Read the stories from the latest issue:
The Holcomb family has so much fun building a pyramid of Jack-o’-Lanterns each fall for their neighbors to enjoy. Article and photo by Lynn Zahorik; photo courtesy of Daryl Holcomb Each October, the residents on the cul-de-sac of Clare Court look forward to the festive Halloween display orchestrated by their neighbors Daryl and Dottie Holcomb.…
Castle Pines resident Ken Patrick (right) credits Black Diamond Eye Care optometrist Dr. Rachel Hasler (left) with saving his eyesight. Article and photo by Terri Wiebold Wellness is an important part of everyday life, as well as a critical component to a successful career. The Castle Pines Connection recently received this letter from a resident…
By Susan Helton Connection writer Susan Helton is an avid reader, once reading 64 books during the summer – just because. This month, she shares a new high-tech thriller. Kill Zone is a tense disaster thriller by bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson and Doug Beason, local author and resident of The Village. The book was…
Caption and photos by Terri Wiebold Residents ushered in fall last month at the Autumn Art Walk 2019, sponsored by LIV Sotheby’s International Realty in The Village at Castle Pines. Stunning works created by Colorado artists included bronze sculptures, photography, painting, ceramics and more. Guests were treated to live music, wine and hors d’oeuvres, and…
AA Castle Pines campus elementary Principal Tami Bostick (left back row) with NatureBridge educator Geode Sibbick (back row middle), prepped the Castle Pines campus students for their full-day hike up Mt. Storm King. Due to erosion, students found that the rocks were smoother at the base of the mountain. By Julie Matuszewski: photos courtesy of…
and Memorial Day Flowers By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photo courtesy of Memorial Day Flowers It has been said that Veterans Day is for the living and Memorial Day is for the fallen. Many have cause to mark both holidays and reflect on loved ones who have given their lives to service. Victory for Veterans is…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Sarah Neumann and Katie Abner Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) recently held its annual Rock Slide fun run event. Families gathered to walk and run the 1K or 5K courses through the neighborhoods around the school and to encourage physical and social health. School spirit was evident by the sea…
By Stacie Chadwick When I was a senior in high school, I applied to two colleges. The first was the school I was destined to attend. The second? An afterthought, just in case the world’s largest sink hole, triggered by a flying unicorn tethered to an alien spacecraft piloted by Tom Cruise, happened to swallow…
By Lisa Nicklanovich In the How I Built This podcast, which is produced by NPR and Guy Raz, listeners meet entrepreneurs, innovators and idealists whose companies you are probably familiar with. How did they create and build the world’s leading businesses? Scroll through all the podcast episodes to find one that interests you. I was…
TTE student and families make their way through the numerous tables and shelves of books, bookmarks, pencils, erasers and trinkets. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Timber Trail Elementary It was a great way to start the day for Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students and families. Krispy Kreme doughnuts, coffee and juice were served by…
Liz and Brian Van Vechten Article and photo by Terri Wiebold The Village at Castle Pines residents Liz and Brian Van Vechten opened their home last month to host a fundraiser for Happy Crew, an organization dedicated to destigmatizing mental health issues for teens by creating community and sharing the message: You matter. You belong.…
Jeremy Poincenot and Maureen Shul Article and photo by Nancy Koontz Maureen Shul, former and founding mayor of the City of Castle Pines, has much to be proud of. Her Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research nonprofit, which she founded in 2012 after losing both her brother, Victor, and mother, Blanche, to pancreatic cancer…
Caption and photos by Kathy Fallert Saturday, October 12 was a beautiful fall day to enjoy some savory chili samples and mix it up with friends at the 11th annual Best in the West Chili Cook-off in The Village at Castle Pines. For $5, visitors got to sample all the red and green chili they…
A small sction of the Painted Cliffs rock formation at Maria Island National Park. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy map Among the world’s most remote and enticing places, Tasmania vies for my blue ribbon. Time will stand still for you in “Tassie”… Getting there takes some doing. Brace yourself: Denver to California, then…
