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Guest panelists at the Douglas County Community Foundation Focus Forward breakfast this year included, pictured left to right: Pamela Schenck-Kelly – Park Meadows Retail Resort, Michael Dunlap – Schomp Automotive, Karen “Casey” Cortese – Charles Schwab, and moderator Amber DeBerry – Douglas County Libraries. By Terri Wiebold; photo courtesy of DCCF On May 10, The…
Article and photos by Michelle Post I did not think I would ever say those words, “I inherited a dog,” but I do now. Tuffy Newman is his name, and he is a 12-year-old Pomeranian. He was the beloved companion of my Aunt Jean and Uncle Bob. It was not in my aunt’s final will…
By Michelle Post Social media must be strategic and tactical; however, over the last decade the mantra has been “be everywhere and post a lot.” This is not the case any longer. Instead, social media is an integral part of a business’ identity. It is a digital representation of its physical representation, both internal and…
Article and photo by Catalin Varela No ideas for Father’s Day? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Give dad a day he will remember with one of the following activity ideas: Pack a Picnic – If you have never explored Daniels Park, it is a piece of paradise right in our own backyard and one…
Pamela Hansum works with her miniature horse, Duke, to offer therapy and support to children. Article and photo by Barbara Neff I did a double take. Did I really just see a miniature horse standing at the Daniels Park trail head on the west end of Castle Pines Parkway? I whipped through the roundabout and…
Giving locally matters By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of the Douglas/Elbert Task Force When donating to a nonprofit organization, sometimes it can be hard to know whether the help is applied locally. But when someone donates food or other necessities to the Douglas/Elbert Task Force (Task Force), it means giving back to those in our…
Information and photo provided by the American Automobile Association CarFit is an educational program sponsored by the American Automobile Association that offers older adults the opportunity to check how well their personal vehicles “fit” them. The CarFit program also provides information and materials on community-specific resources that could enhance their safety as drivers, and/or increase…
By Joe Gschwendtner; photo courtesy of the Castle Rock Journal John B. Karcher of Sedalia was a Frenchman by birth. A large landholder in Alsace Lorraine, he was politically and socially active and a 32nd degree Mason. In his late 30s he was expelled from France because of his anti-Napoleonic tirades. His property was seized…
Information and photo provided by the Town of Castle Rock After nearly 40 years of firefighting, Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Chief Art Morales is retiring. Morales said he was blessed by his time in the Town of Castle Rock (Town) and has many memories to cherish as he enjoys retirement. Chief Morales was…
The Rock newspaper staff (top) and the Black and Gold yearbook staff (bottom) at Rock Canyon High School. The teams earned multiple awards from the Colorado Student Media Association’s Best of Colorado awards. By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Kristi Rathbun Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) students on the staff of The Rock newspaper and…
Article and photos by Lynn Zahorik; photos courtesy of MidiCi Friends and family enjoyed the MidiCi Neapolitan Pizza VIP pre-opening tasting event on April 27. Guests were greeted by the entire staff who served up a sampling of MidiCi menu items, including a variety of wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, appetizers and house salads. Local owners Kelly…
Information and photos provided by the Castle Pines Metropolitan District As it does every two years, Castle Pines Village conducted an election for board members to serve its metropolitan district for a period of four years. Three of five board seats were up for election. Winners included Craig Sundquist and Richard Munday, both being returned…
The fourth-graders were not slackers in this year’s Math Olympiad. The following are fourth-grade students in the top 50 percent: Luke Houston, Selah Brown, Cooper Hibbett, Kailash Shenoy, Kiefer Duval, Sarah Jun, Lila Obrien, Emily Ruegge and Anderson Romero, pictured with Principal Veit. By Kathy Fallert; photos courtesy of Lisa Conner Buffalo Ridge Elementary began…
