Read the stories from the latest issue:
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…
Article and photo by Lisa Crockett It’s that time of year when I stock up on candy for little ghosts and goblins, where there is sugar in every nook and cranny of my life. It’s one of my favorite times of year, except that my initial supply of goodies for the trick-or-treaters has never actually…
Pino’s Italian Kitchen & Bar was overflowing with pride and patriotism as Castle Pines came out to support Pino’s Eat for a Cause 9/11. The fundraiser was a heartwarming occasion which benefited the families of fallen first responders. Lives were remembered and celebrated, while an abundance of personal stories and of memories from September 11,…
By Daniel Williams, photos courtesy of Jessica Lovitt At a recent event held at Cherokee Ranch & Castle, professional and amateur astronomers alike gathered to stare into the vast night sky. Looking through high-powered telescopes, they were able to see the four moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn and pick out vivid details…
By Patte Smith; courtesy photo If you are a history buff, be sure to join the free walking tours of Cedar Hill Cemetery and Bear Canyon Cemetery. Both historic cemeteries, located in Castle Rock and Sedalia, are the resting grounds for many of the past pioneers and founding forefathers of the county. No tickets or…
Information provided by IREA Businesses served by the Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA) have recently been the target of scammers. Many of these recent scam attempts ask business owners to pay up front for new meters as part of an upcoming advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) project. Owners and customers can avoid falling victim by remembering…
By Michelle Post; graphic by Krysta Parr Are there toxic people in your workplace? You know the type – the ones who never have a good thing to say, who complain about anything and everything, who love to be miserable? I am sure you do, for it has been my experience they are in every…
Article and photo by Patte Smith As part of its speaker series, the Castle Pines Chamber of Commerce hosted new Douglas County School District Superintendent Thomas S. Tucker, Ph.D. to discuss the facts surrounding the funding issues and the ongoing needs of the school district. The presentation was an open dialogue with the audience, as…
It was a beautiful and clear night under the stars on September 22 when nearly 500 residents and neighbors from Castle Pines gathered to take part in Movie at The Ridge – the perfect way to wrap up summer and head into fall. Many movie goers dined at The Ridge’s Parkway Grill before heading out…
Grills were fired up at Tony’s Castle Pines Market this fall as they welcomed in the chile roasting season. The heat was on as customers were greeted with the smoky-sweet smell of Pueblo green chiles roasting over a hot gas flame. Tasty chile samples were enjoyed by shoppers who picked up freshly-roasted and unroasted chiles…
Article and photo by Patte Smith South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) personnel – including firefighters, administrative staff and family members – collected a whopping $100,154 (not counting the change) for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Fill the Boot campaign over Labor Day weekend. Pictured above, they are gathered in front of the Castle Pines King…
Article and photos by Patte Smith; Photos courtesy of Jan Comstock People from all over Colorado follow the Douglas County Canine Rescue (DCCR) organization that is made up of volunteer foster dog parents. It is an eye opener to chat with these individuals who are committed to animal welfare so much so that they are…
By Joe Gschwendtner; photos courtesy of Jackie Brown-Griggs The leadership of Castle Pines Village publicly celebrated the rebranding of “The Village at Castle Pines” at a grand evening fete of residents at Sanctuary Golf Course last month. As a nearly two-decade Village resident myself, I welcomed the change. Having been built in the…
When a drilling site appeared on Monarch Boulevard just south of Rocky Heights Middle School, there was concern it might be an oil well. However, a project engineer confirmed it is a water well being drilled to connect to the Arapahoe Aquifer. Article and photo by Daniel Williams Our neighborhood celebrated its annual block party…
Glynis Albright featuring her first two retail products, Glynis’ Waffle Mix and Glynis’ Poultry Coating Mix. Coming soon will be a caramel spice syrup, French toast mix, seafood coating mix, sour cream biscuit mix, chicken batter, beignet mix … and much more. By Nancy Koontz; photos courtesy of Glynis Albright When 13-year Castle Pines Village…
Retired firefighter and Castle Pines resident Bill Schaefer believes in healthy nutrition as a way to prevent cancer and other health problems. Article and photograph by Barbara Neff For many, the chapters of life that include careers, the building of financial security and child rearing also include lack of time or energy to focus on…
