have brought his reindeer when he visited The Ridge at Castle Pines North on December 9, but he and Mrs. Claus continued the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce annual Holly Jolly Breakfast with Santa tradition with an abundance of holiday…
Every year in May, umbrellas appear like butterflies in front of Potocki Palace on Kopernick Street. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner I set off to Lviv (‘Le-view’), Ukraine in May. Friends thought I had finally gone off the reservation. Know this: Ukrainians have a thirst for freedom likely second to none on the planet.…
By Lynne Marsala Basche Whether called a “drifter,” “beggar,” “transient,” or “panhandler,” walking past anyone asking for money can be awkward. People are sympathetic, but they may also be embarrassed by the public request. Regardless of if people look away and ignore the person or if they give money, it is unsettling especially when it…
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. For this month’s book selection, I dove into a classic psychological thriller.…
Elly Harper of Timber Canyon has fully embraced being an adventurous Coloradan! Harper joined the outdoor adventure group Sisters on the Fly and claims the group has “given her a new lease on life.” Harper is pictured horseback riding in Bryce Canyon, fishing on the Colorado river, and with her daughter Anne, who joined the…
Article and photos by Liz Rector; photos courtesy of Jimmy’s Photography The sun was shining and the sound of carolers filled the air in The Village at Castle Pines during the “Santa in the Pines” event on December 2. Smiling residents perused the shops and headed toward the sound of Santa’s jolly greetings. Friends and…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Anna Spitzer Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) staff and Castle Pines resident Anna Spitzer believe that children should be introduced to helping others early. Last year, when Spitzer saw an opportunity at TTE to encourage giving throughout the school, she was eager to get started. Since then, TTE has…
Team Stutler has been participating in the annual JBR Denver for more than ten years. Michelle Stutler of Cerney Circle, who battles rheumatoid arthritis, brings friends and family from Castle Pines and the surrounding area together each year but had a record turnout this year with 20 people and seven dogs! Article and photos by…
For the purposes of this publication, the entire 80108 ZIP code (pictured in yellow to the right) is considered “Castle Pines” and is part of our saturation mailing for all single family homes and businesses. Because the U.S. Postal Service periodically reconfigures the courier routes for area ZIP codes, our distribution sometimes changes unexpectedly. If…
Information provided by IREA Intermountain Rural Electric Association’s (IREA) board of directors has approved a rate refund totaling $8.4 million that appeared as credits on most customers’ electricity bills in December. The board’s action passes through to customers a wholesale rate refund received by the cooperative this year. The average residential customer will see a…
Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich Womenade, a group of women “making lemonade out of life’s lemons,” celebrated the season December 5 and raised more than $2,000 for families in need. Leslie Beauchamp of Bell Mountain Ranch hosted the well-attended event, and everyone enjoyed the holiday decorations and themed trees throughout Beauchamp’s home. Womenade holds…
The Connection staff enjoyed a festive holiday party at Maggiano’s Little Italy – top row, left to right: Nancy Koontz, writer; Lynne Marsala Basche, managing editor; Joe Gschwendtner, writer; Heidi Lewellyn, proofreader; Terri Wiebold, publisher; Liz Rector, writer; Sandy Gamble, account manager; Kathy Fallert, writer and proofreader, John Basche, writer, Laura Gooding, account manager and…
Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner The Lawrence C. Phipps Jr. who purchased the Kistler and Welte properties and named it Highlands Ranch was connected and wealthy, the son of a Carnegie steel magnate and U.S. Senator from Colorado. His position in life allowed for many uncommon opportunities, and he seized them often and successfully.…
Photo by Terri Wiebold Castle Rock Bank has officially merged with Guaranty Bank, and the new signage at the Castle Pines branch makes it official! Pictured left to right: Marilyn, Caroline, Jayne, Sara and Terry – one bank, one community!