By Susan Helton; courtesy photo Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) choir members joined 10 other Colorado school choirs to sing the national anthem for “Choir Day” at the Colorado Rockies versus Milwaukee Brewers game on May 12 at Coors Field. This marked the second year in a row that the TTE choir sang at a Rockies…
Local residents in support of “the reform team,” as they called themselves, showing support in the days leading up to the recent Castle Pines North Metropolitan District regular election. By Daniel Williams; courtesy photo Residents of the Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) voted down a ballot measure last month that would have authorized the…
The inaugural gathering of the Castle Pines Pistons in the Pines Car Show was snowed out on April 21 (Colorado you know), but the next day, with the sun shining, 60 awesome dream machines rallied for an impromptu car show in the Safeway parking lot. May’s Pistons in the Pines event was rainy, but it…
The whole fifth grade performed. By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of Wendy Wilson With the student-selected theme of “Time Travel,” the Timber Trail Elementary (TTE) fifth-grade dance tradition continued this year, serving as the grand finale for the annual variety show in early May. “This was one of my most favorite parts of my fifth-grade…
Pictured above left are first-graders Leyna S. and Abby M., and above right are Kendall and Kayley McClarran with their mom, Michelle, all made sure to get their donuts before they were gone. By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of Anna Mallinson On a chilly April morning, TTE students and moms gathered for the Donuts with…
Above left: The Peru Enrichment class (clockwise from top center): Oskar Trueman (grey CK shirt with blue and green hoodie), Victoria Mallinson, Karmel Behboodi, Jamie Horan, Keira Ruys, Savannah Hilgendorf, Cassidy Dobler, Connor Brown, Kayden Ozdemir, Cade Miller, Ty Sloan and Ryan Carlson. By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of Anna Mallinson Early June sees 12…
Ellen Pals of Happy Canyon, local author and expert in creating celebrations. By Elise Brassell; photo courtesy of Michele Hafey Wondering what to do with bored kids on summer break, when family comes to town, or when friends visit? Local author Ellen Pals said, “Take time to celebrate!” She may just make you question all…
Information and photo provided by Buffalo Ridge Elementary Buffalo Ridge Elementary (BRE) held its 7th Annual Science Fair on Friday, April 27. The science fair was open to all students at BRE. More than 60 students researched projects. BRE had an amazing day celebrating these young scientists as they presented their findings through demonstrations, experiments…
By Lisa Crockett It’s strawberry season. Through the miracle of the modern food system, of course, most consumers can get strawberries year round, but they’re hitting their peak ripeness in the next few weeks, which means they’re at their most tasty and least expensive right now. Here are some ways to make the most of…
By Elise Brassell; courtesy photo As the weather gets warmer and summer begins, thoughts often turn to vacations and reading a good book by the pool, far away from work, school and the bustle of everyday life. The thought of finding a good summer read made us at The Castle Pines Connection wonder, what does…
Information and photo provided by Carrie Manion The Castle Pines Village 3.5 ladies tennis team hosted a tennis social Friday, May 11 at the Canyon Club tennis courts to kick off the season. They enjoyed food, drinks and fun tennis that was open to all ladies that live in Castle Pines Village. The tennis activities…
By Patte Smith It is no surprise to the Castle Pines and surrounding area residents that Douglas County was recognized as the healthiest county in Colorado. With that in mind, tune up your bikes, put air in your tires, fill up your water bottles and join family and friends to celebrate Colorado Bike Month in…
Castle Pines Parkway in the City of Castle Pines was adorned with American flags, thanks to a partnership between the city and a patriotic resident. Article and photo by Daniel Williams; photo by Kathy Fallert When Michael Penny became Castle Pines city manager earlier this year, he wanted to understand the identity of the community. …
By Kathy Fallert BRE fifth-grade students shook, shimmied, hula-hooped, and back flipped their way (among many other things) to perform “The Evolution of Dance” on April 19 in the school’s gymnasium. Led by music teacher Cathy Deneault and P.E. teacher Ronda Gutierrez, the kids performed to a full house and displayed some star dancing and…
