Read the stories from the latest issue:
By Patte Smith If you are planning on traveling, a few airlines offer senior discounts for individual age 65 and older. United Airlines offers senior fares to selected travel destinations; visit www.united.com. Southwest offers senior fares for both domestic and international; visit www.southwest.com. The other airlines that fly out of Denver International Airport offer discounted…
Horses find hope and homes By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of DDFL Chances are high when people hear about the Denver Dumb Friends League (DDFL), their thoughts immediately turn to dogs, cats and possibly rabbits. However, it might be a surprise to learn that the Dumb Friends League has a 168-acre facility dedicated to…
Residents Jim and Linda Day hosted a fundraiser to raise money and awareness for soldiers and veterans who have taken their lives. The event was a way to honor their son, Ryan James Day, SPC US Army, 75th Ranger Regiment, 2nd Battalion (pictured above), who ended his life at the age of 21. By Lynne…
By Patte Smith Searching the internet for senior discounts produces savings options that are offered to adults 50 and older. Here are a few important things to consider when searching for resources: – Be aware that if you search on the web for discount lists, many have not been updated. Verify that the information is…
RCHS student and Castle Pines resident Annika Kellner’s photograph using a technique called black light photography. Kellner’s art, along with art from students all over Douglas County, was presented at the Continental League Art Show in Castle Rock in April. By Jack Hibbett, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Annika Kellner On April 11, students,…
Information provided by Douglas County The Let’s Talk Colorado campaign is spotlighting the stigma around mental illness so that the people who need help are more likely to seek it. “We need to get to the place where we understand that mental health challenges are like physical health challenges,” said John M. Douglas, Jr. MD,…
Kroll’s Glendale Farm, circa 1915. Today with buildings long gone, this is now Douglas County dedicated open space and a dog park directly east of I-25 and opposite Surrey Ridge. By Joe Gschwendtner; photo courtesy of Douglas County History Research Center at CR Library Who were these homesteaders who chose to settle in our Wildcat…
By Patte Smith; courtesy photo Spring is here, and many farmers markets open during the month of May. It is time to get out and enjoy the weather and stroll through markets offering fresh produce, home-grown flowers, arts and crafts, local brewed beer and activities for kids. When heading up to the mountains this summer…
Castle View High School Baca, Merissa Beauchamp, Lauren Beaujon, Anthony Besocke, Madelyn Bloom, Braden Brodin, Samuel Cage, Kellie Chavez Islas, Brayan Curry, Anna Curry, Blake Dean, Keaton DeVries, Jack Dudley, Koby Dunbar, Jane Endley, Skylar Finley, Brandon Galligan, Amber Gladstone, Madison Hosmer, Joseph Howland, Andrew Jackson, Joshua Kouri, Haylie Matese, Marissa Negron, Christopher Nouss, Marianna…
Castle Pines Postal Center employee Marie Dudgeon waved goodbye during the final days of operation at the store located in the King Soopers shopping center. Article and photo by Terri Wiebold Castle Pines residents were surprised in late April to find a sign taped to the door of the Castle Pines Postal Center which read,…
By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori School DCS Montessori (DCSM) celebrated its 20th anniversary on Saturday, April 22 with an event that included alumni, parents and staff, as well as current students, families and staff. All of the board of directors and Montessori Educational Foundation members were present, too! DCSM celebrated 20…
By Kathy Fallert Little did I know as I wrote the Day Trippin’ article last month regarding “RTD Southeast Rail Line and R Line Updates,” I have been parking illegally at Lincoln Station for years. I was under the assumption, as are many, that parking there is free. Apparently, I have been lucky that I…
Information provided by SMFR The South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) Safety Foundation is offering a five-hour class that allows teens to apply for their driving permit. To participate, your teen must be at least 15 1/2 years old. This class includes information in all areas of the learn-to-drive process and computerized driving simulations with a…
French language students at Rock Canyon High School, along with teachers Alexis Savas and David Sapienza, traveled to Morocco where they rode camels in the Erg Chebbi Dunes of Merzouga in the Sahara Desert. The group also visited the Medersa Ben Youssef, an Islamic school in Marrakech before traveling to the High Atlas Mountains where…
