Read the stories from the latest issue:
Each Friday, the Castle Crocs coaches held a team meeting and awarded a swimmer of the week from each age group, going over logistics for the upcoming meet and throwing out Crocs merchandise. By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of Mira Brand and Camille Pocock The Castle Crocs summer swim team has brought the love…
Peaceful future grows through ShesCHERIshed By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of ShesCHERIshed It is the kind of thing most people think couldn’t happen to them or someone they know, but it does. Domestic violence happens to people in all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, education, profession or socioeconomic status. In fact, Douglas County…
By Joe Gschwendtner; photo courtesy of Brett Wiebold Readers may recall the grit and determination of General William Jackson Palmer in bringing narrow gauge rail service to Douglas County. Yet few know of the places it served, many of them ghost towns today. Please join us back in time on the southbound Denver & Rio…
Castle Pines resident Amanda Palyo will be off to Lima, Peru later this month to compete in the 2019 Paralympic Pan Am Games. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of John Palyo Esperanza resident and recent Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) graduate Amanda Palyo has been swimming since she was 6 years old. Starting out with…
County Libraries sells gently used books at local branches and online. By Celeste McNeil; photo courtesy of Douglas County Libraries What happens to all those boxes of gently used books and other materials that are donated to local libraries? Douglas County Libraries (DCL) has a solution which benefits the community and provides opportunities to purchase…
Bedbugs generally have flat bodies and are brownish in color. After feeding, their bodies swell and become a reddish color, as pictured above. Article and photos by Terri Wiebold Well, pretty much everything bites about having bedbugs! Yes, I can speak to this first-hand, having just completed a full remediation in my own house. Close…
Jen Murdock-Jacoway was named principal at Buffalo Ridge Elementary. By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy Carlie Leach photography Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) looks forward to a smooth transition as classes begin in a few days. While the official leader at BRE has changed, the face at the helm is not new to students, staff or families.…
Family and change, jewelry and fishing By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of Lacee Hill Lacee’s favorite place to fish is the San Juan River in New Mexico, although the trout do like to try to flop away! Jared introduced her to the area, which has become a family getaway.Lacee Hill, the friendly face you see…
Residents from 80108 (pictured from left to right) Alex Bochner, Nash Bochner and Brad Hansen had an amazing and free Birthright trip this year to Israel and the surrounding areas. The Western Wall (Kotel) in Jerusalem pictured here is a very significant sight for Jewish people as the last remnant of their ancient temple. People…
By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of Louise Bowen and Louise Melbye For more than 20 years, the “Ladies Nine in the Pines” golf league has been hosting an annual golf tournament at The Country Club at Castle Pines. This year’s successful event, “Rally for Research” was held on June 20, and it was an enjoyable…
Cate Papula (pictured above) with her smiling face is the first and last person to greet customers at the REI located in Greenwood Village. Papula was hired as a greeter as part of a partnership between REI and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Article and photo by Carin R. Kirkegaard Cate Papula has had quite…
RCHS biotech students and staff members visited the University of Pennsylvania on June 3. The group toured the university’s medical school and labs on their trip. By RCHS intern writer Maddy Merritt; photo courtesy of Shawndra Fordham In early June, students in the biotechnology (biotech) program at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) attended the BIO…
By Terri Wiebold; photos courtesy of Debbi Haynie While we spend an entire lifetime building memories, the timeline for checking items off our “bucket list” seems to be accelerated as we enter the later chapters in our lives. Castle Pines residents Debbi and Travis Haynie experienced that acceleration – literally – at Bandimere Speedway for…
By Terri Wiebold Patrick Romano grew up visiting his grandparents in Castle Pines, and he is now happy to call his old stomping ground home to his newest of 10 Domino’s franchise locations. “I have such fond memories of Castle Pines from my childhood … feeding the buffalo named ‘Nick Cream Soda’ at Daniels Park…
By Susan Helton Connection writer Susan Helton is an avid reader; she once read 64 books during the summer – just because. This month, she shares a contemporary time-travel novel. I recently attended Denver Pop Culture Con and naturally gravitated to the booksellers in the show floor area. One of the books that caught my…
Mountain adventure with a patriotic touch Article and photos by Susan Helton For more information, visit aspenhistory.org/tours-sites/independence-ghost-town and www.aspenchamber.org/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-independence-pass. For something different to do for Independence Day, how about a unique adventure with a patriotic touch? High in the Rocky Mountains, in Independence Pass, the ghost town of Independence sits in a glacier-carved valley below…
The future high school graduating class of 2026 took one last farewell walk through the halls of Timber Trail. Article and photos by Julie Matuszewski Transition to middle school is a big step in the lives of our local elementary students. For many students, the graduation ceremony or rite of passage is celebrated with fellow…
