The Connection

Information provided by the Colorado Senior Lobby Join the Colorado Senior Lobby and meet state legislators and elected officials. Participants will learn about what is planned for older adults in Colorado and the impact of future legislation. Held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Denver, a continental breakfast will be offered before the program…

Proud Principal Michele Radke presented winning spelling bee awards to Martin Black (left) and Blake Miller (right). By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of Melanie Christensen Prickliness: n the quality of being covered with prickly thorns or spines. P.R.I.C.K.L.I.N.E.S.S. This was the winning word buzzing around Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) on January 16 as the school…

Rock Canyon’s three mock trial teams and their attorney coaches pose after completing their fourth and final round, February 9. The sophomore team placed first in the competition, the senior team placed fourth, and the freshman team placed eleventh. By Amanda Brauchler, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of RCHS After four months of preparation, nine…

The “Rock the Night Away” committee, many of whom are members of the 80108 community, made the fundraiser for RCHS the success it was. By Jana Seal, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of RCHS and Jana Seal On February 9, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) held a parent and teacher date night fundraiser for teacher…

The Rock Canyon High School theatre program has grown from one National Qualifier in 2013 to a record 34 individual qualifications this year. 80108 thespians in the program include Lucy Meisel, Kaelyn New, Logan McDonnell, Briana Zappavigna, Brittlyn Stibley, Lily Schmoker, Valerie Thomas, Carson Carnes, Sophia Badia, Cameron Warlow, Tim Merkle and Olivia Critchley. By…

By Terri Wiebold Want a new adventure this spring break that doesn’t break the bank but allows for quality time (away from home) with the family? Here area few adventures to consider, all within an hour of home: Pack your suitcase and head to Denver International Airport, but instead of boarding a flight, drive past…

Third-grade students perform for fellow students, parents and friends on January 31. (Photo courtesy of BRE Yearbook Crew.) By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Valerie Miller and BRE Yearbook Crew Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) third-grade students demonstrated they are diversely talented and smart. These lively and active eight- and nine-year-old students have been honing songs,…

Lisza Gulyas and Glenn Pinto enjoyed a riverboat cruise on the Main River in Germany in the summer of 2018. The couple visited Prague before a family reunion in Hungary. Lisza is a first generation Hungarian/American. By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of Lisza Gulyas Lisza Gulyas has been my friend for many years. I was…

Special thanks to local photographer Julie Lamb for sharing these stunning pictures she captured at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo. The show continues to be a great way to kick off the new year every January. To see more of Lamb’s work, visit https://www.facebook.com/JulianneDeanLamb.

Information and photo provided by Terri Sundermann Several ladies from the Village Castle Pines Garden Club visited the Colorado Home & Garden Show at the Colorado Convention Center in February, courtesy of The Castle Pines Connection. “We enjoyed the multiple garden displays, some with very large water features” stated club member Terri Sundermann. “The smell…

BRE PE teacher Ronda Gutierrez dressed up to encourage students to jump rope for heart on Valentine’s Day. Article and photos by Celeste McNeil Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) commemorated Valentine’s Day in the typical fashion with class parties, exchanging valentines and lots of red and pink. They also celebrated healthy hearts by participating in the…

By Amanda Merriman Humans love tracking data. Data about our health is no exception. When it comes to health, sleep quality (or lack thereof) is an important topic of conversation. Roughly one-third of Americans report poor sleep quality, and as such, there are many devices aimed at tracking how well we sleep. Sleepzy is a…

Pam Randall and American Academy first-graders enjoy a sweet partnership, combining cooking and chemistry. Information and photos courtesy of American Academy American Academy (AA) first-graders completed an especially sweet science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) unit in partnership with Pam Randall, owner of The Bundt Shoppe in Castle Pines. STEM instructor Chris Todd searched for…

Classes for CPR/AED and first aid to help adults, children and infants in an emergency are offered by the South Metro Safety Foundation. By Patte Smith, photos courtesy of South Metro Safety Foundation Education is not all about reading, writing and math or studying hard to prepare for college or a career, although those are…

By Catalin Varela All the traditions we have come to love about St. Patrick’s Day (green beer, “Kiss Me I’m Irish” T-shirts, etc.) actually have very little resemblance to the holiday first celebrated in 1631. So what’s the real story behind the festivities of March 17? St. Patrick’s Day was established by the Catholic Church…

Glynis shows off the new packaging of her All Purpose Coating Mix and Waffle Mix which carries the “Glynis Kitchen” title. By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of Glynis Albright In the October 2018 issue of The Connection, we introduced readers to Glynis Albright and her love of cooking. On the below-zero snowy night of February…

Learn how to properly prune trees and shrubs and other gardening advice at the Thursday, March 7 program, My Yard! Lawn & Landscape Ideas and Tips presented by Craig Miller at the Douglas County Libraries – Castles Pines. By Patte Smith, courtesy photo Holding yourself back from cultivating your garden? Yearning for spring to plant…

