The Connection

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…

DCS Montessori riding to every beat during their PE cycle class at CycleBar Castle Pines. By Julie Matuszewski; photo courtesy DCS Montessori The DCS Montessori (DCSM) seventh- and eighth-grade students had a choice when it came to picking an activity for physical education (PE). Indoor cycling won fair and square over floor hockey. As part…

Identifying that congestion, accidents and traffic delays along the I-25 corridor between Monument and C-470 are a source of frustration for many, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) initiated a planning and environmental linkages (PEL) study in 2016 to identify immediate and longer-term solutions to the stretch of I-25 that connects Colorado Springs and the…

The RCHS Chamber Orchestra excitedly arrived at The Broadmoor hotel prior to their performance at the Colorado Music Educators Association Conference and Clinic in January. By Sarah Bermingham, RCHS intern writer; photos courtesy of Mira Nigudkar and Tom Maynor In January, both the Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) Women’s Select Choir and Chamber Orchestra were…

Article and photos by Terri Wiebold  “…By any objective standard, the state of our city is magnificent,” were among City of Castle Pines Mayor Tera Radloff’s opening comments at the City’s first-ever State of the City address on February 19. Surrounded by friends, colleagues, city and county officials and regional partners, Radloff acknowledged those who…

Hit me baby one more time! By Elise Brassell; photo courtesy of Deanna Locke Ladies night out in Castle Pines is taking on a new meaning for a group of women who have found a fun way to get together to build friendships and try something different. It’s not a book club, bunko, dining out…

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. Luis Alberto Urrea’s novel The House of Broken Angels was February’s pick…

Article and photo by Lisa Crockett I have a love hate relationship with bananas. Most of the time, I love them. They’re nutritious enough that I feel pretty virtuous when I eat them, but sweet enough that they almost seem like a treat (particularly if they are frozen or schmeared with a bit of peanut…

The underpass rendering illustration (above) is a close up of the area on the map (left) with the thick red line. The dashed red line indicates the new eight-mile phase of the East/West Regional Trail that is under construction.  Below highlighted light orange rectangle shows a view of the area under construction. By Patte Smith;…

By Lisa Crockett; courtesy photo In just a few weeks, the produce section of the grocery store will feature the goodies of early spring – tender young peas and pale red radishes, among other things. Soon thereafter, a parade of deliciousness will follow as the growing season heats up and the harvest begins. For now,…

The Canyons filed an application for the first amendment of its Planned Development for an additional 1,000 multifamily/attached units. By Elizabeth Wood West; map provided by the City of Castle Pines North Canyons LLLP manager Leland J. Alpert has filed an application (Project File #ZR18-002) for the first amendment to The Canyons Planned Development (The…

Help & Hope Center volunteers Peggy Haney and Pat Engfer joined Marion Dahlem, the center’s volunteer coordinator, and Maryann Streater for a break in the action. “Without volunteers, our mission of help and hope would not be possible,” stressed Dahlem. “We are incredibly grateful to them – we have the best volunteers in the entire…

Chelsey Nielson and her daughter Livia read a book together. Article and photos by Julie Matuszewski Proud of their accomplishments and school work, students escorted families and friends through the school halls of art, music and physical education. The Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) annual showcase event is one of many main events of the year.…

Pictured left to right, Emily Cottrell (CP), Mara Powner (CP), Victoria Kim, Loren Rylander and Laryssa Myers (CP). These Rock Canyon High School seniors were honored at the Women in Sports Luncheon January 18. By Maddie Merritt, RCHS intern writer; courtesy photo On January 18, the Douglas County School District (DCSD) held the annual Women…

With a flair for creating custom puzzles and games for special occasions, resident Andy Walls hosts Game Night at The Ridge on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. By Steve Whitlock; photo courtesy of Andy Walls There’s a new game in town, and you are invited. Hosted at The Ridge at Castle Pines…

Information provided by Aging In Place Older people have the highest risk of death or serious injury arising from a fall, and the risk increases with age.  Whether a person lives in their home or in a care facility, there are safety precautions that can be taken to minimize falling.  This information is important for…

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…

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,…

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…

Easy Cream Biscuits, May 2017, page 29. Article and photo by Lisa Crockett Most of life’s big events have food associated with them – cake in particular features heavily in nearly all of life’s milestones. A perfect slice of chocolate birthday cake evokes memories of childhood. The top tier of a wedding cake, tucked carefully…

Pictured left to right: Celeste McNeil (The Village at Castle Pines), Steve Whitlock (Surrey Ridge) and Julie Matuszewski (City of Castle Pines). Check out everyone’s bio at www.castlepinesconnection.com. Article and photo by Terri Wiebold Build it and they will come. That was valuable advice I received 10 years ago when contemplating publishing a free community…

The support and generosity of the Castle Pines community brought the library from a small bookmobile to an improved storefront facility to the magnificent state-of-the-art center the community currently enjoys. Along the way, to celebrate the forthcoming structure, a temporary “Little Free Library” for swapping books graced the property where the new library would stand.…

By Barbara Neff Worldwide, approximately 50 million people now struggle with dementia, and approximately 10 million people are newly diagnosed each year, according to the World Health Organization (www.who.int). Dementia has been studied extensively the past decade. Its alarming rise has been tied to fitness levels, diet, heredity, extended use of some medications, environment and…

Information provided by Douglas County The Senior Property Tax Exemption for senior citizens was created for qualifying seniors and the surviving spouses of seniors who previously qualified. Taxpayers 65 years and older as of January 1, who have owned and occupied the property as their primary residence for at least 10 consecutive years, may qualify…

Abby Kochevar (20) is a junior swimming for the University of Wisconsin Badgers. Among her fans, her French bulldog, Sully. By Carin Kirkegaard; photos courtesy of the Kochevar family Ten years ago, Castle Pines resident Abby Kochevar was 10 years old representing her local swim team, the Castle Crocs. She was breaking state swimming records…

Article and photos by Lisa Crockett In this issue, The Connection is taking a look back at its past. As the writer who handles most of the food stories here, of course I have been thinking about how to mark the occasion with food. As in many other facets of my life, I am a…

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…