Please help us congratulate the following National Merit commended scholars: National Merit commended scholars: Front Row, left to right: Avery Conte, Kezia Dick, Derek Chen, Matt Chen, Calvin Ewing, Dale Kim, Andrew Lee, Justin Olcott and Matt Carlson. Back Row: Jacob Carlson, Aubrey Stevens, Amber Liu, Sonia Chu, Anila Narayana, Gloria Lee, Alyssa Boback, Brittney…
Dorothy and Cully Dahlstrom just as in love after 70 years of marriage as on their wedding day. By Daniel Williams, photos courtesy of Diane Dahlstrom Johnson In 1962, Vail Ski Resort opened. A year later Cully and Dorothy Dahlstrom vacationed there from Chicago. They loved the area and began visiting annually, eventually buying a…
By Daniel Williams, photos courtesy of Kristen Narlinger On September 10, 144 golfers played a round at the Birdies for Butterflies Charity Golf Tournament held at the Blackstone Country Club in Aurora. As the golfers enjoyed a beautiful fall day filled with fun and laughter and the occasional amazing shot, they also had an opportunity…
Information provided by Laura Stadele and Julian Bouquet, RHMS teachers; courtesy photos The Castle Pines Connection is honored to have four Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) students working with us as interns for the 2018-19 school year. Our interns contribute stories and photos about happenings at their middle school. We would like to welcome our…
Caption and photos by Nancy Koontz The Village at Castle Pines celebrated the yearly Oktoberfest event on Saturday, September 15, from 3 pm to 6 pm at the Canyon Club pavilion. Residents enjoyed authentic German music, food and drink. They were encouraged to wear lederhosen and bring their favorite beer stein, and many obliged. Food…
Check out The Connection’s COMMUNITY Events tab on the home page of our website, www.castlepinesconnection.com, for a complete listing of upcoming events in and around the community. To request an event be added to the events page, email webmaster@castlepinesconnection.com. Additionally, each month’s E Guide insert includes a full pull-out calendar in the center. Check it…
RHMS cross-country runners were all smiles as they lined up at the starting line for the race to begin. By Lia Pirazzi, RHMS intern writer; photos courtesy of Julie Olsen On the morning of September 18 at 7:30 a.m., more than 50 people gathered on the Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) football field ready to…
Catalin Varela pictured in front of the school’s library. Article and photos by Catalin Varela I am going to school, but I very rarely GO to school. I mean, it is 2018! Education, just like everything else, is rapidly evolving as our society changes. In the past, it has always been assumed that one would…
By Patte Smith; photos courtesy of Stacie Chadwick Families, neighbors and local business owners all gathered on September 16 for the community Run Wild and new Family Fit Fest at Elk Ridge Park. Runners of all ages and abilities participated in the City’s seventh annual 5K and 5-mile runs, with the overall mens and womens…
Caption and photos provided by BRE The fifth-grade class of Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) took a student-wide favorite field trip to Young AmeriTowne. Before the trip, students learned about economics and the ins and outs of running a business. They all had a chosen “occupation” before arriving, and the students were in charge of running…
By Amanda Merriman Young adults everywhere are just starting their first semester at college, away from home. Umergency is an app that aims to ease the transition for students and their families. This app links students to critical resources as well as family and friends in the event of a medical or safety emergency. Umergency…
By Elise Brassell; map courtesy of Douglas County The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners (Board) is keeping busy evaluating proposals to continue growth within our county. In late September alone, the Board considered project plans for Sterling Ranch, Dransfeldt Road, The Pinery, Devil’s Head Metropolitan District, Rock Canyon, The Village at Castle Pines and…
By Joe Gschwendtner; photos courtesy of Our Heritage and People of Douglas County FARMING: Early pioneers had limited options for a livelihood. Most were in agriculture of some kind, as subsistence was the first order of business. Through trial and error, settlers found the workable methods, soil and water sources that could support their needs.…
Blind and adorable, this little black puppy (that does not look like it will be little when grown) went home with two loving older adults and their other dog, Frank Sinatra (pictured above left). Article and photos by Patte Smith In the July 2018 issue of The Connection, the article “Starting over with pets means…
