Read the stories from the latest issue:
By Barbara Neff Six important changes are coming in 2019, which have already been announced by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Following the decade-long Great Depression, 1929 to 1939, the elderly in the U.S. were in particularly dire straits. The SSA estimated that by the early 1930s, more than half of Americans ages 60 and…
RCHS students and teachers traveled to Concordia Language Villages French and Spanish immersion camps in Bemidji, Minnesota in November to learn about the languages and the cultures of the countries. By Amanda Brauchler, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Alexis Savas A group of students huddled in the snow, bags in hand, in the unfamiliar…
Information and photos provided by Julie Matuszewski The spirit of Halloween brought ghosts, ghouls and little goblins flocking to Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) for Halloween Family Bingo night; an event organizers hope will become an annual happening. This scary-fun event was held Thursday, October 25 for TTE families and students, and featured a planned potluck…
SMFR firefighters from Station 39 partnered to help bring joy to children in need during the holiday season. They are pictured here with program organizer Louie Lee. Information and photos provided by Melanie Lee Last year, The Connection featured a story about Village residents Roger Ryman, Louie Lee and Rob Brooks and their efforts to…
RCHS media students toured NBC 5 Chicago and posed with anchors Allison Rosati and Rob Stafford during the JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention. By Jana Seal, RCHS intern writer; photo courtesy of Alex Shaffer On November 1, Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) media students had the opportunity to attend the JEA/NSPA National High School…
Cast members of “Seussical” the musical at Rocky Heights Middle School took a bittersweet final curtain call on October 25. By Ava Dunn, RHMS student; photo courtesy of Thearin Pyeatte, RHMS student Crowded together, the company held their breath. This was an important day. They shuffled behind the curtain, keeping their voices hushed as they…
By Catalin Varela This past year was full of some really great books for our young adult (YA) audience. Here is a roundup (in a nutshell) of a few popular reads this past year. “I Have Lost My Way” by Gayle Forman Gayle’s novel follows three souls who are faced with adversity and challenge. After…
Kindergarten registration for the 2018-2019 school year is as follows: Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) and Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) take place on Tuesday, December 5 and Wednesday, December 6 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. American Academy (AA) requires signing up on their lottery waitlist by 11:59 p.m. on December 4. The link is at…
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. The 1860s were a time of great turmoil. When I reflect on…
By Susan Helton Chabad Jewish Center of South Metro Denver 9950 Lone Tree Parkway, Lone Treewww.denverjewishcenter.com Chanukah Festival: December 2 at 3 p.m. (Family Sports Center and Lollipop Park, Centennial). Community Chanukah lighting celebrations: December 3 at 5:30 p.m. (O’Brien Park, Parker), December 4 at 5:30 p.m. (Eastridge Recreation Center, Highlands Ranch), December 9 at…
By Catalin Varela, photos courtesy of Buffalo Ridge Elementary Elvis and Bob Ross were in the building! Students at Buffalo Ridge Elementary were in the spirit with creative costumes for Halloween this year. Not to be upstaged, the teachers showed their creativity with a wide variety of characters, ranging from Cinderella’s fairy godmothers and Maleficent…
Pictured left to right: Leyna, Charlotte, Franca, Madilyn, Kendall, Ellie, Siri, Flannery, Lili, Raegan, and Elle. Information and photo provided by Jennifer Calvanese In a true collaboration with the community, the Brownies from Girl Scout Troop #65517, which includes girls from Timber Trail Elementary, Buffalo Ridge Elementary and Sky View Academy, collected and donated more…
By Elise Brassell Each month, The Connection profiles a different nonprofit organization that is active in Douglas County through our Angels Among Us column. From caring for animals, to teaching kids leadership skills, to dressing in costume to help cheer up families struggling with illness, there are Angels Among Us who wake up every day…
By Elise Brassell The Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) brings together citizens in need, supportive nonprofit organizations and philanthropic donors to create a better quality of life in Douglas County. In support of its growth strategy, DCCF has added three community leaders to its board of directors, including Jody Soper, executive vice president of marketing…