Olivia Voss, a junior at Rock Canyon High School and a Castle Pines Village resident, earned the highest possible composite ACT score of 36, a significant achievement reached by only one-tenth of one percent of high school ACT test takers. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Lisa Voss Nearly 2 million high school students take…
Ready, set, go at the 2016 Memorial Day Run & March. Information and photos provided by the Memorial Day Run & March organization Race, run, ruck, walk or roll at the 2017 Memorial Day Run & March 5K, 10K and 30K runs on Saturday, May 27 starting at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. The entire community…
Castle Pines Valley: In April, residents began to see construction on four model homes in the Phase 1 section of Castle Pines Valley (formerly Lagae Ranch). Production homes for prospective buyers are expected to follow starting in late spring. Residents can also expect continued road construction for Lagae Road down to Happy Canyon Road and…
Article and photo by Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Evan Semon Mark and Lisa Voss (pictured top left) know a thing or two about running a successful restaurant. The Castle Pines Village couple has spent the past seven years running The Tilted Kilt in downtown Denver and they have numerous years of hospitality and restaurant…
By Michelle Post This is the year of video marketing. Are you ready? Here are just a few stats to confirm that statement: 500 million people watch Facebook videos every day; 400 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute; online video will account for 74 percent of online traffic; and what took television…
By Patte Smith An Overview of the Colorado Strategic Action Planning Group on Aging with speaker James Riesberg Thursday, May 4, networking at 8:45 a.m., meeting 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. St. Andrew’s Methodist Church, 9203 South University Avenue, Highlands Ranch Older Americans Month Proclamation and Reception Tuesday, May 9, 12:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.…
By Lynne Marsala Basche All neighborhoods are vulnerable to crime, and the Castle Pines community is no different. Recently, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) has seen a spike in opportunistic crimes in Castle Pines, and while residents are fortunate to live in a community where public safety is a priority, precautions must be taken…
More than 100 members of the TTE choir had the honor of singing the national anthem at the April 9 Colorado Rockies game. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Linda Sovich and Cindy Berndt On April 9, spectators at Coors Field enjoyed peanuts, Cracker Jack and the Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) choir singing the…
Bikers enjoy a ride on Spruce Meadows Open Space Trail in Douglas County. Access to exercise opportunities were among the determining factors that led to the County being ranked number one in Colorado for overall health outcomes for the second consecutive year. Information provided by Douglas County Congratulations residents of Douglas County! You live in…
By Amanda Merriman I know I am not going to be the next Lita Ford or Joan Jett. All the same, I would be extremely happy if I could pluck out some songs on an upcoming camping trip. Or, when we settle around the fire pit at our new home, it would be so nice…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett| Lately, I’ve been binge watching a Netflix show called “The Great British Bake Off.” It’s a familiar reality show format, with a group of contestants assembled to face a weekly baking challenge. After all but three of the amateur bakers are sent home, a grand finale is held…
Information and graphic provided by the City of Castle Pines With summer right around the corner, the City of Castle Pines Public Works Department is gearing up for road maintenance season. This summer, the City will replace concrete panels on Castle Pines Parkway and Monarch Boulevard, and repave several neighborhood streets. Annual maintenance is carefully…
First grader Thomas Shank used his oil pastel skills to create his shaded owl piece. Thomas is pictured with his art teacher, Wendy Wilson, who was also on the planning committee. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Wendy Wilson This year’s Annual District Art Show, held March 31 through April 3 at the Highlands…
BRE’s Green Team has been busy saving energy at their school. Picture above, left to right, back row: Liam A., Blake C., Casey G., Mrs. Romero, Anya H., Gabe H., Charlotte S., Katie S., Mrs. Robinson and Dylan L.; front row: Taylor M., Christina S., Abbie M., Bryce H., Preston M. and Jackson H. By…