By Lynn Zahorik The beautiful Charles Schwab conference center in Lone Tree was host to the second annual Senior Law and Safety Summit on September 15. Presented by the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office the event was designed to help older people and those who care for them be proactive in protecting themselves against those…
Caption by Lynn Zahorik; photo courtesy of Allen Chapman The Rock Canyon High School Fire Science program participated once again in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on September 11. The event served as an inspirational opportunity for the class to learn about the culture of the fire and emergency services and…
By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of Julie Matuszewski With blankets and folding chairs ready, new and returning Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) families gathered for TTE’s first family outdoor movie night Friday, August 17. The Timber Trail Education Alliance (TTEA) hosted this free event to thank and give back to the families of TTE who volunteer…
The gem that is Twin Lakes Article and photos by Michelle Post I have lived in Colorado 17 amazing years, and I continue to be awed by the many incredible sites to see. A friend told my husband and me about Twin Lakes, a gem in the Colorado mountains between Leadville and Aspen. You step…
Caption and photos courtesy of Katie Abner Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) hosted its annual Back-to-School Carnival on Friday, August 24. Bounce houses, dessert walk, K9 demonstration, tattoo artists, dessert trucks and lots of fun for our BRE community.
By Lisa Crockett A big part of eating healthy is thinking ahead. A long day combined with a fridge full of ingredients that need to be prepped and cooked, generally ends with a visit from the pizza delivery driver. Stock your fridge with good-for-you meal options (like the roasted sweet potatoes on previous page). Believe…
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. Shifting away from World War II and Paris, this month I bring…
Information provided by the Douglas County Kinship Navigator Program Are you caring for your grandchild, niece or nephew, cousin or other relative children in your home? The Douglas County Kinship Navigator Program works to support families who have taken in and are caring for a relative’s child. This collaborative program between Douglas County Department of…
Easy to whip up gluten-free/paleo sweet potato pancakes. Article and photo by Catalin Varela Gluten-free baking is both an art and a science, but definitely not impossible to master. With the chillier months upon us, don’t be afraid to experiment with the gluten-free world. If you aren’t gluten-free yourself, I’m sure your gluten-free friends/family/neighbors would…
Jaylyn (left) and Jolene (right) performing together in their team routine during national competition. By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of Gina Luber In these days of gamified everything, it’s refreshing to hear about kids having fun and working hard away from screens and electronics. Jaylyn Luber (9) and Jolene Luber (6) of Castle Pines do…
Bringing students of all abilities together By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of Special Olympics There’s something special about the bond between sports teammates, forged by struggling together through wins and losses, teamwork often builds lifelong friendships. For many young athletes, learning to compete and have fun in sports begins with school sports teams, but people…
Once weathered, buck and rail fencing blends nicely with its natural surroundings. Article and photos by Barbara Neff After more than two decades of planning, community input and phased improvement projects, it is the latest renovation to Daniels Park – the fencing – that seems to have residents talking the most. While some are relieved…
Presentation: A Sense of Purpose – Guest Speaker Juliana Young Thursday, October 4 Legacy Village at Castle Pines, 535 Castle Pines Parkway, Castle Pines 80108 9:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Sponsored Event: Senior Housing Forum and Community Conversation Wednesday, October 10 The PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Avenue, Parker, CO 80138 10:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Castle Rock Senior…
Berlin’s Red Town Hall, seat of the mayor of Berlin. Built 1861-69 in Italian renaissance style. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner To visit Paris, London, or even Rome for a week or so is fashionable. Each packs a wallop of culture, green space, architecture, and history. For a place like no other, try Berlin;…
Information provided by the National Safety Council From ninjas to princesses, cheerleaders to football players, children love Halloween. Goblins, ghosts, Star Wars characters and Wonder Woman race up and down streets at night with family and friends gathering yummy treats. Remember, kids are excited and not paying attention, so you need to be their eyes…