Information and photo provided by Arapahoe Community College Arapahoe Community College broke ground on its $40 million “Collaboration Campus” in Castle Rock last month. The project will consist of two 54,000-square-foot buildings on a 14-acre site in The Meadows, west of Highway 85 and northeast of Castle Rock Adventist Hospital. Joined by the Town of…
CBS4 Denver’s Lauren Whitney (left) presented RCHS student Molly Dolan the Future Leader in STEM award. Lauren McCaffrey (left) and Molly Dolan (right) holding test tubes with fruit flies from their research on type 1 diabetes at Rock Canyon High School. Article and photo by Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of CBS4 CBS4 Denver recognized Molly…
By Amanda Merriman I am a huge fan of author Lisa See. When I got her latest novel, “The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane,” I excitedly delved into it. She is a master of historical fiction and this is proven again with this book. This saga begins in 1988 in the remote mountains of China,…
By Kathy Fallert; photos by Kathy Fallert and courtesy of Laura Mankin Buffalo Ridge Elementary held a birthday blow out on Saturday, April 14 in honor of the school’s two decades in action. Kids enjoyed playing games for prizes, silent and live auctions were held complete with a fast-talking auctioneer, and a delicious barbecue lunch…
Squires joined Representative Wist and his aide Patty at the speaker’s podium. Article and photos submitted by Emma Kate Squires, RHMS eighth-grade student Colorado’s Association for Gifted and Talented each year hosts a Legislative Day, held the Thursday after Presidents Day. This is a day when students identified as gifted have an opportunity to go…
Sarah Gonzalez sees no limits. “There’s no limits to where you can go, what you can do.” By Susan Helton; photos courtesy of Sarah Gonzalez Castle Pines resident Sarah Gonzalez, better known as Sarah G., has had the passion to create since childhood. As a five-year-old, after listening to adults complain about their jobs at…
Rock Canyon High School students Ellianna Lederman and Brad Hansen and Holocaust survivor, Lone Tree resident Jack Adler (center). Article and photo by Daniel Williams On March 27, Holocaust survivor Jack Adler stood before a packed house in the auditorium at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) and recounted his story, a story he has told…
Coach Brian Tinker doing the honors at the ribbon cutting ceremony on April 12 in the brand new RCHS weight room with Coach A.J. Article and photos by Alec Sutula, RCHS intern writer “Let’s get to work. Hit the racks,” said Rock Canyon High School (RCHS) football coach Brian Tinker. This time though the atmosphere…
The last few months have been an exciting time of change and growth for The Connection. In addition to our new branding, which we launched in January, we have had several new talented individuals join our staff. Please join us in welcoming them. Visit www.castlepinesconnection.com/pages/staff/staff to read complete bios on all of our amazing team!…
Boasting 47 years of making a difference Article and photo by Barbara Neff Their motto used to be, “not your grandparents’ senior center,” but since opening in 1971, Castle Rock Senior Activity Center (Center) has changed much with the times, including their motto. Today their motto is, “loving life in the second half,” a thoroughly…
Information provided by the Denver Dumb Friends League Be part of the nation’s single largest dog walk and a Denver tradition by participating in the 25th annual Dumb Friends League Furry Scurry Saturday, May 5. The event takes place at Denver’s Washington Park and raises money to help the Dumb Friends League care for more…
The third-graders and their kindergarten buddies enjoyed “free-range” chick time. Article submitted by Kimberly Jester, third grade teacher, TTE; photos courtesy of Anna Mallinson On Valentine’s day, I surprised my third-graders with the ultimate Valentine and “winter-blahs” beater. We were chosen to be part of the Douglas County 4H/CSU extension chicken embryology project, and Mary…
The Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) will be holding its regular election on Tuesday, May 8, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Ballots were mailed to all eligible electors in the CPNMD service area the week of April 16. Completed mail ballots must be hand-delivered or mailed to (and received) at the CPNMD office,…
By Michelle Post, Ph.D. Running a business can be overwhelming. There are many days that I feel like my business is running me instead of the opposite. I was at a conference recently and the speaker said, “You don’t have, because you don’t ask.” Ouch! We are living in a “collaboration economy,” there are plenty…
