Read the stories from the latest issue:
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…
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,…
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…
By Michelle Post “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” ~ Abraham Lincoln I love the above quote, for it reminds me that preparing to complete a task is more important than doing the job itself. In part one of this series we…
RJ McLennan won the giant slalom at the CHSAA state ski championships in Steamboat Springs by more than a second in 12 degree weather on February 23. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Tania Coffey and RJ McLennan RJ McLennan, a Castle Pines resident and senior at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS), won the giant…
Information provided by the City of Castle Pines To more accurately align with the communication efforts of Lennar Homes, information about the Lagae Ranch development on the City of Castle Pines website has been changed to Castle Pines Valley. The new development, currently under construction, will include 231 single-family homes, 400 multi-family residences, an elementary…
By Elean Gersack Join a host of Denver area running enthusiasts for the annual Cherry Creek Sneak in Cherry Creek North on Sunday, April 23 at 7:30 a.m. The Cherry Creek Sneak is the Denver must for families and elite runners alike. Runners and walkers participate in the10-mile, 5-mile, and 3.1-mile (5K) There’s even a…
The eight foundations of Sources of Strength. Submitted by RHMS student Isabel Kiefert Sources of Strength (SOS), a group at Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) has a mission “To provide the highest quality evidence-based prevention for suicide, violence, bullying and substance abuse by training, supporting, and empowering both peer leaders and caring adults to impact…
RCHS National Merit finalist Megan Pitman (third from right) pictured here with fellow RCHS finalists Sydney Marchando (second from right) and Kate Schaffer (far right). The students are dressed for Hawaiian day in honor of their Wish Week kid, Faith (see related article on page 35). By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photo Nine students at Rock…
By Kathy Fallert with courtesy photos If you’re looking for an excellent steak in a somewhat casual environment, then LongHorn Steakhouse is a good place to check out. The food is reasonably priced, the atmosphere is a comfortable western ranch theme, and they know how to do steak. Founded in 1981 in Atlanta, Georgia, the…
In an effort to spread happiness and positivity, RHMS students Braden McCollam (left), Alivia Ball (center) and Raegan Synk (right) composed and sent weekly inspirational emails to teachers and staff to brighten their days. By RHMS student Zoe Bair; photo courtesy of Kayla Mash Every Friday, Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) students Braden McCollam, Alivia…
BRE students battle their way to branch championships By Kathy Fallert; courtesy photo The Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) third and fourth grade team battled their way to victory as the Lone Tree branch champions in this year’s Battle of the Books competition. The competition is similar to a game show format. The students all…
By Michelle Post I remember the moment clearly, as if it happened yesterday, but it was 15 years ago. I was sitting in professional development training with members of my team, and we were learning about the different generations in the workplace. As the instructor began to detail each generation and their characteristics, one of…
Actors in the RCHS production of “Peter Pan: The Musical,” rehearsed one of the final scenes in the show in preparation for opening night on March 1. Actors featured (from left to right): Alyssa Marino, Leah Doogan, Ben Watervoort, Molly Lane, Maddie Maynor, Lily Schmoker, Amanda Scholtz, Landon Hogue and Elysa Veta. By Riley Busch,…
Attention parents of children in Douglas County schools – take advantage of the 2nd Annual Learning Resource Fair that offers parents the opportunity to meet with local and national groups to learn about a variety of support services such as: special education, gifted education, twice exceptional, English language development, health and wellness, mental health,…
By Michelle Post Allow me to take you back into your memories, and I want you to think of the most beautiful place you have been. As you find your image, I want you to close your eyes and listen to the sounds, smell the aromas in the air, and feel the emotions as you…
By Elean Gersack It is time to roll up your sleeves and get checked at the 9Health Fair. For 36 years, this volunteer driven nonprofit has impacted more than two million lives with blood chemistry and other health screening programs. It is easy and convenient to take charge of your health by making plans to…
Kian Lame’s smile is as large as his zest for life as he visits his sister Yasmine at her college campus. Kian’s family is hoping to raise money to purchase an adaptive bike so that he can enjoy the feeling of independence and joy that all kids deserve. By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of Neda…
Castle Crocs have a lot of long-time returning swimmers, including these boys pictured last year (from left to right): Jack Nelson, Ryan Tierney, Ben Gardner, Caleb Jaramillo and Carter Brand. by Kathy Fallert; courtesy photos CASTLE CROCS Castle Crocs (Crocs) are gearing up for their 11th season. The overall mission for the Castle Crocs is…
In early May, residents will receive their Notice of Value for 2017, which will reflect the market value of a residence as of June 30, 2016. This year, while home values have increased, residents will not notice an equivalent change in their property taxes due next year. By Lynne Marsala Basche In early May, Douglas…
Revealing history and keeping it alive By Lynne Marsala Basche Imagine triggering the 1858 Colorado Gold Rush by finding gold flecks in Cherry Creek and the Platte River. Think about trekking up to the Devil’s Head summit in the late 1800s to what would become one of only four fire lookout stations along the Front…
The following test questions were sent in by one of our readers who claimed the hypothetical student got a zero on the test and should have received 100% – based on creativity alone! Each answer is absolutely correct, and funny too. The teacher clearly had no sense of humor. Questions: 1. In which battle did…
Location of proposed new development in Castle Rock to be built on previous landfill site. Submitted by the Town of Castle Rock A new development is proposed near the intersection of I-25 and Plum Creek Parkway. In March, Town Council postponed consideration on second reading of a finance agreement with the proposed developer, which would…
By Lynn Zahorik; photo courtesy of the Aston Martin Owners Club The mountain area Aston Martin Owners Club (AMOC) paid a visit to Castle Pines a few months ago. Looking for a unique restaurant where members could meet halfway between Denver and Colorado Springs, they were attracted by the Italian menu at Pino’s (formerly La…
