The Connection

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…

A hike along Plum Creek in the Columbine Open Space trail south of Castle Rock, is easy and features an original red barn and an old rock spring house. By Patte Smith; courtesy photos Winter can be chilly, but also invigorating. Coloradans are outdoor folks. It does not matter what the weather is, people love…

Information provided by RTD Changes to the Regional Transportation District (RTD) fares and pass programs will begin on January 2, including the implementation of a youth fare that increases the discount offered to riders between 6 and 19 years old to 70 percent. The new, age-based youth discount – no longer requiring enrollment in elementary,…

By Terri Wiebold The interesting thing about publishing a newspaper is that you have to think a month ahead of where you really are on the calendar … writing deadlines, print production schedules, planning meetings, etc., all happen in advance of the month readers receive the paper. This is especially challenging for me because I…

Information and photos provided by Buffalo Ridge Elementary The Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) kindergarten classes of Andrea Gale, Anne Estrada and Sherri Rumminger studied the different ways that other countries and various cultures celebrate the holidays. They did more in-depth studies on India, Mexico, Canada and Sweden. The kids wore wreaths with candles on their…

By Terri Wiebold; photos courtesy of Brenda Young Last month, The Connection E Guide featured a promotion for Mountain Man Nut & Fruit Co. in which we showcased an adorable squirrel asking, “Did someone say nuts?” Little did we know at the time we designed the ad, that the locally-owned franchise actually has an unofficial…

The Stutler family, (from left to right) Bryce, Michelle, Kirk, and Haley helped coordinate the event, provided food and beverages for their team and set the bar for holiday attire. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Lin Giampietro Team Stutler gathered on December 9 in Washington Park for the eighth year in a row for…

Editor Terri Wiebold (not pictured) and Castle Pines Connection intern mentor Lisa Nicklanovich (second from left) joined our three new Rock Canyon High School intern writers for lunch at Via Baci last month. By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos We are thrilled to welcome three new intern writers to The Castle Pines Connection. All three writers…

Sherrill Clark, resident of Castle Pines, makes and keeps New Year’s resolutions. Article and photos by Barbara Neff Anything that causes us to examine our choices and habits cannot be all bad. The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions is one of those things. Sure, we all know resolutions are made to be broken. At…

Kristi Stearns By Barbara Neff; photos courtesy of Kristi Stearns Kristi Stearns is a native of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, who has lived in The Village at Castle Pines since 2011. How a woman with a career as an insurance agent, a side gig as a movie promoter, and mother to 15-month-old twin daughters, Mia and…

Pictured left to right: Bill Hodges, Ron Cole, Geoff Blue, Fredrick Lee, Jean Henry, Erik Bowman, Jim Mulvey, Carol Lewis, Dave Brennan, James Coudeyras, Charley Heard, Judge Louis Gresh and Jeffrey Huff; not pictured: Doug Gilbert. Information and photo provided by the City of Castle Pines The 13-member Home Rule Charter Commission was sworn in…

Two lovable deer, who are sisters, were captured snuggling together and grooming each other in the Surrey Ridge neighborhood. The two are seemingly inseparable during the day and they sleep together at night. Bonding in this way is not only a means of survival, it is a show of affection and nurturing. Photos by Patte…

By Terri Wiebold; photos courtesy of Dave DeFore The south metro Denver (SMD) chapter of the American Wine Society (AWS) held its second local gathering for a sold-out crowd at Trestles Coastal Cuisine in The Village at Castle Pines on November 29. The theme was “Bubbles Around the World,” and guests were treated to delicious…

Castle Pines resident Jennifer Alvarado will lead students, faculty and staff of Kingsway Christian Academy into the new year in a new school building. By Elise Brassell; photo courtesy of Kingsway Christian Academy Kingsway Christian Academy (Kingsway) is an independent Christian school based in Castle Rock that works in partnership with families, students and all…

Jack Koressel, 12, has become an award-winning dancer, often training more than 15 hours each week. By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of Christie Koressel To truly be exceptional at something often takes commitment and sacrifice. It can mean investing extra practice time when you would rather be hanging out with your friends; it can mean…