By Joe Gschwendtner; photos courtesy of the Bailey family Castle Pines Village has an abundance of super-moms. More than a few have put high voltage lives on hold for motherhood. But how many genuinely started at ground zero? Meet Yvonne Bailey. Are there other factors unique to her situation? You be the judge. Perhaps two-year-old…
Three year Castle Pines residents Josh Nowak and Jennifer Clayburn hosted an exciting party at the Byers Fire Station on April 15 where a car fire was staged to set the scene to reveal baby number five’s gender. Thirty guests, along with firefighters on duty and numerous passers-by, looked on as the colored water from…
Castle Pines residents Anna Mallinson (left) and Anne Necker (right) were among hundreds of neighbors who found treasures at the annual community book swap. Article and photos by Daniel Williams I have to admit something – I love the Castle Pines book swap. When April comes around, my heart skips a beat when I see…
By Amanda Merriman I love watching TED talks. It is fantastic to have access to videos of people sharing new ideas and ways of addressing issues. I recently listened to a TED talk about the creation of Litterati, an app that takes on the problem of litter. Jeff Kirschner noticed some trash in a creek…
By Liz Rector; photos courtesy of DCSD In a grand room at the Hilton Garden Inn in Highlands Ranch, art created by students of all ages was set up on display for the Douglas County School District (DCSD)’s K-12 Visual Art Show. The show took place April 6-9 and included art of various mediums. Art…
BRE’s grant winning Green Team (pictured from left to right), back row: Braden T., Mrs. Jody Robinson, Mrs. Jennifer Romero, Mr. Jose Mendoza; middle row: Ben J., Liam A., Jackson C., Maggie B., Katherine S., Anderson R. and Blake C.; front row: Tatum H., Isabella W., Emma A., Jacob V. and Cash B. By Kathy…
Hadley Bess is hard at work on an acrylic painting depicting three coy fish swimming in and out of a circular pool of water. By Liz Rector; photos by Kelsea Fischer Bubbly and enthusiastic, Hadley Bess’ energy is one of positivity and happiness. A fifth-grader at American Academy Castle Pines, Bess’ artwork was recently featured…
Information and photos provided by DSC Montessori Every spring, the upper elementary students at DCS Montessori explore Colorado history, science and interests (CSI) in a presentation fair. The tradition began as a simple science fair and stayed so for many years, but five years ago it transformed into its current form. Fourth-graders study and present…
Information and photo provided by South Metro Fire Rescue The South Metro Safety Foundation Kids Fire Academy is a summer day camp experience where kids get a peek into a day-in-the-life of a firefighter and learn basic fire and life safety skills such as home fire safety, first aid and bike safety. South…
Article and photos submitted by Valerie Miller, Surrey Ridge resident After taking my two older children on adventures one-on-one, it was my son Felix’s turn for an adventure with mom. In March, Felix and I set out on the California Zephyr from Denver to Reno, Nevada, a trip of about 25 hours. The sleeper car,…
Dr. Thomas S. Tucker is the sole finalist for the DCSD superintendent position. He is expected to assume the superintendent role on July 1. “It’s a distinct honor and privilege to help lead one of America’s finest – and I do mean finest – public school systems. I give the community my promise – you…
Rock Canyon High School students enjoyed the many activities at the After Prom party that helps to keep kids safe the night of prom. Students wrote good wishes in the senior hall, gambled in the casino, played games, enjoyed food and won prizes. Above left: Abby Castro and Nick Janedis gamble in the casino at…
By Lisa Nicklanovich; courtesy photos April 11 was Spring National Signing Day for the Class of 2018 student-athletes. We congratulate the following 80108 student-athletes who have made the commitment to play their sport at the college level! Regis Jesuit High School Mariah Daley, lacrosse Sacred Heart University, CT Coach Kathryn Ames said, “I have only…
Information provided by Douglas County The Tax Work-Off program allows Douglas County taxpayers the opportunity to earn money as temporary County employees up to the amount equal to but not exceeding the property tax that is due and owing to Douglas County or the Douglas County Law Enforcement Authority on the County tax liabilities for…
By Lisa Crockett Spring in Colorado is a fickle season, but this day at the halfway point between the first day of spring and the first day of summer offers at least the hope that consistent warm temperatures are coming soon. The celebration of “May Day” is largely a European phenomenon focused on traditional rites…