By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos High school student-athletes all over the country signed letters of intent to play their sport at the collegiate level on Wednesday, February 6. While National Signing Day is full of anticipation and excitement for the future, it is also a celebration of all the hard work and dedication of these…

Biz Hansen, Account Manager By Terri Wiebold; photo courtesy of Biz Hansen Biz joins The Castle Pines Connection team as an advertising account manager. She is originally from Michigan and graduated from Arizona State with a Bachelor of Science in Purchasing Materials Management. She moved to Denver in 1991 and worked the next 10 years…

More than 100 guests gathered at Cielo at Castle Pines last month to become better educated and prepared in the event of unexpected independence. The panel of guest speakers included an estate planning attorney, an insurance planner and a private wealth advisor, each of whom shared their knowledge and expertise and provided tools for being…

By Michelle Post Terms of Use: With any advice about your computer, software, hardware, and/or network, please use caution and read all the facts before installing, changing, and/or deleting any files on your computer. What you don’t know can hurt you! Running maintenance on your computer is just as important as running maintenance on your…

DCS Montessori ACE students tested their strengths with fellow students supporting every move. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy DCS Montessori If you have ever spent a day at Earth Treks Climbing Center, you will agree that a climbing gym is the perfect place to build a team and push yourself beyond your normal limits. Every…

By Terri Wiebold You don’t have to fall victim to this incredibly unpleasant flu season. The following are a few tips for staying healthy while the flu is upon us: Your gut is the first line of defense Probiotics are the “good” live micro-organisms (bacteria) that line your digestive system and ensure proper nutritional absorption…

At the Fencing Junior Olympics, Rachel Buhay (right, on the attack) faced the country’s number 19 ranked fencer in Cadet Women’s Saber (under 17). After the pool rounds, Rachel was at 36 out of 188 By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of the Buhay family A little scared but excited, Rachel Buhay (14), daughter of Rene…

By Celeste McNeil; courtesy photos Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) kicked off February with the annual daddy-daughter dance. The event was held on Friday February 8. Paul Brandt, Before, After School and Summer Enterprise (BASE) program director and his staff organized the event. All daughters attending BRE, from the smallest friends in preschool to the fifth-grade…

By Terri Wiebold; file photos The City of Castle Pines covers approximately 6,114 acres or 9.55 square miles. Since its incorporation more than a decade ago, many of the areas The Connection reported on as “future areas for potential growth” have since been developed or are underway in the development process. Three significant projects include…

On Tuesday, January 8, Douglas County officials took the oath of office at the Philip S. Miller building in Castle Rock. Witnessed by family, friends, supporters and County employees, newly sworn-in officials included (left to right): Robert Snodgrass, surveyor; Merlin Klotz, clerk and recorder; Lisa Frizell, assessor; David Gill, treasurer; Jill Romann, coroner; Tony Spurlock,…

Neighborhood kids enthusiastically participated in Castle Pines Athletics at one of the Castle Pines community parks. By Steve Whitlock; photo courtesy of Castle Pines Athletics It really is true – time flies when you’re having fun! While The Castle Pines Connection celebrates 10 years, so does another local business, Castle Pines Athletics (CPA). We share…

View of American Academy charter school taken from atop a hill in Elk Ridge Park (in the foreground). By Patte Smith, photo by Tim Gamble The front page story and barren photo from the inaugural issue of The Castle Pines Connection featured the excavation of a parcel of land that would later become American Academy…

Information provided by Douglas County School District Congratulations to Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) and Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE)! Both schools have received the John Irwin Award for 2018 from the Colorado Department of Education. “The John Irwin Awards are given to schools that demonstrate exceptional academic achievement over time. These schools received an ‘Exceeds Expectations’…

By Terri Wiebold While the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) has faced many challenges in the past decade, from paying off legacy bond debt to exploring alternatives to secure renewable water, one thing has remained constant – the District’s commitment to serving the residents in Castle Pines. According to Board President David McEntire, the…

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. Faithful Connection readers may recognize the author of this month’s book selection,…

From his early beginnings as a deputy with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, to sheriff, to county commissioner, to Colorado U.S. Marshal, David Weaver has spent his career in public service. By Catalin Varela; photo by Terri Wiebold In the inaugural issue of The Castle Pines Connection published in February 2009, David Weaver (then Douglas…

By Michelle Post The Golden Rule states, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” And this rule not only works for life and business, but for the internet too. One question I often get from business owners is, “How do I get more reviews?” There are two answers to this question:…

Regis Jesuit High School senior Lauren Winston beamed with joy while volunteering in a classroom of students at Eastridge Community Elementary School. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Lauren Winston Lauren Winston is not your ordinary teenager. She is kind, dedicated and personable with a passion to help those in need of a little lift.…

Many events are sponsored by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce, among them Food Truck Frenzy, Run Wild, Vino in the Village and the Holly Jolly Brunch with Santa at The Ridge at Castle Pines North. By Patte Smith; photos by Lynn Zahorik “The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce (CPCC), established in 2008, has changed…