Cutline and photo by Patte Smith Buffalo Ridge, Timber Trail and Wildcat Elementary schools’ beginning and intermediate band students joined the Rocky Heights Middle School orchestras and Rock Canyon’s jazz band, concert band, symphony orchestra and marching band for a concert on December 12. The program was remarkable, and the younger musicians were inspired by…

Article and photo by Catalin Varela The new year brings new beginnings in all areas of life, including the closet. We all have that corner of the closet we have not touched in a while; that corner that we swear every year we are going to either fit into or get rid of. This year,…

The Castle Rock Community Ringers delighted audiences with their holiday musical performances. Article and photos by Lynn Zahorik The sweet and silvery sound of bells entertained many as the Castle Rock Community Ringers (CRCR) rang in the holiday season. The CRCR handbell choir is a nonprofit group that was formed 10 years ago to bring…

Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) fifth-grade students spent some time before the holidays making fleece blankets for the Linus Project. This community service project made soft, cozy blankets for children in hospitals. The students worked so hard and did a fantastic job to put a smile on someone’s face – while putting one on theirs too!…

By Terri Wiebold; photos courtesy of the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce They made their list and checked it twice, ensuring all the families who signed up for the annual Holly Jolly Breakfast were in for a treat during their special visit to see Santa and Mrs. Claus last month. The Castle Pines Chamber of…

Caption and photos by Lynn Zahorik The Village at Castle Pines hosted its annual Santa in the Pines event in early December, kicking off the holiday festivities in the community. With gorgeous weather and lots of fun activities – including carriage rides, caroling and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus – the event was the…

Pictured from bottom of stairs up: Diane Stavaski, Angel Resatar, Marylou Giampietro, Lin Giampietro, Michelle Loud, Lisa Bartmann, Susan McCauley, Alison Weiner, Stacy Gaines, Angela Williams, Christi Catalano. Not pictured: Lisa Adams and Alison Peery. By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photo The members of the Castle Pines Bunco group have been meeting for roughly 10 years,…

Electric pressure cookers are all the rage, and this particular brand, Instant Pot, topped the wish list for many this holiday season. Article and photo by Catalin Varela So you got an Instant Pot for Christmas…now what? The contraption has so many buttons and flashing lights it could probably launch to the moon. Before you…

Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Like a fresh coat of snow, the new year offers a blank slate. Now is the time for contemplation and simplification. Perhaps this year you’ve decided on resolutions pertaining to healthy habits or sticking to a budget. Maybe instead of formal resolutions, you’ve simply decided to be open to…

Information and photos provided by the Village Castle Pines Garden Club The Village Castle Pines Garden Club held its annual Christmas brunch on December 7 at Cherokee Ranch & Castle (CRC). It was a crystal-clear morning and the views from the castle were spectacular! The gorgeous Colorado morning set the stage for coming together with…

As academic and creative ambitions increase, more and more students are reaching out to peer tutors. Locally, a number of those reside in the Sapphire Pointe neighborhood, and they’re making a real difference in the lives of others. By Steve Whitlock; courtesy photos Community is what you get when a neighborhood comes together to help…

By Amanda Merriman To say that time moves fast is an understatement. As months and years roll by, I find myself wishing there was a way to (if not slow things down) at least remember the little things a little better. I always loved the idea of a diary but lacked the dedication to write…

Timber Trail lunch bunch staff relaxing and enjoying their potato bar, courtesy of the TTEA. By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Timber Trail Elementary The Timber Trail Education Alliance (TTEA) was busy this holiday season warming the hearts and filling the tummies of Timber Trail faculty and staff. TTEA and parent volunteers wanted to give…

Information and photos provided by CPNMD The Castle Pines North Metro District (CPNMD) Board of Directors appointed Chuck Lowen to fill the available board vacancy created last October. Lowen owns and manages a successful commercial property management and brokerage company that he formed in 2006. He has expertise in every facet of real estate property…