By Amanda Merriman It is embarrassing to admit that despite living in Colorado for most of the past 25 years, I still cannot name a majority of the mountains that make up our western skyline. I can point out Pikes Peak, so all is not lost, I suppose. I recently made it my goal to…
The Breakfast Club, which is for single men and woman who are 50 and older, meets monthly at The Ridge at Castle Pines. By John Basche; photo courtesy of Barbara Auty For those of us who grew up in a certain era, “The Breakfast Club” conjures up a cinematic coming-of-age story where seemingly unconnected characters…
The Green Gals, from top left to bottom right Piper Landon, Hailey Van Auken, Sadie Rowe, Charleigh Gibson, Devon Wilkins and Kaitlin Hicks. The team’s Lexus Eco Challenge project focused around the use of reusable versus nonreusable bags. By Kira Zizzo, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Rachel Cook In a nationwide contest sponsored by…
By Lynne Marsala Basche Since 2006, Colorado Life Trak, which is a coordinated program sponsored by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), Douglas County Adult Services and TRIAD, has been used to help locate children and adults who have Alzheimer’s disease, Down syndrome, autism and other related conditions. Colorado Life Trak is a tracking system…
By Lynn Zahorak; photo courtesy of The Castle Pines Arts and Cultural Foundation The Castle Pines Arts and Cultural Foundation (CPACF) once again hosted “An Evening with John Fielder” in early December at the Castle Pines Community Center. Residents enjoyed “A Colorado Winter” slideshow, which showcased Fielder’s magnificent winter photography. Thirty percent of book sales…
BRE kindergartners showed off their vocal chords when 7News stopped by the school on December 5 to video the kids for later holiday broadcasts. By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of Corin Meibos 7News popped into Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) on Tuesday, December 5 to video Sherri Rumminger’s kindergarten class as they sang with the school’s…
Article and cutline by Lisa Nicklanovich Rina Castanon’s (pictured in center in red) annual ornament exchange luncheon is looked forward to by many in the Forest Park neighborhood and surrounding area. One guest purchased her ornament the day after the event last year in anticipation! On December 8, long-time and new neighborhood friends came together…
Heroes in all shapes, sizes and species By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Friends of Douglas County K-9 In 2011, David Swieckowski, Angela Sanders, Terry Barnhart and Kim Vanderholm learned that two of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) working dogs needed to be retired but that the DCSO did not have the funds…
Members of the Green Raptors pose with the Air Force Academy mascot. From Left to right: Sofia Bonnstetter, Luke Armstrong, Maddex McKinzie, Jack Sutherland, Charlie Abner, Alex Huser, Connor Wolff, Davis Moon, Brandon Pillsbury and Luke O’Brien. By Daniel Williams; photo courtesy of Andrea Moon When Air Force played Division II Western State Colorado in…
Information provided by DCS Montessori An experiment by DCSM students ended with success aboard a sub-orbital rocket. DCS Montessori partnered with DreamUp, a leading provider of space-based educational opportunities, to develop a custom curriculum. They used the flight opportunity as a teaching moment and engaged as many students as possible with elements of the payload…
By Michelle Post Do you know the saying, “failing to plan, is planning to fail?” Not writing goals for one’s business each year is planning to fail. Goals produce confidence, focus and increase productivity. Goals can also motivate you and empower you to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles you face. Step-1: Write SMART…
RCHS students Zoë Zizzo, Hannah Stephenson, and Isabella Broome distributed paper pinwheels to the school to raise awareness of child abuse during Kindness Week Article and photo by Sarah Bermingham, RCHS intern writer To celebrate the holiday season and give back to the community, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Random Acts of Positivity club (RAP)…
Brooke Boyles credits her dog Phoebe with helping her manage the day-to-day challenges of Lyme disease. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of the Boyles family When Brooke Boyles was six years old and her family was living in Texas, she noticed a spider bite with a bull’s eye around it on her right knee.…
Information provided by Douglas County A 14 percent increase in Douglas County’s registered voters has triggered the need to adjust voter precinct boundaries. The increase required, by state law, that precinct boundaries be redrawn prior to the 2018 Caucus, Primary and General Election. The precinct changes will be effective February 1, with precinct numbers updated…
On December 16, more than 60 people, including Jim Nikkel, district manager for the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District, Mayor elect Tera Radloff, Timber Trail Elementary students and the community, participated in a ribbon-cutting celebration for several new pieces of playground equipment at Coyote Ridge Park, which were recommended by the students. By Lynne Marsala…
The new RCHS wrestling coach, Reid Heller, who was a wrestler in high school and in college, and also has been a coach for more than 10 years. Article and photo by Jack Hibbett, RCHS intern writer Earlier in the year, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) officially invited its wrestlers to an open mat where…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori School DCS Montessori School (DCSM) continued its annual tradition of hosting a Holiday Gift Shop. Ryoko Futasani’s fourth through sixth grade classrooms ran the Holiday Gift Shop, which featured handmade gifts by the students. Items were available for purchase by other students, DCSM staff and parents.…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett A new year has arrived, and that means it is time to get back on track. More than a month of butter, cream, flour and sugar are again on the books. As always, it was a lot of fun. As always, I’m ready for the clean slate that January…
Seventh-grader Sarah Tepsic, who played Anne, received her famed diary from her father Mr. Frank, played by eighth-grader Jared Engerman. By Liz Rector; photos courtesy of American Academy There were moments during the play, “The Diary of Anne Frank,” where it was easy to forget you were sitting in a school in Colorado rather than…
Fitness 1440 owners (shown left to right) Vince and Jennifer Calvanese, Wind Dee and Russ Stallings, opened their new fitness club in Canyon Fitness’ former space in Castle Pines Village. Article and photo by Elizabeth Wood West When word began to spread earlier this year that Canyon Fitness Club was closing, club member Vince Calvanese…
Rocky Heights Middle School yearbook staff participated in Journalism Day at Colorado State University in October. Submitted by Kira Zizzo, RHMS student; photo courtesy of Julien Bouquet On October 19, young journalists from the Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) yearbook class attended Journalism Day at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. The field trip gave…
While compiling the list of our 2017 business partners, I was again reminded of how important the businesses are in this community and how far we have come together. Two of them, in fact, have participated in every issue of The Connection since its inception nine years ago – that is more than 100 consecutive…