By Michelle Post In this fast-paced world, it is important to stop, be still, and reflect. Unfortunately, reflection for many only involves a quick glance at the next task on one’s to-do list. If you are like me, and I hope you are not, I am always thinking ahead of what I need to do;…
By Patte Smith; courtesy photos When the holidays and hubbub are over, what do you do? Number one is rest. The hoopla and festivities are behind us and we start thinking about our New Year’s resolution. Eeeegad – forget the pounds you gained and focus on more fun with friends and family. The Colorado winter…
By Lisa Crockett ’Tis the season to be … busy. In a perfect world, holidays would come with extra hours in the day with which to create scrumptious goodies in the kitchen like elves in Santa’s workshop. Alas, we mere mortals are stuck with the same old 24 hours a day we get the rest…
As of Tuesday, November 27, statewide official results of the 2018 General Election can be found by visiting the Colorado Secretary of State website at results.enr.clarityelections.com/CO/91808/Web02-state.222648/#/. For local Douglas County General Election results, visit results.enr.clarityelections.com/CO/Douglas/91828/Web02.222611/#/.
Article and photos by Nancy Koontz If you are new to The Village at Castle Pines, the Castle Pines Homes Association welcome group has a special event for you. Every quarter (February, May, August and November), the Association holds a new resident reception at The Country Club at Castle Pines. Guests enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres,…
Christina Kohl, a 17-year Castle Pines resident, returned to work after being a stay-at-home mom for 13 years. Kohl founded the Back 2 Work Club to provide resources and encouragement to others who want to return to the workforce after a career break. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Christina Kohl If you are a…
By Daniel Williams Americans don’t move enough. That’s the theme of a recent study published in JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association. According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, “approximately 80 percent of U.S. adults and adolescents are insufficiently active.” And that inactivity comes with a cost. The study revealed that, “an…
Article and photo by Catalin Varela The holidays are in full swing which means cookies, cakes, and pies are on every table. Unfortunately, for those of us with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, this often means missing out on the sweet-tooth fun. Think again. I am going to share with you my favorite gluten (and…
By Patte Smith Colorado’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is a federally funded program that helps eligible hard-working Colorado families, seniors and individuals pay a portion of their winter home heating costs. If you, your family, or someone you are caring for, such as older parents, are struggling financially, you or they may qualify for…
Tina Hansen, Marketing Director By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of Tina Hansen The Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce is a member-based organization that promotes and supports local businesses. As part of the Chamber’s focus to make it easy for its members to successfully operate businesses in Castle Pines, the Chamber has welcomed a new marketing…
Article and photos by Patte Smith Fourth- and fifth-graders ran circles around each other hula hooping while they danced at the annual BRE Sock Hop. While no 50s or 60s music played, the kids twirled to the music of Juice Wrld and Fall Out Boy, among other new artists. Fifth-grade teacher Mrs. Parker was rocking…
Marion Dahlem (left), volunteer coordinator for the Help and Hope Center (Douglas County/Elbert Task Force) received socks with Susan Elizabeth Lee (right), co-founder of the Sock It To ‘Em campaign, which collects new socks for those experiencing homelessness. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Susan Elizabeth Lee It is through the community’s help that the…
Information and photos provided by Castle Pines Athletics The weather is a bit colder, and the comfort of your couch is where you are likely watching the NFL these days, but just a few short months ago, kids in Castle Pines representing teams from the NFL played for a Super Bowl championship of their own.…