Caption and photo by Elise Brassell Congratulations to Castle Pines resident Jason Brassell (left) and his Farmers Insurance team, including Garrett Sadusky, Curt Henderson (CPV) and Kevin Shriver, who participated in the 14th Annual American Cancer Society 2019 Coaches vs Cancer Hope Invitational of Denver. The team joined the golf event, held at The Country…
Pictured left to right: Matt, Alex, Jack and Kristen Krieger. By Lynn Zahorik, photo courtesy of Kristen Krieger The Krieger family loves to go to Coors Field each summer to watch the Colorado Rockies play. However, when the Chicago Cubs are in town, they pull out their blue and red gear and root, root, root…
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Timber Trail Elementary This year, 84 fifth grade Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students took the stage under bright lights to carry out another yearly tradition. The fifth grade dance project is a grade level project based learning (PBL) collaborative project facilitated by music and art. Not only has this…
Information and photos provided by the City of Castle Pines Approximately 20 City of Castle Pines residents attended the first of three scheduled Pilates in the Park events on Saturday, June 8. Participants of all skill levels ranging from first-timers to veteran pilates gurus joined in the fun. It was an invigorating way to Zenfully…
The City of Castle Pines partnered once again with Mental Health Colorado for the annual Unmasked; A Masquerade Party. The evening was filled with emotional and inspirational stories of tragedy and triumph in the arena of mental illness and substance use. More than $75,000 was raised toward the efforts of promoting mental health, ending stigmas…
The Hamlet and Glen Oaks neighbors Judy Foraker with her grandsons Parker (in back) and Palmer (in front), Vern Cain and Melissa Champine. Cain started the line of rocks, some painted, and over the last year, neighbors, visiting family and anyone who feels connected to the community has added their own rocks. Article and photos…
Making his second appearance at the Drive, Chip and Putt competition, Blake Cartwright was a tough competitor. Article and photos by Lynn Zahorik The Ridge at Castle Pines was the proud host of the 2019 PGA of America Drive, Chip and Putt competition on June 3. This event is a free nationwide junior golf development…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Each month as I decide what foods to write about, I take into consideration what is fresh and appealing, and also what might fit into whatever holidays or other events are happening that month. July is, of course, a month of all things patriotic. It would seem that Mother…
Krista Taylor on a medical mission in Honduras with her translator, Diego, who she said, “giggled all day long at my ‘Spanglish’ and our little pet bird who tapped on the surgery center window and sang to us all day!” By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Krista Taylor Krista Taylor hit a big milestone this…
Castle Pines residents Ali Merritt (left) and Ellie Olsen (right) volunteered at Legacy Village’s Hawaiian-themed day. The two volunteers got residents to join in on the hula hooping (without breaking any hips!) and assisted with activities that went along with the Hawaiian theme. Article and photo by Maddy Merritt Legacy Village of Castle Pines is…
By Joe Gschwendtner; photo courtesy of Scott Terhark Collection, Douglas County History Research Center, Douglas County Libraries Not long after the Homestead Act opened the West, some Douglas County settlers became farmers and ranchers. Rolling terrain of small valleys and gulches with low density population offered vast open areas rife with protein-rich grasses ideal for…
For more information, visit aspenhistory.org/tours-sites/independence-ghost-town and www.aspenchamber.org/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-independence-pass. Article and photos by Susan Helton For something different to do for Independence Day, how about a unique adventure with a patriotic touch? High in the Rocky Mountains, in Independence Pass, the ghost town of Independence sits in a glacier-carved valley below Independence Mountain. According to legend, prospectors…
Aurora firefighter Clay Thomasson got in on the field action while American Academy students Cassidy Anderson and Natalie Barber tried to convince Thomasson to spray color his hair. Article and photos by Julie Matuszewski Field day has been a favorite annual event for the students of American Academy (AA). Field day is a day when…
Dogs looking for forever homes By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of the Mellor family As any dog lover can tell you, underneath all that fur, beyond their love of people food, chew toys and causing household mischief, a dog has a heart of gold that offers an unconditional love rarely found anywhere else in life.…
By Terri Wiebold; photos by Lynn Zahorik and courtesy of Jimmy Dozer The residents of Castle Pines and surrounding communities came out in force to enjoy the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce 4th Annual Food Truck Frenzy. The event included 14 food trucks, 36 Castle Pines Chamber member booths, a pet area with a pet treat…
Article and photos by Lisa Crockett Yields about 6 cups of jam. Prepare fruit Remove the stems from strawberries and chop them roughly, then mash the fruit with a potato masher, immersion blender or food processor; don’t puree completely, leave some chunks. Measure two cups of the puree and pour into a large bowl (use…