TTE thanks the volunteer team who put it all together (from left to right): Lisa Massey, Jolene Richardson, Kristi Tomlinson, Kym Hay, Erika Greene (committee co-chair), Page Warnke (committee co-chair), Whitney Shank, Amanda Quam and Val McPheeter. By Susan Helton; courtesy photos 2018 marks the 10th anniversary of the TTE Mother and Son Kickball Tournament.…
A work of art created from nature Article and photo by Michelle Post I live in Monument and love the forests and mountains that surround me. I was surprised to learn that many of the places that I have hiked just miles from my home were home to Ute Indian Prayer Trees. The definition of…
Information and photo provided by American Academy Castle Pines Mayor Tera Radloff (left) joined Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock (center) and American Academy Executive Director Erin Kane (right) in greeting American Academy – Castle Pines students on their first day of school for the 2018-2019 school year. “It was truly wonderful to be able…
Information provided by DCS Montessori DCS Montessori (DCSM) is a public charter school in Castle Pines that implements the Montessori philosophy of education. The Montessori method of education, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, is a child-centered educational approach based on scientific observations of children from birth to adulthood. Montessori’s method has been time tested, with…
By Amanda Merriman I aspire to limit clutter in all aspects of my life. Email is one area that lags behind in that department though. It got to the point where it seemed like gremlins were reproducing uncontrollably in my inbox. I would inwardly groan every time I opened Outlook. I could have individually unsubscribed…
By Terri Wiebold; photos by Megan Hassler and Maddie Provost For the second year in a row, The Castle Pines Connection hosted Chalk It Up 4 Charity, an art contest where youth in the community gathered at Party in the Park (see related postings, Party in the Pines – Vino in the Village and Party…
Article and photo by Catalin Varela With the school year back in full swing, unfortunately the homework and tests are headed our way as well. Do yourself a favor and forget those 2 a.m. study sessions with a few of our back to school study tips. 1). Get school supplies you like According to USA…
Co-founder of the Taste of Douglas County, Mike Boyle (pictured third from left) and the team from Jersey Mike’s Subs take a break from the action during the 16th annual culinary event. By Elise Brassell; photo courtesy of Mike Boyle For the past 16 years, Douglas County restaurants of all sizes and cuisines have gathered…
By Patte Smith Autumn is a beautiful time of year with falling leaves, calm days and cool evenings. There are many activities that family and friends can enjoy before the snow flies. Fall festivals abound in cities and towns and Oktoberfest celebrations, steeped in the tradition of German music and revelry, mouthwatering food and hearty…
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 journey again to France with Ann Mah’s novel “The…
Photo and caption by Lynn Zahorik Mayor Tera Radloff welcomed community members to “Tuesday with Tera – Coffee and Chat” at Dazbog Coffee in late August. The gathering provided the opportunity for residents to ask questions and share feedback about what is going on in the City of Castle Pines. City Clerk Tobi Basile was…
Article and photo by Daniel Williams; photo courtesy of Heather Cotterman At an event in August to celebrate the opening of Sky View Farm Center for Learning and Therapy, owner and founder Wendy Ingraham got emotional when talking about the program, and for good reason. Ingraham had spent the past year following a dream of…
Fascinating rock formations, commonly called “hoodoos,” which are columns of soft rock capped by harder rock, adorn Daniels Park Road Photos and captions by Barbara Neff Douglas County offers marvelous sightseeing opportunities in every direction on virtually every road. Daniels Park Road is particularly beautiful. From strutting wild turkeys to soaring birds of prey to…
Information provided by Chuck Lowen On Thursday, October 18 from 8:30 a.m. to noon, join neighbors and business owners in the Pino’s parking lot to donate blood for a terrific cause – Children’s Hospital Colorado. Registration is recommended and spots are limited, so be sure to sign up early and make a difference in a…
Photos by Lynn Zahorik http://photos.castlepinesconnection.com/slideshow/2018/concert/index.html
By Lisa Crockett Harvest season is in full swing, and store shelves and farmers markets are chock-full of delicious goodies. Tomatoes, one of Mother Nature’s most precious treasures, though, will wane in quality as the month goes on. If you’re fortunate and end up with a haul of perfect tomatoes, consider yourself lucky and eat…