Seventh-grader Matthew Hardin coordinated an educational class called “Stop the Bleed” for teachers and staff at RHMS as part of his Eagle Scout project. Information and photos provided by Michele Hardin Trauma is the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 46. The national average for emergency medical services response times is…
Information provided by the USPS and UPS We’ve all heard it: “…anything fragile, liquid or perishable …?” Can you legally mail alcohol? Cigarettes? Fruits and vegetables? These questions and many others about the prohibited and restricted items for shipment with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) are answered at www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm. All prohibited domestic items are also…
By Patte Smith Keep your brain active – that is the mantra as people age. Statistics reaffirm the importance for older adults to not only be active, but to also keep challenging their brains. There are many websites dedicated to the subject of lifelong learning and its benefits. For more than 30 years, Osher Lifelong…
With materials and instructions provided by Paint-A-Sign, participants enjoyed a fun and informative evening creating message signs. Information and photos provided by Julie Matuszewski Moms, friends and neighbors of Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) attended a “mom’s night out” fundraiser on November 7 with locally-owned and operated Paint-A-Sign (www.paintasign.com). Paint-A-Sign provided an enjoyable evening of sign…
Castle Rock resident and Zumba instructor Van Oberly knows the importance of creating fun celebrations in the classes she teaches. Article and photos by Barbara Neff Rumor has it that the average American gains ten pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Can this be true? According to multiple online sources, including nutrition magazine Real…
Congratulations to American Academy – Castle Pines elementary art teacher Kelsea Fischer for being named New Professional Art Educator of the Year for 2018 by the Colorado Art Education Association (CAEA). This award recognizes excellence in contributions, dedicated service, and professional achievements of outstanding CAEA members in the field of visual arts education. Award recipients…
By Joe Gschwendtner; photos courtesy of Douglas County Historical Society Ironically captured primarily in black and white, Sedalia’s story is actually quite colorful. She had four names. She was sold out. She vied for county seat. She was set upon by grasshoppers in 1873. And, she experienced a shootout at the Round Corral. Let’s start…
Information and photos submitted by Corin Meibos Buffalo Ridge Elementary held its annual 5K Fun Run on Saturday, September 29. Awards for school spirit and speed were awarded to various students. Ronda Gutierrez held Rock Slide Training on Tuesday mornings before school during the month of September to help train students, staff and families. Everyone…
James and Melissa Coudeyras at James’ retirement ceremony on Pearl Harbor Naval base in Oahu, Hawaii. James served for 20 years and one day with much of that time as an information warfare officer. He retired as a commander. By Daniel Williams; photos courtesy of Melissa Coudeyras After serving twenty years in the navy, James…
Information provided by DCSO The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is holding its 14th annual Community Safety Volunteer (CSV) Academy to train citizens who have the time, talent and desire to volunteer by serving their community. The CSVs allow the DCSO to provide better service across the county. “We’re looking for individuals who actively want…
By Terri Wiebold; photos courtesy of Jim Mandeville, The Nicklaus Companies After living a life of remarkable accomplishments, businessman and philanthropist Jack A. Vickers Jr. passed away on September 24 at the age of 93. A Castle Pines resident for more than three decades, Vickers was the founder of the Castle Pines Golf Club and…
Article and photos by Susan Helton; photos courtesy of Kimberly McCarthy On September 28, 46 first-graders from Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) visited Legacy Village of Castle Pines to meet and share with more than 20 residents there. “We’re hoping to develop a buddy reading program,” stated Julie Schade, TTE first-grade teacher. “We thought it would…
Pictured right: Rocky Heights Middle School yearbook staff brought home the All-Colorado Award from Journalism Day at Colorado State University. Students from left to right (back row): Kaderia Barela, Kennedy Vasquez, Kelsey Brown, Anna Porter, Hailey Taylor, Raegan Synk, Annabelle Girard, Alivia Ball, Nicole Flocco, Sophie LeGrande, Rachel Cook, Jessica Wang, Maia Vernetti, Sydnee Nach…