The loss of life while serving one’s country, either in a military capacity or as a first responder, is something worthy of paying tribute. Throughout Douglas County, uniformed personnel are proud to participate in rendering honors at various locations as dignified honors motorcades pass through, taking these heroes to their final resting place. Article and…
By Amanda Merriman On a recent Monday afternoon, I scoured through the pantry for something that would inspire that night’s dinner recipe. Feeling frustrated, I decided it was time once again to get better organized with my meal planning. I found my solution in a free app called Mealime. I have used other recipe apps…
By Tim Gamble; photos by Lynne Zahorik Each year the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce and the community celebrate by saying hello to old friends and by welcoming new ones. We raise a glass or two to recognize and honor achievements of our peers. We enjoy a nosh, buy stuff, and dance to the music. …
Mallory Happ, a Forest Park resident and student at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), shared the lessons she learned after her first semester in college. By Sarah Bermingham, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Kelly Happ College is an exciting new experience for students to grow, but this change can also be surprising…
As part of Girl Scout Brownie Troop 844’s “It’s Your World, Change It” Quest Journey, the girls delivered supplies and toys to the Buddy Center. They are pictured here with leaders Amy Ball (left) and Kristie Peters (right). By Lynne Marsala Basche; photos courtesy of Amy Ball Thanks to Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) Girl Scout…
By Kathy Fallert; courtesy photos Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) parents reminisced their way Back to Prom at the school’s annual fundraising gala held on Friday, February 24 at Cielo at Castle Pines. There were 175 people in attendance, many dressed to the nines in tuxedos and gowns in all sorts of fun styles and colors.…
The Rock Canyon High School student council introduced Faith to the entire student body at the opening assembly of Wish Week. By Sarah Bermingham, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of Julia Bartmann Wish Week at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) is an event everyone looks forward to. “Wish Week is the most magical time of…
By Kay Bryant Canyons Community Church Meets at 4825 N. Crowfoot Valley Road, Castle Rockwww.canyonscc.org Easter Sunday service: April 16 at 10:30 a.m. Chabad Jewish Center Meets at 9950 Lone Tree Parkway, Lone Treewww.denverjewishcenter.com Passover: Community Seder on April 10 at 7 p.m. Cherry Hills Community Church Meets at 3900 Grace Boulevard, Highlands Ranch www.chcc.org…
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…
By Michelle Post The Douglas County Libraries (DCL) website has a chest full of treasures in its online learning page (www.dcl.org/research/online-learning/) within the “Research” tab of its website. One of those treasures is a learning platform that helps anyone learn business, software, technology and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals – Lynda.com. This…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos The Castle Pines Connection is honored to have three Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) intern writers (plus one who is in Malaysia for the entire year), who contribute stories not only about happenings at their high school, but also community topics. We would like to introduce our interns to our…
By Lynne Marsala Basche No one enters a marriage with the intention of getting divorced, but if that day comes, it is hard to know how to navigate the process. Friends and family can provide support, but unless they have gone through it, they cannot relate. When Castle Pines resident Carolyn Blue found herself navigating…
By Amy Shanahan; photos courtesy of Jimmy’s Photography Sue Lee, one of the co-founders of the Sock It To ‘Em sock campaign (pictured center holding a cellphone) recently organized a special day of spreading love by teaming up with the Denver Peanut Butter Plan for an event called “Socks, Cops and Sandwiches.” The day…
By Michelle Post I borrowed the title for part two of this series from a great TED Talk by the same name (see related story page 7). Ask anyone how they make toast, and you will find out that no two people make it the same way. How do you solve a wicked problem? You…
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. “A List of Cages” is book that bolsters my existing faith in…
Some of the DCSM National History Day projects included Zoe Huene’s documentary on American track and field athlete and four-time Olympic gold medalist in the 1936 games, James Cleveland ”Jesse” Owens and Drew Gassman’s exhibit on primatologist, ethologist, anthropologist and UN Messenger of Peace, Dame Jane Morris Goodall DBE (formerly Baroness Jane van Lawick-Goodall). By…
By Patte Smith; courtesy photo For some older adults it is important to be able to stay in their home. Volunteers from Neighbor Network help make that possible for many seniors. The senior population in Douglas County continues to grow and so does the demand for services. Neighbor Network is a nonprofit organization that is…
By Lynne Marsala Basche The Castle Pines Connection sends an email at the beginning of each month with a link to the electronic edition of the newspaper, in most cases before the paper copy arrives in mailboxes. The email highlights a few features that may be of interest to our readers and is also used…
Grab a really good burger at Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar By Kathy Fallert with courtesy photos Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar opened in The Landmark at Greenwood Village in October 2015. I’m not sure why it took me until now to check this place out. During the warmer months, the patio is always crowded, and good…
Joy Myers and E.J. Barklage are hosts for free movie and wine nights in Castle Pines. The events include a showing of a talk from Dr. Brené Brown as well as wine from OneHope. Myers and Barklage have their own careers helping others and they work together leading workshops. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of…
Information and illustration provided by DCSD Film of any sort is an enormous part of our lives. From advertising to sports and music videos to documentaries, sometimes it seems inconceivable how these works of art are created. The desire to make films usually starts at an early age and fortunately, for students attending school in…
Information submitted by the Federal Aviation Administration The airspace surrounding the Denver metropolitan area is among the most complex in the country. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is redesigning this airspace to address inefficiencies and improve how aircraft navigate the area. By introducing new procedures that use satellites and specific onboard equipment for navigation (referred…