By Terri Wiebold; file photos In February 2009, a new neighbor moved into the Castle Pines community. Long-time residents hoped that this new tenant would be friendly, honest and trustworthy; someone who honored their history, respected their privacy, and at the same time, showed interest in their families and their businesses. Someone who celebrated their…

The Village Idiots Cycling Club has grown to more than 75 riders since 2007. By Patte Smith; photo courtesy of Village Idiots Cycling Club In the April/May 2009 issue of The Connection, we introduced readers to the Village Idiots Cycling Club (VICC), a group of neighbors from The Village at Castle Pines who started a…

Team captain Matthew Reljanovic (black jersey), along with coach Mike Catalano (top right) and the DCS Montessori Cougars proudly wear their school colors of green and gold when competing in the sport of futsal. By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy of DCS Montessori Are you ready for some futsal?! Yes, futsal, not to be confused with…

Article and photo by Joe Gschwendtner Back in 2010, I stumbled onto Ken Hamblin, iconic former Denver radio personality, lightning rod and self-styled “Black Avenger” – at MiYO Cafe, of course. Seems like he is still living large and for those who know him, with panache. For starters, he looked as if he had not…

Executive Director of Schools Erin Kane and excited AA students presented Douglas County Deputy Sheriff Steve Johnson (left) and Parker Police Chief David King (right) with a donation in honor of the Douglas County Fallen Officer Fund. Information and photos provided by American Academy American Academy (AA) students and staff celebrated National Law Enforcement Appreciation…

With overwhelming possibilities for their futures, incoming high school freshmen could be at a loss for how to start getting involved in their new school. Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) held their Future Jags Night on January 16 to showcase many of the school-sponsored clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities that are available. RCHS has…

At top, girls will be girls! Castle Pines Storm swimmers and long-time swimming buddies Shayne Polk and Sophia Lush (pictured with Gabi Dyer) in 2015, circled back in 2018, pictured with Maya Amerlan and Kassidy Harris. Bottom photos, Sam and Claire Isert pictured above in 2010 and again in 2016 (right) are long-time Storm competitors.…

Pictured above, left to right: Joe Roos – Hide In Plain Sight, Greg Anderson – Minuteman Press, Tammy Lopez – Allstate Insurance, Steve and Andrea Peterson – Christian Brothers Automotive Castle Rock, Woody Howarth – Sterling Custom Homes, Inc., Melissa Coudeyras – City of Castle Pines, and Brad Mahoney – Douglas County Living. Article and…

Submitted by the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce Most of us find comfort in the fact that unexpected hardships probably won’t happen to us or our families. Those things happen to others, right? After all, what good comes from worrying about what might or could happen? As an organization, the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce…

Information provided by the CPNMD The Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) recently announced a vacancy on its board of directors, following the resignation of Director Norman Froman. Residents and/or property owners who wish to be considered for an appointment to the five-member board can email a letter of interest and bio/resume to CPNMD Manager…

By Catalin Varela This past year, Netflix outdid itself with the release of so many great new shows, and it looks like we can expect some great shows in 2019 as well. Here are just a few of the shows released in 2018 that are worth a watch, and the ones to keep an eye…

Fifteen- fourth and fifth-grade students participated in BRE’s annual spelling bee. By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Tim Ryckman Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) held its annual spelling bee on Friday, January 11. Nearly 40 students applied for participation in the bee through a written pre-test, with the top 15 scores advancing to the spelling bee…

Geri deGruy of The Village at Castle Pines, a talented and multi-faceted artist, once believed she could not make art. By Barbara Neff; photos courtesy of Geri deGruy Sometimes the wildly talented walk among us disguised as ordinary neighbors. Local artist, Geri deGruy, a resident of The Village at Castle Pines since 1999, is one…

By Terri Wiebold; file photos Since inception, The Castle Pines Connection has sought to unify homeowners in the 80108 ZIP code. When we sat down 10 years ago and started highlighting areas on the map where residents who shop at the same local grocery stores, and whose children attend the same public schools, were located,…

By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of American Academy American Academy (AA) students got a hands-on lesson in American history. The school chose Boston as the destination for its voluntary eighth-grade trip – not only for its charm, but because the history Boston holds made it the perfect destination for these AA students to really experience…

By Amanda Merriman The science of neuroplasticity is intriguing to me. The brain is an amazing organ. I firmly believe in living my life with a growth mindset, and I actively look for ways to challenge myself. For me, the Peak app is a way to tap into this belief. Peak is free to download…

RHMS debate team Hofmeister-McDonald-Stroud (HMS) came in among the top three teams at the debate tournament in December, winning second place. The team members also captured the top three spots for individual speaking skill. Pictured from left: Maudie Stroud, Carter McDonald and Landon Hofmeister. Submitted by Carter McDonald and Colson Morley, RHMS students; photo courtesy…

Assistant Principal Jen Murdock welcomed students to the celebration assembly on December 20. By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Tim Ryckman In December, Buffalo Ridge Elementary school (BRE) held the second Celebration Assembly of the 2018-2019 school year. The celebration assemblies are an opportunity for the entire school to come together and recognize the amazing…