County Commissioner Lora Thomas, City of Lone Tree Mayor Jackie Millet, Keith Simons of RidgeGate Investments and Schweiger Ranch, County Commissioner Abe Laydon and John “Turk” Montepare from Great Outdoors Colorado celebrated the opening of the new segment of trail by tossing native grass seeds along part of the trail that runs past Schweiger Ranch…
The two closest Christmas tree cutting areas to Castle Pines and the surrounding neighborhoods are Buffalo Creek and Rampart Range Road. Other areas are shown on the map for those who want to adventure a little further from home. Visit www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r2/recreation/?cid=fseprd562604 for more information. By Patte Smith There is nothing like heading up to the…
By Joe Gschwendtner; photo courtesy of the Colorado Historical Society Yes he was. Tom Campbell. Dead. Finished off with a bullet in George Manhart’s dance hall in Sedalia on Saturday, May 6, 1899 as reported in The Castle Rock Journal at the time. Campbell, aka Thomas Jackson, was a tough customer. Well-known in Douglas County…
The Wasson family (pictured left to right) Rachel, daughter Reese (10), Andrew, and son Austin (8) found the perfect location for their brewpub in historic downtown Castle Rock which opened in October of last year. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Andrew Wasson What do you get when you combine three family members, all Air…
Deni Loritsch has been telling stories her whole life as a way to connect with those around her. She has completed four children’s stories; one of which is ready for publication. By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photo courtesy of Deni Loritsch Speech pathologist, writer and storyteller are all words one could use to describe Castle Pines…
By Patte Smith Remember, Medicare open enrollment and the chance to make changes to your 2020 Medicare plan ends on December 7. Medicare’s open enrollment period started October 15 and continues until December 7. During this time, individuals who qualify for Medicare can enroll in health and drug plans for 2020. Individuals who qualified in…
The Rock Canyon High School boys basketball team spent the day completing many “honey-do” tasks at Warren Village First Step transitional housing for single mothers Article and photos by Carin R. Kirkegaard The Rock Canyon High School boys basketball team partnered once again with Warren Village and its First Step program to give back through…
By Patte Smith Crisis Center in Castle Rock is asking the community to sponsor client families and individuals with their holiday 2019 Adopt-a-Family program. These families and individuals struggle day-to-day to try to make ends meet. Through their courage and resilience, they have removed themselves, and many times their children, from abusive homes and conditions.…
Members from the Castle Pines Brownie Troop 65517 (pictured left to right) Elle Scott, Flannery Cool, Ellie Kasal, Lenya Sanford and Reagan Ramsey tackled the trash on Castle Rock’s East Plum Creek Trail. Article and photos by Carin R. Kirkegaard Castle Pines Brownie Troop 65517 worked toward earning their Eco Friend Badge and helped collect…
Caption and photo by Terri Wiebold The Castle Pines Connection would like to congratulate resident and long-time business partner Derek Kliner for his grand opening of Realty ONE Group Premier in downtown Castle Rock. Kliner is one of three managing partners in the Colorado region. “I left RE/MAX after 24 years because of the opportunity…
Axel Sammy Special thanks to the Isert family from BriarCliff for sending in this adorable picture of Axel (top) and the McCracken family from Pine Ridge for sending in this regal picture of Sammy to accompany our story. Both local pet owners will receive a $25 gift card for their participation. By Susan Helton; courtesy…
Two amazing canines have joined the force at South Metro Fire Rescue. Dedicated to supporting the first responders, Emergency Responder Service Dogs Molson and Champ bring positive energy into the daily lives of their firehouse family. Article and photos by Lynn Zahorik; photos courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue There is a new member of…
Advanced mixed doubles first and second place: Rich Nipert and Abeer Miller. Men’s advanced doubles first and second place: Josh Reel and Brent Miller. Beginner mixed doubles first and second place: Kirk Bergner and Dana Smith. By Celeste McNeil; Photos courtesy of Beverly Carr Recently, pickleball enthusiasts held a round-robin style tournament in The Village…
By Kathy Fallert It’s hard to believe it’s November already. But here we are, and Thanksgiving is coming up quick! Cooking holiday dinners usually falls on my plate every year, and this year is no exception. I was looking for an app that would help keep me organized this holiday season with grocery lists, recipes…