Information provided by Douglas County Douglas County’s Comprehensive Master Plan (CMP) is an evolving document that establishes a common vision for what the County will look like over the next 20 to 30 years. The CMP provides guidance for a variety of issues that directly affect the quality of life of Douglas County residents, including…
Ryan James Day By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Linda Day Ryan James Day loved a challenge. At age 9, for example, he wanted to learn the piano. So he did. Ryan’s parents, Jim and Linda, laugh wondering how he knew to read notes. Whether participating in sports or attending Douglas County High School…
A little piece of France nestled in Parker – La Baguette de Normandy I remember traveling to France in my 20s after college. Strolling down the Champs-Élysées and stopping in at one of many wonderful boulangeries and patisseries along the way. The pastries, the bread, the café au laits, the sandwiches were all absolutely superb.…
Pictured left: BRE’s science fair winners pictured from left to right, back row: Owen M., Miller D., Jake B., Molly B., Liam A., Amelia M. and Ava D.; middle row: Aspen H., Sophia H., Joshua B., Gabrielle C. and Sophia P.; front row: Jenna P., Gavin R., Kiefer D., James W., Maycee T. and Principal…
“The Greatest Generation” valued loyalty to family, country and work; this played an important role in living through two world wars and the Great Depression. “This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny.” — Franklin Delano Roosevelt By Michelle Post; courtesy photos I am not sure of the answers I would receive if I…
Deb Santy, assistant director of the Castle Rock Senior Activity Center (right) with Executive Director Debbi Haynie. The Castle Rock Senior Activity Center was instrumental in organizing the past three Senior Expos. An incredible amount of planning and dedication by the staff of the Castle Rock Senior Activity Center (CRSAC), as well as many other…
By RHMS student Kira Zizzo; photos by Amanda Gin and Riley Irwin On March 3, Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) was illuminated with ingenuity, originality, aptitude and ambition at Imagination and Innovation night. The halls were lined with iLab projects that students worked on for two quarters. Voices reverberated around the building as students competed…
South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) was recently awarded the Ready Set Go! award for excellence in recognition of the fire mitigation program they established with the PineRidge community in the City of Castle Pines. Left to right are Life Safety Coordinator Einar Jensen, International Association of Fire Chief’s President, John Sinclair, and SMFR Fire Chief…
Be a hero to a hero By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of Nick Lucey When the Douglas County Veterans Monument Foundation (DCVMF) began, the organization’s mission was to promote the creation, construction and maintenance of a monument to honor all Douglas County veterans, including past, present and future military personnel. After a six-year effort,…
Castle Pines Girl Scout Junior Troop 2687 delivered cookies to the Tennyson Center for Children. Pictured above left to right: Rachelle M., Caroline C., Rachael S., Claire Y. and Madeline L. Not pictured: Campbell D. and Jasmine T. Article and photos submitted by Juli Yeater Community service is important to Castle Pines Girl Scout Junior…
Information provided by the Douglas County School District A new Netflix series that debuted in March has become a popular topic of conversation in the hallways of several Douglas County schools, causing concern for some parents. Based on a 2011 New York Times best selling novel by Jay Asher, “13 Reasons Why” is a fictional…
By Elean Gersack Castle Pines Arts & Cultural Foundation will welcome Missoula Children’s Theatre to town this summer for the fourth straight year. This year’s play, “Jack and the Beanstalk,” will boast two performances on Saturday, July 22 at 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at Rocky Heights Middle School. As always, Castle Pines youngsters will…
Information provided by Douglas County On May 6, free guided tours offer area adventure seekers the opportunity to learn about some of Douglas County’s first inhabitants. The tours feature the Lamb Spring Archeological Preserve, as well as one of the oldest standing structures in the Chatfield region, the Miksch-Helmer cabin. Tours begin at 9:30 a.m.…