Graduating Rock Canyon High School seniors returned to Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) to take part in a new tradition of walking the halls where their education first began. The students were applauded by the teachers at the school, many of whom instructed the graduating seniors. By Carin R Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of Julie Lamb and…
By Kathy Fallert; photo courtesy of Mary-Sue Quinn A resident of Forest Park for 13 years, Mary-Sue Quinn is a member of the Colorado Society of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA). In fact, Quinn is the patriotic service chair for the Colorado Society and has been for eight years. As…
By Terri Wiebold Castle Pines City Council and the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) Board of Directors each voted unanimously last month in support of a resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement for the dissolution of the Castle Pines Parks Authority and the transfer of its assets to the City. The Castle Pines Parks Authority…
College students from several different schools gathered at a home in Sapphire Pointe this summer to connect with kids from other schools and also with God. They will continue to meet through the end of August. Article and photo by Steve Whitlock A new college group is meeting in Sapphire Pointe. The lively and welcoming…
Aerial map showing the location of Miller’s Landing, along with renderings of major and proposed roadways and existing trails and potential future trail connections. Article and photo by Bryan Goodland; rendering courtesy of Navpoint Real Estate Group Landfills are a part of the modern world, but they don’t have to stay that way forever. In…
Delaney Musick spots a photo of her brother, Brennan, in the June issue of The Connection. By Celeste McNeil; photos courtesy of Judah Musick “Community is like a big family” said the Polish sociologist and philosopher Zygmunt Bauman. It’s knowing your neighbors and running into friends and teammates at the grocery store. Community is a…
Principal John Veit celebrated four students who earned perfect attendance in the 2018-2019 school year at Buffalo Ridge. Left to right: Evan R. finished elementary school with perfect attendance; James H. started his first year off with a perfect record, never missing a day of school; Levi K. attended school for 1,218 hours; and Addy…
Article and photos by Julie Matuszewski Much like the fairytale ending of the movie “Grease,” Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) students wrapped up the school year with a fun evening carnival. This was TTE’s inaugural family fun fest to celebrate the end of another great school year. Even though the evening was cold and damp, the…
Pictured above are Emma Meisel and her dad, Chuck, who was able to be with his daughter in LA to watch her network debut on “The Kids Are Alright” when it premiered April 30 on ABC. By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of the Meisel family Local Castle Pines resident Emma Meisel made her network…
DCSM Park Adventures campers know how to enjoy Castle Pines local parks. Campers took advantage of the beautiful day to climb and swing at Coyote Ridge Park. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy DCS Montessori Summer is all about exploring the unknown, trying a new outdoor activity or diving deep into a world of adventure. DCS…
By Susan Helton The Connection writer Susan Helton is an avid reader; as a teen, she once read 64 books during summer break – just to see if she could. This month, she shares a charming book by and about a woman rancher in Colorado. Taken from her diaries, Shepherdess of Elk River Valley by…
Scandinavian design has long been seen as avant-garde by the world; the Helsinki Central Library Oodi (pictured above) does not disappoint. By Joe Gschwendtner; courtesy photos One has favorite cities; Helsinki remains high on my list. With granite foundations, a comparable resolve in her people and Nordic wooded beauty, the allure is magnetic! I visited…
Doctor of optometry, Dr. Jason Ortman. By Terri Wiebold; photo courtesy of Black Diamond Eye Care After serving the vision needs of the Castle Pines community for 17 years, Castle Pines Eye Care is expanding and changing its name to Black Diamond Eye Care. From humble beginnings in 2002 within a strip mall of what…
Information provided by The City of Castle Pines; Photos by Nancy Koontz and courtesy of the CPNMD Colorado is drought-free for the first time in 20 years, but that doesn’t change the need for fire mitigation efforts in the naturally wooded neighborhoods of Castle Pines. In fact, the wet spring weather has provided the perfect…
By Bryan Goodland Summer is in full swing, and finding things to do, especially with grandchildren, can be a challenge. Luckily, Colorado offers a wide variety of activities sure to bridge the generation gap and make it a summer to remember. To make things even easier, we’ve come up with a week’s worth of events…
By Elizabeth Wood West; photos by Chuck McCallon The Rotary Club of Castle Rock held its 23rd Annual Ducky Derby fundraiser and family fun festival at Festival Park in downtown Castle Rock in June. The event featured a variety of street vendors, live entertainment, face painting, a bouncy castle and the event finale – the…
Kindergarten soccer “Team Blue” in 2012. Community Super Bowl winners, 11-12 age bracket, fall 2018. Article and photo by Celeste McNeil; photo courtesy of Imagetek One youth football team in Castle Pines recently reflected on nearly a decade with the same coach and core group of boys. Coach Scott Miller has dedicated much of his…
This area at the southeast intersection of Hess Road and I-25 is the potential location of a future 4-acre transit facility if rail-based transportation continues to Colorado Springs and Pueblo. Article and photo by Kathy Fallert The Southwest Chief & Front Range Passenger Rail Commission (Passenger Rail Commission) and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)…