Jim Worley, interim CPNMD district manager Information and photo provided by the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District During its regularly scheduled October board meeting, the Castle Pines North Metro District (CPNMD) Board of Directors named Jim Worley as its interim district manager. “Mr. Worley brings a strong depth and diversity of water and wastewater utility…
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. This month I had the treat of reading the memoir of Castle…
On a mission Article and photo by Elise Brassell About one and one-quarter million Americans have type 1 diabetes (T1D), an auto-immune disease that strikes suddenly regardless of diet or lifestyle, can’t be prevented, and has no cure. T1D causes the pancreas to stop producing insulin – a hormone the body needs to get energy…
The Rock Canyon High School boys basketball team came together to support the Warren Village First Step house for women, painting a new basketball key and cleaning up the outdoor area for the families who are staying there. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Carin Kirkegaard When a project arose in September to paint a…
Erik Matoush performing jumps and tricks at Winter Park that he first perfects on an Olympic-sized trampoline. By Daniel Williams; photos courtesy of Linda Nyström Accounts vary on exactly when Erik Matoush began skiing. He says he was three years old. His mom, Linda Nyström, says he was four. What is not up for debate…
Residents interested in pursuing an appointment to fill a new vacancy on the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) Board of Directors may email a letter of interest and resume to District Administrator Janet Burnham at Janet@cpnmd.org. Please reference BOARD VACANCY APPLICATION in the subject line of the email. The current Board will publicly discuss…
Information provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Are you a veteran enrolled in the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system who still has not received your flu shot? The cold and flu season is upon us and the Department of Veterans Affairs has once again teamed up with Walgreens pharmacies nationwide to allow all…
Information and photo provided by Wanda Ford Wanda Ford with LIV Sotheby’s International Realty hosted the 4th annual document shredding event in the marketplace at The Village at Castle Pines in October with great success. Cars lined up to drop off boxes and bags of personal documents and papers to be shredded. Guests were greeted…
By Daniel Williams In 2007, my wife and I were living in Los Angeles and looking for somewhere else to raise our three-year-old child. We got out a map of the country and pondered our options. “How about here?” my wife said, pointing to Seattle. Her parents are originally from England and the rain reminded…
RHMS cross-country runners ran the Castle Pines Run Wild five-mile/5K race (from left to right): Kayden Glauser, Luka Schymik, Cale Maguire, Jessica Derickson, Julie Olsen (coach), Nico Wood, Drew Lukowski, Kendall DeFord, Nate Bolin, Logan Scheichenost and Logan Heppe. By Ryan Miller, RHMS intern writer; photo courtesy of Jeffrey Smith The City of Castle Pines…
By Patte Smith The Santa’s Sharing adopt-a-family program, organized by the Help & Hope Center (formerly the Douglas/Elbert Task Force), is asking the community to support families that need assistance during the holidays. Client families who are struggling the most are selected by case managers to receive assistance. Perhaps it is a single mom or…
Walker excited to start his first day of school with DCS Montessori. Article and photos provided by DCS Montessori DCS Montessori has a new student!! Walker the yellow Labrador retriever is a service dog in-training and will be bringing a new dynamic to Chris Scovil’s classroom as their official mascot. Walker is a member of…
Information and photo provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Did you know you have choices in how you get Medicare hospital, medical, and prescription drug coverage? Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7) is your chance to think about what matters most to you, and compare coverage options for 2019.…
By Michelle Post The 21st century is all about the customer, and we can say thank you to the internet and social media for this. Never has there been a time that a customer can express his or her emotions so easily and often. Therefore, the question then becomes, “Are you, aka your business, all…
Poles in hand, fifth-grade students at Sage Canyon Elementary learned proper techniques prior to trying their hands at fishing. Information and photos provided by Lance Schoenwald On October 18 and 19, a group of 120 fifth-grade students from Sage Canyon Elementary attended “Fishing in the Schools Program” hosted by Colorado Parks and Wildlife at Lehow…