View of the Intercontinental Express that travels up to 120 mph. Article and photos by Joe Gschwendtner Among my age group, river trips in Europe are the rage. It is the safety and convenience of it all. Passengers are pampered – never having to move luggage with touring options available at each port. Personally, I…
Alexandra Gray of Castle Pines Village is the Denver Ballet Guild’s first place winner, the recipient of the Florence Ruston Medallion, and has been selected to compete in the very prestigious USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, MS in June. Gray said, “I love to dance because it is a chance for me to step…
A hidden wonder Article and photos by Susan Helton The Paint Mines are named for their colorful clays. This area’s unique geology, one of possibly only four such areas in Colorado, has attracted visitors for thousands of years. An extraordinary geologic wonder, the Paint Mines Interpretive Park, lies hidden in Colorado’s eastern plains. Located northeast…
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’s selection comes recommended by Connection reader Judy Stirling. “Among the…
By Terri Wiebold, Owner/Publisher, The Castle Pines Connection So Facebook, you have been the topic of much discussion lately; you’ve been on my mind as well. But not because of breech of security or privacy issues, but rather the opposite. You see, I am a fan. I am a small business owner who utilizes…
By Patte Smith Spring is here, and summer is right around the corner. Families and friends will gather together for barbecues, picnics and camping – time to visit the local farmers market for freshly grown produce. Many markets not only sell fruits and vegetables, but also offer special items such as fresh bread, jams and…
By Michelle Post, Ph.D. Rockwell got it right in his 1984 hit song, “Somebody’s Watching Me.” Yes, somebody is watching you, me, and everyone else who uses technology. When Facebook admitted to its recent data breach, it shocked the nation. The scary truth is that data breaches happen every day. To really understand the amount…
By Elizabeth Wood West Memorial Day is Monday, May 28. Memorial Day, or “Decoration Day” as it was originally designated, is a federal holiday that was established in 1868 after the American Civil War as a time to honor fallen members of the armed services. It is observed every year on the last Monday in…
Jud Mitchell received the “Light ‘n Heart” award for leadership and outstanding humanitarian work from the Rotary Club of Castle Rock. By Liz Rector; photo provided by Jud Mitchell Castle Pines resident Jud Mitchell was recognized on April 11 for his outstanding humanitarian work through the Douglas County Rotary Club. Mitchell received a “Light ‘n…
Bent earnestly over her art even as other kids munched pizza, Lilly wrote, “My sister has autism and she loves butterflies. Please don’t exclude her.” Other sentiments included, “Even if my sister looks different please treat her the same,” “Don’t make mean faces at kids with special needs,” and, “Invite special needs kids to play…
Information provided by the Douglas County Elections Office Castle Pines voters have three separate elections this year, beginning with the May special district elections, followed by the June primary election and the November general election. The May 8 Castle Pines North Metropolitan District (CPNMD) non-partisan regular election is about water solutions with a major TABOR…
Yearbook class period two (from left to right): Julien Bouquet (yearbook adviser), Kelsey Brown, Sydnee Nach, Kennedy Vasquez, Nicole Flocco, Selina Patel, Raegan Synk, Danielle Petteys, Natalie Bruce, Taylor Jeppson, Savanna Avery, Megan Williams, Bethany Detwiler, Jessica Wang, Avery Gibson, Cate Venable, Kylie Szilagyi and Maia Vernetti. By Kira Zizzo, RHMS intern writer; photos courtesy…
By Daniel Williams; photo courtesy of Barbara Neff If you happen to be out at one of the local restaurants on a Friday evening around happy hour, do not be surprised if you run across a large group of single baby boomers. They are easy to spot – they will be the folks born between…
Bridge Program Graybeal, Brittani Boyce, Logan Waggett, George Castle View High School Anderson, Mitchell Baca, Merissa Brodin, Rebecca Coney, Brenden Cover, Zachary Frandjian, Karina Frieling, Cassidy Gaede, Kaleb Hraby, Connor Jaten, Zoie LeVigne, Cristian Linder, Logan Little, Hannah Malone, Chloe Mueller, Anastasia Ruybal, Zackery Ryberg, Colton Rynearson, Jace Trost, Ryan Ugolini, Emma Varela, Catalin Vu,…