Information provided by the Colorado Department of Transportation; courtesy photo A train traveling at 55 miles per hour takes a mile to stop – the length of 18 football fields or more – after applying the emergency brakes. Between 2013 and 2017, 14 people were killed and 36 were injured in vehicle-train crashes in Colorado.…
Article and photos by Terri Wiebold “Behind our doors, we refer to you as trade partners because that’s who you are … We’re very loyal to the folks who take care of us, and those of you who have been with us for a long time, you know what that means …” were the opening…
By Kathy Fallert Summer is a very popular time to travel. While there are roaming phone plans out there that can include international and carrier fees for calling abroad, the WhatsApp app (a free app owned by Facebook) gives users fast, secure messaging and calling for free right on your cellphone using your phone’s internet…
Caption and photo by Lynn Zahorik Castle Pines resident Kathy Shiflet (left) shared a “proud mother” moment with son, Scott Moody, and his marketing manager and fellow Castle Pines resident Kathy Erdman (right). Scott Moody Fine Art, which specializes in pen and ink and colored pencil drawings, was one of the many booths featured at…
Balance and connections By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of Nicole Moses Nicole Moses, owner of The UPS Store in Castle Pines, had originally planned to be a teacher. But during student teaching, she realized that it was not the right fit for her. She had already worked several years in her brother’s UPS Store downtown…
Exuding strength and poise beyond what one might expect of a 15-year-old, Julia Soechtig attacks a difficult jump on her Holsteiner, Petri. By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of Lori Soechtig Because of her unbridled love of horses, 15-year-old Julia Soechtig received her first horse at the age of 6. Now she is the proud…
The day Chris Givin (center) was drafted, his former coach and teammates gathered in Castle Pines to celebrate. Pictured from left to right are Tucker Middleham, Nick Lamb, Chris Givin, Coach Roy Middleton and Brian Harrity. By Carin R. Kirkegaard, photos courtesy of the Givin family Chris Givin graduated from Xavier University with a degree…
Heather Clark with her husband, Bryson, and sons Tye (15) and Jaren (19). The family is very service-oriented, with Heather leading the charge to bring food and supplies to Eagle Academy students. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Heather Clark When Heather Clark volunteered at Eagle Academy High School (EAHS) in Lone Tree a year…
Information and photos provided by Castle Pines Athletics Super Bowl champions were once again named for kids playing recreational youth flag football through Castle Pines Athletics (CPA). The Denver Broncos took home the title (and trophies) for the third and fourth grade age group – led by head coach Matt McDonald, while the New York…
Nicole Vanderpoel before a pool swim for Swim Across America, which raises funds for the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Inset: Vanderpoel (left) presented a $150,000 check to Children’s Hospital Colorado Executive Director Elizabeth Nowak (right) at last year’s fundraising event. This year’s event will be August 25 with the…
Information provided by Douglas County Douglas County residents are invited to a public open house to review the 2040 Transportation Master Plan on Wednesday, July 10 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Douglas County hearing room at 100 Third Street in Castle Rock. The Draft 2040 Transportation Master Plan is currently available for…
By Terri Wiebold; photo courtesy of Sam Teague Castle Pines students are not the only ones enjoying their summer vacation! This cub was spotted frolicking with its mama in the Happy Canyon neighborhood on June 18 around 7:15 p.m. Similar sightings of another mama bear and her three cubs have been shared throughout The Village…
By Terri Wiebold In the November 2018 issue of The Connection, we introduced readers to a sports craze taking the nation, and Douglas County, by storm – pickleball. In June, a group of roughly 20 Castle Pines residents who were interested in bringing pickleball courts to Castle Pines (many of whom referred to themselves as…
Article and photos by Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Brittin Karaffa
Caption and photo by Patte Smith Kathy Newell, a member of The Village Idiots Cycling Club, joined fellow club cyclists to pick up litter along a section of South Havana frontage road on Saturday, April 27. The club, known for giving back to the community, adopted a section of the road a few years ago…
By Patte Smith Get out your lawn chairs and blankets to celebrate the 4th of July close to home in Castle Rock. While there is no official celebration in town, fireworks will be launched from the Santa Fe Quarry Butte that is located above Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course, south of The Meadows. This is…
Teens supporting teens By Elise Brassell; photo courtesy of The Happy Crew A smile and a kind word from a friend can brighten anyone’s day, but when teens need extra support, The Happy Crew is here! The Happy Crew is a group who empowers teenagers to help their peers reduce stress, anxiety and depression through…
By Patte Smith, photo courtesy of Hutch Tibbetts, Douglas County Libraries The Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) held its annual Focus Forward Breakfast on April 25 at the Charles Schwab Conference Center in Lone Tree. Speakers addressed the critical needs of Douglas County residents and explained the foundation’s Hearts & Hands Fund that was established…