OPENED IN OCTOBER Arapahoe Basin: OPEN Keystone: OPEN Loveland: OPEN Wolf Creek: OPEN NOVEMBER Eldora: Nov. 1 Breckenridge: Nov. 8 Copper Mountain: Nov. 8 Winter Park: Nov. 13 Vail: Nov. 15 Monarch: Nov. 22 Purgatory: Nov. 23 Steamboat: Nov. 23 Beaver Creek: Nov. 27 Crested Butte: Nov. 27 Aspen Mountain: Nov. 28 Snowmass: Nov. 28…
Excited to be SWAT operators for a day, Ms. Roda’s DCSM class received a hands-on lesson exploring the inside of the Lenco BearCat armored vehicle. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori What started off as a regular school morning turned into a morning of excitement as a FBI Denver Division Special Weapons and…
By Michelle Post In an article titled 17 Unusual Things to be Thankful for in Life, the author said this about failure: “Most of us are afraid to fail because we see it as a sign of weakness and worthlessness, but with the right mindset you can take failure and turn it into something for…
Shari Peck, coat coordinator By Terri Wiebold; photos courtesy of Shari Peck Local realtor and Hidden Pointe resident Shari Peck is once again collecting coats for a good cause. “It it is something I have done the last two years,” stated Peck. “I feel it is important to give back to the community, and it…
Every year, November 11, Veterans Day, serves as a day to honor those who have served us. In 2018, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Principal Andy Abner, math teacher Deb Seaquist, and former Assistant Principal Barb Cocetti created the Military Wall of Honor to recognize all the graduating students who will serve in the military.…
Program leaders Jane Lenz (end second row on left) and Kristen Ward Brown (middle top row) stand proud with the Timber Trail Elementary Red Shirt Rookies student athletes as they got ready to hit the field for their first soccer practice. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Timber Trail Elementary Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) has…
Ryan Kolb, Castle Pines American Academy campus Dean of Students, commemorates Constitution Day by reading about the signing of the Constitution to a fourth grade classroom By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of American Academy On Tuesday, September 17, all American Academy (AA) campuses held a day of celebration in honor of Constitution Day. Students and…
Laura Kirkland, RHMS art teacher Article by Andrew Kim, RHMS intern writer; photos by Karmel Bedhoodi, RHMS student American historian Henry Brooks Adams once said, “Teachers affect eternity; no one can tell where their influence stops.” Laura Kirkland, formerly known as Ms. Carter, is a teacher with a never-ending influence. She is an astounding art…
A blast of a journey By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of Jimmy Dozer and Tim Clark As vice president and managing broker of LIV Sotheby’s International Realty (LIVSIR), Tim Clark manages all three of the Douglas County offices. “My awesome wife, Maureen, who goes by ‘Mo’, is also my business partner,” Tim stated. Having recently…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard After 35 years, the Castle Pines North Association (Master Association) board of directors will recommend that the community-wide homeowner association dissolve. The recommendation, explaining the reasons in favor of and against dissolution, will be made to each sub-association delegate at the annual delegate meeting held on November 14. The meeting will…
Castle Pines residents and juniors at Rock Canyon High School Izzy Holsman (driver) and Blake Burnham at Daniels Park. Research shows that teens understand they are vulnerable and are well aware of driving risks. So, focusing on positive actions that teens can take to be safe and to keep their friends safe, can be powerful…
Use carrots and celery to form the turkey’s outer “plumage” and then fill in with pickles, olives, tomatoes, bell pepper slices and cucumber slices as shown. Using one “section” of the bottom of a bell pepper and the chunk of cucumber, form the turkey’s head and neck; add a small olive slice for the eye.…
By Bryan Goodland; graphic by Tim Gamble On October 8, the Castle Pines City Council unanimously passed Ordinance No. 19-12 on first reading, which, if approved on second reading following public hearing, would allow single family attached and/or multifamily residential development to be added as allowable principle uses on the 15.86-acre parcel of land known…
Stronger in numbers, seventh and eighth grade DCSM students rise above their fears as they learned to trust one another while building a team based on compassion and unity. Enjoying the sites from atop Tomahawk Ranch, this team is ready to lead its peers by example, display acts of kindness and empathy, while enjoying new…