Noah Kelley, culinary student at Johnson & Wales University, a private college. Kelley is working part time as a chef at Legacy Village of Castle Pines. By Catalin Varela, photos courtesy of Noah Kelley Noah Kelley, a student at Johnson & Wales University (JWU), knew that his educational path was going to look different than…
By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of Amy Ball, Julie Matuszewski and Pam Scheichenost Each year, Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) holds a move-a-thon to promote physical activity while raising money. This year, the sixth for the school’s primary fundraiser, the theme was “moving mountains.” September 20, students rotated through six outdoor stations: the obstacle course, agility…
Clyde Ullrich (left) and Gary Conder (right) enjoy a sunny day in The Village at Castle on the pickleball court. Article and photos by Barbara Neff Take a walk through a park on any sunny Colorado day and you will likely hear the echo of a ping and a pong. It is not quite the…
September 30th was the 9th annual Turweston Lane cul-de-sac Chili Cook-Off. “It’s a great way to meet new neighbors and catch up with everyone else,” stated Laurie Jacobs, organizer of the event. “The weather was perfect for chili – sunny and a bit chilly!” Congratulations to the winners: Chili/Main Dish: 1st Place: Laity family, “Green…
Retired U.S. Army Captain Michael Sennett now enjoys the peaceful feel of Castle Pines with his wife, Janet, and mini-Labradoodle named Teddy. By Elise Brassell; photo courtesy of Michael Sennett Michael Sennett recalls being part of the U.S. Army during one of the most tumultuous eras of American history; the Vietnam War. “I deployed to…
By Amanda Merriman Sometimes expenses come up with friends or family when we are woefully ill prepared. There are also situations when it is easier for one person to pay the bill, rather than splitting the check multiple ways. This is where the app Splitwise comes in. Splitwise is a free app available to Apple…
Patte Smith, map courtesy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Tromping through the forest, whether snowy or dry, to get the family Christmas tree is a memorable occasion. Pack a picnic lunch or bring a pot of chili and hot chocolate – this is an exhilarating outing for friends and family, but do not forget…
By Lisa Crockett ‘Tis the season to share your meals with others. If you are sometimes (or possibly always) happy to have others roast the bird and host the traditional gatherings that happen this time of year, be sure to have a few tricks up your sleeve for lending a hand. Here are a few…
Cherokee Ranch & Castle Executive Director James Holmes (center) pictured here with local artist Judy Bell (left) and Cherokee Ranch & Castle Special Events Coordinator Jane Hannen (right). By Terri Wiebold; photos by Nancy Koontz Fall is a glorious season, particularly in Colorado with the changing of the foliage and the ushering in of…
Turkey hand pies Article and photo by Lisa Crockett I love Thanksgiving. I love a day devoted to gratitude. I love a day devoted to national pride. I love a day devoted to eating delicious, once-a-year treats. After weeks of preparing, planning menus, stirring cranberries as they stew on the stove, reviewing seldom-used recipes, and…
Article and photo by Joe Gschwendtner Sylvester Richardson was a driven man. Raised in New York’s Catskill Mountains, he worked in the family vineyard near the Hudson River. No vintner he, and in his 30s dreaming bigger dreams, Richardson migrated west, first to Wisconsin. There he attempted to capitalize on his horticultural experience by starting…
By Daniel Williams Residents in the 80108 ZIP code are blessed to live in a beautiful natural surrounding, but a spree of recent incidents involving collisions between motorists and wildlife is a reminder of how close we live to many of our wilder, four-legged neighbors, including coyotes, deer, elk, bears and mountain lions. In light…
A beautiful hike up to Castle Rock on a sunny (albeit sometimes crisp) day is a great way to spend quality time with a loved one. Article and photo by Catalin Varela The leaves are turning, the snow is falling, and love is in the air. Don’t miss the opportunity to spend the most cozy…
Nine-year-old Nathan Fields (front row center), pictured alongside his friends Molly Terry (front row, left) and Jack Dodge (front row, right) and his family and support team at Timber Trail Elementary School, presented the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) with a giant check for $4,798.01 – the proceeds from The Castle Pines Connection’s Chalk It…