The boys basketball team in Derby, Australia wore uniforms donated by Rock Canyon High School (RCHS). The boys basketball team at RCHS learned about the Derby team after coaches from Derby came to RCHS and spoke about their community. Article by Lisa Nicklanovich; photo by Andrew Jackson Donated Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) boys basketball…

Information provided by the Town of Castle Rock While we all want to stay in the holiday spirit for as long as possible, experts recommend recycling live Christmas trees right after the holiday. Don’t let your tree take up space in a landfill. Let your last gift for the season be to the environment, and…

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. While I read this month’s selection, I thought to myself, “Oh the…

By Lisa Crockett It’s the time of year after the most wonderful time of the year. If you’ve overindulged, perhaps you’re looking for a way to get back on track. Or, maybe you’re simply looking to improve your health and wellness. Or maybe you want to shed a few pounds. One excellent strategy for achieving…

RCHS sophomore Morgan Wetzel lights the “mole cannon” as sophomore Julia Drobish aims it at the back of the classroom where her peers are standing. Chemistry teacher, Dave Ferguson instructed the students on how to safely light and fire the cannon and students in the back of the room were wearing eye protection as they…

Mayor Jason Gray (pictured center) and Town Council ceremoniously shoveled the dirt, signifying the official groundbreaking of the East Plum Creek Trail extension project. Information and photo provided by the Town of Castle Rock Whether you’re hiking, biking or out walking the dog, the Town of Castle Rock (Town) is known for its beautiful outdoor…

The ladies of the Balmoral cul-de-sac gathered together to kick off the holidays. Good food and great fun was had by all, as whimsical white elephant gifts were exchanged. The general rule was the tackier the gift the better! Front row, left to right: Candy Beach, Carol Van Voorhis, Linda Nystrom and Rebekah Goodman. Back…

Students and faculty enjoyed the sweet treats during the Lean on Me bake sale. Article and photos by Julie Matuszewski Grateful is how several families from Crisis Center in Castle Rock felt over the holiday season for Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) third-grade classes participating in their project based learning (PBL) unit titled “Lean On Me.”…

Freshmen Roshni Nandi and Caley Kalecek practiced coding at the “Hour of Code” event at RCHS. The event, which is part of the program Girls Who Code, encouraged interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, particularly computer science. Article and photo by Jana Seal, RCHS intern writer Women comprise only 29 percent of…

By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Corin Meibos There were some very powerful moments at the Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) choir concert that took place December 11 at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch. The evening featured the four choirs of RCHS: Women’s Choir, Men’s Choir, Women’s Select Choir, and Select Mixed…

Sigler, one of the founders of Troop 1920, the first female BSA troop, shot a rifle at Centennial Gun Club as a part of her Venture Crew 563. Venture Crews were the first co-ed opportunity in BSA before their policy change that will allow females to have access to the same opportunities as males. Article…

By Terri Wiebold; photos by Lynn Zahorik Colorado gives day was December 4, 2018 and more than 157,700 donations supported 2,481 nonprofits to the tune of $35.1 million in Colorado. Locally, the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce hosted an event at Haven in the Pines for its nonprofit members, including The Chelsea Hutchison Foundation, The…

The holiday Womenade gathering at the Bell Mountain Ranch home of Leslie Beauchamp was a celebration of the season and raised funds to help two local families in need. Womenade holds quarterly potlucks in homes in Castle Pines, Castle Rock and other nearby areas to raise funds to help with needs that otherwise might not…

By Catalin Varela After emerging from the self-induced holiday food coma, everyone has their hearts set on creating resolutions to manifest their best year yet. According to TIME magazine, these are some of the most popular New Year’s resolutions that no one can seem to keep…and we’ll talk about how to stick with them. Eat…

Stacked up old TVs and a computer table left outside the Help & Hope Center after hours. These items will cost the Center several hundred dollars to recycle them using funds that are needed to help individuals and families who are struggling. Please do not leave items such as these at nonprofit organizations. By Patte…