By Stacie Chadwick When I mentally check my list of things I know without doubt, there’s one truth that always sits toward the top. That is, the only thing you can count on in life is change. Whether you see this as positive or negative, life often rolls in its own direction at will and…
Castle Pines resident Shannon Goltl was recently hired by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce as the new membership director. Goltl is pictured here with her son Dylan, husband Derk and daughter Ally. By Terri Wiebold; courtesy photos As the Castle Pines community continues to grow and change, so do the organizations that support it. Following…
Information provided by the Animal Humane Society Get ready in advance. Even if your pet enjoys company, especially children, the constant thumping on the door and shouts of “Trick or Treat!” may be more than he’s ready for. If your dog likes treats, you can help him prepare ahead of time by having someone knock…
A few months ago, Brent’s Place hosted a reunion dinner event for all the families living at (or who have lived at) Brent’s Place – they even had Super Healers superheroes take photos with the kids! By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of Super Healers/superhealers.org In the September 2019 issue of The Connection, we celebrated Greyson…
Article and photos by Kathy Fallert Wednesday, September 11, was the third annual Eat for a Cause event at Pino’s Italian Kitchen & Bar in Castle Pines benefiting 9/11 first responders and their ongoing health challenges. Ten percent of all sales proceeds went to the FealGood Foundation, whose motto is “No responders left behind,” as…
Article and photo by Lynn Zahorik South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) firefighters gathered on Labor Day weekend at King Soopers shopping center in Castle Pines to fundraise for the 65th annual Fill the Boot campaign for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Money raised through the drive goes toward helping children and adults with muscular dystrophy,…
The Rock Canyon High School Fire Science program participated in the climb in full gear, as many firefighters did from all over the state. Article and photos by Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Lin Giampietro More than 2,500 Coloradans gathered at the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Red Rocks Amphitheatre to honor and remember the…
By Lynn Zahorik; courtesy photo With the opening of Little Women, Valor Arts + Media ushered in a new tradition – the Valor summer musical. Historically, Valor has only performed a musical once a year, in the spring, but as the arts and media program grew, desire to offer expanded performance opportunities to more students…
Diana Doyle, president of Arapahoe Community College, cut the ribbon at the August grand opening for the Sturm Collaboration Campus in Castle Rock. Joining Doyle were representatives from Arapahoe Community College, Colorado Community College System, State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education, Douglas County School District and Colorado State University System. By Bryan Goodland;…
On August 27 in Lima, Peru, Castle Pines resident Amanda Palyo (pictured right) brought home a bronze medal at the Parapan American Games for the 100 meter backstroke with teammates Lizzi Smith (left) taking the silver and Hanna Aspden (center) taking the gold. The U.S. team took nine medals in all; three gold, three silver…
By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Nicole Miles The annual back-to-school carnival at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) was larger than ever this year. Carnival committee chair Shenah Lutrick and her crew pulled out all the stops to make the carnival a success. They added more inflatable slides, jump house, obstacle courses and additional games, including…
Music director, and co-founder of the Lone Tree Symphony Orchestra, Jacinda Bouton. By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Cindy Kessinger American composer and conductor Aaron Copland once said, “to stop the flow of music would be like the stopping of time itself, incredible and inconceivable.” Thankfully, neither time nor music has stopped. This season marks…
A postcard highlighting many of Dresden’s architectural wonders as they stand today, rebuilt and celebrated. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photos Scant months after the Berlin Wall came down, I visited. Heady days for those fleeing Communism. Consumer goods. Variety. Freedom to do most anything. “Osties” with cars would drive west gawking at…
By Celeste McNeil; courtesy photo Student government is the most well-known example of school-based student leadership groups. But the opportunities at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) are much broader. BRE hosts several options for students in third, fourth and fifth grade interested in leadership. Green Team The Green Team consists of 20 third, fourth and fifth…