By Patte Smith Most of the Castle Pines community shops for groceries at King Soopers, and many residents use the new library. You have the chance to help support local schools and the library by shopping and fueling up your car at King Soopers using a “scrip” card. Buffalo Ridge Elementary, American Academy, DCS Montessori…
The Rosenlund family is a tight unit, as is evidenced in their home life and in their work at Nations Lending in Castle Pines. Pictured from left to right, back row: Pricilla Rosenlund, Pamela Zahner, Joe Zahner, Tammy Anderson and Thurston Rosenlund; front row: Savannah Rosenlund and Truett Rosenlund. Article and photos by Kathy Fallert…
Students enjoy some of the many game-related activities offered at Rock Canyon High School’s After Prom, held on April 8 to provide a safe environment after the prom. By Riley Busch, RCHS intern writer; courtesy photos This past month, many high school students within the Castle Pines community donned tuxedos and flowing dresses and embarked…
By Lisa Crockett It never fails. You have a late-night craving for brownies (or pancakes, or chicken á la King), so you whip out the whisk and mixing bowls and get to work . . . only to discover you’re missing a crucial ingredient. While a midnight King Soopers run isn’t out of the question,…
By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Candy Palazzo Thirteen-year-old Carly Palazzo, resident of Buffalo Ridge Estates, was diagnosed with epilepsy at the young age of 2 due to an unexplained gene mutation. Palazzo, along with 17-year-old Grace Garcia from Parker were chosen to represent Colorado at the annual Teens Speak Up! (TSU) conference in Washington,…
The RCHS basketball team after making the buzzer beater win against Grandview High School in the Great Eight competition, which took them to the Final Four for the first time in school history. The final moments of the game were played on ESPN’s SportsCenter. By Jack Hibbett, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com…
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. This month’s Bibliophiliac’s selection, “Himself”, is a debut novel from author Jess…
Information provided by Douglas County Libraries Douglas County Libraries (DCL) presents an adventurous start to its Summer Reading Program with another season of Page to Stage children’s theater. This year’s entertaining production, presented in partnership with Front Range Theatre Company in Castle Rock, is an originally written adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland.” The traveling production…
Rock Canyon Bands marched in the parade in the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida as part of a spring break trip. By Sarah Bermingham, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of Blake Unger This past spring break, the Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Bands spent five magical and educational days at Walt Disney World in Orlando,…
Map of the 1937 Chase Landholdings (in blue). I-25 is highlighted purple, Santa Fe (Hwy 85) is red, Happy Canyon Road is green and Daniels Park Road is yellow. By Joe Gschwendtner Picking up where we left off last month …While John Chase Jr. was clearly the shaker and mover among the three sons who…
Historic renovation in the heart of Denver Article and photos by Kathy Fallert Union Station has its fair share of history, as well as upscale restaurants and shopping to explore. Where can you go in Denver that offers Snooze restaurant, Acme Delicatessen, Stoic & Genuine restaurant, The Tattered Cover, Milkbox Ice Creamery, Next Door Eatery,…
By Lisa Crockett Spring is in the air, and farmers in the area are planning for the growing season ahead. For consumers looking for a way to support local growers and shrink their carbon footprint, there are a few options. Food co-ops allow consumers to buy a membership and then order their choice of produce,…
Rita Coltrane By Patte Smith, photos provided by Rita Coltrane and Orchestrated Light Photography Talent pours out of Rita Coltrane, an award-winning interior designer and an original homeowner in the Hidden Pointe neighborhood. Recently winning a Best of Houzz 2017 award for a unique and distinctive design, she humbly says that it was “completely unexpected.”…
Article and photo by Terri Wiebold The Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) held its second annual breakfast, “Focus Forward” at the Charles Schwab campus in Lone Tree last month. The foundation is doing amazing things to help Douglas County nonprofits, and The Connection’s Managing Editor Lynne Marsala Basche (second from right) was honored to be…