By Terri Wiebold; photos courtesy of Buffalo Ridge Elementary and Jennifer Chiu Although they may not have ever heard the word before, second-grade students at Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) gained a first-hand understanding of benevolence through the school’s annual Adopt a Family pay it forward project. Recently having completed their community unit and heading into…

Officer Jacob Coyle (left) and Officer Austen Schlecht (right) enduring the freezing temperatures at the Castle Rock Starlighting to continue their involvement with the community. By Catalin Varela, photo courtesy of Castle Rock Police Department “To provide a sense of independence to an otherwise dependent community…” That was Castle Rock Police Department’s mission when they…

Article and photos by Lisa Crockett It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and a big part of every celebration is food. My family has lots of favorites that we make year after year, but I’m always looking for new ideas, and when this little gem of a recipe caught my eye, I just…

By Daniel Williams Whole Foods will be opening a store in Castle Rock in early 2020. The natural-grocery supermarket chain has signed a 20-year lease for space in Promenade, the 166-acre retail development just north of the Outlets at Castle Rock between I-25 and Highway 85. Already in place at Promenade are well known brands…

By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of Carrie Brown The Village at Castle Pines Starbuck residents Shane and Carrie Burton met 20 years ago at a tire store in San Marcos, Texas while they were going to college, and sparks flew. Two decades later, they have finally “settled down” and tied the knot. It started when…

By Catalin Varela, photos courtesy of DCS Montessori Community lunch, an afternoon for students to gather and prepare a meal together, has been a DCS Montessori tradition for many years. This past community lunch brought an exciting change. For the first time since building a greenhouse, students were able to harvest the vegetables they grew…

By Catalin Varela Yes, absolutely! But cutting holiday trees kills the earth, right? Well, here are a few reasons why you should fall off the artificial tree bandwagon and consider a real tree this holiday season: First of all, they’re just so much fun to pick out! You can’t trade a trip to the tree…

By Patte Smith; courtesy photo “Magic on Mainstreet” is the theme for Parker’s Christmas Carriage Parade that will be held on Saturday, December 8 at noon on Mainstreet in downtown Parker. The small-town feeling of the parade brings back memories of simple Christmas joy. There will be horses on parade, horse-drawn carriages and wagons, a…

By Patte Smith As the holiday season winds down and the decorations get stowed, those who keep the tradition of a live tree have the choice to recycle them. Whether putting the tree curbside or taking it to recycle, here are some tips to follow: Remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, garland, plastic wrap, tree stands,…

The Rock Canyon High School junior varsity soccer team, including Mason Baker (left) and Jason McHenry (right), gathered at their coach’s home to make burritos for the homeless in Denver. The team distributed 1,200 homemade burritos in Civic Center Park. By Madison Merritt, RCHS intern writer; courtesy photo Volunteering is a big part of some…

Next time you see the bison herd at Daniels Park, check out their large shoulder humps. The hump allows the bison to swing its head from side-to-side to clear snow and graze on vegetation below. A bison’s winter coat is said to be so thick and well insulated that snow can cover their backs without…

By Daniel Williams; photo courtesy of www.cdc.gov Vaping among teens has reached the epidemic stage, according to national statistics as well as local narratives. At a recent Douglas County sporting event that brought together competitors from several of the area’s high schools, I spoke with parents and student-athletes alike who all agreed that vaping is…

By Amanda Merriman As we enter this time of year, thoughts often turn toward philanthropy. There are a myriad of options available to those considering donating. It can be a difficult and time-consuming task, deciding which charity to support. Luckily, I discovered DonorUp. DonorUp is free to download on iOS and Android devices. The creators…

By Terri Wiebold When you read The Connection newspaper every month upon arrival in your mailbox, there is hopefully something wonderful and nostalgic about the smell of the ink on the paper and the turning of the pages. But, did you know that The Castle Pines Connection also has a plethora of additional resources beyond…

Information and photo proavided by Rock Canyon High School A business start-up company at Rock Canyon High School wishes to create a feeling of belonging and togetherness. This sweatshirt was designed with the purpose of symbolizing community and supporting the Lauren Townsend Wildlife Fund at the Denver Foundation. Lauren was the first student to lose…