Burt Knight, CPMD district manager By Joe Gschwendtner; photos courtesy of the Castle Pines Metropolitan District On September 16, the Castle Pines Metropolitan District (CPMD) welcomed Burt Knight, P.E. as its new district manager. District directors and staff are looking forward to his enthusiastic, seasoned brand of leadership. Knight brings 35 years of municipal engineering…
By Kathy Fallert Ghost Observer is an entertaining camera tool that shows ghosts around you in an augmented reality experience. In other words, the app uses a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on the user’s view of the real world and creates a new composite view. As Halloween quickly approaches, with scary movies and…
An EpiLocker on the wall has stock epinephrine for emergencies. Article and photo by Lynn Zahorik Within the halls of every Douglas County School District (DCSD) school is a yellow box called an EpiLocker. These boxes, which contain stock epinephrine auto injectors for emergency situations, have been present since December 2017. Approximately one in 13…
Information provided by the City of Castle Pines Get ready for an exercise experience like no other. The City of Castle Pines is building an outdoor fitness court in Elk Ridge Park that provides users the ability to complete seven movements in seven minutes for a total-body workout and stretch routine. The circuit training system…
Article and photos by Lisa Crockett October is the month of orange, one last burst of color as the season changes. It’s such a fallish hue, with the cozy connotation of the falling leaves and jack-o’-lanterns that are the hallmark of the season. I love all the orange foods: pumpkin, butternut squash, oranges (of course)…
The Rock Canyon High School football program spent a day working on neighborhood improvements as part of a community service project put together by the Touchdown Club, the program’s booster organization. By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of Extreme Community Makeover In late July, the Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) football program took more than…
Information provided by Douglas County Libraries Real people with real stories and issues, that is what the Human Library is about. Douglas County Libraries (DCL) is thrilled to bring the popular Human Library event back to its Castle Rock location in 2020 and is currently recruiting new “human books” for the event. DCL is seeking…
Rock Canyon High School biotechnology students Sabine Manske (left) and Berlin Barnett (right) wrap up their presentation and prepare to answer questions from potential investors. Article and photos by Jana Seal, RCHS intern writer In a classroom full of science teachers, parents and researchers, students prepare to present their PowerPoint presentations. These presentations were not…
By Lisa Nicklanovich The number of podcast listeners has more than doubled in the past five years, which is not surprising considering there are millions of podcasts to choose from, covering an almost unfathomable range of topics. Whether you are already a podcast listener or are new to the podcast world, we hope you will…
Students enjoy an evening snorkeling under the cool ocean water while experiencing bioluminescence. (Inset) Castle Pines campus student Zach Buchold found his school trip souvenir, a lobster, while swimming with the leopard and horn sharks. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of American Academy What an amazing experience American Academy (AA) seventh grade students had on…
By Patte Smith Local fun is better than ever this fall. Close by, the Schweiger Ranch Fall Festival in Lone Tree will be held on Saturday, October 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The festival features hay wagon rides, a pumpkin patch with pumpkins for $5 each, and free mini pumpkins and gourds for…
Article and photo by Joe Gschwendtner; photo courtesy of the Colorado Historical Society As we left 1871 Huntsville in the throes of death in our Wildcat Lore last month, commerce shifted rapidly south to Larkspur. This was due in no small measure to relocation of the post office and arrival of the Denver & Rio…
By Carin R. Kirkegaard; Photo courtesy of the Amey family Madison Amey, senior and back-up kicker for the Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Jaguars, joined the team as the second female kicker last spring. Due to tendonitis in her hip flexor, she unfortunately has been on the sidelines. Amey’s road to becoming part of the…
By Michelle Post As business owners, we wear multiple hats: leader, manager, marketing, sales, accountant and many others. We do our best to run our business and not let our business run us, but that is not always the case. We complete daily, weekly, monthly and yearly tasks on autopilot, but do we really know…