Union Station has its fair share of history, as well as upscale restaurants and shopping to explore. Article and photos by Kathy Fallert Where can you go in Denver that offers Snooze restaurant, Acme Delicatessen, Stoic & Genuine restaurant, The Tattered Cover, Milkbox Ice Creamery, Next Door Eatery, Cooper Lounge, the luxurious Crawford Hotel, artsy…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett I like to cook, I like to eat, and I like to feed the people that I love. So, you might think that dinner at my house is a consistently blissful affair. Alas, real life has a pesky way of interfering with what should otherwise be a pleasant…
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. “People say if you face your worst fear the rest is easy,…
Eye Level Optical celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony last month on Village Square Drive. By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of Paul Masovero Eye Level Optical is the new business in town. Located right next door to the Bundt Shoppe on Village Square Drive in Castle Pines, co-owners Eileen Barry and Angela Gosling…
Mead, pictured in the back row (center) with her yoga class that includes all ages. “Yoga creates freedom in the body and calm in the mind. I have yet to hear a student say at the end of class,‘Gee, I wish I hadn’t come to yoga today’!” she laughed. By Patte Smith, photo courtesy of…
By Patte Smith Thursday, April 6, networking at 8:45 a.m., meeting 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Presentation: Balance for Fall Prevention and Tai Chi for Arthritis, presented by Mary Thuente, who holds a master’s degree in physical therapy. Bonaventure Senior Living, located at 1855 Low Meadow Boulevard, Castle Rock. Thursday, May 4, networking at 8:45…
Article and photos by Terri Wiebold Last month, we shared with you insight into the creative team of writers who bring the pages of The Connection to life, but the true lifeblood of the paper is our team of account managers. The Connection is 100 percent funded through advertising dollars, and the relationships and partnerships…
By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Beverly Coggins The father daughter dance at The Country Club at Castle Pines is an annual event that has become a tradition for many of the club’s members. This year, the event took place on March 4 and was attended by more than 85 dads and their daughters. Castle…
DCSM student Dylan Tilton with 2017 Iditarod musher Aliy Zirkle at the musher’s banquet. Tilton’s passion for “The Last Great Race” came out of the classroom and into reality with a March trip to the iconic Alaskan dog sled race. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of DCS Montessori DCS Montessori (DCSM) student and Castle…
Information provided by the FAA Several public workshops will be held in April and May on the proposed airspace improvements in the Denver Metro area. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is holding the workshops in an open house format so people can attend any time during the publicized time range to learn about the proposed…
A fluffy four-legged airline traveler sniffs around one of the new indoor private pet restrooms. The Pet Relief areas are a welcome amenity where dogs can go on the fly before taking to the skies. Article and photo by Lynn Zahorik; photo courtesy of DIA Traveling with your trusted furry friends just got easier at…
Brigadier General John Chase, Jr. (left), whose family acquired more land in Douglas County than any other. Chase commanded troops under Governor Peabody. By Joe Gschwendtner; photo courtesy of Douglas County History Research Center As Douglas County development accelerated in the late 1800s, no family acquired more land through the Homestead Act in our area…
Matthew Reljanovic, Broady Bowers and Trevor Venable represent Chile at DCS Montessori’s fourth annual international tea. Presentations covered government, culture, population and climate, and, of course, tea. By Lynne Marsala Basche; photo courtesy of DCS Montessori DCS Montessori students had the opportunity to participate in a festive tea celebration when teacher (and Castle Pines resident)…
Construction on the 1,300-space parking garage south of RidgeGate on Havana and the bridge to the end-of-line station for RTD’s Southeast Rail Line has been underway for several months. The Southeast Rail Line Extension is scheduled to open in 2019. Article and photo by Patte Smith; map provided by RTD Motorists who travel north on…
“We thought our smoke alarms were keeping us safe …” – PineRidge resident Barb Saenger By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of Barb Saenger There are few things in life more annoying than the chirping of a smoke alarm in your home, especially when it continues after the batteries have been replaced. PineRidge resident Barb Saenger…